Exhibit (8)(a)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
STATE STREET INVESTMENT TRUST
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It ........... 1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund
Held by the Custodian in the United States ...................... 3
2.1 Holding Securities ........................................ 3
2.2 Delivery of Securities .................................... 3
2.3 Registration of Securities ................................ 8
2.4 Bank Accounts ............................................. 9
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds ............................. 10
2.6 Collection of Income ...................................... 10
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies .................................... 11
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
Securities Purchased ..................................... 14
2.9 Appointment of Agents ..................................... 14
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System ............... 15
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System ... 18
2.11 Segregated Account ........................................ 20
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes ................... 21
2.13 Proxies ................................................... 21
2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities ........... 22
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
Outside of the United States .................................... 22
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians ..................... 22
3.2 Assets to be Held ......................................... 23
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories ........................... 23
3.4 Segregation of Securities ................................. 24
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions .............. 24
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund ............. 25
3.7 Reports by Custodian ...................................... 25
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account ................... 26
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians ....................... 27
3.10 Liability of Custodian .................................... 27
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances ................................ 28
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities ............................... 29
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks .................................... 30
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions of Shares of
the Fund ........................................................ 30
5. Proper Instructions .............................................. 31
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority ...................... 32
7. Evidence of Authority ............................................ 33
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income .................... 33
9. Records........................................................... 34
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants ........................ 34
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants ................ 35
12. Compensation of Custodian ........................................ 35
13. Responsibility of Custodian ...................................... 35
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment ...................... 38
15. Successor Custodian .............................................. 39
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions ........................... 41
17. Additional Funds ................................................. 41
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply ....................................... 42
19. Prior Contracts .................................................. 42
20. Disclaimer ....................................................... 42
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between State Street Investment Trust, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, having its principal
place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
hereinafter called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of business at 000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the
"Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in one series, the
State Street Investment Fund (such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFOR, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the
Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic
securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United States
("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust.
The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian all
securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of
principal or capitsl distributions received by it with respect to all securities
owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received
by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial interest of the Fund
representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may be issued or sold
from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a
Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 5),
the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to time
employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in
accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian
for the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in
Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
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2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held BY the
Custodian in the United States
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held
by it in the United States including all domestic securities owned by
such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained
pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a
securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which
State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent
("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in
a Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's
Direct Paper book entry system account ("Direct Paper System
Account") only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the
following cases:
l) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio and receipt of payment therefor;
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2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any
repurchase agreement related to such securities entered into
by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;
provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
name of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or
nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee name
of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the
name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant
to Article 1; or for exchange for a different number of
bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in
any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a
receipt, for examination in accordance with "street
delivery" custom; provided that in any such case, the
Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to
receiving payment for such securities except as may arise
from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit
agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights
or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts
or temporary securities for
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definitive securities; provided that, in any such case, the
new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made
by the Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate
collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian
and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, which may be in the
form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, except that
in connection with any loans for which collateral is to be
credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the
Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the
delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to the
receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings
by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of
assets by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only
against receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian and a
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broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating
to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance
with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
and/or any Contract Market, or any similar organization or
organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such
Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares in connection
with distributions in kind, as may be described
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from time to time in the currently effective prospectus and
statement of additional information of the Fund, related to
the Portfolio ("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by
holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon
receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive
Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the
securities of the Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth
the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring
such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming
the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities
shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized
in writing the appointment of a nominee to
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be used in common with other registered investment companies
having the same investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name
or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or
in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant
to Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of
the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street
name" or other good delivery form.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each
Portfolio of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the
Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall
hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof,
all cash received by it from or for the account of the Portfolio,
other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account
established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for a
Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the
Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust
companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable;
provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be
qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be
deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of
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each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the
Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by
the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the
Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, make federal funds available to such
Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the
Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment
for Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's
account.
2.6 Collection of Income. The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis
all income and other payments with respect to registered domestic
securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio shall be entitled
either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business, and
shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by
the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent
thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to such
Portfolio's custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all
coupons and other income items requiring
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presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest
when due on securities held hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10)
shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no
duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to
provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary
to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the
Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian
shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of
the Portfolio but only (a) against the delivery of such
securities or evidence of title to such options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian
(or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing business
in the United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as
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its agent for this purpose) registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for
transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a
Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set
forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase
involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10A; (d) in the case of
repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or another bank,
or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against
delivery of the securities either in certificate form or
through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at the
Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against
delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio
of securities owned by the Custodian along with written
evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase
such securities from the Portfolio or (e) for transfer to a
time deposit account of the Fund in any bank, whether
domestic or foreign; such transfer
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may be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a
broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper
Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section
2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the
Portfolio as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following
payments for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes,
management, accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and
operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses
are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as
deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio
declared pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect
of securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper
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Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or
of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer
of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting
forth the purpose for which such payment is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming
the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and
every case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the
account of a Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt
of the securities purchased in the absence of specific written
instructions from the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in
advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for
such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been
received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or
trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a Custodian, as its agent to carry
out
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such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from
time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or
liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" in accordance
with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the
following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in
the Securities System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
the Portfolio which are maintained in a Securities System
shall
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identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that such securities have been transferred
to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer for the account of the Portfolio. The Custodian
shall transfer securities sold for the account of the
Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that payment for such securities has been transferred
to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of the Portfolio. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System of transfers of
securities for the account of the Portfolio shall identify
the Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the
Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon
request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from the
account of the Portfolio in the form
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of a written advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund
on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities
System for the account of the Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with
any report obtained by the Custodian on the Securities
System's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case
may be, required by Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of
the Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Portfolio
resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of any
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or
any of its agents or of any of its or their employees or
from failure of the Custodian or any such agent to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have
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against the Securities System; at the election of the Fund,
it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against the Securities
System or any other person which the Custodian may have as a
consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the extent
that the Portfolio has not been made whole for any such lose
or damage.
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio
in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following
provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
System will be effected in the absence of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System only if such securities are repreaented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct
Paper System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian
or otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
the Portfolio which are
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maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer of securities to the account of the Portfolio. The
Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of
the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of
payment for the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from the
account of the Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or
notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day following
such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transaction in the Securities System for the account
of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio with any report on its system of internal
accounting control as
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the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
2.11 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained
in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i)
in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract
market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by
the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of
compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by
Investment Company Act Release No.
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10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated
accounts by registered investment companies and (iv) for other
proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of clause (iv),
upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of
such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper
corporate purposes.
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held
by it and in connection with transfers of securities.
2.13 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered
holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise
than in the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all
proxies, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are
to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Portfolio such
proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to
such securities.
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2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. The Custodian shall
transmit promptly to the Fund for each Portfolio all written
information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and
maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of
futures contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the
Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian
shall transmit promptly to the Portfolio all written information
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender
or exchange is sought and from the party (or his agents) making the
tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio desires to take action
with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar
transaction, the Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least three
business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take
such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
of the United States
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians.
The Fund hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian to employ as
sub-custodians for the Portfolio's securities and other assets
maintained outside the United States the foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities
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depositories designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-
custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as defined
in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a certified resolution
of the Fund's Board of Trustees, the Custodian and the Fund may
agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate
additional foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the
employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining
custody of the Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to:
(a) "foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule
17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash
equivalents in such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may
determine to be reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolio's
foreign securities transactions.
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed
upon in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the
Portfolios shall be maintained in foreign securities depositories
only through arrangements implemented by the foreign banking
institutions serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof.
Where possible, such arrangements shall include entry into
-23-
agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Segregation of Securities
The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to each
applicable Portfolio of the Fund, the foreign securities of such
Portfolios held by each foreign sub-custodian. Each agreement
pursuant to which the Custodian employs a foreign banking
institution shall require that such institution establish a custody
account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund for each applicable
Portfolio of the Fund and physically segregate in each account,
securities and other assets of the Portfolios, and, in the event
that such institution deposits the securities of one or more of the
Portfolios in a foreign securities depository, that it shall
identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian, as agent for
each applicable Portfolio, the securities so deposited.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set
forth in Exhibit 1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the assets of
each Portfolio will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking
institution or its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for
their safe custody or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for
the assets
-24-
of each Portfolio will be freely transferable without the payment of
money or value other than for custody or administration; (c)
adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as
belonging to each applicable Portfolio; (d) officers of or auditors
employed by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including to
the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public
accountants for the Fund, will be given access to the books and
records of the foreign banking institution relating to its actions
under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the
Portfolios held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to
the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the
independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the
books and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a
foreign sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the
performance of such foreign banking institution under its agreement
with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time
to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the
securities and other assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign
sub-custodians, including but not limited to an identification of
entities having possession of the Portfolio(s) securities
-25-
and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of
securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign
banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio indicating, as to securities acquired for a Portfolio, the
identity of the entity having physical possession of such
securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section
3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall
apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign securities of the Fund held
outside the United States by foreign sub-custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of
each applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for
the account of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in
accordance with the customary established securities trading or
securities processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or
market in which the transaction occurs, including, without
limitation, delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to a
dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a
receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for such
securities from such purchaser or dealer.
(c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign
-26-
sub-custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee
to the same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and
the Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability
as a holder of record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which
the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable
care in the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold
harmless, the Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in
connection with the institution's performance of such obligations. At
the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to
the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a
foreign banking institution as a consequence of any such loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that
the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a
foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a
branch of a U.S. bank as
-27-
contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be
liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions,
or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has
otherwise exercised reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to
State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation,
except such loss as may result from (a) political risk (including,
but not limited to, exchange control restrictions, confiscation,
expropriation, nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or armed
hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding a bankruptcy or
insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not causes by political risk)
due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under
circumstances where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have
exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to
advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a
Portfolio including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of
contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or
its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except
-28-
such as may arise from its or its nominee's own negligent action,
negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property at any
time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian
promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash
and to dispose of such Portfolios assets to the extent necessary to
obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the
foreign sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information
shall be similar in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in
connection with the initial approval of this Contract. In addition,
the Custodian will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the
Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the financial
condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not
the subject of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian that there
appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent
thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
U.S. accounting principles).
-29-
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks.
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the provisions
hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Portfolios assets are
maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a
"bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of
1940 meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said
Act. The appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be
governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract.
(b) Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom
shall be maintained in an interest bearing account established for
the Fund with the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be
subject to the direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd.
or both.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund.
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from the
Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the appropriate
Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued or
sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent
of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to
the limitations of the Declaration of Trust and any
-30-
applicable votes of the Board of Trustees of the Fund pursuant thereto, the
Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make
funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the
Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In
connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the
Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to
wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming
shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the
Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of
Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of Shares,
when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls
as are mutually agrees upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions. Proper Instructions as used throughout this
Contract means a writing signed or initialled by one or more person or persons
as the Board of Trustees shall have from time to time authorized. Each such
writing shall set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction
involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for which such action is
requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the
Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to
give such instructions with respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall
cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the
-31-
authorization by the Board of Trustees of the Fund accompanied by a detailed
description of procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, Proper Instructions
may include communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or
electronic devices provided that the Board of Trustees and the Custodian are
satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Portfolios'
assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include
instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any three - party agreement
which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.11.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority. The Custodian may in
its discretion, without express authority from the Fund on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handing
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio; checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
-32-
7. Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any
instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or
paper believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or
on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian may receive ant accept a certified copy of
a vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the
authority of any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any
determination or of any action by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the
Declaration of Trust as described in such vote, and such vote may be considered
as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to
the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income.
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to keep the
books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per share
of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to do so
by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account
and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the Custodian
shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio and shall advise
the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income
and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise
the Transfer Agent
-33-
periodically of the division of such net income among its various components.
The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily income of each
Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio.
9. Records
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain
all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and
Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder, applicable federal and state tax laws and
any other law or administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to
the Fund. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all
times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection
by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and
agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the
Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each
Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the
Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the
Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of
each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year
to year favorable opinions from the
-34-
Fund's independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other
annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any
other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios
at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent
public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a
Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under
this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient
detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable
assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination,
and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for
-35-
the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto
received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held
harmless in acting upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other
instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the
proper party or parties, including any futures commission merchant acting
pursuant to the terms of a three - party futures or options agreement. The
Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the
provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be
without liability to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good
faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with
respect to redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate
Agreement entered into between the Custodian and the Fund.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article l hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.10)
and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank
as contemplated by paragraph 3.11
-36-
hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim resulting from, or caused by, the direction of or
authorization by the Fund to maintain custody or any securities or cash of the
Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited to, losses resulting from
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
terrorism.
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take
any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of
money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the
Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for
the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take
such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for
any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange or in the event that the
Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property
at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
-37-
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30)
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the
Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.10 hereof in
the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the
initial use of a particular Securities System by such Portfolio and the receipt
of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the
Board of Trustees has reviewed the use by such Portfolio of such Securities
System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio
act under Section 2.10A hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Trustees has approved the initial use of the Direct Paper System by such
Portfolio and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees has reviewed the
-38-
use by such Portfolio of the Direct Paper System; provided further, however,
that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Declaration of
Trust, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of the
Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board of Trustees (i) substitute
another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described
above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event
of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the
Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due
as of the date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian
for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
If a successor Custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each
applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account
of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held
in a Securities System.
-39-
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian
shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer
such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
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, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company
shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of
-40-
Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains
possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of
this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall
remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Contract as
may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing
signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or
state regulations or any provision of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No
interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence
shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to State Street Investment Fund with respect to which it desires to
have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall
so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to
provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
-41-
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Disclaimer
It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Fund hereunder, and the
authorization, execution and delivery of this document, shall not be binding
upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees
of the Fund as individuals or personally, but shall bind only the property of
the Portfolio, as provided in the Master Trust Agreement of the Fund. The Master
Trust Agreement of the Fund provides, and it is expressly agreed, that the
Portfolio of the Fund shall be solely and exclusively responsible for the
payment of any direct or indirect debts, liabilities and obligations relating to
the Portfolio, and that no other portfolio shall be responsible for the same.
-42-
EXHIBIT 1
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
TO:
Gentlemen:
The undersigned ("State Street") hereby requests that you (the "Bank")
establish a custody account and a cash account for each State Street client
whose account is identified to this Agreement. Each such custody or cash account
as applicable will be referred to herein as the "Account" and will be subject to
the following terms and conditions:
1. The Bank shall hold as agent for State Street and shall physically
segregate in the Account such cash, bullion, coin, stocks, shares, bonds,
debentures, notes and other securities and other property which is delivered to
the Bank for that State Street Account (the "Property").
2. (a) Wlthout the prior approval of State Street it will not deposit
securities in any securities depository or utilize a clearing agency,
incorporated or organized under the laws of a country other than the United
States, unless such depository or clearing house operates the central system for
handling of securities or equivalent book-entries in that country or operates a
transnatlonal system for the central handling of securities or equivalent
book-entries.
(b) When Securities held for an Account are deposited in a securities
depository or clearing agency by the Bank, the Bank shall identify on its books
as belonging to State Street as agent for such Account, the Securities so
deposited.
The Bank represents that either:
3. (a) It currently has stockholders' equity in excess of $200 million (US
dollars or the equivalent of US dollars computed in accordance with generally
accepted US accounting principles) and will promptly inform State Street in the
event that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its stockholders'
equity will decline below $200 million, or in any event, at such time as its
stockholders' equity in fact declines below $200 million; or
(b) It is the subject of an exemptive order issued by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission, which such order permits State Street to
employ the Bank as a subcustodian, notwithstanding the fact that the Bank's
stockholders' equity is currently below $200 million or may in the future
decline below $200 million due to currency fluctuation.
4. Upon the written instructions of State Street as permitted by Section 8,
the Bank is authorized to pay out cash from the Account and to sell, assign,
transfer, deliver or exchange, or to purchase for the Account,
any and all stocks, shares, bonds, debentures, notes and other securities
("Securities"), bullion, coin and other property, but only as provided in such
written instructions. The Bank shall not be held liable for any act or omission
to act on instructions given or purported to be given should there be any error
in such instructions.
5. Unless the Bank receives written instructions of State Street to the
contrary, the Bank is authorized:
a. To promptly receive and collect all income and principal with respect to
the Property and to credit cash receipts to the Account;
b. To promptly exchange Securities where the exchange is purely ministerial
(including, without limitation, the exchange of temporary Securities for
those in definitive form and the exchange of warrants, or other
documents of entitlement to Securities, for the Securities themselves);
c. To promptly surrender Securities at maturity or when called for
redemption upon receiving payment therefor;
d. Whenever notification of a rights entitlement or a fractional interest
resulting from a rights issue, stock dividend or stock split is received
for the Account and such rights entitlement or fractional interest bears
an expiration date, the Bank will endeavor to obtain State Street's
instructions, but should these not be received in time for the Bank to
take timely action, the Bank is authorized to sell such rights
entitlement or fractional interest and to credit the Account;
e. To hold registered in the name of the nominee of the Bank or its agents
such Securities as are ordinarily held in registered form;
f. To execute in State Street's name for the Account, whenever the Bank
deems it appropriate, such ownership and other certificates as may be
required to obtain the payment of income from the Property; and
g. To pay or cause to be paid from the Account any and all taxes and levies
in the nature of taxes imposed on such assets by any governmental
authority, and shall use reasonable efforts to promptly reclaim any
foreign withholding tax relating to the Account.
6. If the Bank shall receive any proxies, notices, reports, or other
communications relative to any of the Securities of the Account in connection
with tender offers; reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, or similar events
which may have an impact upon the issuer thereof, the Bank shall promptly
transmit any such communication to State Street by means as will permit State
Street to take timely action with respect thereto.
7. The Bank is authorized in its discretion to appoint brokers and agents
in connection with the Bank's handling of transactions relating to the Property
provided that any such appointment shall not relieve the Bank of any of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
8. Written instructions shall include (i) instructions in writing signed by
such persons as are designated in writing by State Street (ii) telex or tested
telex instructions of State Street, (iii) other forms of instruction in computer
readable form as shall be customarily utilized for the transmission of like
information and (iv) such other forms of communication as from time to time
shall be agreed upon by State Street and the Bank.
9. The Bank shall supply periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping
of assets held by it under this Agreement. The content of such reports shall
include but not be limited to any transfer to or from any Account held by the
Bank hereunder and such other information as State Street may reasonably
request.
10. In addition to its obligations under Section 2 hereof, the Bank shall
maintain such other records as may be necessary to identify the assets hereunder
as belonging to each State Street client identified to this Agreement from time
to time.
11. The Bank agrees that its books and records relating to its actions
under this Agreement shall be opened to the physical, on-premises inspection and
audit at reasonable times by officers of, auditors employed by or other
representatives of State Street (including to the extent permitted under
law the independent public accountants for any entity whose Property is being
held hereunder) and shall be retained for such period as shall be agreed by
State Street and the Bank.
12. The Bank shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services
and expenses as custodian under this Agreement, as agreed upon from time to time
by the Bank and State Street.
13. The Bank shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its
duties as are set forth or contemplated herein or contained in instructions
given to the Bank which are not contrary to this Agreement, and shall maintain
adequate insurance and agrees to indemnify and hold State Street and each
Account from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
arising out of or in connection with the Bank's performance of its obligations
hereunder.
14. The Bank agrees that (i) the Property is not subject to any right,
charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Bank or any
of its agents or its creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody
and administration and (ii) the beneficial ownership of the Property shall be
freely transferable without the payment of money or other value other than for
safe custody or administration.
15. This Agreement may be terminated by the Bank or State Street by at
least 60 days' written notice to the other, sent by registered mail or express
courier. The Bank, upon the date this Agreement terminates pursuant to notice
which has been given in a timely fashion, shall deliver the Property in
accordance with written instructions of State Street specifying the name(s) of
the person(s) to whom the Property shall be delivered.
16. The Bank and State Street shall each use its best efforts to maintain
the confidentiality of the Property in each Account, subject, however, to the
provisions of any laws requiring the disclosure of the Property.
17. The Bank agrees to follow such Operating Requirements as State Street
may require from time to time. A copy of the current State Street Operating
Requirements is attached as an exhibit to this Agreement.
18. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all notices with respect
to matters contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed duly given when
received in writing or by tested telex by the Bank or State Street at their
respective addresses set forth below, or at such other address as specified in
each case in a notice similarly given:
To State Street: Global Custody Services Division
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
X.X. Xxx 000
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
To the Bank:
19. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of ________________________________________.
Please acknowledge your agreement to the foregoing by executing a copy of
this letter.
Very truly yours,
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By ____________________________
Agreed to by:
By _______________________________
Date _____________________________
scust/
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 1st day of May, 1989.
ATTEST STATE STREET INVESTMENT TRUST
/s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx. By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
------------------------------- ----------------------
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/ X.X. Xxxxx
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Assistant Secretary Vice President
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