CUSTODY AGREEMENT
Custody Agreement made as of November 6, 1995 between
PREMIER STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, a business trust organized and
existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
having its principal office and place of business at 000 Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000 (hereinafter
called the "Fund"), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a New York
corporation authorized to do a banking business, having its
principal office and place of business at 00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 (hereinafter called the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H :
that for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter
set forth the Fund and the Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and
phrases, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the
following meanings:
1. "Authorized Person" shall be deemed to include the
Treasurer, the Controller or any other person, whether or not any
such person is an Officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized
by the Fund's Board to give Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund and listed in the Certificate
annexed hereto as Appendix A or such other Certificate as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
2. "Available Balance" shall mean for any given day
during a calendar year the aggregate amount of Federal Funds held
in the Fund's custody account(s) at The Bank of New York, or its
successors, as of the close of such day or, if such day is not a
business day, the close of the preceding business day.
3. "Bankruptcy" shall mean with respect to a party such
party's making a general assignment, arrangement or composition
with or for the benefit of its creditors, or instituting or having
instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of
insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief under
the Federal bankruptcy law or any other relief under any
bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting
creditors' rights, or if a petition is presented for the winding
up or liquidation of the party or a resolution is passed for its
winding up or liquidation, or it seeks, or becomes subject to, the
appointment of an administrator, receiver, trustee, custodian or
other similar official for it or for all or substantially all of
its assets or its taking any action in furtherance of, or
indicating its consent to approval of, or acquiescence in, any of
the foregoing.
4. "Book-Entry System" shall mean the Federal Reserve/
Treasury book-entry system for United States and Federal agency
securities, its successor or successors and its nominee or
nominees.
5. "Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded option
with respect to Securities other than Stock Index Options, Futures
Contracts and Futures Contract Options entitling the holder, upon
timely exercise and payment of the exercise price, as specified
therein, to purchase from the writer thereof the specified
underlying Securities.
6. "Certificate" shall mean any notice, instruction, or
other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this
Agreement to be given to the Custodian, which is actually received
by the Custodian and signed on behalf of the Fund by any two
Officers of the Fund.
7. "Clearing Member" shall mean a registered broker-
dealer which is a clearing member under the rules of O.C.C. and a
member of a national securities exchange qualified to act as a
custodian for an investment company, or any broker-dealer
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be such a clearing member.
8. "Collateral Account" shall mean a segregated account
so denominated and pledged to the Custodian as security for, and
in consideration of, the Custodian's issuance of (a) any Put
Option guarantee letter or similar document described in para-
graph 8 of Article V herein, or (b) any receipt described in
Article V or VIII herein.
9. "Consumer Price Index" shall mean the U.S. Consumer
Price Index, all items and all urban consumers, U.S. city average
1982-84 equals 100, as first published without seasonal adjustment
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Labor,
without regard to subsequent revisions or corrections by such
Bureau.
10. "Covered Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded
option entitling the holder, upon timely exercise and payment of
the exercise price, as specified therein, to purchase from the
writer thereof the specified Securities (excluding Futures
Contracts) which are owned by the writer thereof and subject to
appropriate restrictions.
11. "Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC"), a clearing agency registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, its successor or successors and its
nominee or nominees, provided the Custodian has received a
certified copy of a resolution of the Fund's Board specifically
approving deposits in DTC. The term "Depository" shall further
mean and include any other person authorized to act as a
depository under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees,
specifically identified in a certified copy of a resolution of the
Fund's Board specifically approving deposits therein by the
Custodian.
12. "Earnings Credit" shall mean for any given day
during a calendar year the product of (a) the Federal Funds Rate
for such date minus .25%, and (b) 82% of the Available Balance.
13. "Federal Funds" shall mean immediately available
same day funds.
14. "Federal Funds Rate" shall mean, for any day, the
Federal Funds (Effective) interest rate so denominated as
published in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) and
applicable to such day and each succeeding day which is not a
business day.
15. "Financial Futures Contract" shall mean the firm
commitment to buy or sell fixed income securities, including,
without limitation, U.S. Treasury Bills, U.S. Treasury Notes, U.S.
Treasury Bonds, domestic bank certificates of deposit, and
Eurodollar certificates of deposit, during a specified month at an
agreed upon price.
16. "Futures Contract" shall mean a Financial Futures
Contract and/or Stock Index Futures Contracts.
17. "Futures Contract Option" shall mean an option with
respect to a Futures Contract.
18. "Margin Account" shall mean a segregated account in
the name of a broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or
Clearing Member, or in the name of the Fund for the benefit of a
broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member, or
otherwise, in accordance with an agreement between the Fund, the
Custodian and a broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or
Clearing Member (a "Margin Account Agreement"), separate and
distinct from the custody account, in which certain Securities
and/or money of the Fund shall be deposited and withdrawn from
time to time in connection with such transactions as the Fund may
from time to time determine. Securities held in the Book-Entry
System or the Depository shall be deemed to have been deposited
in, or withdrawn from, a Margin Account upon the Custodian's
effecting an appropriate entry on its books and records.
19. "Merger" shall mean with respect to a party, the
consolidation or amalgamation with, merger into, or transfer of
all or substantially all of such party's assets to, another
entity, where such party is not the surviving entity.
20. "Money Market Security" shall be deemed to include,
without limitation, debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the government of the United States or
agencies or instrumentalities thereof, commercial paper,
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances, repurchase and
reverse repurchase agreements with respect to the same and bank
time deposits, where the purchase and sale of such securities
ordinarily requires settlement in Federal funds on the same date
as such purchase or sale.
21. "O.C.C." shall mean Options Clearing Corporation, a
clearing agency registered under Section 17A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, its successor or successors, and its nominee
or nominees.
22. "Officers" shall be deemed to include the
President, any Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the
Controller, any Assistant Secretary, any Assistant Treasurer or
any other person or persons duly authorized by the Fund's Board to
execute any Certificate, instruction, notice or other instrument
on behalf of the Fund and listed in the Certificate annexed hereto
as Appendix B or such other Certificate as may be received by the
Custodian from time to time.
23. "Option" shall mean a Call Option, Covered Call
Option, Stock Index Option and/or a Put Option.
24. "Oral Instructions" shall mean verbal instructions
actually received by the Custodian from an Authorized Person or
from a person reasonably believed by the Custodian to be an
Authorized Person.
25. "Put Option" shall mean an exchange traded option
with respect to Securities other than Stock Index Options, Futures
Contracts, and Futures Contract Options entitling the holder, upon
timely exercise and tender of the specified underlying Securities,
to sell such Securities to the writer thereof for the exercise
price.
26. "Reverse Repurchase Agreement" shall mean an
agreement pursuant to which the Fund sells Securities and agrees
to repurchase such Securities at a described or specified date and
price.
27. "Security" shall be deemed to include, without
limitation, Money Market Securities, Call Options, Put Options,
Stock Index Options, Stock Index Futures Contracts, Stock Index
Futures Contract Options, Financial Futures Contracts, Financial
Futures Contract Options, Reverse Repurchase Agreements, common
stock and other instruments or rights having characteristics
similar to common stocks, preferred stocks, debt obligations
issued by state or municipal governments and by public authorities
(including, without limitation, general obligation bonds, revenue
bonds and industrial bonds and industrial development bonds),
bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any
certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments representing
rights to receive, purchase, sell or subscribe for the same, or
evidencing or representing any other rights or interest therein,
or any property or assets.
28. "Segregated Security Account" shall mean an account
maintained under the terms of this Agreement as a segregated
account, by recordation or otherwise, within the custody account
in which certain Securities and/or other assets of the Fund shall
be deposited and withdrawn from time to time in accordance with
Certificates received by the Custodian in connection with such
transactions as the Fund may from time to time determine.
29. "Series" shall mean (i) the Series of the Fund
specified on Appendix D hereto, or, where the context requires
each such Series, or (ii) if no Series are set forth on such
Appendix, the Fund.
30. "Shares" shall mean the shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund, each of which, in the case of a Fund having
Series, is allocated to a particular Series.
31. "Stock Index Futures Contract" shall mean a
bilateral agreement pursuant to which the parties agree to take or
make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar
amount times the difference between the value of a particular
stock index at the close of the last business day of the contract
and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck.
32. "Stock Index Option" shall mean an exchange traded
option entitling the holder, upon timely exercise, to receive an
amount of cash determined by reference to the difference between
the exercise price and the value of the index on the date of
exercise.
33. "Written Instructions" shall mean written
communications actually received by the Custodian from an
Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be an Authorized Person by telex or any other such
system whereby the receiver of such communications is able to
verify by codes or otherwise with a reasonable degree of certainty
the authenticity of the sender of such communication.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
1. The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the
Custodian as custodian of all the Securities and moneys at any
time owned by the Fund during the period of this Agreement, except
that (a) if the Custodian fails to provide for the custody of any
of the Fund's Securities and moneys located or to be located
outside the United States in a manner satisfactory to the Fund,
the Fund shall be permitted to arrange for the custody of such
Securities and moneys located or to be located outside the United
States other than through the Custodian at rates to be negotiated
and borne by the Fund and (b) if the Custodian fails to continue
any existing sub-custodial or similar arrangements on
substantially the same terms as exist on the date of this
Agreement, the Fund shall be permitted to arrange for such or
similar services other than through the Custodian at rates to be
negotiated and borne by the Fund. The Custodian shall not charge
the Fund for any such terminated services after the date of such
termination.
2. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such
custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter
set forth.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this
Article and in Article VIII, the Fund will deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Custodian all Securities and all moneys owned by
any Series, including cash received for the issuance of such
Series' shares, at any time during the period of this Agreement
and shall specify the Series, if any, to which the same are to be
specifically allocated. The Custodian will not be responsible for
such Securities and such moneys until actually received by it.
The Custodian will be entitled to reverse any credits made on a
Series' behalf where such credits have been previously made and
moneys are not finally collected. The Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a certified resolution of the Fund's Board approving,
authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a continuous and on-
going basis to deposit in the Book-Entry System all Securities
eligible for deposit therein and to utilize the Book-Entry System
to the extent possible in connection with its performance
hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of
Securities, and deliveries and returns of Securities collateral.
Prior to a deposit of Securities of a Series in the Depository,
the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a certified resolution of
the Fund's Board approving, authorizing and instructing the
Custodian on a continuous and on-going basis until instructed to
the contrary by a Certificate actually received by the Custodian
to deposit in the Depository all Securities eligible for deposit
therein and to utilize the Depository to the extent possible in
connection with its performance hereunder, including, without
limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and sales
of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns of
Securities collateral. Securities and moneys of such Series
deposited in either the Book-Entry System or the Depository will
be represented in accounts which include only assets held by the
Custodian for customers, including, but not limited to, accounts
in which the Custodian acts in a fiduciary or representative
capacity. Prior to the Custodian's accepting, utilizing and
acting with respect to Clearing Member confirmations for Options
and transactions in Options as provided in this Agreement, the
Custodian shall have received a certified resolution of the Fund's
Board approving, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a
continuous and on-going basis, until instructed to the contrary by
a Certificate actually received by the Custodian, to accept,
utilize and act in accordance with such confirmations as provided
in this Agreement.
2. The Custodian shall credit to a separate account in
the name of the Fund for each Series all moneys received by it for
the account of the Fund, with respect to such Series. Money
credited to the separate account for a Series shall be disbursed
by the Custodian only:
(a) In payment for Securities purchased, as provided in
Article IV hereof;
(b) In payment of dividends or distributions, as
provided in Article XI hereof;
(c) In payment of original issue or other taxes, as
provided in Article XII hereof;
(d) In payment for Shares redeemed by it, as provided
in Article XII hereof;
(e) Pursuant to Certificates setting forth the name and
address of the person to whom the payment is to be made, the
Series account from which payment is to be made and the purpose
for which payment is to be made; or
(f) In payment of the fees and in reimbursement of the
expenses and liabilities of the Custodian, as provided in Article
XV hereof.
3. Promptly after the close of business on each day,
the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with confirmations and a
summary of all transfers to or from the account of each Series
during said day. Where Securities are transferred to the account
of a Series, the Custodian shall also by book-entry or otherwise
identify as belonging to such Series a quantity of Securities in a
fungible bulk of Securities registered in the name of the
Custodian (or its nominee) or shown on the Custodian's account on
the books of the Book-Entry System or the Depository. At least
monthly and from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the
Fund with a detailed statement of the Securities and moneys held
for each Series under this Agreement.
4. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this
Article and in Article VIII, all Securities held for a Series,
which are issued or issuable only in bearer form, except such
Securities as are held in the Book-Entry System, shall be held by
the Custodian in that form; all other Securities held for a Series
may be registered in the name of such Series, in the name of any
duly appointed registered nominee of the Custodian as the
Custodian may from time to time determine, or in the name of the
Book-Entry System or the Depository or their successor or
successors, or their nominee or nominees. The Fund agrees to
furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the
Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to
register in the name of its registered nominee or in the name of
the Book-Entry System or the Depository, any Securities which it
may hold for the account of a Series and which may from time to
time be registered in the name of such Series. The Custodian
shall hold all such Securities which are not held in the Book-
Entry System or in the Depository in a separate account in the
name of such Series physically segregated at all times from those
of any other person or persons.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and
unless otherwise instructed to the contrary by a Certificate, the
Custodian by itself, or through the use of the Book-Entry System
or the Depository with respect to Securities therein deposited,
shall with respect to all Securities held for each Series in
accordance with this Agreement:
(a) Collect all income due or payable and, in any
event, if the Custodian receives a written notice from the Fund
specifying that an amount of income should have been received by
the Custodian within the last 90 days, the Custodian will provide
a conditional payment of income within 60 days from the date the
Custodian received such notice, unless the Custodian reasonably
concludes that such income was not due or payable to the Fund,
provided that the Custodian may reverse any such conditional
payment upon its reasonably concluding that all or any portion of
such income was not due or payable, and provided further that the
Custodian shall not be liable for failing to collect on a timely
basis the full amount of income due or payable in respect of a
"floating rate instrument" or "variable rate instrument" (as such
terms are defined under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
of l940, as amended) if it has acted in good faith, without
negligence or willful misconduct.
(b) Present for payment and collect the amount payable
upon such Securities which are called, but only if either (i) the
Custodian receives a written notice of such call, or (ii) notice
of such call appears in one or more of the publications listed in
Appendix C annexed hereto, which may be amended at any time by the
Custodian upon five business days' prior notification to the Fund;
(c) Present for payment and collect the amount payable
upon all Securities which may mature;
(d) Surrender Securities in temporary form for
definitive Securities;
(e) Execute, as Custodian, any necessary declarations
or certificates of ownership under the Federal Income Tax Laws or
the laws or regulations of any other taxing authority now or
hereafter in effect; and
(f) Hold directly, or through the Book-Entry System or
the Depository with respect to Securities therein deposited, for
the account of each Series all rights and similar securities
issued with respect to any Securities held by the Custodian
hereunder.
6. Upon receipt of a Certificate and not otherwise, the
Custodian, directly or through the use of the Book-Entry System or
the Depository, shall:
(a) Execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Certificate proxies, consents, authorizations,
and any other instruments whereby the authority of the Fund as
owner of any Securities may be exercised;
(b) Deliver any Securities held for the Series in
exchange for other Securities or cash issued or paid in connection
with the liquidation, reorganization, refinancing, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation, or the
exercise of any conversion privilege;
(c) Deliver any Securities held for the Series to any
protective committee, reorganization committee or other person in
connection with the reorganization, refinancing, merger,
consolidation, recapitalization or sale of assets of any
corporation, and receive and hold under the terms of this
Agreement such certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other
instruments or documents as may be issued to it to evidence such
delivery;
(d) Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of
the Series and take such other steps as shall be stated in said
order to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly authorized
plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of the Fund; and
(e) Present for payment and collect the amount payable
upon Securities not described in preceding paragraph 5(b) of this
Article which may be called as specified in the Certificate.
7. Notwithstanding any provision elsewhere contained
herein, the Custodian shall not be required to obtain possession
of any instrument or certificate representing any Futures
Contract, Option or Futures Contract Option until after it shall
have determined, or shall have received a Certificate from the
Fund stating, that any such instruments or certificates are
available. The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian such a
Certificate no later than the business day preceding the
availability of any such instrument or certificate. Prior to such
availability, the Custodian shall comply with Section 17(f) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in connection with the
purchase, sale, settlement, closing out or writing of Futures
Contracts, Options or Futures Contract Options by making payments
or deliveries specified in Certificates received by the Custodian
in connection with any such purchase, sale, writing, settlement or
closing out upon its receipt from a broker, dealer or futures
commission merchant of a statement or confirmation reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be in the form customarily used by
brokers, dealers, or futures commission merchants with respect to
such Futures Contracts, Options or Futures Contract Options, as
the case may be, confirming that such Security is held by such
broker, dealer or futures commission merchant, in book-entry form
or otherwise, in the name of the Custodian (or any nominee of the
Custodian) as custodian for the Fund, provided, however, that
payments to or deliveries from the Margin Account shall be made in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement. Whenever any such instruments or certificates are
available, the Custodian shall, notwithstanding any provision in
this Agreement to the contrary, make payment for any Futures
Contract, Option or Futures Contract Option for which such
instruments or such certificates are available only against the
delivery to the Custodian of such instrument or such certificate,
and deliver any Futures Contract, Option or Futures Contract
Option for which such instruments or such certificates are
available only against receipt by the Custodian of payment
therefor. Any such instrument or certificate delivered to the
Custodian shall be held by the Custodian hereunder in accordance
with, and subject to, the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND OTHER THAN OPTIONS,
FUTURES CONTRACTS, FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS AND REVERSE
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
1. Promptly after each purchase of Securities by the
Fund, other than a purchase of any Option, Futures Contract,
Futures Contract Option or Reverse Repurchase Agreement, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each purchase
of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a
Certificate, and (ii) with respect to each purchase of Money
Market Securities, a Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, specifying with respect to each such purchase: (a)
the Series to which the Securities purchased are to be
specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title
of the Securities; (c) the number of shares or the principal
amount purchased and accrued interest, if any; (d) the date of
purchase and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f) the
total amount payable upon such purchase; (g) the name of the
person from whom or the broker through whom the purchase was made,
and the name of the clearing broker, if any; and (h) the name of
the broker to which payment is to be made. The Custodian shall,
upon receipt of Securities purchased by or for such Series, pay
out of the moneys held for the account of such Series the total
amount payable to the person from whom, or the broker through
whom, the purchase was made, provided that the same conforms to
the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate, Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions.
2. Promptly after each sale of Securities by the Fund,
other than a sale of any Option, Futures Contract, Futures
Contract Option or Reverse Repurchase Agreement, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate,
and (ii) with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, a
Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, specifying
with respect to each such sale: (a) the Series to which such
Securities sold were specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title of the Security; (c) the number of shares or
principal amount sold, and accrued interest, if any; (d) the date
of sale; (e) the sale price per unit; (f) the total amount payable
to such Series upon such sale; (g) the name of the broker through
whom or the person to whom the sale was made, and the name of the
clearing broker, if any; and (h) the name of the broker to whom
the Securities are to be delivered. The Custodian shall deliver
the Securities upon receipt of the total amount payable to the
Fund for the account of such Series upon such sale, provided that
the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such
Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Subject
to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such form as
shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and
arrange for payment in accordance with the customs prevailing
among dealers in Securities.
ARTICLE V
OPTIONS
1. Promptly after the purchase of any Option by the
Fund, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to each Option purchased: (a) the Series
to which the Option purchased is to be specifically allocated;
(b) the type of Option (put or call); (c) the name of the issuer
and the title and number of shares subject to such Option or, in
the case of a Stock Index Option, the stock index to which such
Option relates and the number of Stock Index Options purchased;
(d) the expiration date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the dates of
purchase and settlement; (g) the total amount payable by the Fund
for the account of such Series in connection with such purchase;
(h) the name of the Clearing Member through which such Option was
purchased; and (i) the name of the broker to whom payment is to be
made. The Custodian shall pay, upon receipt of a Clearing
Member's statement confirming the purchase of such Option held by
such Clearing Member for the account of the Custodian (or any duly
appointed and registered nominee of the Custodian) as custodian
for the Fund, out of moneys held for the account of such Series,
the total amount payable upon such purchase to the Clearing Member
through whom the purchase was made, provided that the same
conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such
Certificate.
2. Promptly after the sale of any Option purchased by
the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to
the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such
sale: (a) the Series to which the Option sold was specifically
allocated; (b) the type of Option (put or call); (c) the name of
the issuer and the title and number of shares subject to such
Option or, in the case of a Stock Index Option, the stock index to
which such Option relates and the number of Stock Index Options
sold; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale price; (f) the date of
settlement; (g) the total amount payable to the Fund for the
account of such Series upon such sale; and (h) the name of the
Clearing Member through which the sale was made. The Custodian
shall consent to the delivery of the Option sold by the Clearing
Member which previously supplied the confirmation described in
preceding paragraph 1 of this Article with respect to such Option
against payment to the Custodian of the total amount payable to
the Fund for the account of such Series, provided that the same
conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such
Certificate.
3. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Call
Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with
respect to such Call Option: (a) the Series to which the Call
Option exercised was specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title and number of shares subject to the Call
Option; (c) the expiration date; (d) the date of exercise and
settlement; (e) the exercise price per share; (f) the total amount
to be paid by the Fund for the account of such Series upon such
exercise; and (g) the name of the Clearing Member through which
such Call Option was exercised. The Custodian shall, upon receipt
of the Securities underlying the Call Option which was exercised,
pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Series the
total amount payable to the Clearing Member through whom the Call
Option was exercised, provided that the same conforms to the total
amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
4. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Put
Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with
respect to such Put Option: (a) the Series to which the Put
Option exercised was specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title and number of shares subject to the Put
Option; (c) the expiration date; (d) the date of exercise and
settlement; (e) the exercise price per share; (f) the total amount
to be paid to the Fund for the account of such Series upon such
exercise; and (g) the name of the Clearing Member through which
such Put Option was exercised. The Custodian shall, upon receipt
of the amount payable upon the exercise of the Put Option, deliver
or direct the Depository to deliver the Securities, provided the
same conforms to the amount payable to the Fund for the account of
such Series as set forth in such Certificate.
5. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Stock
Index Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof,
the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying
with respect to such Stock Index Option: (a) the Series to which
the Stock Index Option exercised was specifically allocated;
(b) the type of Stock Index Option (put or call); (c) the number
of Options being exercised; (d) the stock index to which such
Option relates; (e) the expiration date; (f) the exercise price;
(g) the total amount to be received by the Fund for the account of
such Series in connection with such exercise; and (h) the Clearing
Member from which such payment is to be received.
6. Whenever the Fund writes a Covered Call Option, the
Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to such Covered Call Option: (a) the
Series to which the Covered Call Option written is to be
specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title
and number of shares for which the Covered Call Option was written
and which underlie the same; (c) the expiration date; (d) the
exercise price; (e) the premium to be received by the Fund for the
account of such Series; (f) the date such Covered Call Option was
written; and (g) the name of the Clearing Member through which the
premium is to be received. The Custodian shall deliver or cause
to be delivered, in exchange for receipt of the premium specified
in the Certificate with respect to such Covered Call Option, such
receipts as are required in accordance with the customs prevailing
among Clearing Members dealing in Covered Call Options and shall
impose, or direct the Depository to impose, upon the underlying
Securities specified in the Certificate such restrictions as may
be required by such receipts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Custodian has the right, upon prior written notification to the
Fund, at any time to refuse to issue any receipts for Securities
in the possession of the Custodian and not deposited with the
Depository underlying a Covered Call Option.
7. Whenever a Covered Call Option written by the Fund
and described in the preceding paragraph of this Article is
exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate instructing the Custodian to deliver, or to direct the
Depository to deliver, the Securities subject to such Covered Call
Option and specifying: (a) the Series to which the Covered Call
Option exercised was specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title and number of shares subject to the Covered
Call Option; (c) the Clearing Member to whom the underlying
Securities are to be delivered; and (d) the total amount payable
to the Fund for the account of such Series upon such delivery.
Upon the return and/or cancellation of any receipts delivered
pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Article, the Custodian shall
deliver, or direct the Depository to deliver, the underlying
Securities as specified in the Certificate for the amount to be
received as set forth in such Certificate.
8. Whenever the Fund writes a Put Option, the Fund
shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying
with respect to such Put Option: (a) the Series to which the Put
Option written is to be specifically allocated; (b) the name of
the issuer and the title and number of shares for which the Put
Option is written and which underlie the same; (c) the expiration
date; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be received by
the Fund for the account of such Series; (f) the date such Put
Option is written; (g) the name of the Clearing Member through
which the premium is to be received and to whom a Put Option
guarantee letter is to be delivered; (h) the amount of cash,
and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited
in the Segregated Security Account; and (i) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be deposited into the
Collateral Account. The Custodian shall, after making the
deposits into the Collateral Account specified in the Certificate,
issue a Put Option guarantee letter substantially in the form
utilized by the Custodian on the date hereof, and deliver the same
to the Clearing Member specified in the Certificate against
receipt of the premium specified in said Certificate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be under no
obligation to issue any Put Option guarantee letter or similar
document if it is unable to make any of the representations
contained therein.
9. Whenever a Put Option written by the Fund and
described in the preceding paragraph is exercised, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a)
the Series to which the Put Option exercised was specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and title and number of
shares subject to the Put Option; (c) the Clearing Member from
which the underlying Securities are to be received; (d) the total
amount payable by the Fund upon such delivery; (e) the amount of
cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn from
the Collateral Account; and (f) the amount of cash and/or the
amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the
Segregated Security Account. Upon the return and/or cancellation
of any Put Option guarantee letter or similar document issued by
the Custodian in connection with such Put Option, the Custodian
shall pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Series
the total amount payable to the Clearing Member specified in the
Certificate as set forth in such Certificate, and shall make the
withdrawals specified in such Certificate.
10. Whenever the Fund writes a Stock Index Option, the
Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to such Stock Index Option: (a) the
Series to which the Stock Index Option written is to be
specifically allocated; (b) whether such Stock Index Option is a
put or a call; (c) the number of Options written; (d) the stock
index to which such Option relates; (e) the expiration date;
(f) the exercise price; (g) the Clearing Member through which such
Option was written; (h) the premium to be received by the Fund for
the account of such Series; (i) the amount of cash and/or the
amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in the
Segregated Security Account; (j) the amount of cash and/or the
amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in the
Collateral Account; and (k) the amount of cash and/or the amount
and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in a Margin
Account, and the name in which such account is to be or has been
established. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the premium
specified in the Certificate, make the deposits, if any, into the
Segregated Security Account specified in the Certificate, and
either (1) deliver such receipts, if any, which the Custodian has
specifically agreed to issue, which are in accordance with the
customs prevailing among Clearing Members in Stock Index Options
and make the deposits into the Collateral Account specified in the
Certificate, or (2) make the deposits into the Margin Account
specified in the Certificate.
11. Whenever a Stock Index Option written by the Fund
and described in the preceding paragraph of this Article is
exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to such Stock Index Option:
(a) the Series to which the Stock Index Option exercised was
specifically allocated; (b) such information as may be necessary
to identify the Stock Index Option being exercised; (c) the
Clearing Member through which such Stock Index Option is being
exercised; (d) the total amount payable upon such exercise, and
whether such amount is to be paid by or to the Fund for the
account of such Series; (e) the amount of cash and/or amount and
kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Margin
Account; and (f) the amount of cash and/or amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Segregated Security
Account and the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Collateral Account.
Upon the return and/or cancellation of the receipt, if any,
delivered pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Article, the
Custodian shall pay to the Clearing Member specified in the
Certificate the total amount payable, if any, as specified
therein.
12. Whenever the Fund purchases any Option identical to
a previously written Option described in paragraphs 6, 8 or 10 of
this Article in a transaction expressly designated as a "Closing
Purchase Transaction" in order to liquidate its position as a
writer of an Option, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to the Option
being purchased: (a) the Series to which the Option purchased is
to be specifically allocated; (b) that the transaction is a
Closing Purchase Transaction; (c) the name of the issuer and the
title and number of shares subject to the Option, or, in the case
of a Stock Index Option, the stock index to which such Option
relates and the number of Options held; (d) the exercise price;
(e) the premium to be paid by the Fund for the account of such
Series; (f) the expiration date; (g) the type of Option (put or
call); (h) the date of such purchase; (i) the name of the Clearing
Member to which the premium is to be paid; and (j) the amount of
cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be
withdrawn from the Collateral Account, a specified Margin Account
or the Segregated Security Account. Upon the Custodian's payment
of the premium and the return and/or cancellation of any receipt
issued pursuant to paragraphs 6, 8 or 10 of this Article with
respect to the Option being liquidated through the Closing
Purchase Transaction, the Custodian shall remove, or direct the
Depository to remove, the previously imposed restrictions on the
Securities underlying the Call Option.
13. Upon the expiration or exercise of, or consummation
of a Closing Purchase Transaction with respect to, any Option
purchased or written by the Fund and described in this Article,
the Custodian shall delete such Option from the statements
delivered to the Fund for the account of a Series pursuant to
paragraph 3 of Article III herein, and upon the return and/or
cancellation of any receipts issued by the Custodian, shall make
such withdrawals from the Collateral Account, the Margin Account
and/or the Segregated Security Account as may be specified in a
Certificate received in connection with such expiration, exercise,
or consummation.
ARTICLE VI
FUTURES CONTRACTS
1. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures
Contract, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to such Futures Contract (or with respect
to any number of identical Futures Contract(s)): (a) the Series
to which the Futures Contract entered into is to be specifically
allocated; (b) the category of Futures Contract (the name of the
underlying stock index or financial instrument); (c) the number of
identical Futures Contracts entered into; (d) the delivery or
settlement date of the Futures Contract(s); (e) the date the
Futures Contract(s) was (were) entered into and the maturity date;
(f) whether the Fund is buying (going long) or selling (going
short) on such Futures Contract(s); (g) the amount of cash and/or
the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in the
Segregated Security Account; (h) the name of the broker, dealer or
futures commission merchant through which the Futures Contract was
entered into; and (i) the amount of fee or commission, if any, to
be paid and the name of the broker, dealer or futures commission
merchant to whom such amount is to be paid. The Custodian shall
make the deposits, if any, to the Margin Account in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
The Custodian shall make payment of the fee or commission, if any,
specified in the Certificate and deposit in the Segregated
Security Account the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities specified in said Certificate.
2. (a) Any variation margin payment or similar payment
required to be made by the Fund for the account of a Series to a
broker, dealer or futures commission merchant with respect to an
outstanding Futures Contract shall be made by the Custodian in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement.
(b) Any variation margin payment or similar payment
from a broker, dealer or futures commission merchant to the Fund
with respect to an outstanding Futures Contract shall be received
and dealt with by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract held by the Custodian
hereunder is retained by the Fund until delivery or settlement is
made on such Futures Contract, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which the
Futures Contract retained is to be specifically allocated; (b) the
Futures Contract; (c) with respect to a Stock Index Futures
Contract, the total cash settlement amount to be paid or received,
and with respect to a Financial Futures Contract, the Securities
and/or amount of cash to be delivered or received; (d) the broker,
dealer or futures commission merchant to or from which payment or
delivery is to be made or received; and (e) the amount of cash
and/or Securities to be withdrawn from the Segregated Security
Account. The Custodian shall make the payment or delivery
specified in the Certificate and delete such Futures Contract from
the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3 of
Article III herein.
4. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures
Contract to offset a Futures Contract held by the Custodian
hereunder, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying: (a) the Series to which the offsetting Futures
Contract is to be specifically allocated; (b) the items of
information required in a Certificate described in paragraph 1 of
this Article, and (c) the Futures Contract being offset. The
Custodian shall make payment of the fee or commission, if any,
specified in the Certificate and delete the Futures Contract being
offset from the statements delivered to the Fund for the account
of such Series pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article III herein, and
make such withdrawals from the Segregated Security Account as may
be specified in such Certificate. The withdrawals, if any, to be
made from the Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS
1. Promptly after the purchase of any Futures Contract
Option by the Fund, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to such Futures Contract
Option: (a) the Series to which the Futures Contract Option
purchased is to be specifically allocated; (b) the type of Futures
Contract Option (put or call); (c) the type of Futures Contract
and such other information as may be necessary to identify the
Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option purchased;
(d) the expiration date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the dates of
purchase and settlement; (g) the amount of premium to be paid by
the Fund for the account of such Series upon such purchase; (h)
the name of the broker or futures commission merchant through
which such option was purchased; and (i) the name of the broker or
futures commission merchant to whom payment is to be made. The
Custodian shall pay the total amount to be paid upon such purchase
to the broker or futures commission merchant through whom the
purchase was made, provided that the same conforms to the amount
set forth in such Certificate.
2. Promptly after the sale of any Futures Contract
Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the
Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to each such sale: (a) the Series to
which the Futures Contract Option sold was specifically allocated;
(b) the type of Futures Contract Option (put or call); (c) the
type of Futures Contract and such other information as may be
necessary to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures
Contract Option; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale price; (f) the
date of settlement; (g) the total amount payable to the Fund for
the account of such Series upon such sale; and (h) the name of the
broker or futures commission merchant through which the sale was
made. The Custodian shall consent to the cancellation of the
Futures Contract Option being closed against payment to the
Custodian of the total amount payable to the Fund for the account
of such Series, provided the same conforms to the total amount
payable as set forth in such Certificate.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract Option purchased by the
Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 is exercised by the Fund, the Fund
shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying:
(a) the Series to which the Futures Contract Option exercised was
specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option
(put or call) being exercised; (c) the type of Futures Contract
underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the date of exercise;
(e) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant through
which the Futures Contract Option is exercised; (f) the net total
amount, if any, payable by the Fund; (g) the amount, if any, to be
received by the Fund for the account of such Series; and (h) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be
deposited in the Segregated Security Account. The Custodian shall
make the payments, if any, and the deposits, if any, into the
Segregated Security Account as specified in the Certificate. The
deposits, if any, to be made to the Margin Account shall be made
by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Margin Account Agreement.
4. Whenever the Fund writes a Futures Contract Option,
the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to such Futures Contract Option: (a) the
Series to which the Futures Contract Option written is to be
specifically allocated; (b) the type of Futures Contract Option
(put or call); (c) the type of Futures Contract and such other
information as may be necessary to identify the Futures Contract
underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the expiration date;
(e) the exercise price; (f) the premium to be received by the Fund
for the account of such Series; (g) the name of the broker or
futures commission merchant through which the premium is to be
received; and (h) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be deposited in the Segregated Security
Account. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the premium
specified in the Certificate, make the deposits into the
Segregated Security Account, if any, as specified in the
Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to the Margin
Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
5. Whenever a Futures Contract Option written by the
Fund which is a call is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver
to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to
which the Futures Contract Option exercised was specifically
allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option exercised;
(c) the type of Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract
Option; (d) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant
through which such Futures Contract Option was exercised; (e) the
net total amount, if any, payable to the Fund for the account of
such Series upon such exercise; (f) the net total amount, if any,
payable by the Fund for the account of such Series upon such
exercise; and (g) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities to be deposited in the Segregated Security Account.
The Custodian shall, upon its receipt of the net total amount
payable to the Fund for the account of such Series, if any,
specified in such Certificate make the payments, if any, and the
deposits, if any, into the Segregated Security Account as
specified in the Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to
the Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
6. Whenever a Futures Contract Option which is written
by the Fund and which is a Put Option is exercised, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a)
the Series to which the Futures Contract Option exercised was
specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option
exercised; (c) the type of Futures Contract underlying such
Futures Contract Option; (d) the name of the broker or futures
commission merchant through which such Futures Contract Option is
exercised; (e) the net total amount, if any, payable to the Fund
for the account of such Series upon such exercise; (f) the net
total amount, if any, payable by the Fund for the account of such
Series upon such exercise; and (g) the amount and kind of
Securities and/or cash to be withdrawn from or deposited in the
Segregated Security Account, if any. The Custodian shall, upon
its receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund for the
account of such Series, if any, specified in the Certificate, make
the payments, if any, and the deposits, if any, into the
Segregated Security Account as specified in the Certificate. The
deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin Account, if any,
shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
7. Whenever the Fund purchases any Futures Contract
Option identical to a previously written Futures Contract Option
described in this Article in order to liquidate its position as a
writer of such Futures Contract Option, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to
the Futures Contract Option being purchased: (a) the Series to
which the Futures Contract Option purchased is to be specifically
allocated; (b) that the transaction is a closing transaction; (c)
the type of Futures Contract and such other information as may be
necessary to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures
Contract Option; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be
paid by the Fund for the account of such Series; (f) the
expiration date; (g) the name of the broker or futures commission
merchant to which the premium is to be paid; and (h) the amount of
cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be
withdrawn from the Segregated Security Account. The Custodian
shall effect the withdrawals from the Segregated Security Account
specified in the Certificate. The withdrawals, if any, to be made
from the Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement.
8. Upon the expiration or exercise of, or consummation
of a closing transaction with respect to, any Futures Contract
Option written or purchased by the Fund and described in this
Article, the Custodian shall (a) delete such Futures Contract
Option from the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to para-
graph 3 of Article III herein, and (b) make such withdrawals from,
and/or, in the case of an exercise, such deposits into, the
Segregated Security Account as may be specified in a Certificate.
The deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin Account, if
any, shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
9. Futures Contracts acquired by the Fund through the
exercise of a Futures Contract Option described in this Article
shall be subject to Article VI hereof.
ARTICLE VIII
SHORT SALES
1. Promptly after any short sale, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series
to which the short sale is to be specifically allocated; (b) the
name of the issuer and the title of the Security; (c) the number
of shares or principal amount sold, and accrued interest or
dividends, if any; (d) the dates of the sale and settlement; (e)
the sale price per unit; (f) the total amount credited to the Fund
for the account of such Series upon such sales, if any; (g) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any,
which are to be deposited in a Margin Account and the name in
which such Margin Account has been or is to be established; (h)
the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if
any, to be deposited in a Segregated Security Account; and (i) the
name of the broker through which such short sale was made. The
Custodian shall upon its receipt of a statement from such broker
confirming such sale and that the total amount credited to the
Fund upon such sale, if any, as specified in the Certificate is
held by such broker for the account of the Custodian (or any
nominee of the Custodian) as custodian of the Fund, issue a
receipt or make the deposits into the Margin Account and the
Segregated Security Account specified in the Certificate.
2. In connection with the closing-out of any short
sale, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to each such closing-out: (a)
the Series to which the short sale being closed-out was
specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title
of the Security; (c) the number of shares or the principal amount,
and accrued interest or dividends, if any, required to effect such
closing-out to be delivered to the broker; (d) the dates of the
closing-out and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f)
the net total amount payable to the Fund for the account of such
Series upon such closing-out; (g) the net total amount payable to
the broker upon such closing-out; (h) the amount of cash and the
amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn, if any, from the
Margin Account; (i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind
of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Segregated
Security Account; and (j) the name of the broker through which the
Fund is effecting such closing-out. The Custodian shall, upon
receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund for the
account of such Series upon such closing-out and the return and/or
cancellation of the receipts, if any, issued by the custodian with
respect to the short sale being closed-out, pay out of the moneys
held for the account of the Series to the broker the net total
amount payable to the broker, and make the withdrawals from the
Margin Account and the Segregated Security Account, as the same
are specified in the Certificate.
ARTICLE IX
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
1. Promptly after the Fund, on behalf of a Series,
enters into a Reverse Repurchase Agreement with respect to
Securities and money held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate or in the event such
Reverse Repurchase Agreement is a Money Market Security, a
Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written Instructions specifying:
(a) the Series to which the Reverse Repurchase Agreement is to be
specifically allocated; (b) the total amount payable to the Fund
for the account of such Series in connection with such Reverse
Repurchase Agreement; (c) the broker or dealer through or with
which the Reverse Repurchase Agreement is entered; (d) the amount
and kind of Securities to be delivered by the Fund to such broker
or dealer; (e) the date of such Reverse Repurchase Agreement; and
(f) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities,
if any, to be deposited in a Segregated Security Account in
connection with such Reverse Repurchase Agreement. The Custodian
shall, upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund
specified in the Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions make the delivery to the broker or dealer, and the
deposits, if any, to the Segregated Security Account, specified in
such Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
2. Upon the termination of a Reverse Repurchase
Agreement described in paragraph 1 of this Article, the Fund shall
promptly deliver a Certificate or, in the event such Reverse
Repurchase Agreement is a Money Market Security, a Certificate,
Oral Instructions or Written Instructions to the Custodian
specifying: (a) the Series to which the Reverse Repurchase
Agreement terminated was specifically allocated; (b) the Reverse
Repurchase Agreement being terminated; (c) the total amount
payable by the Fund for the account of such Series in connection
with such termination; (d) the amount and kind of Securities to be
received by the Fund for the account of such Series in connection
with such termination; (e) the date of termination; (f) the name
of the broker or dealer with or through which the Reverse
Repurchase Agreement is to be terminated; and (g) the amount of
cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn from
the Segregated Security Account. The Custodian shall, upon
receipt of the amount and kind of Securities to be received by the
Fund specified in the Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, make the payment to the broker or dealer, and the
withdrawals, if any, from the Segregated Security Account,
specified in such Certificate, Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions.
ARTICLE X
CONCERNING MARGIN ACCOUNTS, SEGREGATED SECURITY
ACCOUNTS AND COLLATERAL ACCOUNTS
1. The Custodian shall, from time to time, make such
deposits to, or withdrawals from, a Segregated Security Account as
specified in a Certificate received by the Custodian. Such
Certificate shall specify the amount of cash and/or the amount and
kind of Securities to be deposited in, or withdrawn from, the
Segregated Security Account. In the event that the Fund fails to
specify in a Certificate the designated Series, the name of the
issuer, the title and the number of shares or the principal amount
of any particular Securities to be deposited by the Custodian
into, or withdrawn from, a Segregated Securities Account, the
Custodian shall be under no obligation to make any such deposit or
withdrawal and shall so notify the Fund.
2. The Custodian shall make deliveries or payments from
a Margin Account to the broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member in whose name, or for whose benefit,
the account was established as specified in the Margin Account
Agreement.
3. Amounts received by the Custodian as payments or
distributions with respect to Securities deposited in any Margin
Account shall be dealt with in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
4. The Custodian shall have a continuing lien and
security interest in and to any property at any time held by the
Custodian in any Collateral Account described herein. In
accordance with applicable law, the Custodian may enforce its lien
and realize on any such property whenever the Custodian has made
payment or delivery pursuant to any Put Option guarantee letter or
similar document or any receipt issued hereunder by the Custodian.
In the event the Custodian should realize on any such property net
proceeds which are less than the Custodian's obligations under any
Put Option guarantee letter or similar document or any receipt,
such deficiency shall be a debt owed the Custodian by the Fund
within the scope of Article XIII herein.
5. On each business day, the Custodian shall furnish
the Fund with respect to each Series a statement with respect to
each Margin Account in which money or Securities are held
specifying as of the close of business on the previous business
day: (a) the name of the Margin Account; (b) the amount and kind
of Securities held therein; and (c) the amount of money held
therein. The Custodian shall make available upon request to any
broker, dealer or futures commission merchant specified in the
name of a Margin Account a copy of the statement furnished the
Fund with respect to such Margin Account.
6. Promptly after the close of business on each
business day in which cash and/or Securities are maintained in a
Collateral Account, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a
Statement with respect to such Collateral Account specifying the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities held
therein. No later than the close of business next succeeding the
delivery to the Fund of such statement, the Fund shall furnish to
the Custodian a Certificate or Written Instructions specifying the
then market value of the securities described in such statement.
In the event such then market value is indicated to be less than
the Custodian's obligation with respect to any outstanding Put
Option, guarantee letter or similar document, the Fund shall
promptly specify in a Certificate the additional cash and/or
Securities to be deposited in such Collateral Account to eliminate
such deficiency.
ARTICLE XI
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS
1. For each Series, the Fund shall furnish to the
Custodian a copy of the resolution of the Fund's Board, certified
by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, either (i) setting
forth the date of the declaration of a dividend or distribution,
the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount
payable per share to the shareholders of record as of that date
and the total amount payable to the Dividend Agent of the Fund on
the payment date, or (ii) authorizing the declaration of dividends
and distributions on a daily basis and authorizing the Custodian
to rely on Oral Instructions, Written Instructions or a
Certificate setting forth the date of the declaration of such
dividend or distribution, the date of payment thereof, the record
date as of which shareholders entitled to payment shall be
determined, the amount payable per share to the shareholders of
record as of that date and the total amount payable to the
Dividend Agent on the payment date.
2. Upon the payment date specified in such resolution,
Oral Instructions, Written Instructions or Certificate, as the
case may be, the Custodian shall pay out of the moneys held for
the account of the Series the total amount payable to the Dividend
Agent of the Fund.
ARTICLE XII
SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
1. Whenever the Fund shall sell any Series' Shares, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate duly specifying:
(a) The number of Shares sold, trade date, and price;
and
(b) The amount of money to be received by the Custodian
for the sale of such Shares.
2. Upon receipt of such money from the Transfer Agent,
the Custodian shall credit such money to the account of such
Series.
3. Upon issuance of any Series' Shares in accordance
with the foregoing provisions of this Article, the Custodian shall
pay, out of the money held for the account of such Series, all
original issue or other taxes required to be paid by the Fund for
the account of such Series in connection with such issuance upon
the receipt of a Certificate specifying the amount to be paid.
4. Except as provided hereinafter, whenever the Fund
shall hereafter redeem any Series' Shares, the Fund shall furnish
to the Custodian a Certificate specifying:
(a) The number of Shares redeemed; and
(b) The amount to be paid for the Shares redeemed.
5. Upon receipt from the Transfer Agent of an advice
setting forth the number of a Series' Shares received by the
Transfer Agent for redemption and that such Shares are valid and
in good form for redemption, the Custodian shall make payment to
the Transfer Agent out of the moneys held for the account of such
Series of the total amount specified in the Certificate issued
pursuant to the foregoing paragraph 4 of this Article.
6. Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding the
redemption of any of Series' Shares, whenever a Series' Shares are
redeemed pursuant to any check redemption privilege which may from
time to time be offered by the Fund, the Custodian, unless
otherwise instructed by a Certificate, shall, upon receipt of an
advice from the Fund or its agent setting forth that the
redemption is in good form for redemption in accordance with the
check redemption procedure, honor the check presented as part of
such check redemption privilege out of the money held in the
account of the Fund for such purposes.
ARTICLE XIII
OVERDRAFTS OR INDEBTEDNESS
1. If the Custodian should in its sole discretion
advance funds on behalf of a Series which results in an overdraft
because the moneys held by the Custodian for the account of such
Series shall be insufficient to pay the total amount payable upon
a purchase of Securities as set forth in a Certificate or Oral
Instructions issued pursuant to Article IV, or which results in an
overdraft in the account for such Series for some other reason, or
if a Series is for any other reason indebted to the Custodian
(except a borrowing for investment or for temporary or emergency
purposes using Securities as collateral pursuant to a separate
agreement and subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this
Article XIII), such overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed to
be a loan made by the Custodian to such Series payable on demand
and shall bear interest from the date incurred at a rate per annum
(based on a 360-day year for the actual number of days involved)
equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus l/2%, such rate to be
adjusted on the effective date of any change in such Federal Funds
Rate but in no event to be less than 6% per annum, except that any
overdraft resulting from an error by the Custodian shall bear no
interest. Any such overdraft or indebtedness shall be reduced by
an amount equal to the total of all amounts due such Series which
have not been collected by the Custodian on behalf of such Series
when due because of the failure of the Custodian to make timely
demand or presentment for payment. In addition, the Fund hereby
agrees that the Custodian shall have a continuing lien and
security interest in and to any property at any time held by it
for the benefit of such Series or in which such Series may have an
interest which is then in the Custodian's possession or control or
in possession or control of any third party acting in the
Custodian's behalf. The Fund authorizes the Custodian, in its
sole discretion, at any time to charge any such overdraft or
indebtedness together with interest due thereon against any
balance of account standing to such Series' credit on the
Custodian's books. For purposes of this Section 1 of
Article XIII, "overdraft" shall mean a negative Available Balance.
2. The Fund will cause to be delivered to the Custodian
by any bank (including, if the borrowing is pursuant to a separate
agreement, the Custodian) from which it borrows money for
investment or for temporary or emergency purposes using Securities
in a Series' portfolio as collateral for such borrowings, a notice
or undertaking in the form currently employed by any such bank
setting forth the amount which such bank will loan to the Fund
against delivery of a stated amount of collateral. The Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with
respect to each such borrowing: (a) the Series to which the
borrowing relates; (b) the name of the bank; (c) the amount and
terms of the borrowing, which may be set forth by incorporating by
reference an attached promissory note, duly endorsed by the Fund,
or other loan agreement; (d) the time and date, if known, on which
the loan is to be entered into; (e) the date on which the loan
becomes due and payable; (f) the total amount payable to the Fund
for the account of such Series on the borrowing date; (g) the
market value of Securities to be delivered as collateral for such
loan, including the name of the issuer, the title and the number
of shares or the principal amount of any particular Securities;
and (h) a statement specifying whether such loan is for investment
purposes or for temporary or emergency purposes and that such loan
is in conformance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and the Fund's prospectus. The Custodian shall deliver
on the borrowing date specified in a Certificate the specified
collateral and the executed promissory note, if any, against
delivery by the lending bank of the total amount of the loan
payable, provided that the same conforms to the total amount
payable as set forth in the Certificate. The Custodian may, at
the option of the lending bank, keep such collateral in its
possession, but such collateral shall be subject to all rights
therein given the lending bank by virtue of any promissory note or
loan agreement. The Custodian shall deliver such Securities as
additional collateral as may be specified in a Certificate to
collateralize further any transaction described in this paragraph.
The Fund shall cause all Securities released from collateral
status to be returned directly to the Custodian, and the Custodian
shall receive from time to time such return of collateral as may
be tendered to it. In the event that the Fund fails to specify in
a Certificate the Series, the name of the issuer, the title and
number of shares or the principal amount of any particular
Securities to be delivered as collateral by the Custodian, the
Custodian shall not be under any obligation to deliver any
Securities.
ARTICLE XIV
LOAN OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES OF THE FUND
1. If the Fund is permitted by the terms of its
organization documents and as disclosed in its most recent and
currently effective prospectus to lend the portfolio Securities of
a Series, within 24 hours after each loan of portfolio Securities
the Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to each such loan: (a) the
Series to which the Securities to be loaned are specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title of the
Securities; (c) the number of shares or the principal amount
loaned; (d) the date of loan and delivery; (e) the total amount to
be delivered to the Custodian against the loan of the Securities,
including the amount of cash collateral and the premium, if any,
separately identified; and (f) the name of the broker, dealer or
financial institution to which the loan was made. The Custodian
shall deliver the Securities thus designated to the broker, dealer
or financial institution to which the loan was made upon receipt
of the total amount designated as to be delivered against the loan
of Securities. The Custodian may accept payment in connection
with a delivery otherwise than through the Book-Entry System or
Depository only in the form of a certified or bank cashier's check
payable to the order of the Fund or the Custodian drawn on New
York Clearing House funds and may deliver Securities in accordance
with the customs prevailing among dealers in securities.
2. Promptly after each termination of the loan of
Securities by the Fund, the Fund shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect
to each such loan termination and return of Securities: (a) the
Series to which the Securities to be returned are specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title of the
Securities to be returned; (c) the number of shares or the
principal amount to be returned; (d) the date of termination; (e)
the total amount to be delivered by the Custodian (including the
cash collateral for such Securities minus any offsetting credits
as described in said Certificate); and (f) the name of the broker,
dealer or financial institution from which the Securities will be
returned. The Custodian shall receive all Securities returned
from the broker, dealer, or financial institution to which such
Securities were loaned and upon receipt thereof shall pay, out of
the moneys held for the account of the Series specified in the
Certificate, the total amount payable upon such return of
Securities as set forth in the Certificate.
ARTICLE XV
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
1. Except as hereinafter provided, neither the
Custodian nor its nominee shall be liable for any loss or damage,
including counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to
act or otherwise, either hereunder or under any Margin Account
Agreement, except for any such loss or damage arising out of its
own negligence or willful misconduct. The Custodian may, with
respect to questions of law arising hereunder or under any Margin
Account Agreement, apply for and obtain the advice and opinion of
counsel to the Fund or of its own counsel, at the expense of the
Fund, and shall be fully protected with respect to anything done
or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with such advice or
opinion. The Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss
or damage resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or any
Depository arising by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or
willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any of its
employees or agents.
2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Custodian shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and
shall not be liable for:
(a) The validity of the issue of any Securities
purchased, sold or written by or for the Fund, the legality of the
purchase, sale or writing thereof, or the propriety of the amount
paid or received therefor;
(b) The legality of the issue or sale of any of the
Fund's Shares, or the sufficiency of the amount to be received
therefor;
(c) The legality of the redemption of any of the Fund's
Shares, or the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
(d) The legality of the declaration or payment of any
dividend by the Fund;
(e) The legality of any borrowing by the Fund using
Securities as collateral;
(f) The legality of any loan of portfolio Securities
pursuant to Article XIV of this Agreement, nor shall the Custodian
be under any duty or obligation to see to it that any cash
collateral delivered to it by a broker, dealer or financial
institution or held by it at any time as a result of such loan of
portfolio Securities of the Fund is adequate collateral for the
Fund against any loss it might sustain as a result of such loan.
The Custodian specifically, but not by way of limitation, shall
not be under any duty or obligation periodically to check or
notify the Fund that the amount of such cash collateral held by it
for the Fund is sufficient collateral for the Fund, but such duty
or obligation shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund. In
addition, the Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to
see that any broker, dealer or financial institution to which
portfolio Securities of the Fund are lent pursuant to Article XIV
of this Agreement makes payment to it of any dividends or interest
which are payable to or for the account of the applicable Series
of the Fund during the period of such loan or at the termination
of such loan, provided, however, that the Custodian shall promptly
notify the Fund in the event that such dividends or interest are
not paid and received when due; or
(g) The sufficiency or value of any amounts of money
and/or Securities held in any Margin Account, Segregated Security
Account or Collateral Account in connection with transactions by
the Fund. In addition, the Custodian shall be under no duty or
obligation to see that any broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member makes payment to the Fund of any
variation margin payment or similar payment which the Fund may be
entitled to receive from such broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member, to see that any payment received by
the Custodian from any broker, dealer, futures commission merchant
or Clearing Member is the amount the Fund is entitled to receive,
or to notify the Fund of the Custodian's receipt or non-receipt of
any such payment; provided however that the Custodian, upon the
Fund's written request, shall, as Custodian, demand from any
broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member
identified by the Fund the payment of any variation margin payment
or similar payment that the Fund asserts it is entitled to receive
pursuant to the terms of a Margin Account Agreement or otherwise
from such broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing
Member.
3. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered
to be the Custodian of, any money, whether or not represented by
any check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money,
received by it on behalf of the Fund until the Custodian actually
receives and collects such money directly or by the final
crediting of the account representing the Fund's interest at the
Book-Entry System or the Depository.
4. The Custodian shall have no responsibility and shall
not be liable for ascertaining or acting upon any calls,
conversions, exchange, offers, tenders, interest rate changes or
similar matters relating to Securities held in the Depository,
unless the Custodian shall have actually received timely notice
from the Depository. In no event shall the Custodian have any
responsibility or liability for the failure of the Depository to
collect, or for the late collection or late crediting by the
Depository of any amount payable upon Securities deposited in the
Depository which may mature or be redeemed, retired, called or
otherwise become payable. However, upon receipt of a Certificate
from the Fund of an overdue amount on Securities held in the
Depository, the Custodian shall make a claim against the
Depository on behalf of the Fund, except that the Custodian shall
not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any
action, suit or proceeding in respect to any Securities held by
the Depository which in its opinion may involve it in expense or
liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense
and liability be furnished as often as may be required.
5. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or
obligation to take action to effect collection of any amount due
to the Fund from the Transfer Agent of the Fund nor to take any
action to effect payment or distribution by the Transfer Agent of
the Fund of any amount paid by the Custodian to the Transfer Agent
of the Fund in accordance with this Agreement.
6. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or
obligation to take action to effect collection of any amount, if
the Securities upon which such amount is payable are in default,
or if payment is refused after due demand or presentation, unless
and until (i) it shall be directed to take such action by a
Certificate and (ii) it shall be assured to its satisfaction of
reimbursement of its costs and expenses in connection with any
such action.
7. The Custodian may appoint one or more banking
institutions as Depository or Depositories or as Sub-Custodian or
Sub-Custodians, including, but not limited to, banking
institutions located in foreign countries, of Securities and
moneys at any time owned by the Fund, upon terms and conditions
approved in the Certificate, which shall, if requested by the
Custodian, be accompanied by an approving resolution of the Fund's
Board adopted in accordance with Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, the Custodian shall hold
harmless and indemnify the Fund from and against any losses,
actions, claims, demands, expenses and proceedings, including
counsel fees, that occur as a result of any act or omission of any
Foreign Sub-Custodian or Depository with respect to the
safekeeping of moneys and securities of the Fund.
8. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or
obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time
delivered to or held by it for the account of the Fund are such as
properly may be held by the Fund under the provisions of its
organization documents.
9. (a) The Custodian shall be entitled to receive and
the Fund agrees to pay to the Custodian all reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses and such compensation and fees as are specified on
Schedule A hereto. The Custodian shall not deem amounts payable
in respect of foreign custodial services to be out-of-pocket
expenses, it being the parties' intention that all fees for such
services shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereto and shall be
provided for the term of this Agreement without any automatic or
unilateral increase. The Custodian shall have the right to
unilaterally increase the figures on Schedule A on or after
March 1, 1996 and on or after each succeeding March 1 thereafter
by an amount equal to 50% of the increase in the Consumer Price
Index for the calendar year ending on the December 31 immediately
preceding the calendar year in which such March 1 occurs,
provided, however, that during each such annual period commencing
on a March 1, the aggregate increase during such period shall not
be in excess of 10%. Any increase by the Custodian shall be
specified in a written notice delivered to the Fund at least
thirty days prior to the effective date of the increase. The
Custodian may charge such compensation and any expenses incurred
by the Custodian in the performance of its duties pursuant to such
agreement against any money held by it for the account of the
Fund. The Custodian shall also be entitled to charge against any
money held by it for the account of the Fund the amount of any
loss, damage, liability or expense, including counsel fees, for
which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the provisions
of this Agreement. The expenses which the Custodian may charge
against the account of the Fund include, but are not limited to,
the expenses of Sub-Custodians and foreign branches of the
Custodian incurred in settling outside of New York City
transactions involving the purchase and sale of Securities of the
Fund.
(b) The Fund shall receive a credit for each
calendar month against such compensation and fees of the Custodian
as may be payable by the Fund with respect to such calendar month
in an amount equal to the aggregate of its Earnings Credit for
such calendar month. In no event may any Earnings Credits be
carried forward to any fiscal year other than the fiscal year in
which it was earned, or, unless permitted by applicable law,
transferred to, or utilized by, any other person or entity,
provided that any such transferred Earnings Credit can be used
only to offset compensation and fees of the Custodian for services
rendered to such transferee and cannot be used to pay the
Custodian's out-of-pocket expenses. For purposes of this sub-
section (b), the Fund is permitted to transfer Earnings Credits
only to The Dreyfus Corporation, its affiliates and/or any
investment company now or in the future for which The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates acts as the sole investment
adviser. For purposes of this sub-section (b), a fiscal year
shall mean the twelve-month period commencing on the effective
date of this Agreement and on each anniversary thereof.
10. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
Certificate, notice or other instrument in writing received by the
Custodian and reasonably believed by the Custodian to be a
Certificate. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
Oral Instructions and any Written Instructions actually received
by the Custodian pursuant to Article IV or XI hereof. The Fund
agrees to forward to the Custodian a Certificate or facsimile
thereof, confirming such Oral Instructions or Written Instructions
in such manner so that such Certificate or facsimile thereof is
received by the Custodian, whether by hand delivery, telex or
otherwise, by the close of business of the same day that such Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions are given to the Custodian.
The Fund agrees that the fact that such confirming instructions
are not received by the Custodian shall in no way affect the
validity of the transactions or enforceability of the transactions
hereby authorized by the Fund. The Fund agrees that the Custodian
shall incur no liability to the Fund in acting upon Oral
Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning such
transactions, provided such instructions reasonably appear to have
been received from an Authorized Person.
11. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
instrument, instruction or notice received by the Custodian and
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be given in accordance
with the terms and conditions of any Margin Account Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian
shall be under no duty to inquire into, and shall not be liable
for, the accuracy of any statements or representations contained
in any such instrument or other notice including, without
limitation, any specification of any amount to be paid to a
broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member.
12. The books and records pertaining to the Fund which
are in the possession of the Custodian shall be the property of
the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared and maintained
as required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and
other applicable securities laws and rules and regulations. The
Fund, or the Fund's authorized representatives, shall have access
to such books and records during the Custodian's normal business
hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any
such books and records shall be provided by the Custodian to the
Fund or the Fund's authorized representative at the Fund's
expense.
13. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the system of internal
accounting control of the Book-Entry System or the Depository, or
O.C.C., and with such reports on its own systems of internal
accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to
time.
14. The Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian against
and save the Custodian harmless from all liability, claims, losses
and demands whatsoever, including attorney's fees, howsoever
arising or incurred because of or in connection with the
Custodian's payment or non-payment of checks pursuant to paragraph
6 of Article XII as part of any check redemption privilege program
of the Fund, except for any such liability, claim, loss and demand
arising out of the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct.
15. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this
Agreement, the Custodian may deliver and receive Securities, and
receipts with respect to such Securities, and arrange for payments
to be made and received by the Custodian in accordance with the
customs prevailing from time to time among brokers or dealers in
such Securities.
16. The Custodian shall have no duties or responsi-
bilities whatsoever except such duties and responsibilities as are
specifically set forth in this Agreement, and no covenant or
obligation shall be implied in this Agreement against the
Custodian.
ARTICLE XVI
TERMINATION
1. (a) Any termination may be effected only by the
terminating party giving to the other party a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less
than two hundred seventy (270) days after the date of giving of
such notice.
(b) The Fund may at any time terminate this
Agreement if the Custodian has materially breached its obligations
under this Agreement and such breach has remained uncured for a
period of thirty days after the Custodian's receipt from the Fund
of written notice specifying such breach.
(c) Either party, immediately upon written notice
to the other party, may terminate this Agreement upon the Merger
or Bankruptcy of the other party.
(d) The Fund may at any time terminate this
Agreement if the Custodian has materially breached its obligations
under the "Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreements" dated August
18, 1989 and has not cured such breach as promptly as practicable
and in any event within seven days of its receipt of written
notice of such breach, provided that the Custodian shall not be
permitted to cure any such material breach arising from the
willful misconduct of the Custodian.
In the event notice of termination is given by the Fund,
it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Fund's
Board, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary,
electing to terminate this Agreement and designating a successor
custodian or custodians, each of which shall be a bank or trust
company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus
and undivided profits. In the event notice of termination is
given by the Custodian, the Fund shall, on or before the
termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution
of its Board, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary, designating a successor custodian or custodians. In
the absence of such designation by the Fund, the Custodian may
designate a successor custodian which shall be a bank or trust
company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus
and undivided profits. Upon the date set forth in such notice,
this Agreement shall terminate and the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on
that date deliver directly to the successor custodian all
Securities and moneys then owned by the Fund and held by it as
Custodian, after deducting all fees, expenses and other amounts
for the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be
entitled.
2. If a successor custodian is not designated by the
Fund or the Custodian in accordance with the preceding paragraph,
the Fund shall, upon the date specified in the notice of
termination of this Agreement and upon the delivery by the
Custodian of all Securities (other than Securities held in the
Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to the Fund) and
moneys then owned by the Fund, be deemed to be its own custodian,
and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all duties and
responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty
with respect to Securities held in the Book-Entry System, in any
Depository or by a Clearing Member which cannot be delivered to
the Fund, to hold such Securities hereunder in accordance with
this Agreement.
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Annexed hereto as Appendix A is a Certificate
setting forth the names of the present Authorized Persons. The
Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian a new Certificate in
similar form in the event that any such present Authorized Person
ceases to be an Authorized Person or in the event that other or
additional Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until
such new Certificate shall be received, the Custodian shall be
fully protected in acting under the provisions of this Agreement
upon Oral Instructions or signatures of the present Authorized
Persons as set forth in the last delivered Certificate.
2. Annexed hereto as Appendix B is a Certificate signed
by two of the present Officers of the Fund setting forth the names
of the present Officers of the Fund. The Fund agrees to furnish
to the Custodian a new Certificate in similar form in the event
any such present Officer ceases to be an Officer of the Fund, or
in the event that other or additional Officers are elected or
appointed. Until such new Certificate shall be received, the
Custodian shall be fully protected in acting under the provisions
of this Agreement upon the signatures of the Officers as set forth
in the last delivered Certificate.
3. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the
Custodian, shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the
Custodian and mailed or delivered to it at its offices at 00
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, or at
such other place as the Custodian may from time to time designate
in writing.
4. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Fund,
shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Fund and mailed or
delivered to it at its offices at 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000, or at such other place as the Fund
may from time to time designate in writing.
5. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any
manner except by a written agreement executed by both parties with
the same formality as this Agreement and approved by a resolution
of the Fund's Board.
6. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding
upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be
assignable by the Fund without the written consent of the
Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written consent of the
Fund, authorized or approved by a resolution of its Board.
7. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.
8. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but
such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
9. This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the
Fund by the undersigned officer of the Fund. The obligations of
this Agreement shall only be binding upon the assets and property
of the Fund and shall not be binding upon any trustee, officer or
shareholder of the Fund individually.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their respective officers, thereunto
duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
PREMIER STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
By:
Attest:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By:
Attest:
Appendix A
PREMIER STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES:
CASH ACCOUNT AND/OR CUSTODIAN ACCOUNT
FOR PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Group I Group II
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx., Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx X. Xxxx Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Cash Account
1. Fees payable to The Bank of New York pursuant to written
agreement with the Fund for services rendered in its capacity
as Custodian or agent of the Fund, or to The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. in its capacity as Transfer Agent or agent
of the Fund:
Two (2) signatures required, one of which must be from
Group II, except that no individual shall be authorized to
sign more than once.
2. Other expenses of the Fund, $5,000 and under:
Any combination of two (2) signatures from either Group I
or Group II, or both such Groups, except that no
individual shall be authorized to sign more than once.
3. Other expenses of the Fund, over $5,000 but not over $25,000:
Two (2) signatures required, one of which must be from
Group II, except that no individual shall be authorized to
sign more than once.
4. Other expenses of the Fund, over $25,000:
Two (2) signatures required, one from Group I or Group II,
including any one of the following: Xxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx.,
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
or Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, except that no individual shall be
authorized to sign more than once.
Custodian Account for Portfolio Securities Transactions
Two (2) signatures required from any of the following:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, Xxxx X. Xxxxx,
Xx., Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx, Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx X'Xxxx and Xxxx
Xxxxxxx.
Appendix B
PREMIER STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
The undersigned Officers of the Fund do hereby certify
that the following individuals, whose specimen signatures are on
file with The Bank of New York, have been duly elected or appointed
by the Fund's Board to the position set forth opposite their names
and have qualified therefor:
Name Position
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx President and Treasurer
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx Vice President and Secretary
Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxx Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Vice President and Assistant
Secretary
Xxxxxx X. Tower, III Assistant Treasurer
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx Assistant Treasurer
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx Assistant Secretary
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx,
Vice President Assistant Secretary
Appendix C
The following are designated publications for purposes of
paragraph 5(b) of Article III:
The Bond Buyer
Depository Trust Company Notices
Financial Daily Card Service
The New York Times
Standard & Poor's Called Bond Record
The Wall Street Journal
Appendix D
Name of Series
Schedule A
The fees payable to the Custodian with respect to
securities held in domestic custody are annexed hereto.
PREMIER STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
Domestic Custody Fees
Basic Fee: 1/100 of 1% per annum of the first $500,000,000, and
1/200 of 1% of the excess over $500,000,000 per annum
of the total market value of domestic securities
held.
Custodial Transactions:
$8.00 per transaction for each receipt and delivery
of book entry securities through DTC/FRB.
$20.00 per transaction for physical settlements,
municipal sub-custodian settlements, writing options
(preparation of depository or escrow receipts) and
initial futures transactions.
$5.00 for futures variation margin maintenance.
$7.00 for P&I paydowns.
$10.00 for GNMA PTC settlements.
$200.00 for the collection of interest on securities
held in "street name".
Schedule B
The fees payable to the Custodian with respect to
securities held in foreign custody are as set forth in a letter
dated January 13, 1995 from Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx of The Bank of New York
to Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxx, a copy of which is attached hereto.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
January 13, 1995
Xx. Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxx
Assistant Treasurer
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Re: Global Custody Fees
Dear Xxxx:
This letter is an update of my September 21, 1993 global
custody fee schedule letter addressed to Xx. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx for the
Dreyfus Family of Funds.
Safekeeping charges and transaction fees will be applied
per country, as indicated in the attached schedule.
Warmest regards.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Senior Vice President
JPI/nd
Enclosure
GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE PROPOSAL
THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS
AUSTRALIA MEXICO (BONDS)
CANADA NETHERLANDS
FRANCE NEW ZEALAND
GERMANY SWEDEN
IRELAND SWITZERLAND
JAPAN
SAFEKEEPING FEE
12 b.p. PER ANNUM ON FIRST 250MM MARKET VALUE OF ASSETS
10 b.p. PER ANNUM ON NEXT 500MM
8 b.p. PER ANNUM ON EXCESS
TRANSACTION FEE
$50 FOR EACH TRANSACTION
CEDEL
SAFEKEEPING FEE
5 b.p. PER ANNUM ON MARKET VALUE OF ASSETS HELD
TRANSACTION FEE
$25 FOR EACH TRANSACTION
GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE PROPOSAL
THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS
SAFEKEEPING TRANSACTIONS
ARGENTINA 30 b.p. $ 75
AUSTRIA 8 b.p. 60
BANGLADESH 40 b.p. 000
XXXXXXX 8 b.p. 75
BRAZIL * 45 b.p. 75
CHILE 35 b.p. 90
CHINA 25 b.p. 50
COLUMBIA 45 x.x. 000
XXXXX XXXXXXXX 50 b.p. 55
DENMARK 15 b.p. 75
XXXXXXX 00 x.x. 00
XXXXXX
Bond 25 b.p. 30
Equity 50 b.p. 450
HONG KONG 15 b.p. 100
HUNGARY 5 b.p. 75
INDIA 45 b.p. 125
INDONESIA 15 b.p. 75
ISRAEL 65 b.p. 45
ITALY 18 b.p. 75
KOREA 12.5 b.p. 25
LUXEMBOURG 6.5 b.p. 75
MALAYSIA 15 b.p. 100
MEXICO (EQUITIES) 25 b.p. 00
XXXXXX 00 x.x. 000
XXXXXXXX 40 b.p. 150
PERU 65 b.p. 000
XXXXXXXXXXX 12.5 b.p. 150
POLAND 50 b.p. 150
PORTUGAL 25 b.p. 220
SINGAPORE 15 b.p. 000
XXXXX XXXXXX 12.5 b.p. 000
XXXXX 0 x.x. 00
XXX XXXXX 20 b.p. 60
TAIWAN 15 b.p. 150
THAILAND 18 b.p. 95
TURKEY 25 b.p. 60
UNITED KINGDOM 8 b.p. 50
URUGUAY ** 55 b.p. 75
VENEZUELA 45 b.p. 75
* Includes Local Administrator.
** $4,000 Per Year, Per Account.
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
TELEX, TELEPHONE, SECURITIES REGISTRATION, ETC., ARE IN ADDITION TO
THE ABOVE.
