Exhibit 8(a)
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of: December 1, 1994
Between
Each of the Investment Companies
Listed on Appendix "A" Attached Hereto
and
The Bank of New York
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE
Page
I. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN 1
II. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN 1
2.01 Safekeeping 1
2.02 Manner of Holding Securities 1
2.03 Security Purchases 2
2.04 Exchanges of Securities 2
2.05 Sales of Securities 3
2.06 Depositary Receipts 3
2.07 Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers 3
2.08 Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. 3
2.09 Options 4
2.10 Futures Contracts 4
2.11 Borrowing 4
2.12 Interest Bearing Deposits 5
2.13 Foreign Exchange Transactions 5
2.14 Securities Loans 5
2.15 Collections 6
2.16 Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions 6
2.17 Proceeds from Shares Sold 6
2.18 Proxies, Notices, Etc. 6
2.19 Bills and Other Disbursements 7
2.20 Nondiscretionary Functions 7
2.21 Bank Accounts 7
2.22 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems 7
2.23 Other Transfers 8
2.24 Establishment of Segregated Account 9
2.25 Custodian's Books and Records . 9
2.26 Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public
Accountants 9
2.27 Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants 10
2.28 Overdraft Facility 10
III. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS 10
3.01 Proper Instructions and Special Instructions 10
3.02 Authorized Persons 11
3.03 Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios 11
3.04 Actions of the Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions 11
i
IV. SUBCUSTODIANS 11
4.01 Domestic Subcustodians 12
4.02 Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians 12
4.03 Special Subcustodians 13
4.04 Termination of a Subcustodian 13
4.05 Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians 13
V. STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION 14
5.01 Standard of Care 14
5.02 Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons 15
5.03 Indemnification 15
5.04 Investment Limitations 16
5.05 Fund's Right to Proceed 16
VI. COMPENSATION 17
VII. TERMINATION 17
7.01 Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds 17
7.02 Termination as to One or More Portfolios 18
VIII. DEFINED TERMS 18
IX. MISCELLANEOUS 19
9.01 Execution of Documents, Etc 19
9.02 Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations 19
9.03 Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios 19
9.04 Representations and Warranties 19
9.05 Entire Agreement 20
9.06 Waivers and Amendments 20
9.07 Interpretation 20
9.08 Captions 20
9.09 Governing Law 20
9.10 Notices 21
IX. MISCELLANEOUS 21
9.11 Assignment 21
9.12 Counterparts 21
9.13 Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations 21
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APPENDICES
Appendix "A" - List of Funds and Portfolios
Appendix "B" - List of Additional Custodians,
Special Subcustodians and Foreign Subcustodians
Appendix "C" - Procedures Relating to
Custodian's Security Interest
iii
FORM OF
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of December, 1994 between each of the
Investment Companies Listed on Appendix "A" hereto, as the same may be
amended from time to time (each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds") and
The Bank of New York (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, each Fund is or may be organized with one or more series of
shares, each of which shall represent an interest in a separate portfolio
of cash, securities and other assets (all such existing and additional
series now or hereafter listed on Appendix "A" being hereinafter referred
to individually, as a "Portfolio," and collectively, as the "Portfolios");
and
WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on behalf
of each of its Portfolios in accordance with the provisions of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules
and regulations thereunder, under the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, and the Custodian has agreed so to act as custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund hereby employs and appoints
the Custodian as a custodian, subject to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement. Each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, or shall cause to be
delivered to the Custodian, cash, securities and other assets owned by each
of its Portfolios from time to time during the term of this Agreement and
shall specify to which of its Portfolios such cash, securities and other
assets are to be specifically allocated.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and duties
set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance with Article
IV hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more Subcustodians (as
hereinafter defined) to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
Custodian set forth in this Article II and references to the Custodian in
this Article II shall include any Subcustodian so appointed.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping. The Custodian shall keep safely all cash,
securities and other assets of each Fund's Portfolios delivered to the
Custodian and, on behalf of such Portfolios, the Custodian shall, from time
to time, accept delivery of cash, securities and other assets for
safekeeping.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities.
(a) The Custodian shall at all times hold securities of each Fund's
Portfolios either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or
other instruments representing such securities in registered or bearer
form; or (ii) in book-entry form by a Securities System (as hereinafter
defined) in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22 below.
(b) The Custodian shall at all times hold registered securities of each
Portfolio in the name of the Custodian, the Portfolio or a nominee of
either of them, unless specifically directed by Proper Instructions to hold
such registered securities in so-called street name; provided that, in any
event, all such securities and other assets shall be held in an account of
the Custodian containing only assets of a Portfolio, or only assets held by
the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for customers; and provided
further, that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the
Portfolio or other customer for which such securities and other assets are
held in such account and the respective interests therein.
Section 2.03. Security Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions
(as hereinafter defined), the Custodian shall pay for and receive
securities purchased for the account of a Portfolio, provided that payment
shall be made by the Custodian only upon receipt of the securities: (a) by
the Custodian; (b) by a clearing corporation of a national securities
exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) by a Securities System.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon receipt of Proper Instructions: (i) in
the case of a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a
Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System
that the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been
transferred by book-entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined)
maintained with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System require that the
Securities System may make payment of such funds to the other party to the
repurchase agreement only upon transfer by book-entry of the securities
underlying the repurchase agreement into the Account; (ii) in the case of
time deposits, call account deposits, currency deposits, and other
deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or options,
pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13 hereof, the Custodian may
make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or confirmation
evidencing said deposit or entry into such transaction; (iii) in the case
of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of
the United States of America, the Custodian may make payment therefor and
receive delivery of such securities in accordance with local custom and
practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter
defined) in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events
subject to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; and (iv) in
the case of the purchase of securities in which, in accordance with
standard industry custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional
Clients with respect to such securities, the receipt of such securities and
the payment therefor take place in different countries, the Custodian may
receive delivery of such securities and make payment therefor in accordance
with standard industry custom and practice for such securities generally
accepted by Institutional Clients, but in all events subject to the
standard of care set forth in Article V hereof. For purposes of this
Agreement, an "Institutional Client" shall mean a major commercial bank,
corporation, insurance company, or substantially similar institution,
which, as a substantial part of its business operations, purchases or sells
securities and makes use of custodial services.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for the
account of a Portfolio for other securities in connection with any
reorganization, recapitalization, split-up of shares, change of par value,
conversion or other event relating to the securities or the issuer of such
securities, and shall deposit any such securities in accordance with the
terms of any reorganization or protective plan. The Custodian shall,
without receiving Proper Instructions: surrender securities in temporary
form for definitive securities; surrender securities for transfer into the
name of the Custodian, a Portfolio or a nominee of either of them, as
permitted by Section 2.02(b); and surrender securities for a different
number of certificates or instruments representing the same number of
shares or same principal amount of indebtedness, provided that the
securities to be issued will be delivered to the Custodian or a nominee of
the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which have been sold for
the account of a Portfolio, but only against payment therefor in the form
of: (a) cash, certified check, bank cashier's check, bank credit, or bank
wire transfer; (b) credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing
corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a
member; or (c) credit to the Account of the Custodian with a Securities
System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22 hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the case of the sale of securities,
the settlement of which occurs outside of the United States of America,
such securities shall be delivered and paid for in accordance with local
custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients in the
country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the
standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; (ii) in the case of the
sale of securities in which, in accordance with standard industry custom
and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients with respect to
such securities, the delivery of such securities and receipt of payment
therefor take place in different countries, the Custodian may deliver such
securities and receive payment therefor in accordance with standard
industry custom and practice for such securities generally accepted by
Institutional Clients, but in all events subject to the standard of care
set forth in Article V hereof; and (iii) in the case of securities held in
physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with "street delivery custom" to a broker or its clearing agent,
against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such securities,
provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure
prompt collection of the payment for, or the return of, such securities by
the broker or its clearing agent, and provided further that the Custodian
shall not be responsible for the selection of or the failure or inability
to perform of such broker or its clearing agent.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall surrender securities to the depositary used for such
securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively, as "ADRs"),
against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities
and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the depositary has
acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such
securities in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for
delivery to the Custodian at such place as the Custodian may from time to
time designate. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall
surrender ADRs to the issuer thereof, against a written receipt therefor
adequately describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence
satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer of the ADRs has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to cause its depository to deliver the securities
underlying such ADRs to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls,
rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to the
agent of such issuer or trustee, for the purpose of exercise or sale,
provided that the new securities, cash or other assets, if any, acquired as
a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b)
deposit securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the
consideration for such securities is to be paid or delivered to the
Custodian, or the tendered securities are to be returned to the Custodian.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the
Custodian shall take all necessary action, unless otherwise directed to the
contrary in Proper Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory
or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of
security ownership, and shall promptly notify each applicable Fund of such
action in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such
Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. The Custodian shall receive
and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature and,
upon receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with respect to the same
as directed in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian, any
registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, a Fund on behalf of any
applicable Portfolio relating to compliance with the rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities exchange or
similar organization(s), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain
confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the purchase or
writing of an option on a security or securities index by the applicable
Portfolio; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account, securities
(either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System), cash or other
assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer such securities, cash or other
assets in accordance with notices or other communications evidencing the
expiration, termination or exercise of such options furnished by the
Options Clearing Corporation, the securities or options exchange on which
such options are traded, or such other organization as may be responsible
for handling such option transactions. Each Fund, on behalf of its
applicable Portfolios, and the broker-dealer shall be responsible for the
sufficiency of assets held in any segregated account established in
compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the
performance of other terms of any option contract.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, or
pursuant to the provisions of any futures margin procedural agreement among
a Fund, on behalf of any applicable Portfolio, the Custodian and any
futures commission merchant (a "Procedural Agreement"), the Custodian
shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any, evidencing the
purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract
by the applicable Portfolio; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated
account, cash, securities and other assets designated as initial,
maintenance or variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the
applicable Portfolio's performance of its obligations under any futures
contracts purchased or sold or any options on futures contracts written by
the Portfolio, in accordance with the provisions of any Procedural
Agreement designed to comply with the rules of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract market (such
as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s), regarding
such margin deposits; and (c) release assets from and/or transfer assets
into such margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural
Agreements. Each Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolios, and such
futures commission merchant shall be responsible for the sufficiency of
assets held in the segregated account in compliance with applicable margin
maintenance requirements and the performance of any futures contract or
option on a futures contract in accordance with its terms.
Section 2.11. Borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver securities of a Portfolio to lenders or their
agents, or otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by the
applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio and the Custodian, as
collateral for borrowings effected by such Portfolio, provided that such
borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the Custodian's
order, as Custodian for such Portfolio, and (b) concurrently with delivery
of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase
interest bearing fixed term and call deposits (hereinafter referred to
collectively, as "Interest Bearing Deposits") for the account of a
Portfolio, the Custodian shall purchase such Interest Bearing Deposits in
the name of the Portfolio with such banks or trust companies (including the
Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or affiliate of the
Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as "Banking Institutions") and in such
amounts as the applicable Fund may direct pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Such Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other
currencies, as the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio may determine
and direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall include in
its records with respect to the assets of each Portfolio appropriate
notation as to the amount and currency of each such Interest Bearing Bank
Deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and all other appropriate
details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing such
account, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each Fund for
Interest Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodian's books in the United
States on behalf of the Fund's Portfolios shall be that of a U.S. bank for
a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing Deposits other than
those accepted on the Custodian's books, (a) the Custodian shall be
responsible for the collection of income as set forth in Section 2.15 and
the transmission of cash and instructions to and from such accounts; and
(b) the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the
Banking Institution or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with
Proper Instructions, for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay
upon demand. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall take
such reasonable actions as the applicable Fund deems necessary or
appropriate to cause each such Interest Bearing Deposit Account to be
insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers
including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13. Foreign Exchange Transactions
(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other Than as Principal. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange
contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and
future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Portfolio with such
currency brokers or Banking Institutions as the applicable Fund may
determine and direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall
be responsible for the transmission of cash and instructions to and from
the currency broker or Banking Institution with which the contract or
option is made, the safekeeping of all certificates and other documents and
agreements evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions and
the maintenance of proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The
Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the currency
brokers or Banking Institutions with which a Fund deals on behalf of its
Portfolios or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper
Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions to
comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall not be
obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as principal.
However, if the Custodian has made available to a Fund its services as a
principal in foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into foreign exchange contracts or
options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future
delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Portfolio of such Fund with
the Custodian as principal. The Custodian shall be responsible for the
selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions and the failure
of such currency brokers or Banking Institutions to comply with the terms
of any contract or option.
(c) Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a
foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form
of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of
such foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue
currency completing such contract has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall, in connection with loans of securities by a Portfolio,
deliver securities of such Portfolio to the borrower thereof prior to
receipt of the collateral, if any, for such borrowing; provided that, in
cases of loans of securities secured by cash collateral, the Custodian's
instructions to the Securities System shall require that the Securities
System deliver the securities of the Portfolio to the borrower thereof only
upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing.
Section 2.15. Collections. The Custodian shall, and shall cause any
Subcustodian to: (a) collect amounts due and payable to each Fund with
respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each of such Fund's
Portfolios; (b) promptly credit to the account of each applicable Portfolio
all income and other payments relating to portfolio securities and other
assets held by the Custodian hereunder upon Custodian's receipt of such
income or payments or as otherwise agreed in writing by the Custodian and
the applicable Fund; (c) promptly endorse and deliver any instruments
required to effect such collections; (d) promptly execute ownership and
other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state and foreign tax
purposes in connection with receipt of income, capital gains or other
payments with respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each
applicable Portfolio, or in connection with the purchase, sale or transfer
of such securities or other assets; and (e) promptly file any certificates
or other affidavits for the refund or reclaim of foreign taxes paid, and
promptly notify each applicable Fund of any changes to law, interpretative
rulings or procedures regarding such reclaims, and otherwise use all
available measures customarily used to minimize the imposition of foreign
taxes at source, and promptly inform each applicable Fund of alternative
means of minimizing such taxes of which the Custodian shall become aware
(or with the exercise of reasonable care should have become aware);
provided, however, that with respect to portfolio securities registered in
so-called street name, the Custodian shall use its best efforts to collect
amounts due and payable to each Fund with respect to its Portfolios. The
Custodian shall promptly notify each applicable Fund in writing by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as each such Fund and the
Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with respect to
portfolio securities or other assets of the Portfolios of such Fund(s) is
not received by the Custodian when due. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to
portfolio securities or other assets that are in default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions. The Custodian
shall promptly release funds or securities: (a) upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts designated by the
applicable Fund or Funds in such Proper Instructions; or (b) upon receipt
of Special Instructions, as otherwise directed by the applicable Fund or
Funds, for the purpose of the payment of dividends or other distributions
to shareholders of each applicable Portfolio, and payment to shareholders
who have requested repurchase or redemption of their shares of the
Portfolio(s) (collectively, the "Shares"). For purposes of this Agreement,
a "Distribution Account" shall mean an account established at a Banking
Institution designated by the applicable Fund on behalf of one or more of
its Portfolios in Special Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold. The Custodian shall receive
funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from
time to time by the Funds, and shall promptly credit such funds to the
account(s) of the applicable Portfolio(s). The Custodian shall promptly
notify each applicable Fund of Custodian's receipt of cash in payment for
Shares issued by such Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds
received by the Custodian in payment for Shares in payment for such
investments as may be set forth in such Proper Instructions and at a time
agreed upon between the Custodian and the applicable Fund; and (b) make
federal funds available to the applicable Fund as of specified times agreed
upon from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian, in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are deposited to the
accounts of each applicable Portfolio.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc. The Custodian shall deliver to each
applicable Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable, all forms of
proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or announcements
affecting or relating to securities owned by one or more of the applicable
Fund's Portfolios that are received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or
any nominee of either of them, and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall execute and deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or
nominee to execute and deliver, such proxies or other authorizations as may
be required. Except as directed pursuant to Proper Instructions, neither
the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee shall vote upon any such
securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or
take any other action with respect thereto.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all bills,
statements, or other obligations of each Portfolio.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions. The Custodian shall attend to
all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities or other
assets of each Portfolio held by the Custodian, except as otherwise
directed from time to time pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Section 2.21. Bank Accounts
(a) Accounts with the Custodian and any Subcustodians. The Custodian shall
open and operate a bank account or accounts (hereinafter referred to
collectively, as "Bank Accounts") on the books of the Custodian or any
Subcustodian provided that such account(s) shall be in the name of the
Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for the account of a Portfolio,
and shall be subject only to the draft or order of the Custodian; provided
however, that such Bank Accounts in countries other than the United States
may be held in an account of the Custodian containing only assets held by
the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for customers, and provided
further, that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the
Portfolio or other customer for which such securities and other assets are
held in such account and the respective interests therein. Such Bank
Accounts may be denominated in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies.
The responsibilities of the Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits
accepted on the Custodian's books in the United States shall be that of a
U.S. bank for a similar deposit. The responsibilities of the Custodian to
each applicable Fund for deposits accepted on any Subcustodian's books
shall be governed by the provisions of Section 5.02.
(b) Accounts With Other Banking Institutions. The Custodian may open and
operate Bank Accounts on behalf of a Portfolio, in the name of the
Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, at a Banking Institution other
than the Custodian or any Subcustodian, provided that such account(s) shall
be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for the
account of a Portfolio, and shall be subject only to the draft or order of
the Custodian; provided however, that such Bank Accounts may be held in an
account of the Custodian containing only assets held by the Custodian as a
fiduciary or custodian for customers, and provided further, that the
records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or other
customer for which such securities and other assets are held in such
account and the respective interests therein. Such Bank Accounts may be
denominated in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies. Subject to the
provisions of Section 5.01(a), the Custodian shall be responsible for the
selection of the Banking Institution and for the failure of such Banking
Institution to pay according to the terms of the deposit.
(c) Deposit Insurance. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian
shall take such reasonable actions as the applicable Fund deems necessary
or appropriate to cause each deposit account established by the Custodian
pursuant to this Section 2.21 to be insured to the maximum extent possible
by all applicable deposit insurers including, without limitation, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by a
Portfolio in: (a) The Depository Trust Company; (b) the Participants Trust
Company; (c) any book-entry system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury
Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306.115, (ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular
Public Debt Series Xx. 00-00, 00 XXX 350.2, or (iii) the book-entry
regulations of federal agencies substantially in the form of 31 CFR
306.115; or (d) any other domestic clearing agency registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to serve in the capacity of depository
or clearing agent for the securities or other assets of investment
companies) which acts as a securities depository and the use of which each
applicable Fund has previously approved by Special Instructions (as
hereinafter defined) (each of the foregoing being referred to in this
Agreement as a "Securities System"). Use of a Securities System shall be
in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and
regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
(A) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities held hereunder
in a Securities System, provided that such securities are represented in an
account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System which Account
shall not contain any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian, or otherwise for customers and shall be so designated
on the books and records of the Securities System.
(B) The Securities System shall be obligated to comply with the
Custodian's directions with respect to the securities held in such Account
and shall not be entitled to a lien against the assets in such Account for
extensions of credit to the Custodian other than for payment of the
purchase price of such assets.
(C) Each Fund hereby designates the Custodian as the party in whose name
any securities deposited by the Custodian in the Account are to be
registered.
(D) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify
those securities belonging to each Portfolio which are maintained in a
Securities System.
(E) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of a
Portfolio only upon (w) receipt of advice from the Securities System that
such securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and
(x) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
payment and transfer for the account of such Portfolio. The Custodian
shall transfer securities sold for the account of a Portfolio only upon (y)
receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for such
securities has been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (z)
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of such Portfolio. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System relating to transfers of securities for
the account of a Portfolio shall identify such Portfolio and shall be
maintained for such Portfolio by the Custodian. The Custodian shall
deliver to each applicable Fund on the next succeeding business day daily
transaction reports which shall include each day's transactions in the
Securities System for the account of each applicable Portfolio. Such
transaction reports shall be delivered to each applicable Fund or any agent
designated by such Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by computer or in
such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(F) The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide such Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian
or any Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities deposited in the Securities System.
(G) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate
the use of any Securities System (except the federal book-entry system) on
behalf of any Portfolio as promptly as practicable and shall take all
actions reasonably practicable to safeguard the securities of any Portfolio
maintained with such Securities System.
Section 2.23. Other Transfers.
(a) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer to
or receive from a third party that has been appointed to serve as an
additional custodian of one or more Portfolios (an "Additional Custodian")
securities, cash and other assets of such Portfolio(s) in accordance with
such Proper Instructions. Each Additional Custodian shall be identified as
such on Appendix B, as the same may be amended from time to time in
accordance with the provisions of Section 9.06(c).
(b) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall make such
other dispositions of securities, funds or other property of a Portfolio in
a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set forth in this
Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions relating to such
disposition shall include a statement of the purpose for which the delivery
is to be made, the amount of funds and/or securities to be delivered, and
the name of the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made, and shall
otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its
books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a Portfolio,
into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities or
other assets of such Portfolio, including securities maintained by the
Custodian in a Securities System pursuant to Section 2.22 hereof, said
account or accounts to be maintained: (a) for the purposes set forth in
Sections 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof; (b) for the purposes of compliance by
the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act
Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the SEC
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies; or (c) for such other purposes as set forth, from time to time,
in Special Instructions.
Section 2.25. Custodian's Books and Records. The Custodian shall provide
any assistance reasonably requested by a Fund in the preparation of reports
to such Fund's shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other
ministerial matters of like nature. The Custodian shall maintain complete
and accurate records with respect to securities and other assets held for
the accounts of each Portfolio as required by the rules and regulations of
the SEC applicable to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act,
including: (a) journals or other records of original entry containing a
detailed and itemized daily record of all receipts and deliveries of
securities (including certificate and transaction identification numbers,
if any), and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other
records reflecting (i) securities in transfer, (ii) securities in physical
possession, (iii) securities borrowed, loaned or collateralizing
obligations of each Portfolio, (iv) monies borrowed and monies loaned
(together with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of
such collateral), (v) dividends and interest received, (vi) the amount of
tax withheld by any person in respect of any collection made by the
Custodian or any Subcustodian, and (vii) the amount of reclaims or refunds
for foreign taxes paid; and (c) cancelled checks and bank records related
thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of each
Fund as such Fund shall reasonably request. All such books and records
maintained by the Custodian shall be maintained in a form acceptable to the
applicable Fund and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the
SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records required to be
maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
from time to time adopted thereunder. All books and records maintained by
the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be the property
of each applicable Fund and shall be available during normal business hours
for inspection and use by such Fund and its agents, including, without
limitation, its independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding
the preceding sentence, no Fund shall take any actions or cause the
Custodian to take any actions which would cause, either directly or
indirectly, the Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or
orders.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants.
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as a Fund may request to
obtain from year to year favorable opinions from such Fund's independent
certified public accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities
hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A and
the Fund's Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with respect
to any other requirements of the SEC.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants. At
the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a written
report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public accountants
with respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash,
securities and other assets, including cash, securities and other assets
deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian.
Such report shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may
reasonably be required by any Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the
Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility. In the event that the Custodian is
directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of a Portfolio for which there would be, at the close of business on
the date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the
Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio, the Custodian may, in its
discretion, provide an overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the applicable Fund on
behalf of such Portfolio, in an amount sufficient to allow the completion
of such payment. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be payable
on the next Business Day, unless otherwise agreed by the applicable Fund
and the Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the
Overdraft to the date of payment in full by the applicable Fund on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time to
time, by the Custodian and the applicable Fund. The Custodian and each
Fund acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdrafts is to temporarily
finance the purchase or sale of securities for prompt delivery in
accordance with the terms hereof, or to meet emergency expenses not
reasonably foreseeable by such Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify
each applicable Fund in writing (an "Overdraft Notice") of any Overdraft by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the
Custodian may agree in writing. At the request of the Custodian, each
applicable Fund, on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios, shall pledge,
assign and grant to the Custodian a security interest in certain specified
securities of the applicable Portfolio, as security for Overdrafts provided
to such Portfolio, under the terms and conditions set forth in Appendix "C"
attached hereto.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions.
(a) Proper Instructions. As used herein, the term "Proper Instructions"
shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including, without limitation,
facsimile transmission) request, direction, instruction or certification
signed or initialed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund by one or more
Authorized Persons (as hereinafter defined); (ii) a telephonic or other
oral communication by one or more Authorized Persons; or (iii) a
communication effected directly between an electro-mechanical or electronic
device or system (including, without limitation, computers) by or on behalf
of the applicable Fund by one or more Authorized Persons; provided,
however, that communications of the types described in clauses (ii) and
(iii) above purporting to be given by an Authorized Person shall be
considered Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably believes
such communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with respect
to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the applicable Fund by tested telex or
in writing in the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the lack of
such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian
in reliance upon such oral instructions prior to the Custodian's receipt of
such confirmation. Each Fund and the Custodian are hereby authorized to
record any and all telephonic or other oral instructions communicated to
the Custodian. Proper Instructions may relate to specific transactions or
to types or classes of transactions, and may be in the form of standing
instructions.
(b) Special Instructions. As used herein, the term "Special Instructions"
shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the
Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the applicable Fund or any other
person designated by the Treasurer of such Fund in writing, which
countersignature or confirmation shall be (i) included on the same
instrument containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument
relating thereto, and (ii) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission, or
in such other manner as the applicable Fund and the Custodian agree in
writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions. Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian
at the address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number agreed upon from
time to time by the Custodian and the applicable Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons. Concurrently with the execution of
this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as appropriate by a
Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of such Fund, a certificate setting forth:
(a) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons
authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request,
direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of such Fund
(collectively, the "Authorized Persons" and individually, an "Authorized
Person"); and (b) the names, titles and signatures of those persons
authorized to issue Special Instructions. Such certificate may be accepted
and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set
forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until
delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary. Upon
delivery of a certificate which deletes the name(s) of a person previously
authorized by a Fund to give Proper Instructions or to issue Special
Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an Authorized
Person or authorized to issue Special Instructions for that Fund.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no
Authorized Person, Trustee, officer, employee or agent of any Fund shall
have physical access to the assets of any Portfolio of that Fund held by
the Custodian nor shall the Custodian deliver any assets of a Portfolio for
delivery to an account of such person; provided, however, that nothing in
this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any Authorized Person from giving
Proper Instructions, or any person authorized to issue Special Instructions
from issuing Special Instructions, so long as such action does not result
in delivery of or access to assets of any Portfolio prohibited by this
Section 3.03; or (b) each Fund's independent certified public accountants
from examining or reviewing the assets of the Portfolios of the Fund held
by the Custodian. Each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a written
certificate identifying such Authorized Persons, Trustees, officers,
employees and agents of such Fund.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions. So long as and to the extent that the Custodian acts
in accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, as the
case may be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not
be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property, or
evidence of title thereof, received by it or delivered by it pursuant to
this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS
The Custodian may, from time to time, in accordance with the relevant
provisions of this Article IV, appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians,
Foreign Subcustodians, Interim Subcustodians and Special Subcustodians to
act on behalf of a Portfolio. (For purposes of this Agreement, all duly
appointed Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Interim
Subcustodians, and Special Subcustodians are hereinafter referred to
collectively, as "Subcustodians.")
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time and
from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
1940 Act meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act on behalf of one
or more Portfolios as a subcustodian for purposes of holding cash,
securities and other assets of such Portfolios and performing other
functions of the Custodian within the United States (a "Domestic
Subcustodian"); provided, that, the Custodian shall notify each applicable
Fund in writing of the identity and qualifications of any proposed Domestic
Subcustodian at least thirty (30) days prior to appointment of such
Domestic Subcustodian, and such Fund may, in its sole discretion, by
written notice to the Custodian executed by an Authorized Person disapprove
of the appointment of such Domestic Subcustodian. If, following notice by
the Custodian to each applicable Fund regarding appointment of a Domestic
Subcustodian and the expiration of thirty (30) days after the date of such
notice, such Fund shall have failed to notify the Custodian of its
disapproval thereof, the Custodian may, in its discretion, appoint such
proposed Domestic Subcustodian as its subcustodian.
Section 4.02. Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians.
(a) Foreign Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time and from time
to time, appoint: (i) any bank, trust company or other entity meeting the
requirements of an "eligible foreign custodian" under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder or by order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission exempted therefrom, or (ii) any bank as
defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act meeting the requirements of a
custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder to act on behalf of one or more Portfolios as a subcustodian for
purposes of holding cash, securities and other assets of such Portfolios
and performing other functions of the Custodian in countries other than the
United States of America (a "Foreign Subcustodian"); provided, that, prior
to the appointment of any Foreign Subcustodian, the Custodian shall have
obtained written confirmation of the approval of the Board of Trustees or
other governing body or entity of each applicable Fund on behalf of its
applicable Portfolio(s) (which approval may be withheld in the sole
discretion of such Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity)
with respect to (i) the identity and qualifications of any proposed Foreign
Subcustodian, (ii) the country or countries in which, and the securities
depositories or clearing agencies, if any, through which, any proposed
Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to hold securities and other assets of
the applicable Portfolio(s), and (iii) the form and terms of the
subcustodian agreement to be entered into between such proposed Foreign
Subcustodian and the Custodian. Each such duly approved Foreign
Subcustodian and the countries where and the securities depositories and
clearing agencies through which they may hold securities and other assets
of the applicable Portfolios shall be listed on Appendix "B" attached
hereto, as it may be amended, from time to time, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 9.05(c) hereof. Each Fund shall be responsible for
informing the Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment by
one of its Portfolios which is to be held in a country in which no Foreign
Subcustodian is authorized to act, in order that there shall be sufficient
time for the Custodian to effect the appropriate arrangements with a
proposed foreign subcustodian, including obtaining approval as provided in
this Section 4.02(a). The Custodian shall not amend any subcustodian
agreement entered into with a Foreign Subcustodian, or agree to change or
permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such agreement,
which materially affect a Fund's rights or the Foreign Subcustodian's
obligations or duties to a Fund under such agreement, except upon prior
approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
(b) Interim Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
that a Portfolio shall invest in a security or other asset to be held in a
country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to act, the
Custodian shall promptly notify the applicable Fund in writing by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and Custodian shall agree
in writing of the unavailability of an approved Foreign Subcustodian in
such country; and the Custodian shall, upon receipt of Special
Instructions, appoint any Person designated by the applicable Fund in such
Special Instructions to hold such security or other asset. (Any Person
appointed as a subcustodian pursuant to this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter
referred to as an "Interim Subcustodian.")
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians. Upon receipt of Special
Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more Portfolios,
appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated in
such Special Instructions to act as a subcustodian for purposes of: (i)
effecting third-party repurchase transactions with banks, brokers, dealers
or other entities through the use of a common custodian or subcustodian;
(ii) establishing a joint trading account for the applicable Portfolio(s)
and other registered open-end management investment companies for which
Fidelity Management & Research Company serves as investment adviser,
through which such Portfolios and such other investment companies shall
collectively participate in certain repurchase transactions; (iii)
providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain
variable rate demand note securities; and (iv) effecting any other
transactions designated by each applicable Fund in Special Instructions.
(Each such designated subcustodian is hereinafter referred to as a "Special
Subcustodian.") Each such duly appointed Special Subcustodian shall be
listed on Appendix "B" attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to
time in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.05(c) hereof. In
connection with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian
shall enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in
form and substance approved by each applicable Fund, provided that such
agreement shall in all events comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder and the terms and provisions of
this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any subcustodian agreement
entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or agree to change or permit any
changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such agreement, except upon
prior approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian. The Custodian shall (i)
cause each Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Subcustodian to, and (ii) use
its best efforts to cause each Interim Subcustodian and Special
Subcustodian to, perform all of its obligations in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian
and such Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause
such Subcustodian to fully perform its obligations thereunder, the
Custodian shall forthwith, upon the receipt of Special Instructions,
terminate such Subcustodian with respect to each applicable Fund and, if
necessary or desirable, appoint a replacement Subcustodian in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4.01 or Section 4.02, as the case may be.
In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian (A) may, at any time in its
discretion, upon written notification to each applicable Fund, terminate
any Domestic Subcustodian, Foreign Subcustodian or Interim Subcustodian,
and (B) shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any
Subcustodian with respect to each applicable Fund, in accordance with the
termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians. Upon
request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a certificate
stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Subcustodian then acting on
behalf of the Custodian for such Fund and its Portfolios; (ii) the
countries in which and the securities depositories and clearing agents
through which each such Foreign Subcustodian is then holding cash,
securities and other assets of any Portfolio of such Fund; and (iii) such
other information as may be requested by such Fund to ensure compliance
with Rule 17(f)-5 under the 1940 Act.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.01. Standard of Care.
(a) General Standard of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable
care and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and obligations under
this Agreement, and shall be liable to each Fund for all loss, damage and
expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or its Portfolios resulting from
the failure of the Custodian to exercise such reasonable care and
diligence.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc. In no event shall the
Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or
Securities System, or any subcustodian, securities depository or securities
system utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian
or any Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden or
delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this
Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason
of: (i) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order
of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign
country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent
jurisdiction; or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar circumstance
beyond the control of the Custodian, unless, in each case, such delay or
nonperformance is caused by (A) the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the applicable Person, or (B) a malfunction or failure of equipment
operated or utilized by the applicable Person other than a malfunction or
failure beyond such Person's control and which could not reasonably be
anticipated and/or prevented by such Person.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian. Upon the occurrence of any event which
causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to any Fund or Portfolio,
(i) the Custodian shall, (ii) the Custodian shall cause any applicable
Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian to, and (iii) the Custodian
shall use its best efforts to cause any applicable Interim Subcustodian or
Special Subcustodian to, use all commercially reasonable efforts and take
all reasonable steps under the circumstances to mitigate the effects of
such event and to avoid continuing harm to the Funds and the Portfolios.
(d) Advice of Counsel. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive and act
upon advice of counsel on all matters. The Custodian shall be without
liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith pursuant
to the advice of (i) counsel for the applicable Fund or Funds, or (ii) at
the expense of the Custodian, such other counsel as the applicable Fund(s)
and the Custodian may agree upon; provided, however, with respect to the
performance of any action or omission of any action upon such advice, the
Custodian shall be required to conform to the standard of care set forth in
Section 5.01(a).
(e) Expenses of the Funds. In addition to the liability of the Custodian
under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to each applicable Fund
for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such Fund in connection
with any claim by such Fund against the Custodian arising from the
obligations of the Custodian hereunder, including, without limitation, all
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by such Fund in asserting
any such claim, and all expenses incurred by such Fund in connection with
any investigations, lawsuits or proceedings relating to such claim;
provided, that such Fund has recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records. The Custodian shall have no liability in
respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a Fund, insofar as such
loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian's
duties hereunder by reason of the Custodian's reliance upon records that
were maintained for such Fund by entities other than the Custodian prior to
the Custodian's appointment as custodian for such Fund.
Section 5.02. Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons.
(a) Domestic Subcustodians and Foreign Subcustodians. The Custodian shall
be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or any
Foreign Subcustodian to the same extent as if such action or omission were
performed by the Custodian itself. In the event of any loss, damage or
expense suffered or incurred by a Fund caused by or resulting from the
actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian
for which the Custodian would otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall
promptly reimburse such Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or
expense.
(b) Interim Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01
to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss,
damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its
Portfolios resulting from the actions or omissions of an Interim
Subcustodian unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results
from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided,
however, in the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian
shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have
against such Interim Subcustodian to protect the interests of the Funds and
the Portfolios.
(c) Special Subcustodians and Additional Custodians. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 5.01 to the contrary and except as otherwise provided
in any subcustodian agreement to which the Custodian, a Fund and any
Special Subcustodian or Additional Custodian are parties, the Custodian
shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or
incurred by such Fund or any of its Portfolios resulting from the actions
or omissions of a Special Subcustodian or Additional Subcustodian, unless
such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, that in the
event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all
reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against any Special
Subcustodian or Additional Custodian to protect the interests of the Funds
and the Portfolios.
(d) Securities Systems. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01 to
the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss,
damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its
Portfolios resulting from the use by the Custodian of a Securities System,
unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however,
that in the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall
take all reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against the
Securities System to protect the interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the
Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the
Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with the fulfillment of its
obligations under this Section 5.02; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification Obligations. Subject to the limitations set forth in
this Agreement, each Fund severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all loss, damage and
expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the
Custodian or its nominee caused by or arising from actions taken by the
Custodian on behalf of such Fund in the performance of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that such indemnity
shall not apply to loss, damage and expense occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee.
In addition, each Fund agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify any
Person against any liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to such
Person, or other loss, damage or expenses incurred by such Person,
resulting from the fact that securities and other property of such Fund's
Portfolios are registered in the name of such Person; provided, however,
that in no event shall such indemnification be applicable to income,
franchise or similar taxes which may be imposed or assessed against any
Person.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc. No Fund shall be
liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall
have promptly notified such Fund in writing of the commencement of any
litigation or proceeding brought against such Person in respect of which
indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in
such litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by a Fund may be sought
and subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such
litigation or proceeding and, after written notice from such Fund to any
Person, such Fund may assume the defense of such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of
the litigation for which such Fund may be subject to an indemnification
obligation; provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to participate in
(but not control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such
litigation or proceeding if such Fund has not acknowledged in writing its
obligation to indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or
proceeding. If such Fund is not permitted to participate or control such
litigation or proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of
competent jurisdiction, such Person shall reasonably prosecute such
litigation or proceeding. A Person shall not consent to the entry of any
judgment or enter into any settlement in any such litigation or proceeding
without providing each applicable Fund with adequate notice of any such
settlement or judgment, and without each such Fund's prior written consent.
All Persons shall submit written evidence to each applicable Fund with
respect to any cost or expense for which they are seeking indemnification
in such form and detail as such Fund may reasonably request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations. If the Custodian has otherwise
complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in performing its
duties generally, and more particularly in connection with the purchase,
sale or exchange of securities made by or for a Portfolio, the Custodian
shall not be liable to the applicable Fund and such Fund agrees to
indemnify the Custodian and its nominees, for any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Custodian and its nominees arising out of any
violation of any investment or other limitation to which such Fund is
subject.
Section 5.05. Fund's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, each Fund shall have, at its election upon
reasonable notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the extent
permitted by any applicable agreement and applicable law, the Custodian's
rights against any Subcustodian, Securities System, or other Person for
loss, damage or expense caused such Fund by such Subcustodian, Securities
System, or other Person, and shall be entitled to enforce the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against such Subcustodian, Securities
System or other Person, which the Custodian may have as a consequence of
any such loss, damage or expense, if and to the extent that such Fund has
not been made whole for any such loss or damage. If the Custodian makes
such Fund whole for any such loss or damage, the Custodian shall retain the
ability to enforce its rights directly against such Subcustodian,
Securities System or other Person. Upon such Fund's election to enforce
any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05, such Fund shall
reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly relating to the
rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage or expense incurred
by such Fund; provided that, so long as such Fund has acknowledged in
writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian under Section 5.03 hereof
with respect to such claim, such Fund shall retain the right to settle,
compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by such Fund without the Custodian's
consent and provided further, that if such Fund has not made an
acknowledgement of its obligation to indemnify, such Fund shall not settle,
compromise or terminate any such action or proceeding without the written
consent of the Custodian, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. The Custodian agrees to cooperate with each Fund and take all
actions reasonably requested by such Fund in connection with such Fund's
enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Each Fund agrees to reimburse
the Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the
Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with the fulfillment of its
obligations under this Section 5.05; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund shall compensate the
Custodian in an amount, and at such times, as may be agreed upon in
writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and such Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.01. Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds. With
respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect until the first to occur of: (a) termination by the Custodian by an
instrument in writing delivered or mailed to such Fund, such termination to
take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date of such
delivery; (b) termination by such Fund by an instrument in writing
delivered or mailed to the Custodian, such termination to take effect not
sooner than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery; or (c)
termination by such Fund by written notice delivered to the Custodian,
based upon such Fund's determination that there is a reasonable basis to
conclude that the Custodian is insolvent or that the financial condition of
the Custodian is deteriorating in any material respect, in which case
termination shall take effect upon the Custodian's receipt of such notice
or at such later time as such Fund shall designate. In the event of
termination pursuant to this Section 7.01 by any Fund (a "Terminating
Fund"), each Terminating Fund shall make payment of all accrued fees and
unreimbursed expenses with respect to such Terminating Fund within a
reasonable time following termination and delivery of a statement to the
Terminating Fund setting forth such fees and expenses. Each Terminating
Fund shall identify in any notice of termination a successor custodian or
custodians to which the cash, securities and other assets of its Portfolios
shall, upon termination of this Agreement with respect to such Terminating
Fund, be delivered. In the event that no written notice designating a
successor custodian shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before
the date when termination of this Agreement as to a Terminating Fund shall
become effective, the Custodian may deliver to a bank or trust company
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities and other
assets of such Terminating Fund's Portfolios held by the Custodian and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property
of the Terminating Fund's Portfolios held by the Custodian under this
Agreement. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor
of the Custodian with respect to such Terminating Fund under this
Agreement. In the event that securities and other assets of such
Terminating Fund's Portfolios remain in the possession of the Custodian
after the date of termination hereof with respect to such Terminating Fund
owing to failure of the Terminating Fund to appoint a successor custodian,
the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services in
accordance with the fee schedule most recently in effect, for such period
as the Custodian retains possession of such securities and other assets,
and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations
of the Custodian and the Terminating Fund shall remain in full force and
effect. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is
agreed that the cash, securities and other property owned by a Terminating
Fund and held by the Custodian, any Subcustodian or nominee shall be
delivered to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to cooperate
with such Terminating Fund in the execution of documents and performance of
other actions necessary or desirable in order to substitute the successor
custodian for the Custodian under this Agreement.
Section 7.02. Termination as to One or More Portfolios. This Agreement
may be terminated as to one or more of a Fund's Portfolios (but less than
all of its Portfolios) by delivery of an amended Appendix "A" deleting such
Portfolios pursuant to Section 9.05(b) hereof, in which case termination as
to such deleted Portfolios shall take effect thirty (30) days after the
date of such delivery. The execution and delivery of an amended Appendix
"A" which deletes one or more Portfolios shall constitute a termination of
this Agreement only with respect to such deleted Portfolio(s), shall be
governed by the preceding provisions of Section 7.01 as to the
identification of a successor custodian and the delivery of cash,
securities and other assets of the Portfolio(s) so deleted, and shall not
affect the obligations of the Custodian and any Fund hereunder with respect
to the other Portfolios set forth in Appendix "A," as amended from time to
time.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term Section
Account 2.22
ADRs 2.06
Additional Custodian 2.23(a)
Authorized Person(s) 3.02
Banking Institution 2.12(a)
Business Day Appendix "C"
Bank Accounts 2.21
Distribution Account 2.16
Domestic Subcustodian 4.01
Foreign Subcustodian 4.02(a)
Fund Preamble
Institutional Client 2.03
Interim Subcustodian 4.02(b)
Overdraft 2.28
Overdraft Notice 2.28
Person 5.01(b)
Portfolio Preamble
Procedural Agreement 2.10
Proper Instructions 3.01(a)
SEC 2.22
Securities System 2.22
Shares 2.16
Special Instructions 3.01(b)
Special Subcustodian 4.03
Subcustodian Article IV
Terminating Fund 7.01
1940 Act Preamble
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Execution of Documents, Etc.
(a) Actions by each Fund. Upon request, each Fund shall execute and
deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other
instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection
with the performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of their
respective obligations to such Fund under this Agreement or any applicable
subcustodian agreement with respect to such Fund, provided that the
exercise by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any such rights shall in
all events be in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall execute and deliver to each applicable Fund or to such
other parties as such Fund(s) may designate in such Proper Instructions,
all such documents, instruments or agreements as may be reasonable and
necessary or desirable in order to effectuate any of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 9.02. Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations. A COPY
OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENT OF EACH FUND
IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE OF THE FUND'S FORMATION, AND
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE
TRUSTEES OF ANY FUND AS INDIVIDUALS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT
ARE NOT BINDING UPON ANY OF THE TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, SHAREHOLDERS OR
PARTNERS OF ANY FUND INDIVIDUALLY, BUT ARE BINDING ONLY UPON THE ASSETS AND
PROPERTY OF EACH FUND'S RESPECTIVE PORTFOLIOS. THE CUSTODIAN AGREES THAT
NO SHAREHOLDER, TRUSTEE, OFFICER OR PARTNER OF ANY FUND MAY BE HELD
PERSONALLY LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OBLIGATIONS OF ANY FUND ARISING
OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 9.03. Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios. WITH
RESPECT TO ANY OBLIGATIONS OF A FUND ON BEHALF OF ANY OF ITS PORTFOLIOS
ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE
OBLIGATIONS ARISING UNDER SECTIONS 2.28, 5.03, 5.05 and ARTICLE VI HEREOF,
THE CUSTODIAN SHALL LOOK FOR PAYMENT OR SATISFACTION OF ANY OBLIGATION
SOLELY TO THE ASSETS AND PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIO TO WHICH SUCH OBLIGATION
RELATES AS THOUGH EACH FUND HAD SEPARATELY CONTRACTED WITH THE CUSTODIAN BY
SEPARATE WRITTEN INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS.
Section 9.04. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties of Each Fund. Each Fund hereby
severally and not jointly represents and warrants that each of the
following shall be true, correct and complete with respect to each Fund at
all times during the term of this Agreement: (i) the Fund is duly organized
under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and is registered as an
open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the
execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement are (w)
within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by all necessary action,
and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or default
under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any
governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any
provision of the Fund's corporate charter, Declaration of Trust or other
organizational document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof or any
provision of its most recent Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian
hereby represents and warrants to each Fund that each of the following
shall be true, correct and complete at all times during the term of this
Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to act as a custodian to
open-end management investment companies under the provisions of the 1940
Act; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Custodian of
this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by
all necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a
breach of or default under or conflict with any existing law, order,
regulation or ruling of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority,
or (B) violate any provision of the Custodian's corporate charter, or other
organizational document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof.
Section 9.05. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the Fund, on the one hand, and the
Custodian, on the other, with respect to the subject matter hereof and
accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this Agreement any
custodian agreement heretofore in effect between each Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.06. Waivers and Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may
be waived, amended or terminated except by a statement in writing signed by
the party against which enforcement of such waiver, amendment or
termination is sought; provided, however: (a) Appendix "A" listing the
Portfolios of each Fund for which the Custodian serves as custodian may be
amended from time to time to add one or more Portfolios for one or more
Funds, by each applicable Fund's execution and delivery to the Custodian of
an amended Appendix "A", and the execution of such amended Appendix by the
Custodian, in which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon
execution by the Custodian; (b) Appendix "A" may be amended from time to
time to delete one or more Portfolios (but less than all of the Portfolios)
of one or more of the Funds, by each applicable Fund's execution and
delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix "A", in which case such
amendment shall take effect thirty (30) days after such delivery, unless
otherwise agreed by the Custodian and each applicable Fund in writing; (c)
Appendix "B" listing Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians and
Additional Custodians approved by any Fund may be amended from time to time
to add or delete one or more Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians
or Additional Custodians for a Fund or Funds by each applicable Fund's
execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix "B", in
which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution by
the Custodian; and (d) Appendix "C" setting forth the procedures relating
to the Custodian's security interest with respect to each Fund may be
amended only by an instrument in writing executed by each applicable Fund
and the Custodian.
Section 9.07. Interpretation. In connection with the operation of this
Agreement, the Custodian and any Fund may agree in writing from time to
time on such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions
of this Agreement with respect to such Fund as may in their joint opinion
be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. No interpretative
or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall
be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement or affect any other Fund.
Section 9.08. Captions. Headings contained in this Agreement, which are
included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon the
interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of the
parties hereto.
Section 9.09. Governing Law. Insofar as any question or dispute may
arise in connection with the custodianship of foreign securities pursuant
to an agreement with a Foreign Subcustodian that is governed by the laws of
the State of New York, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed
in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York,
provided that in all other instances this Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, in each case without giving effect to principles of
conflicts of law.
Section 9.10. Notices. Except in the case of Proper Instructions or
Special Instructions, notices and other writings contemplated by this
Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by facsimile transmission (provided
that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission, notice shall also
be mailed postage prepaid to the parties at the following addresses:
(a) If to any Fund:
c/o Fidelity Management & Research Company
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Treasurer of the Fidelity Funds
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telefax: (000) 000-0000
(b) If to the Custodian:
The Bank of New York
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Vice President
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telefax: (000) 000-0000
or to such other address as a Fund or the Custodian may have designated in
writing to the other.
Section 9.11. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of each Fund severally and the Custodian and their
respective successors and assigns, provided that, subject to the provisions
of Section 7.01 hereof, neither the Custodian nor any Fund may assign this
Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the other party.
Section 9.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. With respect
to each Fund, this Agreement shall become effective when one or more
counterparts have been signed and delivered by such Fund and the Custodian.
Section 9.13. Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations. The parties
hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions
of this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other
regarding its business and operations. All confidential information
provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely
for the purpose of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement and,
except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be
disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing
party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is
publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available
other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be
disclosed by any bank examiner of the Custodian or any Subcustodian, any
auditor of the parties hereto, by judicial or administrative process or
otherwise by applicable law or regulation. The provisions of this Section
9.13 and Sections 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.09, Section 2.28, Section 3.04,
Section 7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and any other rights or
obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to termination of
this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on The Bank of New York
Appendix "A" Attached Hereto, on Behalf
of each of Their Respective Portfolios
