Exhibit 8(j)
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of: ____________
Between
Each of the Investment Companies
Listed on Appendix "A" Attached Hereto
and
State Street Bank and Trust Company
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE Page
I. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN 1
II. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN 1
2.01 Safekeeping 1
2.02 Manner of Holding Securities 1
2.03 Security Purchases 2
2.04 Exchanges of Securities 2
2.05 Sales of Securities 3
2.06 Depositary Receipts 3
2.07 Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers 3
2.08 Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. 3
2.09 Options 3
2.10 Futures Contracts 4
2.11 Borrowing 4
2.12 Interest Bearing Deposits 4
2.13 Foreign Exchange Transactions 5
2.14 Securities Loans 5
2.15 Collections 6
2.16 Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions 6
2.17 Proceeds from Shares Sold 6
2.18 Proxies, Notices, Etc. 6
2.19 Bills and Other Disbursements 6
2.20 Nondiscretionary Functions 6
2.21 Bank Accounts 7
2.22 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems 7
2.23 Other Transfers 8
2.24 Establishment of Segregated Account 9
2.25 Custodian's Books and Records . 9
2.26 Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants 9
2.27 Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants 9
2.28 Overdraft Facility 10
III. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS 10
3.01 Proper Instructions and Special Instructions 10
3.02 Authorized Persons 11
3.03 Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios 11
3.04 Actions of the Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions 11
IV. SUBCUSTODIANS 11
4.01 Domestic Subcustodians 11
4.02 Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians 12
4.03 Special Subcustodians 12
4.04 Termination of a Subcustodian 13
4.05 Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians 13
V. STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION 13
5.01 Standard of Care 13
5.02 Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons 14
5.03 Indemnification 15
5.04 Investment Limitations 15
5.05 Fund's Right to Proceed 16
VI. COMPENSATION 16
VII. TERMINATION 16
7.01 Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds 16
7.02 Termination as to One or More Portfolios 17
VIII. DEFINED TERMS 18
IX. MISCELLANEOUS 18
9.01 Execution of Documents, Etc 18
9.02 Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations 18
9.03 Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios 19
9.04 Representations and Warranties 19
9.05 Entire Agreement 19
9.06 Waivers and Amendments 19
9.07 Interpretation 20
9.08 Captions 20
9.09 Governing Law 20
9.10 Notices 20
9.11 Assignment 21
9.12 Counterparts 21
9.13 Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations 21
APPENDICES
Appendix "A" - List of Funds and Portfolios
Appendix "B" - List of Additional Custodians,
Special Subcustodians and Foreign Subcustodians
Appendix "C" - Procedures Relating to
Custodian's Security Interest
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the ___ day of _________ between each of the
Investment Companies listed on Appendix "A" hereto, as the same may be
amended from time to time (each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds")
and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, each Fund is or may be organized with one or more series of
shares, each of which shall represent an interest in a separate
portfolio of cash, securities and other assets (all such existing and
additional series now or hereafter listed on Appendix "A" being
hereinafter referred to individually, as a "Portfolio," and
collectively, as the "Portfolios"); and
WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on
behalf of each of its Portfolios in accordance with the provisions of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and
the rules and regulations thereunder, under the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian has agreed so to act as
custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund hereby employs and
appoints the Custodian as a custodian, subject to the terms and
provisions of this Agreement. Each Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian, or shall cause to be delivered to the Custodian, cash,
securities and other assets owned by each of its Portfolios from time
to time during the term of this Agreement and shall specify to which
of its Portfolios such cash, securities and other assets are to be
specifically allocated.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and
duties set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance
with Article IV hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more
Subcustodians (as hereinafter defined) to exercise the powers and
perform the duties of the Custodian set forth in this Article II and
references to the Custodian in this Article II shall include any
Subcustodian so appointed.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping. The Custodian shall keep safely all
cash, securities and other assets of each Fund's Portfolios delivered
to the Custodian and, on behalf of such Portfolios, the Custodian
shall, from time to time, accept delivery of cash, securities and
other assets for safekeeping.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities.
(a) The Custodian shall at all times hold securities of each Fund's
Portfolios either: (i) by physical possession of the share
certificates or other instruments representing such securities in
registered or bearer form; or (ii) in book-entry form by a Securities
System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.22 below.
(b) The Custodian shall at all times hold registered securities of
each Portfolio in the name of the Custodian, the Portfolio or a
nominee of either of them, unless specifically directed by Proper
Instructions to hold such registered securities in so-called street
name; provided that, in any event, all such securities and other
assets shall be held in an account of the Custodian containing only
assets of a Portfolio, or only assets held by the Custodian as a
fiduciary or custodian for customers; and provided further, that the
records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or
other customer for which such securities and other assets are held in
such account and the respective interests therein.
Section 2.03. Security Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions (as hereinafter defined), the Custodian shall pay for and
receive securities purchased for the account of a Portfolio, provided
that payment shall be made by the Custodian only upon receipt of the
securities: (a) by the Custodian; (b) by a clearing corporation of a
national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or
(c) by a Securities System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon
receipt of Proper Instructions: (i) in the case of a repurchase
agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Securities System
prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that the
securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred
by book-entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined) maintained
with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System require that the
Securities System may make payment of such funds to the other party to
the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by book-entry of the
securities underlying the repurchase agreement into the Account; (ii)
in the case of time deposits, call account deposits, currency
deposits, and other deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures
contracts or options, pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13
hereof, the Custodian may make payment therefor before receipt of an
advice or confirmation evidencing said deposit or entry into such
transaction; (iii) in the case of the purchase of securities, the
settlement of which occurs outside of the United States of America,
the Custodian may make payment therefor and receive delivery of such
securities in accordance with local custom and practice generally
accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter defined) in the
country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to
the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; and (iv) in the
case of the purchase of securities in which, in accordance with
standard industry custom and practice generally accepted by
Institutional Clients with respect to such securities, the receipt of
such securities and the payment therefor take place in different
countries, the Custodian may receive delivery of such securities and
make payment therefor in accordance with standard industry custom and
practice for such securities generally accepted by Institutional
Clients, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth
in Article V hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, an
"Institutional Client" shall mean a major commercial bank,
corporation, insurance company, or substantially similar institution,
which, as a substantial part of its business operations, purchases or
sells securities and makes use of custodial services.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for
the account of a Portfolio for other securities in connection with any
reorganization, recapitalization, split-up of shares, change of par
value, conversion or other event relating to the securities or the
issuer of such securities, and shall deposit any such securities in
accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.
The Custodian shall, without receiving Proper Instructions: surrender
securities in temporary form for definitive securities; surrender
securities for transfer into the name of the Custodian, a Portfolio or
a nominee of either of them, as permitted by Section 2.02(b); and
surrender securities for a different number of certificates or
instruments representing the same number of shares or same principal
amount of indebtedness, provided that the securities to be issued will
be delivered to the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which
have been sold for the account of a Portfolio, but only against
payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash, certified check, bank
cashier's check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b) credit to the
account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit
to the Account of the Custodian with a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22 hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the case of the sale of
securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the United
States of America, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by
Institutional Clients in the country in which the settlement occurs,
but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Article
V hereof; (ii) in the case of the sale of securities in which, in
accordance with standard industry custom and practice generally
accepted by Institutional Clients with respect to such securities, the
delivery of such securities and receipt of payment therefor take place
in different countries, the Custodian may deliver such securities and
receive payment therefor in accordance with standard industry custom
and practice for such securities generally accepted by Institutional
Clients, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth
in Article V hereof; and (iii) in the case of securities held in
physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with "street delivery custom" to a broker or its clearing
agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such
securities, provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable
steps to ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or the return
of, such securities by the broker or its clearing agent, and provided
further that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the selection
of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its
clearing agent.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender securities to the
depositary used for such securities by an issuer of American
Depositary Receipts, Global Depository Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively, as
"ADRs"), against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such
securities and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the
depositary has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with
respect to such securities in the name of the Custodian or a nominee
of the Custodian, for delivery to the Custodian at such place as the
Custodian may from time to time designate. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof, against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the
ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian
that the issuer of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions
to cause its depository to deliver the securities underlying such ADRs
to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts,
calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof,
or to the agent of such issuer or trustee, for the purpose of exercise
or sale, provided that the new securities, cash or other assets, if
any, acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the
Custodian; and (b) deposit securities upon invitations for tenders
thereof, provided that the consideration for such securities is to be
paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered securities are to
be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall take all necessary
action, unless otherwise directed to the contrary in Proper
Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory
exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security
ownership, and shall promptly notify each applicable Fund of such
action in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as
such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. The Custodian shall
receive and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of
like nature and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with
respect to the same as directed in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian,
any registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, a Fund on behalf of
any applicable Portfolio relating to compliance with the rules of the
Options Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities
exchange or similar organization(s), the Custodian shall: (a) receive
and retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the
purchase or writing of an option on a security or securities index by
the applicable Portfolio; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated
account, securities (either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System), cash or other assets; and (c) pay, release and/or
transfer such securities, cash or other assets in accordance with
notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination
or exercise of such options furnished by the Options Clearing
Corporation, the securities or options exchange on which such options
are traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for
handling such option transactions. Each Fund, on behalf of its
applicable Portfolios, and the broker-dealer shall be responsible for
the sufficiency of assets held in any segregated account established
in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the
performance of other terms of any option contract.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, or pursuant to the provisions of any futures margin
procedural agreement among a Fund, on behalf of any applicable
Portfolio, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (a
"Procedural Agreement"), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain
confirmations, if any, evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures
contract or an option on a futures contract by the applicable
Portfolio; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account, cash,
securities and other assets designated as initial, maintenance or
variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the applicable
Portfolio's performance of its obligations under any futures contracts
purchased or sold or any options on futures contracts written by the
Portfolio, in accordance with the provisions of any Procedural
Agreement designed to comply with the rules of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract market
(such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s),
regarding such margin deposits; and (c) release assets from and/or
transfer assets into such margin accounts only in accordance with any
such Procedural Agreements. Each Fund, on behalf of its applicable
Portfolios, and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible
for the sufficiency of assets held in the segregated account in
compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the
performance of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in
accordance with its terms.
Section 2.11. Borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver securities of a Portfolio to lenders or their
agents, or otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by
the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio and the Custodian, as
collateral for borrowings effected by such Portfolio, provided that
such borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the
Custodian's order, as Custodian for such Portfolio, and (b)
concurrently with delivery of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Custodian to
purchase interest bearing fixed term and call deposits (hereinafter
referred to collectively, as "Interest Bearing Deposits") for the
account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall purchase such Interest
Bearing Deposits in the name of the Portfolio with such banks or trust
companies (including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary
or affiliate of the Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as "Banking
Institutions") and in such amounts as the applicable Fund may direct
pursuant to Proper Instructions. Such Interest Bearing Deposits may
be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other currencies, as the applicable
Fund on behalf of its Portfolio may determine and direct pursuant to
Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall include in its records with
respect to the assets of each Portfolio appropriate notation as to the
amount and currency of each such Interest Bearing Bank Deposit, the
accepting Banking Institution and all other appropriate details, and
shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing such account,
if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each Fund for
Interest Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodian's books in the
United States on behalf of the Fund's Portfolios shall be that of a
U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing
Deposits other than those accepted on the Custodian's books, (a) the
Custodian shall be responsible for the collection of income as set
forth in Section 2.15 and the transmission of cash and instructions to
and from such accounts; and (b) the Custodian shall have no duty with
respect to the selection of the Banking Institution or, so long as the
Custodian acts in accordance with Proper Instructions, for the failure
of such Banking Institution to pay upon demand. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions
as the applicable Fund deems necessary or appropriate to cause each
such Interest Bearing Deposit Account to be insured to the maximum
extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers including, without
limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13. Foreign Exchange Transactions
(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other Than as Principal. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign
exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies
for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a
Portfolio with such currency brokers or Banking Institutions as the
applicable Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Custodian shall be responsible for the transmission
of cash and instructions to and from the currency broker or Banking
Institution with which the contract or option is made, the safekeeping
of all certificates and other documents and agreements evidencing or
relating to such foreign exchange transactions and the maintenance of
proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The Custodian shall have
no duty with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions with which a Fund deals on behalf of its
Portfolios or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper
Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions
to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall
not be obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as
principal. However, if the Custodian has made available to a Fund its
services as a principal in foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into foreign
exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies
for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a
Portfolio of such Fund with the Custodian as principal. The Custodian
shall be responsible for the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions and the failure of such currency brokers or
Banking Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or
option.
(c) Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in
connection with a foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing
payments of cash in the form of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior
to receipt of confirmation of such foreign exchange contract or
confirmation that the countervalue currency completing such contract
has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall, in connection with loans of
securities by a Portfolio, deliver securities of such Portfolio to the
borrower thereof prior to receipt of the collateral, if any, for such
borrowing; provided that, in cases of loans of securities secured by
cash collateral, the Custodian's instructions to the Securities System
shall require that the Securities System deliver the securities of the
Portfolio to the borrower thereof only upon receipt of the collateral
for such borrowing.
Section 2.15. Collections. The Custodian shall, and shall cause any
Subcustodian to: (a) collect amounts due and payable to each Fund
with respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each of such
Fund's Portfolios; (b) promptly credit to the account of each
applicable Portfolio all income and other payments relating to
portfolio securities and other assets held by the Custodian hereunder
upon Custodian's receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise
agreed in writing by the Custodian and the applicable Fund; (c)
promptly endorse and deliver any instruments required to effect such
collections; (d) promptly execute ownership and other certificates and
affidavits for all federal, state and foreign tax purposes in
connection with receipt of income, capital gains or other payments
with respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each
applicable Portfolio, or in connection with the purchase, sale or
transfer of such securities or other assets; and (e) promptly file any
certificates or other affidavits for the refund or reclaim of foreign
taxes paid, and promptly notify each applicable Fund of any changes to
law, interpretative rulings or procedures regarding such reclaims, and
otherwise use all available measures customarily used to minimize the
imposition of foreign taxes at source, and promptly inform each
applicable Fund of alternative means of minimizing such taxes of which
the Custodian shall become aware (or with the exercise of reasonable
care should have become aware); provided, however, that with respect
to portfolio securities registered in so-called street name, the
Custodian shall use its best efforts to collect amounts due and
payable to each Fund with respect to its Portfolios. The Custodian
shall promptly notify each applicable Fund in writing by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as each such Fund and the
Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with respect to
portfolio securities or other assets of the Portfolios of such Fund(s)
is not received by the Custodian when due. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect
to portfolio securities or other assets that are in default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions. The
Custodian shall promptly release funds or securities: (a) upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts
designated by the applicable Fund or Funds in such Proper
Instructions; or (b) upon receipt of Special Instructions, as
otherwise directed by the applicable Fund or Funds, for the purpose of
the payment of dividends or other distributions to shareholders of
each applicable Portfolio, and payment to shareholders who have
requested repurchase or redemption of their shares of the Portfolio(s)
(collectively, the "Shares"). For purposes of this Agreement, a
"Distribution Account" shall mean an account established at a Banking
Institution designated by the applicable Fund on behalf of one or more
of its Portfolios in Special Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold. The Custodian shall
receive funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or
sold from time to time by the Funds, and shall promptly credit such
funds to the account(s) of the applicable Portfolio(s). The Custodian
shall promptly notify each applicable Fund of Custodian's receipt of
cash in payment for Shares issued by such Fund by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may
agree in writing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian
shall: (a) deliver all federal funds received by the Custodian in
payment for Shares in payment for such investments as may be set forth
in such Proper Instructions and at a time agreed upon between the
Custodian and the applicable Fund; and (b) make federal funds
available to the applicable Fund as of specified times agreed upon
from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian, in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are deposited to
the accounts of each applicable Portfolio.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc. The Custodian shall deliver to
each applicable Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable, all
forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by one or more
of the applicable Fund's Portfolios that are received by the
Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them, and,
upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and
deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver,
such proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as
directed pursuant to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor
any Subcustodian or nominee shall vote upon any such securities, or
execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all bills,
statements, or other obligations of each Portfolio.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions. The Custodian shall
attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with
securities or other assets of each Portfolio held by the Custodian,
except as otherwise directed from time to time pursuant to Proper
Instructions.
Section 2.21. Bank Accounts.
(a) Accounts with the Custodian and any Subcustodians. The Custodian
shall open and operate a bank account or accounts (hereinafter
referred to collectively, as "Bank Accounts") on the books of the
Custodian or any Subcustodian provided that such account(s) shall be
in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for the
account of a Portfolio, and shall be subject only to the draft or
order of the Custodian; provided however, that such Bank Accounts in
countries other than the United States may be held in an account of
the Custodian containing only assets held by the Custodian as a
fiduciary or custodian for customers, and provided further, that the
records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or
other customer for which such securities and other assets are held in
such account and the respective interests therein. Such Bank Accounts
may be denominated in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies. The
responsibilities of the Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits
accepted on the Custodian's books in the United States shall be that
of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. The responsibilities of the
Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits accepted on any
Subcustodian's books shall be governed by the provisions of Section
5.02.
(b) Accounts With Other Banking Institutions. The Custodian may open
and operate Bank Accounts on behalf of a Portfolio, in the name of the
Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, at a Banking Institution
other than the Custodian or any Subcustodian, provided that such
account(s) shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the
Custodian, for the account of a Portfolio, and shall be subject only
to the draft or order of the Custodian; provided however, that such
Bank Accounts may be held in an account of the Custodian containing
only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for
customers, and provided further, that the records of the Custodian
shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or other customer for which
such securities and other assets are held in such account and the
respective interests therein. Such Bank Accounts may be denominated
in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies. Subject to the provisions
of Section 5.01(a), the Custodian shall be responsible for the
selection of the Banking Institution and for the failure of such
Banking Institution to pay according to the terms of the deposit.
(c) Deposit Insurance. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the applicable Fund
deems necessary or appropriate to cause each deposit account
established by the Custodian pursuant to this Section 2.21 to be
insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit
insurers including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by a
Portfolio in: (a) The Depository Trust Company; (b) the Participants
Trust Company; (c) any book-entry system as provided in (i) Subpart O
of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306.115, (ii) Subpart B of
Treasury Circular Public Debt Series Xx. 00-00, 00 XXX 350.2, or (iii)
the book-entry regulations of federal agencies substantially in the
form of 31 CFR 306.115; or (d) any other domestic clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may
otherwise be authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to
serve in the capacity of depository or clearing agent for the
securities or other assets of investment companies) which acts as a
securities depository and the use of which each applicable Fund has
previously approved by Special Instructions (as hereinafter defined)
(each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System"). Use of a Securities System shall be in
accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and
regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
(A) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities held
hereunder in a Securities System, provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
Securities System which Account shall not contain any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian, or
otherwise for customers and shall be so designated on the books and
records of the Securities System.
(B) The Securities System shall be obligated to comply with the
Custodian's directions with respect to the securities held in such
Account and shall not be entitled to a lien against the assets in such
Account for extensions of credit to the Custodian other than for
payment of the purchase price of such assets.
(C) Each Fund hereby designates the Custodian as the party in whose
name any securities deposited by the Custodian in the Account are to
be registered.
(D) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times
identify those securities belonging to each Portfolio which are
maintained in a Securities System.
(E) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of a Portfolio only upon (w) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that such securities have been transferred to the Account of
the Custodian, and (x) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of such
Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the
account of a Portfolio only upon (y) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (z) the making of an
entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of such Portfolio. Copies of all advices from
the Securities System relating to transfers of securities for the
account of a Portfolio shall identify such Portfolio and shall be
maintained for such Portfolio by the Custodian. The Custodian shall
deliver to each applicable Fund on the next succeeding business day
daily transaction reports which shall include each day's transactions
in the Securities System for the account of each applicable Portfolio.
Such transaction reports shall be delivered to each applicable Fund or
any agent designated by such Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by
computer or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may
agree in writing.
(F) The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide such Fund with all reports obtained by the
Custodian or any Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System.
(G) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall
terminate the use of any Securities System (except the federal
book-entry system) on behalf of any Portfolio as promptly as
practicable and shall take all actions reasonably practicable to
safeguard the securities of any Portfolio maintained with such
Securities System.
Section 2.23. Other Transfers.
(a) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the custodian shall transfer
to or receive from a third party that has been appointed to serve as
an additional custodian of one or more Portfolios (an "Additional
Custodian") securities, cash and other assets of such Portfolio(s) in
accordance with such Proper Instructions. Each Additional Custodian
shall be identified as such on Appendix B, as the same may be amended
from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section
9.06(c).
(b) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall make
such other dispositions of securities, funds or other property of a
Portfolio in a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set
forth in this Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions
relating to such disposition shall include a statement of the purpose
for which the delivery is to be made, the amount of funds and/or
securities to be delivered, and the name of the person or persons to
whom delivery is to be made, and shall otherwise comply with the
provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its
books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a
Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash
and/or securities or other assets of such Portfolio, including
securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System pursuant
to Section 2.22 hereof, said account or accounts to be maintained:
(a) for the purposes set forth in Sections 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof;
(b) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the
procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or
any subsequent release or releases of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies;
or (c) for such other purposes as set forth, from time to time, in
Special Instructions.
Section 2.25. Custodian's Books and Records. The Custodian shall
provide any assistance reasonably requested by a Fund in the
preparation of reports to such Fund's shareholders and others, audits
of accounts, and other ministerial matters of like nature. The
Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to
securities and other assets held for the accounts of each Portfolio as
required by the rules and regulations of the SEC applicable to
investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, including: (a)
journals or other records of original entry containing a detailed and
itemized daily record of all receipts and deliveries of securities
(including certificate and transaction identification numbers, if
any), and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other
records reflecting (i) securities in transfer, (ii) securities in
physical possession, (iii) securities borrowed, loaned or
collateralizing obligations of each Portfolio, (iv) monies borrowed
and monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor
and substitutions of such collateral), (v) dividends and interest
received, (vi) the amount of tax withheld by any person in respect of
any collection made by the Custodian or any Subcustodian, and (vii)
the amount of reclaims or refunds for foreign taxes paid; and (c)
cancelled checks and bank records related thereto. The Custodian
shall keep such other books and records of each Fund as such Fund
shall reasonably request. All such books and records maintained by
the Custodian shall be maintained in a form acceptable to the
applicable Fund and in compliance with the rules and regulations of
the SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records required to
be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations from time to time adopted thereunder. All books and
records maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall
at all times be the property of each applicable Fund and shall be
available during normal business hours for inspection and use by such
Fund and its agents, including, without limitation, its independent
certified public accountants. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence,
no Fund shall take any actions or cause the Custodian to take any
actions which would cause, either directly or indirectly, the
Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or orders.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public
Accountants. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as a Fund
may request to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from such
Fund's independent certified public accountants with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of
the Fund's Form N-1A and the Fund's Form N-SAR or other periodic
reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements of the
SEC.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants.
At the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a
written report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified
public accountants with respect to the services provided by the
Custodian under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the
Custodian's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other assets,
including cash, securities and other assets deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report
shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may
reasonably be required by any Fund and as may reasonably be obtained
by the Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility. In the event that the Custodian
is directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of
funds on behalf of a Portfolio for which there would be, at the close
of business on the date of such payment or transfer, insufficient
funds held by the Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio, the Custodian
may, in its discretion, provide an overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the
applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio, in an amount sufficient
to allow the completion of such payment. Any Overdraft provided
hereunder: (a) shall be payable on the next Business Day, unless
otherwise agreed by the applicable Fund and the Custodian; and (b)
shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the date of
payment in full by the applicable Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time to time, by the
Custodian and the applicable Fund. The Custodian and each Fund
acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdrafts is to temporarily
finance the purchase or sale of securities for prompt delivery in
accordance with the terms hereof, or to meet emergency expenses not
reasonably foreseeable by such Fund. The Custodian shall promptly
notify each applicable Fund in writing (an "Overdraft Notice") of any
Overdraft by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such
Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing. At the request of the
Custodian, each applicable Fund, on behalf of one or more of its
Portfolios, shall pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a security
interest in certain specified securities of the applicable Portfolio,
as security for Overdrafts provided to such Portfolio, under the terms
and conditions set forth in Appendix "C" attached hereto.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions.
(a) Proper Instructions. As used herein, the term "Proper
Instructions" shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including,
without limitation, facsimile transmission) request, direction,
instruction or certification signed or initialed by or on behalf of
the applicable Fund by one or more Authorized Persons (as hereinafter
defined); (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication by one or more
Authorized Persons; or (iii) a communication effected directly between
an electro-mechanical or electronic device or system (including,
without limitation, computers) by or on behalf of the applicable Fund
by one or more Authorized Persons; provided, however, that
communications of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above
purporting to be given by an Authorized Person shall be considered
Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably believes such
communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with respect
to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the applicable Fund by tested
telex or in writing in the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but
the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken
by the Custodian in reliance upon such oral instructions prior to the
Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. Each Fund and the Custodian
are hereby authorized to record any and all telephonic or other oral
instructions communicated to the Custodian. Proper Instructions may
relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of
transactions, and may be in the form of standing instructions.
(b) Special Instructions. As used herein, the term "Special
Instructions" shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or
confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of
the applicable Fund or any other person designated by the Treasurer of
such Fund in writing, which countersignature or confirmation shall be
(i) included on the same instrument containing the Proper Instructions
or on a separate instrument relating thereto, and (ii) delivered by
hand, by facsimile transmission, or in such other manner as the
applicable Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions. Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the
Custodian at the address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number
agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the applicable
Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons. Concurrently with the execution
of this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate,
each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as
appropriate by a Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of such Fund, a
certificate setting forth: (a) the names, titles, signatures and
scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Proper
Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or instrument on behalf of such Fund (collectively, the
"Authorized Persons" and individually, an "Authorized Person"); and
(b) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized to
issue Special Instructions. Such certificate may be accepted and
relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set
forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect
until delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the
contrary. Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes the name(s) of
a person previously authorized by a Fund to give Proper Instructions
or to issue Special Instructions, such persons shall no longer be
considered an Authorized Person or authorized to issue Special
Instructions for that Fund.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement,
no Authorized Person, Trustee, officer, employee or agent of any Fund
shall have physical access to the assets of any Portfolio of that Fund
held by the Custodian nor shall the Custodian deliver any assets of a
Portfolio for delivery to an account of such person; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any
Authorized Person from giving Proper Instructions, or any person
authorized to issue Special Instructions from issuing Special
Instructions, so long as such action does not result in delivery of or
access to assets of any Portfolio prohibited by this Section 3.03; or
(b) each Fund's independent certified public accountants from
examining or reviewing the assets of the Portfolios of the Fund held
by the Custodian. Each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a written
certificate identifying such Authorized Persons, Trustees, officers,
employees and agents of such Fund.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions. So long as and to the extent that the Custodian
acts in accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special
Instructions, as the case may be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property, or evidence of title thereof, received by
it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS
The Custodian may, from time to time, in accordance with the relevant
provisions of this Article IV, appoint one or more Domestic
Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Interim Subcustodians and
Special Subcustodians to act on behalf of a Portfolio. (For purposes
of this Agreement, all duly appointed Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign
Subcustodians, Interim Subcustodians, and Special Subcustodians are
hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Subcustodians.")
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any
time and from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section
2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act meeting the requirements of a custodian under
Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, to act on behalf of one or more Portfolios as a
subcustodian for purposes of holding cash, securities and other assets
of such Portfolios and performing other functions of the Custodian
within the United States (a "Domestic Subcustodian"); provided, that,
the Custodian shall notify each applicable Fund in writing of the
identity and qualifications of any proposed Domestic Subcustodian at
least thirty (30) days prior to appointment of such Domestic
Subcustodian, and such Fund may, in its sole discretion, by written
notice to the Custodian executed by an Authorized Person disapprove of
the appointment of such Domestic Subcustodian. If, following notice
by the Custodian to each applicable Fund regarding appointment of a
Domestic Subcustodian and the expiration of thirty (30) days after the
date of such notice, such Fund shall have failed to notify the
Custodian of its disapproval thereof, the Custodian may, in its
discretion, appoint such proposed Domestic Subcustodian as its
subcustodian.
Section 4.02. Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians.
(a) Foreign Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time and from
time to time, appoint: (i) any bank, trust company or other entity
meeting the requirements of an "eligible foreign custodian" under
Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission exempted
therefrom, or (ii) any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940
Act meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder to act on behalf of
one or more Portfolios as a subcustodian for purposes of holding cash,
securities and other assets of such Portfolios and performing other
functions of the Custodian in countries other than the United States
of America (a "Foreign Subcustodian"); provided, that, prior to the
appointment of any Foreign Subcustodian, the Custodian shall have
obtained written confirmation of the approval of the Board of Trustees
or other governing body or entity of each applicable Fund on behalf of
its applicable Portfolio(s) (which approval may be withheld in the
sole discretion of such Board of Trustees or other governing body or
entity) with respect to (i) the identity and qualifications of any
proposed Foreign Subcustodian, (ii) the country or countries in which,
and the securities depositories or clearing agencies, if any, through
which, any proposed Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to hold
securities and other assets of the applicable Portfolio(s), and (iii)
the form and terms of the subcustodian agreement to be entered into
between such proposed Foreign Subcustodian and the Custodian. Each
such duly approved Foreign Subcustodian and the countries where and
the securities depositories and clearing agencies through which they
may hold securities and other assets of the applicable Portfolios
shall be listed on Appendix "B" attached hereto, as it may be amended,
from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of Section
9.06(c) hereof. Each Fund shall be responsible for informing the
Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment by one of
its Portfolios which is to be held in a country in which no Foreign
Subcustodian is authorized to act, in order that there shall be
sufficient time for the Custodian to effect the appropriate
arrangements with a proposed foreign subcustodian, including obtaining
approval as provided in this Section 4.02(a). The Custodian shall not
amend any subcustodian agreement entered into with a Foreign
Subcustodian, or agree to change or permit any changes thereunder, or
waive any rights under such agreement, which materially affect a
Fund's rights or the Foreign Subcustodian's obligations or duties to
a Fund under such agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to
Special Instructions.
(b) Interim Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that a Portfolio shall invest in a security or other asset to be
held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to
act, the Custodian shall promptly notify the applicable Fund in
writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund
and Custodian shall agree in writing of the unavailability of an
approved Foreign Subcustodian in such country; and the Custodian
shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, appoint any Person
designated by the applicable Fund in such Special Instructions to hold
such security or other asset. (Any Person appointed as a subcustodian
pursuant to this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter referred to as an
"Interim Subcustodian.")
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians. Upon receipt of Special
Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more
Portfolios, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other
entities designated in such Special Instructions to act as a
subcustodian for purposes of: (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities through
the use of a common custodian or subcustodian; (ii) establishing a
joint trading account for the applicable Portfolio(s) and other
registered open-end management investment companies for which Fidelity
Management & Research Company serves as investment adviser, through
which such Portfolios and such other investment companies shall
collectively participate in certain repurchase transactions; (iii)
providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to
certain variable rate demand note securities; and (iv) effecting any
other transactions designated by each applicable Fund in Special
Instructions. (Each such designated subcustodian is hereinafter
referred to as a "Special Subcustodian.") Each such duly appointed
Special Subcustodian shall be listed on Appendix "B" attached hereto,
as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the
provisions of Section 9.06(c) hereof. In connection with the
appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall enter
into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form
and substance approved by each applicable Fund, provided that such
agreement shall in all events comply with the provisions of the 1940
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the terms and
provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any
subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or
agree to change or permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights
under such agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to Special
Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian. The Custodian shall
(i) cause each Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Subcustodian to, and
(ii) use its best efforts to cause each Interim Subcustodian and
Special Subcustodian to, perform all of its obligations in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the subcustodian agreement between
the Custodian and such Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian
is unable to cause such Subcustodian to fully perform its obligations
thereunder, the Custodian shall forthwith, upon the receipt of Special
Instructions, terminate such Subcustodian with respect to each
applicable Fund and, if necessary or desirable, appoint a replacement
Subcustodian in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.01 or
Section 4.02, as the case may be. In addition to the foregoing, the
Custodian (A) may, at any time in its discretion, upon written
notification to each applicable Fund, terminate any Domestic
Subcustodian, Foreign Subcustodian or Interim Subcustodian, and (B)
shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any
Subcustodian with respect to each applicable Fund, in accordance with
the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian
agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians. Upon
request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a
certificate stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Subcustodian
then acting on behalf of the Custodian for such Fund and its
Portfolios; (ii) the countries in which and the securities
depositories and clearing agents through which each such Foreign
Subcustodian is then holding cash, securities and other assets of any
Portfolio of such Fund; and (iii) such other information as may be
requested by such Fund to ensure compliance with Rule 17(f)-5 under
the 1940 Act.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.01. Standard of Care.
(a) General Standard of Care. The Custodian shall exercise
reasonable care and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement, and shall be liable to each Fund for
all loss, damage and expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or its
Portfolios resulting from the failure of the Custodian to exercise
such reasonable care and diligence.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc. In no event shall the
Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any
Subcustodian or Securities System, or any subcustodian, securities
depository or securities system utilized by any such Subcustodian, or
any nominee of the Custodian or any Subcustodian (individually, a
"Person") is prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits
to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides shall be
performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision
of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United
States of America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or
political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent
jurisdiction; or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar
circumstance beyond the control of the Custodian, unless, in each
case, such delay or nonperformance is caused by (A) the negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the applicable Person, or (B) a
malfunction or failure of equipment operated or utilized by the
applicable Person other than a malfunction or failure beyond such
Person's control and which could not reasonably be anticipated and/or
prevented by such Person.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian. Upon the occurrence of any event which
causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to any Fund or
Portfolio, (i) the Custodian shall, (ii) the Custodian shall cause any
applicable Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian to, and (iii)
the Custodian shall use its best efforts to cause any applicable
Interim Subcustodian or Special Subcustodian to, use all commercially
reasonable efforts and take all reasonable steps under the
circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid
continuing harm to the Funds and the Portfolios.
(d) Advice of Counsel. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive
and act upon advice of counsel on all matters. The Custodian shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted in good
faith pursuant to the advice of (i) counsel for the applicable Fund or
Funds, or (ii) at the expense of the Custodian, such other counsel as
the applicable Fund(s) and the Custodian may agree upon; provided,
however, with respect to the performance of any action or omission of
any action upon such advice, the Custodian shall be required to
conform to the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a).
(e) Expenses of the Funds. In addition to the liability of the
Custodian under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to each
applicable Fund for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such
Fund in connection with any claim by such Fund against the Custodian
arising from the obligations of the Custodian hereunder, including,
without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses
incurred by such Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses
incurred by such Fund in connection with any investigations, lawsuits
or proceedings relating to such claim; provided, that such Fund has
recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records. The Custodian shall have no
liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a
Fund, insofar as such loss, damage or expense arises from the
performance of the Custodian's duties hereunder by reason of the
Custodian's reliance upon records that were maintained for such Fund
by entities other than the Custodian prior to the Custodian's
appointment as custodian for such Fund.
Section 5.02. Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons.
(a) Domestic Subcustodians and Foreign Subcustodians. The Custodian
shall be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic
Subcustodian or any Foreign Subcustodian to the same extent as if such
action or omission were performed by the Custodian itself. In the
event of any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by a Fund
caused by or resulting from the actions or omissions of any Domestic
Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian for which the Custodian would
otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse such Fund
in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
(b) Interim Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
5.01 to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for
any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any
of its Portfolios resulting from the actions or omissions of an
Interim Subcustodian unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by,
or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the
Custodian; provided, however, in the event of any such loss, damage or
expense, the Custodian shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such
rights as it may have against such Interim Subcustodian to protect the
interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(c) Special Subcustodians and Additional Custodians. Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 5.01 to the contrary and except as otherwise
provided in any subcustodian or custodian agreement to which the
Custodian, a Fund and any Special Subcustodian or Additional Custodian
are parties, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss,
damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its
Portfolios resulting from the actions or omissions of a Special
Subcustodian or Additional Custodian, unless such loss, damage or
expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, that in the event of
any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all
reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against any
Special Subcustodian or Additional Custodian to protect the interests
of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(d) Securities Systems. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
5.01 to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for
any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any
of its Portfolios resulting from the use by the Custodian of a
Securities System, unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by,
or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the
Custodian; provided, however, that in the event of any such loss,
damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all reasonable steps to
enforce such rights as it may have against the Securities System to
protect the interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the
Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the
Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with the fulfillment of
its obligations under this Section 5.02; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting
from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification Obligations. Subject to the limitations set
forth in this Agreement, each Fund severally and not jointly agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all
loss, damage and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee caused by or
arising from actions taken by the Custodian on behalf of such Fund in
the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply to loss, damage
and expense occasioned by or resulting from the negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee. In
addition, each Fund agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify any
Person against any liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to
such Person, or other loss, damage or expenses incurred by such
Person, resulting from the fact that securities and other property of
such Fund's Portfolios are registered in the name of such Person;
provided, however, that in no event shall such indemnification be
applicable to income, franchise or similar taxes which may be imposed
or assessed against any Person.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc. No Fund shall be
liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person
shall have promptly notified such Fund in writing of the commencement
of any litigation or proceeding brought against such Person in respect
of which indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With
respect to claims in such litigation or proceedings for which
indemnity by a Fund may be sought and subject to applicable law and
the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, such Fund shall be
entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding and,
after written notice from such Fund to any Person, such Fund may
assume the defense of such litigation or proceeding with counsel of
its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which such Fund may be subject to an indemnification
obligation; provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to
participate in (but not control) at its own cost and expense, the
defense of any such litigation or proceeding if such Fund has not
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Person with
respect to such litigation or proceeding. If such Fund is not
permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding
under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent
jurisdiction, such Person shall reasonably prosecute such litigation
or proceeding. A Person shall not consent to the entry of any
judgment or enter into any settlement in any such litigation or
proceeding without providing each applicable Fund with adequate notice
of any such settlement or judgment, and without each such Fund's prior
written consent. All Persons shall submit written evidence to each
applicable Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they are
seeking indemnification in such form and detail as such Fund may
reasonably request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations. If the Custodian has
otherwise complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in
performing its duties generally, and more particularly in connection
with the purchase, sale or exchange of securities made by or for a
Portfolio, the Custodian shall not be liable to the applicable Fund
and such Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian and its nominees, for
any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Custodian and
its nominees arising out of any violation of any investment or other
limitation to which such Fund is subject.
Section 5.05. Fund's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, each Fund shall have, at its election
upon reasonable notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the
extent permitted by any applicable agreement and applicable law, the
Custodian's rights against any Subcustodian, Securities System, or
other Person for loss, damage or expense caused such Fund by such
Subcustodian, Securities System, or other Person, and shall be
entitled to enforce the rights of the Custodian with respect to any
claim against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person,
which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage
or expense, if and to the extent that such Fund has not been made
whole for any such loss or damage. If the Custodian makes such Fund
whole for any such loss or damage, the Custodian shall retain the
ability to enforce its rights directly against such Subcustodian,
Securities System or other Person. Upon such Fund's election to
enforce any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05, such Fund
shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage
or expense incurred by such Fund; provided that, so long as such Fund
has acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian
under Section 5.03 hereof with respect to such claim, such Fund shall
retain the right to settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or
proceeding in respect of the loss, damage or expense incurred by such
Fund without the Custodian's consent and provided further, that if
such Fund has not made an acknowledgement of its obligation to
indemnify, such Fund shall not settle, compromise or terminate any
such action or proceeding without the written consent of the
Custodian, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. The Custodian agrees to cooperate with each Fund and take
all actions reasonably requested by such Fund in connection with such
Fund's enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Each Fund agrees
to reimburse the Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by the Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with
the fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.05; provided,
however, that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses
occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund shall compensate the
Custodian in an amount, and at such times, as may be agreed upon in
writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and such Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.01. Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds.
With respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall continue in full force
and effect until the first to occur of: (a) termination by the
Custodian by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed to such
Fund, such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days
after the date of such delivery; (b) termination by such Fund by an
instrument in writing delivered or mailed to the Custodian, such
termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30) days after the
date of such delivery; or (c) termination by such Fund by written
notice delivered to the Custodian, based upon such Fund's
determination that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the
Custodian is insolvent or that the financial condition of the
Custodian is deteriorating in any material respect, in which case
termination shall take effect upon the Custodian's receipt of such
notice or at such later time as such Fund shall designate. In the
event of termination pursuant to this Section 7.01 by any Fund (a
"Terminating Fund"), each Terminating Fund shall make payment of all
accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses with respect to such
Terminating Fund within a reasonable time following termination and
delivery of a statement to the Terminating Fund setting forth such
fees and expenses. Each Terminating Fund shall identify in any notice
of termination a successor custodian or custodians to which the cash,
securities and other assets of its Portfolios shall, upon termination
of this Agreement with respect to such Terminating Fund, be delivered.
In the event that no written notice designating a successor custodian
shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when
termination of this Agreement as to a Terminating Fund shall become
effective, the Custodian may deliver to a bank or trust company doing
business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its
last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities
and other assets of such Terminating Fund's Portfolios held by the
Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto
and all other property of the Terminating Fund's Portfolios held by
the Custodian under this Agreement. Thereafter, such bank or trust
company shall be the successor of the Custodian with respect to such
Terminating Fund under this Agreement. In the event that securities
and other assets of such Terminating Fund's Portfolios remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof with
respect to such Terminating Fund owing to failure of the Terminating
Fund to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled
to compensation for its services in accordance with the fee schedule
most recently in effect, for such period as the Custodian retains
possession of such securities and other assets, and the provisions of
this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian
and the Terminating Fund shall remain in full force and effect. In
the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is agreed
that the cash, securities and other property owned by a Terminating
Fund and held by the Custodian, any Subcustodian or nominee shall be
delivered to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to
cooperate with such Terminating Fund in the execution of documents and
performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to
substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian under this
Agreement.
Section 7.02. Termination as to One or More Portfolios. This
Agreement may be terminated as to one or more of a Fund's Portfolios
(but less than all of its Portfolios) by delivery of an amended
Appendix "A" deleting such Portfolios pursuant to Section 9.06(b)
hereof, in which case termination as to such deleted Portfolios shall
take effect thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery. The
execution and delivery of an amended Appendix "A" which deletes one or
more Portfolios shall constitute a termination of this Agreement only
with respect to such deleted Portfolio(s), shall be governed by the
preceding provisions of Section 7.01 as to the identification of a
successor custodian and the delivery of cash, securities and other
assets of the Portfolio(s) so deleted, and shall not affect the
obligations of the Custodian and any Fund hereunder with respect to
the other Portfolios set forth in Appendix "A," as amended from time
to time.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term Section
Account 2.22
ADRs 2.06
Additional Custodian 2.23(a)
Authorized Person(s) 3.02
Banking Institution 2.12
Business Day Appendix "C"
Bank Accounts 2.21
Distribution Account 2.16
Domestic Subcustodian 4.01
Foreign Subcustodian 4.02(a)
Fund Preamble
Institutional Client 2.03
Interim Subcustodian 4.02(b)
Overdraft 2.28
Overdraft Notice 2.28
Person 5.01(b)
Portfolio Preamble
Procedural Agreement 2.10
Proper Instructions 3.01(a)
SEC 2.22
Securities System 2.22
Shares 2.16
Special Instructions 3.01(b)
Special Subcustodian 4.03
Subcustodian Article IV
Terminating Fund 7.01
1940 Act Preamble
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Execution of Documents, Etc.
(a) Actions by each Fund. Upon request, each Fund shall execute and
deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other
instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in
connection with the performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian
of their respective obligations to such Fund under this Agreement or
any applicable subcustodian agreement with respect to such Fund,
provided that the exercise by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any
such rights shall in all events be in compliance with the terms of
this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall execute and deliver to each applicable Fund or to such
other parties as such Fund(s) may designate in such Proper
Instructions, all such documents, instruments or agreements as may be
reasonable and necessary or desirable in order to effectuate any of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 9.02. Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations. A
COPY OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENT OF
EACH FUND IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE OF THE FUND'S
FORMATION, AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT
EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES OF ANY FUND AS INDIVIDUALS, AND THE
OBLIGATIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE NOT BINDING UPON ANY OF THE
TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, SHAREHOLDERS OR PARTNERS OF ANY FUND INDIVIDUALLY,
BUT ARE BINDING ONLY UPON THE ASSETS AND PROPERTY OF EACH FUND'S
RESPECTIVE PORTFOLIOS. THE CUSTODIAN AGREES THAT NO SHAREHOLDER,
TRUSTEE, OFFICER OR PARTNER OF ANY FUND MAY BE HELD PERSONALLY LIABLE
OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OBLIGATIONS OF ANY FUND ARISING OUT OF THIS
AGREEMENT.
Section 9.03. Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios.
WITH RESPECT TO ANY OBLIGATIONS OF A FUND ON BEHALF OF ANY OF ITS
PORTFOLIOS ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE OBLIGATIONS ARISING UNDER SECTIONS 2.28, 5.03, 5.05
and ARTICLE VI HEREOF, THE CUSTODIAN SHALL LOOK FOR PAYMENT OR
SATISFACTION OF ANY OBLIGATION SOLELY TO THE ASSETS AND PROPERTY OF
THE PORTFOLIO TO WHICH SUCH OBLIGATION RELATES AS THOUGH EACH FUND HAD
SEPARATELY CONTRACTED WITH THE CUSTODIAN BY SEPARATE WRITTEN
INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS.
Section 9.04. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties of Each Fund. Each Fund hereby
severally and not jointly represents and warrants that each of the
following shall be true, correct and complete with respect to each
Fund at all times during the term of this Agreement: (i) the Fund is
duly organized under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and
is registered as an open-end management investment company under the
1940 Act; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund
of this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to
or result in a breach of or default under or conflict with any
existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any governmental or
regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision of the
Fund's corporate charter, Declaration of Trust or other organizational
document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof or any provision of its
most recent Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian
hereby represents and warrants to each Fund that each of the following
shall be true, correct and complete at all times during the term of
this Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to act as a custodian
to open-end management investment companies under the provisions of
the 1940 Act; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
Custodian of this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been
duly authorized by all necessary action, and (y) will not (A)
contribute to or result in a breach of or default under or conflict
with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any governmental
or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision of the
Custodian's corporate charter, or other organizational document, or
bylaws, or any amendment thereof.
Section 9.05. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the
entire understanding and agreement of the Fund, on the one hand, and
the Custodian, on the other, with respect to the subject matter hereof
and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this Agreement
any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between each Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.06. Waivers and Amendments. No provision of this
Agreement may be waived, amended or terminated except by a statement
in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such
waiver, amendment or termination is sought; provided, however: (a)
Appendix "A" listing the Portfolios of each Fund for which the
Custodian serves as custodian may be amended from time to time to add
one or more Portfolios for one or more Funds, by each applicable
Fund's execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix
"A", and the execution of such amended Appendix by the Custodian, in
which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution
by the Custodian; (b) Appendix "A" may be amended from time to time to
delete one or more Portfolios (but less than all of the Portfolios) of
one or more of the Funds, by each applicable Fund's execution and
delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix "A", in which case
such amendment shall take effect thirty (30) days after such delivery,
unless otherwise agreed by the Custodian and each applicable Fund in
writing; (c) Appendix "B" listing Foreign Subcustodians, Special
Subcustodians and Additional Custodians approved by any Fund may be
amended from time to time to add or delete one or more Foreign
Subcustodians or Special Subcustodians for a Fund or Funds by each
applicable Fund's execution and delivery to the Custodian of an
amended Appendix "B", in which case such amendment shall take effect
immediately upon execution by the Custodian; and (d) Appendix "C"
setting forth the procedures relating to the Custodian's security
interest with respect to each Fund may be amended only by an
instrument in writing executed by each applicable Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.07. Interpretation. In connection with the operation of
this Agreement, the Custodian and any Fund may agree in writing from
time to time on such provisions interpretative of or in addition to
the provisions of this Agreement with respect to such Fund as may in
their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Agreement. No interpretative or additional provisions made as
provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment
of this Agreement or affect any other Fund.
Section 9.08. Captions. Headings contained in this Agreement, which
are included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon
the interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of
the parties hereto.
Section 9.09. Governing Law. Insofar as any question or dispute may
arise in connection with the custodianship of foreign securities
pursuant to an agreement with a Foreign Subcustodian that is governed
by the laws of the State of New York, the provisions of this Agreement
shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
State of New York, provided that in all other instances this Agreement
shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in each case without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of law.
Section 9.10. Notices. Except in the case of Proper Instructions or
Special Instructions, notices and other writings contemplated by this
Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by facsimile transmission
(provided that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission,
notice shall also be mailed postage prepaid to the parties at the
following addresses:
(a) If to any Fund:
c/o Fidelity Management & Research Company
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Treasurer of the Fidelity Funds
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telefax: (000) 000-0000
(b) If to the Custodian:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telefax: (000) 000-0000
or to such other address as a Fund or the Custodian may have
designated in writing to the other.
Section 9.11. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on and
shall inure to the benefit of each Fund severally and the Custodian
and their respective successors and assigns, provided that, subject to
the provisions of Section 7.01 hereof, neither the Custodian nor any
Fund may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party.
Section 9.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
With respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall become effective when
one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by such Fund
and the Custodian.
Section 9.13. Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations. The parties
hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and all information provided by each
party to the other regarding its business and operations. All
confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by
any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering services
pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying
out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without
the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be
applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided
or thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach
of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by any bank
examiner of the Custodian or any Subcustodian, any auditor of the
parties hereto, by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by
applicable law or regulation. The provisions of this Section 9.13 and
Sections 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.09, Section 2.28, Section 3.04, Section
7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and any other rights or
obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to
termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to
be executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above
written.
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on State Street Bank and Trust Company
Appendix "A" Attached Hereto, on Behalf
of each of Their Respective Portfolios
By: By:
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
Appendix "C" to the
Custodian Agreement
Between
Each of the Investment Companies
Listed on Appendix "A" Thereto
And
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Dated as of ______________
PROCEDURES RELATING TO CUSTODIAN'S SECURITY INTEREST
As security for any Overdrafts (as defined in the Custodian
Agreement) of any Portfolio, the applicable Fund, on behalf of such
Portfolio, shall pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a security
interest in Collateral (as hereinafter defined), under the terms,
circumstances and conditions set forth in this Appendix "C".
Section 1. Defined Terms. As used in this Appendix "C" the
following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(a) "Business Day" shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, a
Sunday or a day on which the Custodian is closed for business.
(b) "Collateral" shall mean, with respect to any Portfolio,
securities held by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio having a
fair market value (as determined in accordance with the procedures set
forth in the prospectus for the Portfolio) equal to the aggregate of
all Overdraft Obligations of such Portfolio: (i) identified in any
Pledge Certificate executed on behalf of such Portfolio; or (ii)
designated by the Custodian for such Portfolio pursuant to Section 3
of this Appendix C. Such securities shall consist of marketable
securities held by the Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio or, if no
such marketable securities are held by the Custodian on behalf of such
Portfolio, such other securities designated by the applicable Fund in
the applicable Pledge Certificate or by the Custodian pursuant to
Section 3 of this Appendix C.
(c) "Overdraft Obligations" shall mean, with respect to any
Portfolio, the amount of any outstanding Overdraft(s) provided by the
Custodian to such Portfolio together with all accrued interest
thereon.
(d) "Pledge Certificate" shall mean a Pledge Certificate in the form
attached to this Appendix "C" as Schedule 1 executed by a duly
authorized officer of the applicable Fund and delivered by such Fund
to the Custodian by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as
the applicable Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(e) "Release Certificate" shall mean a Release Certificate in the
form attached to this Appendix "C" as Schedule 2 executed by a duly
authorized officer of the Custodian and delivered by the Custodian to
the applicable Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner
as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(f) "Written Notice" shall mean a written notice executed by a duly
authorized officer of the party delivering the notice and delivered by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the applicable Fund
and the Custodian shall agree in writing.
Section 2. Pledge of Collateral. To the extent that any Overdraft
Obligations of a Portfolio are not satisfied by the close of business
on the first Business Day following the Business Day on which the
applicable Fund receives Written Notice requesting security for such
Overdraft Obligation and stating the amount of such Overdraft
Obligation, the applicable Fund, on behalf of such Portfolio, shall
pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a first priority security
interest, by delivering to the Custodian, a Pledge Certificate
executed by such Fund on behalf of such Portfolio describing the
applicable Collateral. Such Written Notice may, in the discretion of
the Custodian, be included within or accompany the Overdraft Notice
relating to the applicable Overdraft Obligations.
Section 3. Failure to Pledge Collateral. In the event that the
applicable Fund shall fail: (a) to pay, on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio, the Overdraft Obligation described in such Written Notice;
(b) to deliver to the Custodian a Pledge Certificate pursuant to
Section 2; or (c) to identify substitute securities pursuant to
Section 6 upon the sale or maturity of any securities identified as
Collateral, the Custodian may, by Written Notice to the applicable
Fund specify Collateral which shall secure the applicable Overdraft
Obligation. Such Fund, on behalf of any applicable Portfolio, hereby
pledges, assigns and grants to the Custodian a first priority security
interest in any and all Collateral specified in such Written Notice;
provided that such pledge, assignment and grant of security shall be
deemed to be effective only upon receipt by the applicable Fund of
such Written Notice.
Section 4. Delivery of Additional Collateral. If at any time the
Custodian shall notify a Fund by Written Notice that the fair market
value of the Collateral securing any Overdraft Obligation of one of
such Fund's Portfolios is less than the amount of such Overdraft
Obligation, such Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, shall
deliver to the Custodian, within one (1) Business Day following the
Fund's receipt of such Written Notice, an additional Pledge
Certificate describing additional Collateral. If such Fund shall fail
to deliver such additional Pledge Certificate, the Custodian may
specify Collateral which shall secure the unsecured amount of the
applicable Overdraft Obligation in accordance with Section 3 of this
Appendix C.
Section 5. Release of Collateral. Upon payment by a Fund, on behalf
of one of its Portfolios, of any Overdraft Obligation secured by the
pledge of Collateral, the Custodian shall promptly deliver to such
Fund a Release Certificate pursuant to which the Custodian shall
release Collateral from the lien under the applicable Pledge
Certificate or Written Notice pursuant to Section 3 having a fair
market value equal to the amount paid by such Fund on account of such
Overdraft Obligation. In addition, if at any time a Fund shall notify
the Custodian by Written Notice that such Fund desires that specified
Collateral be released and: (a) that the fair market value of the
Collateral securing any Overdraft Obligation shall exceed the amount
of such Overdraft Obligation; or (b) that the Fund has delivered a
Pledge Certificate substituting Collateral for such Overdraft
Obligation, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund, within one (1)
Business Day following the Custodian's receipt of such Written Notice,
a Release Certificate relating to the Collateral specified in such
Written Notice.
Section 6. Substitution of Collateral. A Fund may substitute
securities for any securities identified as Collateral by delivery to
the Custodian of a Pledge Certificate executed by such Fund on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio, indicating the securities pledged as
Collateral.
Section 7. Security for Individual Portfolios' Overdraft
Obligations. The pledge of Collateral by a Fund on behalf of any of
its individual Portfolios shall secure only the Overdraft Obligations
of such Portfolio. In no event shall the pledge of Collateral by one
of a Fund's Portfolios be deemed or considered to be security for the
Overdraft Obligations of any other Portfolio of such Fund or of any
other Fund.
Section 8. Custodian's Remedies. Upon (a) a Fund's failure to pay
any Overdraft Obligation of an applicable Portfolio within thirty (30)
days after receipt by such Fund of a Written Notice demanding security
therefore, and (b) one (1) Business Day's prior Written Notice to such
Fund, the Custodian may elect to enforce its security interest in the
Collateral securing such Overdraft Obligation, by taking title to (at
the then prevailing fair market value), or selling in a commercially
reasonable manner, so much of the Collateral as shall be required to
pay such Overdraft Obligation in full. Notwithstanding the provisions
of any applicable law, including, without limitation, the Uniform
Commercial Code, the remedy set forth in the preceding sentence shall
be the only right or remedy to which the Custodian is entitled with
respect to the pledge and security interest granted pursuant to any
Pledge Certificate or Section 3. Without limiting the foregoing, the
Custodian hereby waives and relinquishes all contractual and common
law rights of set off to which it may now or hereafter be or become
entitled with respect to any obligations of any Fund to the Custodian
arising under this Appendix "C" to the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Appendix to
be executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above
written.
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on State Street Bank and Trust Company
Schedule A to the Custodian Agreement, on
Behalf of Each of Their Respective Portfolios
By: By:
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
SCHEDULE 1
TO
APPENDIX "C"
PLEDGE CERTIFICATE
This Pledge Certificate is delivered pursuant to the Custodian
Agreement dated as of ____ (the "Agreement"), between [ ]
(the "Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"Custodian"). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall
have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
Pursuant to [Section 2 or Section 4] of Appendix "C" attached to the
Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of [ ] (the "Portfolio"),
hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Custodian a first priority
security interest in the securities listed on Exhibit "A" attached to
this Pledge Certificate (collectively, the "Pledged Securities").
Upon delivery of this Pledge Certificate, the Pledged Securities shall
constitute Collateral, and shall secure all Overdraft Obligations of
the Portfolio described in that certain Written Notice dated
, 19 , delivered by the Custodian to the Fund. The pledge,
assignment and grant of security in the Pledged Securities hereunder
shall be subject in all respect to the terms and conditions of the
Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 7 and 8 of Appendix
"C" attached thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has caused this Pledge Certificate to be
executed in its name, on behalf of the Portfolio this day of
19 .
[FUND], on Behalf of [Portfolio]
By: ___________________
Name: ___________________
Title: ___________________
EXHIBIT "A"
TO
PLEDGE CERTIFICATE
Type of Certificate/CUSIP Number of
Issuer Security Numbers Shares
SCHEDULE 2
TO
APPENDIX "C"
RELEASE CERTIFICATE
This Release Certificate is delivered pursuant to the Custodian
Agreement dated as of ____ (the "Agreement"), between [ ]
(the "Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"Custodian"). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall
have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 5 of Appendix "C" attached to the Agreement, the
Custodian hereby releases the securities listed on Exhibit "A"
attached to this Release Certificate from the lien under the [Pledge
Certificate dated , 19 or the Written Notice delivered
pursuant to Section 3 of Appendix "C" dated , 19 ].
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Custodian has caused this Release Certificate
to be executed in its name and on its behalf this day of 19 .
State Street Bank and Trust Company
By: ______________________
Name: ______________________
Title: ______________________
EXHIBIT "A"
TO
RELEASE CERTIFICATE
Type of Certificate/CUSIP Number of
Issuer Security Numbers Shares
