CUSTODY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of November 13, 1995, between PEOPLES S&P MIDCAP INDEX
FUND, INC., D/B/A DREYFUS MIDCAP INDEX FUND, a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Maryland (the "Fund"), having its principal office
and place of business at 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, and
BOSTON SAFE DEPOSIT AND TRUST COMPANY (the "Custodian"), a Massachusetts
trust company with its principal place of business at Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000.
W I T N E S S E T H:
That for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set
forth, the Fund and the Custodian agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
Whenever used in this Agreement or in any Schedules to this Agreement,
the following words and phrases, unless the context otherwise requires, shall
have the following meanings:
(a) "Affiliated Person" shall have the meaning of the term within
Section 2(a)3 of the 1940 Act.
(b) "Authorized Person" shall mean those persons duly authorized by the
Board of Directors of the Fund to give Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund and listed in the certification
annexed hereto as Appendix A or such other certification as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
(c) "Book-Entry System" shall mean the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-
entry system for United States and federal agency Securities, its
successor or successors and its nominee or nominees, in which the
Custodian is hereby specifically authorized and instructed on a
continuous and on-going basis to deposit all Securities eligible for
deposit therein, and to utilize the Book-Entry System to the extent
possible in connection with its performance hereunder.
(d) "Business Day" shall mean each day on which the Fund is required to
determine its net asset value, and any other day on which the Securities
and Exchange Commission may require the Fund to be open for business.
(e) "Certificate" shall mean any notice, instruction or other instrument
in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the
Custodian, which is actually received by the Custodian and signed on
behalf of the Fund by any two Authorized Persons or any two officers
thereof.
(f) "Articles of Incorporation" shall mean the Articles of Incorporation
of the Fund dated January 23, 1989 as the same may be amended from time
to time.
(g) "Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a
clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under Section 17(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees, in which the
Custodian is hereby specifically authorized and instructed on a
continuous and on-going basis to deposit all Securities eligible for
deposit therein, and to utilize the Book-Entry System to the extent
possible in connection with its performance hereunder. The term
"Depository" shall further mean and include any other person to be named
in a Certificate authorized to act as a depository under the 1940 Act,
its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees.
(h) "Money Market Security" shall be deemed to include, without
limitation, debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest and
principal by the government of the United States or agencies or
instrumentalities thereof ("U.S. government securities"), commercial
paper, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and short-term
corporate obligations, where the purchase or sale of such securities
normally requires settlement in federal funds on the same day as such
purchase or sale, and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with
respect to any of the foregoing types of securities and bank time
deposits.
(i) "Oral Instructions" shall mean verbal instructions actually received
by the Custodian from a person reasonably believed by the Custodian to be
an Authorized Person.
(j) "Prospectus" shall mean the Fund's current prospectus and statement
of additional information relating to the registration of the Fund's
Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(k) "Shares" shall mean all or any part of each class of Common Stock of
the Fund listed in the Certificate annexed hereto as Appendix B, as it
may be amended from time to time, which from time to time are authorized
and/or issued by the Fund.
(l) "Security" or "Securities" shall be deemed to include bonds,
debentures, notes, stocks, shares, evidences of indebtedness, and other
securities, commodities interests and investments from time to time
owned by the Fund.
(m) "Transfer Agent" shall mean the person which performs the transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent
functions for the Fund.
(n) "Written Instructions" shall mean a written communication actually
received by the Custodian from a person reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be an Authorized Person by any system, including, without
limitation, electronic transmissions, facsimile and telex, whereby the
receiver of such communication is able to verify by codes or otherwise
with a reasonable degree of certainty the authenticity of the sender of
such communication.
(o) The "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the
Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time.
2. Appointment of Custodian.
(a) The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as custodian
of all the Securities and monies at the time owned by or in the
possession of the Fund during the period of this Agreement.
(b) The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian and
agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
3. Compensation.
(a) The Fund will compensate the Custodian for its services rendered
under this Agreement in accordance with the fees set forth in the Fee
Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule A and incorporated herein. Such Fee
Schedule does not include out-of-pocket disbursements of the Custodian
for which the Custodian shall be entitled to xxxx separately. Out-of-
pocket disbursements shall consist of the items specified in the Schedule
of Out-of-pocket charges annexed hereto as Schedule B and incorporated
herein, which schedule may be modified by the Custodian upon not less
than thirty days prior written notice to the Fund.
(b) Any compensation agreed to hereunder may be adjusted from time to
time by attaching to Schedule A of this Agreement a revised Fee Schedule,
dated and signed by an Authorized Officer or authorized representative of
each party hereto.
(c) The Custodian will xxxx the Fund as soon as practicable after the
end of each calendar month, and said xxxxxxxx will be detailed in
accordance with Schedule A, as amended from time to time. The Fund will
promptly pay to the Custodian the amount of such billing. The Custodian
may charge against any monies held on behalf of the Fund pursuant to this
Agreement such compensation and disbursements incurred by the Custodian
in the performance of its duties pursuant to this Agreement. The
Custodian shall also be entitled to charge against any money held on
behalf of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement the amount of any loss,
damage, liability or expense incurred with respect to the Fund, including
counsel fees, for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the
provisions of this Agreement.
4. Custody of Cash and Securities.
(a) Receipt and Holding of Assets.
The Fund will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian or its
permitted Sub-Custodians all Securities and monies owned by it at any
time during the period of this Agreement. The Custodian will not be
responsible for such Securities and monies until actually received by it.
The Fund shall instruct the Custodian from time to time in its sole
discretion, by means of Written Instructions, or, in connection with the
purchase or sale of Money Market Securities, by means of Oral
Instructions confirmed in writing in accordance with Section 11(h) hereof
or Written Instructions, as to the manner in which and in what amounts
Securities and monies are to be deposited on behalf of the Fund in the
Book-Entry System or the Depository. Securities and monies of the Fund
deposited in the Book-Entry System or the Depository will be represented
in accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian for
customers, including but not limited to accounts for which the Custodian
acts in a fiduciary or representative capacity.
(b) Accounts and Disbursements. The Custodian shall establish and
maintain a separate account for the Fund and shall credit to the separate
account all monies received by it for the account of such Fund and shall
disburse the same only:
1. In payment for Securities purchased for the Fund, as
provided in Section 5 hereof;
2. In payment of dividends or distributions with respect to
the Shares, as provided in Section 7 hereof;
3. In payment of original issue or other taxes with respect
to the Shares, as provided in Section 8 hereof;
4. In payment for Shares which have been redeemed by the
Fund, as provided in Section 8 hereof;
5. Pursuant to a Certificate setting forth the name and
address of the person to whom the payment is to be made, the amount
to be paid and the purpose for which payment is to be made, provided
that in the event of disbursements pursuant to this Sub-section
4(b)(5), the Fund shall indemnify and hold the Custodian harmless
from any claims or losses arising out of such disbursements in
reliance on such Certificate; or
6. In payment of fees and in reimbursement of the expenses
and liabilities of the Custodian attributable to the Fund, as
provided in Sections 3 and 11(i).
(c) Confirmation and Statements. Promptly after the close of business
on each day, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with confirmations and
a summary of all transfers to or from the account of the Fund during said
day. Where securities purchased by the Fund are in a fungible bulk of
securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or
shown on the Custodian's account on the books of the Depository or the
Book-Entry System, the Custodian shall by book entry or otherwise
identify the quantity of those securities belonging to the Fund. At
least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a detailed
statement of the Securities and monies held for the Fund under this
Agreement.
(d) Registration of Securities and Physical Separation. All Securities
held for the Fund which are issued or issuable only in bearer form,
except such Securities as are held in the Book-Entry System, shall be
held by the Custodian in that form; all other Securities held for the
Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, in the name of the
Custodian, in the name of any duly appointed registered nominee of the
Custodian as the Custodian may from time to time determine, or in the
name of the Book-Entry System or the Depository or their successor or
successors, or their nominee or nominees. The Fund reserves the right to
instruct the Custodian as to the method of registration and safekeeping
of the Securities. The Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian
appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in
proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of its registered
nominee or in the name of the Book-Entry System or the Depository, any
Securities which it may hold for the account of the Fund and which may
from time to time be registered in the name of the Fund. The Custodian
shall hold all such Securities specifically allocated to the Fund which
are not held in the Book-Entry System or the Depository in a separate
account for the Fund in the name of the Fund physically segregated at all
times from those of any other person or persons.
(e) Segregated Accounts. Upon receipt of a Certificate the Custodian
will establish segregated accounts on behalf of the Fund to hold liquid
or other assets as it shall be directed by a Certificate and shall
increase or decrease the assets in such segregated accounts only as it
shall be directed by subsequent Certificate.
(f) Collection of Income and Other Matters Affecting Securities. Unless
otherwise instructed to the contrary by a Certificate, the Custodian by
itself, or through the use of the Book-Entry System or the Depository
with respect to Securities therein deposited, shall with respect to all
Securities held for the Fund in accordance with this Agreement:
1. Collect all income due or payable;
2. Present for payment and collect the amount payable upon
all Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, retired or
otherwise become payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Custodian only shall have such responsibility to the Fund for
Securities which are called if either (i) the Custodian received a
written notice of such call; or (ii) notice of such call appears in
one or more of the publications listed in Appendix C annexed hereto,
which may be amended at any time by the Custodian upon five (5)
Business Days prior notification to the Fund;
3. Surrender Securities in temporary form for definitive
Securities;
4. Execute any necessary declarations or certificates of
ownership under the Federal income tax laws or the laws or
regulations of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in
effect; and
5. Hold directly, or through the Book-Entry System or the
Depository with respect to Securities therein deposited, for the
account of the Fund all rights and similar Securities issued with
respect to any Securities held by the Custodian hereunder for the
Fund.
(g) Delivery of Securities and Evidence of Authority. Upon receipt of a
Certificate, the Custodian, directly or through the use of the Book-Entry
System or the Depository, shall:
1. Execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered
to such persons as may be designated in such Certificate, proxies,
consents, authorizations, and any other instruments whereby the
authority of the Fund as owner of any Securities may be exercised;
2. Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for
the Fund in exchange for other Securities or cash issued or paid in
connection with the liquidation, reorganization, refinancing,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation, or the
exercise of any conversion privilege;
3. Deliver or cause to be delivered any Securities held for
the Fund to any protective committee, reorganization committee or
other person in connection with the reorganization, refinancing,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization or sale of assets of any
corporation, and receive and hold under the terms of this Agreement
in the separate account for the Fund such certificates of deposit,
interim receipts or other instruments or documents as may be issued
to it to evidence such delivery;
4. Make or cause to be made such transfers or exchanges of
the assets specifically allocated to the separate account of the
Fund and take such other steps as shall be stated in a Certificate
to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly authorized plan of
liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of the Fund;
5. Deliver Securities upon the receipt of payment in
connection with any repurchase agreement related to such Securities
entered into by the Fund;
6. Deliver Securities owned by the Fund to the issuer thereof
or its agent when such Securities are called or otherwise become
payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall have no
responsibility for monitoring or ascertaining any call, redemption
or retirement dates with respect to put bonds which are owned by the
Fund and held by the Custodian or its nominees. Nor shall the
Custodian have any responsibility or liability to the Fund for any
loss by the Fund for any missed payments or other defaults resulting
therefrom; unless the Custodian received timely notification from
the Fund specifying the time, place and manner for the presentment
of any such put bond owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian or
its nominee. The Custodian shall not be responsible and assumes no
liability to the Fund for the accuracy or completeness of any
notification the Custodian may furnish to the Fund with respect to
put bonds
7. Deliver Securities for delivery in connection with any
loans of Securities made by the Fund but only against receipt of
adequate collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the
Custodian and the Fund which may be in the form of cash or U.S.
government securities or a letter of credit;
8. Deliver Securities for delivery as security in connection
with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a pledge of Fund assets,
but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
9. Deliver Securities upon receipt of a Certificate from the
Fund for delivery to the Transfer Agent or to the holders of Shares
in connection with distributions in kind, as may be described from
time to time in the Fund's Prospectus, in satisfaction of requests
by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption;
10. Deliver Securities as collateral in connection with short
sales by the Fund of common stock for which the Fund owns the stock
or owns preferred stocks or debt securities convertible or
exchangeable, without payment or further consideration, into shares
of the common stock sold short;
11. Deliver Securities for any purpose expressly permitted by
and in accordance with procedures described in the Fund's
Prospectus; and
12. Deliver Securities for any other proper business purpose,
but only upon receipt of, in addition to Written Instructions, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors signed by
an Authorized Person and certified by the Secretary of the Fund,
specifying the Securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose
for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be
a proper business purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom
delivery of such Securities shall be made.
(h) Endorsement and Collection of Checks, Etc. The Custodian is hereby
authorized to endorse and collect all checks, drafts or other orders for
the payment of money received by the Custodian for the account of the
Fund.
5. Purchase and Sale of Investments of the Fund.
(a) Promptly after each purchase of Securities for the Fund, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each purchase of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate; and (ii)
with respect to each purchase of Money Market Securities, either a
Written Instruction or Oral Instruction, in either case specifying with
respect to each purchase: (1) the name of the issuer and the title of
the Securities; (2) the number of shares or the principal amount
purchased and accrued interest, if any; (3) the date of purchase and
settlement; (4) the purchase price per unit; (5) the total amount payable
upon such purchase; (6) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made, if any; and (7) whether or not such
purchase is to be settled through the Book-Entry System or the
Depository. The Custodian shall receive the Securities purchased by or
for the Fund and upon receipt of Securities shall pay out of the monies
held for the account of the Fund the total amount payable upon such
purchase, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as
set forth in such Certificate, Written or Oral Instruction.
(b) Promptly after each sale of Securities of the Fund, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale of Securities
which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate, and (ii) with
respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, either Written
Instruction or Oral Instructions, in either case specifying with respect
to such sale: (1) the name of the issuer and the title of the
Securities; (2) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and
accrued interest, if any; (3) the date of sale; (4) the sale price per
unit; (5) the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale; (6) the
name of the broker through whom or the person to whom the sale was made;
and (7) whether or not such sale is to be settled through the Book-Entry
System or the Depository. The Custodian shall deliver or cause to be
delivered the Securities to the broker or other person designated by the
Fund upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale,
provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable to the Fund
as set forth in such Certificate, Written or Oral Instruction. Subject
to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such form as shall
be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for payment
in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities.
6. Lending of Securities.
If the Fund is permitted by the terms of the Articles of
Incorporation and as disclosed in its Prospectus to lend securities,
within 24 hours after each loan of Securities, the Fund shall deliver to
the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such loan:
(a) the name of the issuer and the title of the Securities; (b) the
number of shares or the principal amount loaned; (c) the date of loan and
delivery; (d) the total amount to be delivered to the Custodian, and
specifically allocated against the loan of the Securities, including the
amount of cash collateral and the premium, if any, separately identified;
and (e) the name of the broker, dealer or financial institution to which
the loan was made.
Promptly after each termination of a loan of Securities, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to
each such loan termination and return of Securities: (a) the name of the
issuer and the title of the Securities to be returned; (b) the number of
shares or the principal amount to be returned; (c) the date of
termination; (d) the total amount to be delivered by the Custodian
(including the cash collateral for such Securities minus any offsetting
credits as described in said Certificate); and (e) the name of the
broker, dealer or financial institution from which the Securities will be
returned. The Custodian shall receive all Securities returned from the
broker, dealer or financial institution to which such Securities were
loaned and upon receipt thereof shall pay the total amount payable upon
such return of Securities as set forth in the Certificate. Securities
returned to the Custodian shall be held as they were prior to such loan.
7. Payment of Dividends or Distributions.
(a) The Fund shall furnish to the Custodian a Certificate specifying the
date of payment of any dividend or distribution, and the total amount
payable to the Transfer Agent on the payment date.
(b) Upon the payment date specified in such Certificate, the Custodian
shall pay out the total amount payable to the Transfer Agent of the Fund.
8. Sale and Redemption of Shares of the Fund.
(a) Whenever the Fund shall sell any Shares, or whenever any shares are
redeemed, the Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Custodian a Written Instruction from the Transfer Agent duly specifying:
1. The net amount of money to be received by the Custodian,
where the sale of such Shares exceeds redemption; and
2. The net amount of money to be paid for such Shares, where
redemptions exceed purchases.
The Custodian understands and agrees that Written Instructions may
be furnished subsequent to the purchase of Shares and that the
information contained therein will be derived from the sales of Shares as
reported to the Fund by the Transfer Agent.
(b) Upon receipt of money from the Transfer Agent, the Custodian shall
credit such money to the separate account of the Fund.
(c) Upon issuance of any Shares in accordance with the foregoing
provisions of this Section 8, the Custodian shall pay all original issue
or other taxes required to be paid in connection with such issuance upon
the receipt of a Written Instruction specifying the amount to be paid.
(d) Upon receipt from the Transfer Agent of Written Instructions setting
forth the net amount of money to be paid for Shares received by the
Transfer Agent for redemption, the Custodian shall make payment to the
Transfer Agent of such net amount.
9. Indebtedness.
(a) The Fund will cause to be delivered to the Custodian by any bank
(excluding the Custodian) from which the Fund borrows money for
investment or for temporary administrative or emergency purposes using
Securities as collateral for such borrowings, a notice or undertaking in
the form currently employed by any such bank setting forth the amount
which such bank will loan to the Fund against delivery of a stated amount
of collateral. The Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate stating with respect to each such borrowing: (1) the name of
the bank; (2) the amount and terms of the borrowing, which may be set
forth by incorporating by reference an attached promissory note, duly
endorsed by the Fund, or other loan agreement; (3) the time and date, if
known, on which the loan is to be entered into (the "borrowing date");
(4) the date on which the loan becomes due and payable; (5) the total
amount payable to the Fund on the borrowing date; (6) the market value of
Securities to be delivered as collateral for such loan, including the
name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares or the principal
amount of any particular Securities; and (7) a statement that such loan
is in conformance with the 1940 Act and the Fund's Prospectus.
(b) Upon receipt of the Certificate referred to in subparagraph (a)
above, the Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date the specified
collateral and the executed promissory note, if any, against delivery by
the lending bank of the total amount of the loan payable, provided that
the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in the
Certificate. The Custodian may, at the option of the lending bank, keep
such collateral in its possession, but such collateral shall be subject
to all rights therein given the lending bank by virtue of any promissory
note or loan agreement. The Custodian shall deliver as additional
collateral in the manner directed by the Fund from time to time such
Securities as may be specified in the Certificate to collateralize
further any transaction described in this Section 9. The Fund shall
cause all Securities released from collateral status to be returned
directly to the Custodian, and the Custodian shall receive from time to
time such return of collateral as may be tendered to it. In the event
that the Fund fails to specify in the Certificate all of the information
required by this Section 9, the Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to deliver any Securities. Collateral returned to the
Custodian shall be held hereunder as it was prior to being used as
collateral.
10. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Fund.
(a) No trustee or agent of the Fund, and no officer, director, employee
or agent of the Fund's investment adviser, of any sub-investment adviser
of the Fund, or of the Fund's administrator, shall have physical access
to the assets of the Fund held by the Custodian or be authorized or
permitted to withdraw any investments of the Fund, nor shall the
Custodian deliver any assets of the Fund to any such person. No officer,
director, employee or agent of the Custodian who holds any similar
position with the Fund's investment adviser, with any sub-investment
adviser of the Fund or with the Fund's administrator shall have access to
the assets of the Fund.
(b) Nothing in this Section 10 shall prohibit any duly authorized
officer, employee or agent of the Fund, or any duly authorized officer,
director, employee or agent of the investment adviser, of any sub-
investment adviser of the Fund or of the Fund's administrator, from
giving Oral Instructions or Written Instructions to the Custodian or
executing a Certificate so long as it does not result in delivery of or
access to assets of the Fund prohibited by paragraph (a) of this Section
10.
11. Concerning the Custodian.
(a) Standard of Conduct. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, neither the Custodian nor its nominee shall be liable for any
loss or damage, including counsel fees, resulting from its action or
omission to act or otherwise, except for any such loss or damage arising
out of the negligence, misfeasance or willful misconduct of the Custodian
or any of its employees, Sub-Custodians or agents. The Custodian may,
with respect to questions of law, apply for and obtain the advice and
opinion of counsel to the Fund or of its own counsel, at the expense of
the Fund, and shall be fully protected with respect to anything done or
omitted by it in good faith in conformity with such advice or opinion.
The Custodian shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage
resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or the Depository, except
to the extent such loss or damage arises by reason of any negligence,
misfeasance or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any of
its employees or agents.
(b) Limit of Duties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to inquire into, and
shall not be liable for:
1. The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by
the Fund, the legality of the purchase thereof, or the propriety of
the amount paid therefor;
2. The legality of the sale of any Securities by the Fund or
the propriety of the amount for which the same are sold;
3. The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares, or the
sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4. The legality of the redemption of any Shares, or the
propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
5. The legality of the declaration or payment of any
distribution of the Fund;
6. The legality of any borrowing for temporary or emergency
administrative purposes.
(c) No Liability Until Receipt. The Custodian shall not be liable for,
or considered to be the Custodian of, any money, whether or not
represented by any check, draft, or other instrument for the payment of
money, received by it on behalf of the Fund until the Custodian actually
receives and collects such money directly or by the final crediting of
the account representing the Fund's interest in the Book-Entry System or
the Depository.
(d) Amounts Due from Transfer Agent. The Custodian shall not be under
any duty or obligation to take action to effect collection of any amount
due to the Fund from the Transfer Agent nor to take any action to effect
payment or distribution by the Transfer Agent of any amount paid by the
Custodian to the Transfer Agent in accordance with this Agreement.
(e) Collection Where Payment Refused. The Custodian shall not be under
any duty or obligation to take action to effect collection of any amount,
if the Securities upon which such amount is payable are in default, or if
payment is refused after due demand or presentation, unless and until (a)
it shall be directed to take such action by a Certificate and (b) it
shall be assured to its satisfaction of reimbursement of its costs and
expenses in connection with any such action.
(f) Appointment of Agents and Sub-Custodians. The Custodian may appoint
one or more banking institutions, including but not limited to banking
institutions located in foreign countries, to act as Depository or
Depositories or as Sub-Custodian or as Sub-Custodians of Securities and
monies at any time owned by the Fund. The Custodian shall use reasonable
care in selecting a Depository and/or Sub-Custodian located in a country
other than the United States ("Foreign Sub-Custodian"), which selection
shall be in accordance with the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940
Act, and shall oversee the maintenance of any Securities or monies of the
Fund by any Foreign Sub-Custodian. In addition, the Custodian shall hold
the Fund harmless from, and indemnify the Fund against, any loss, action,
claim, demand, expense and proceeding, including counsel fees, that
occurs as a result of the failure of any Foreign Sub-Custodian or
Depository to exercise reasonable care with respect to the safekeeping of
Securities and monies of the Fund. Notwithstanding the generality of the
foregoing, however, the Custodian shall not be liable for any losses
resulting from the general risk of investing or holding Securities and
monies in a particular country, including, but not limited to, losses
resulting from nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, revaluation,
confiscation, seizure, cancellation, destruction or similar action by any
governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation,
imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency
restrictions, exchange controls, taxes, levies or other charges affecting
the Fund's property; or acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or
revolution; or any other similar act or event beyond the Custodian's
control.
(g) No Duty to Ascertain Authority. The Custodian shall not be under
any duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time
delivered to or held by it for the Fund are such as may properly be held
by the Fund under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the
Prospectus.
(h) Reliance on Certificates and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any Certificate, notice or other instrument in
writing received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be genuine and to be signed by an officer or Authorized
Person of the Fund. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
Written Instructions or Oral Instructions actually received by the
Custodian pursuant to the applicable Sections of this Agreement and
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be genuine and to be given by an
Authorized Person. The Fund agrees to forward to the Custodian Written
Instructions from an Authorized Person confirming such Oral Instructions
in such manner so that such Written Instructions are received by the
Custodian, whether by hand delivery, telex or otherwise, by the close of
business on the same day that such Oral Instructions are given to the
Custodian. The Fund agrees that the fact that such confirming
instructions are not received by the Custodian shall in no way affect the
validity of the transactions or enforceability of the transactions hereby
authorized by the Fund. The Fund agrees that the Custodian shall incur
no liability to the Fund in acting upon Oral Instructions given to the
Custodian hereunder concerning such transactions provided such
instructions reasonably appear to have been received from a duly
Authorized Person.
(i) Overdraft Facility and Security for Payment. In the event that the
Custodian is directed by Written Instruction (or Oral Instructions
confirmed in writing in accordance with Section 11(h) hereof) to make any
payment or transfer of monies on behalf of the Fund for which there would
be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer,
insufficient monies held by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund, the
Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an overdraft (an
"Overdraft") to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the completion
of such payment or transfer. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall
be payable on the next Business Day, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund
and the Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the
Overdraft to the date of payment in full by the Fund at a rate agreed
upon in writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and the Fund. The
Custodian and the Fund acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdraft is
to temporarily finance the purchase of Securities for prompt delivery in
accordance with the terms hereof, to meet unanticipated or unusual
redemption, to allow the settlement of foreign exchange contracts or to
meet other emergency expenses not reasonably foreseeable by the Fund.
The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing (an "Overdraft
Notice") of any Overdraft by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing. To secure
payment of any Overdraft, the Fund hereby grants to the Custodian a
continuing security interest in and right of setoff against the
Securities and cash in the Fund's account from time to time in the full
amount of such Overdraft. Should the Fund fail to pay promptly any
amounts owed hereunder, the Custodian shall be entitled to use available
cash in the Fund's account and to liquidate Securities in the account as
is necessary to meet the Fund's obligations under the Overdraft. In any
such case, and without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall be
entitled to take such other actions(s) or exercise such other options,
powers and rights as the Custodian now or hereafter has as a secured
creditor under the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code or any other
applicable law.
(j) Inspection of Books and Records. The books and records of the
Custodian shall be open to inspection and audit at reasonable times by
officers and auditors employed by the Fund and by the appropriate
employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by the
Custodian on the system of internal accounting control of the Book-Entry
System or the Depository and with such reports on its own systems of
internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from time
to time.
12. Term and Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective on the date first set forth
above (the "Effective Date") and shall continue in effect thereafter
until such time as this Agreement may be terminated in accordance with
the provisions hereof.
(b) Either of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by giving
to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than 60 days after the date of
receipt of such notice. In the event such notice is given by the Fund,
it shall be accompanied by a certified vote of the Board of Directors of
the Fund, electing to terminate this Agreement and designating a
successor custodian or custodians, which shall be a person qualified to
so act under the 1940 Act.
In the event such notice is given by the Custodian, the Fund shall,
on or before the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a certified
vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund, designating a successor
custodian or custodians. In the absence of such designation by the Fund,
the Custodian may designate a successor custodian, which shall be a
person qualified to so act under the 0000 Xxx. If the Fund fails to
designate a successor custodian, the Fund shall upon the date specified
in the notice of termination of this Agreement and upon the delivery by
the Custodian of all Securities (other than Securities held in the Book-
Entry System which cannot be delivered to the Fund) and monies then owned
by the Fund, be deemed to be its own custodian and the Custodian shall
thereby be relieved of all duties and responsibilities pursuant to this
Agreement, other than the duty with respect to Securities held in the
Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to the Fund.
(c) Upon the date set forth in such notice under paragraph (b) of this
Section 12, this Agreement shall terminate to the extent specified in
such notice, and the Custodian shall upon receipt of a notice of
acceptance by the successor custodian on that date deliver directly to
the successor custodian all Securities and monies then held by the
Custodian on behalf of the Fund, after deducting all fees, expenses and
other amounts for the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be
entitled.
13. Limitation of Liability.
The Fund and the Custodian agree that the obligations of the Fund
under this Agreement shall not be binding upon any of the Directors,
shareholders, nominees, officers, employees or agents, whether past,
present or future, of the Fund, individually, but are binding only upon
the assets and property of the Fund, as provided in the Articles of
Incorporation. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been
authorized by the Directors of the Fund, and signed by an authorized
officer of the Fund, acting as such, and neither such authorization by
such Directors nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be
deemed to have been made by any of them or any shareholder of the Fund
individually or to impose any liability on any of them or any shareholder
of the Fund personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of
the Fund as provided in the Articles of Incorporation.
14. Miscellaneous.
(a) Annexed hereto as Appendix A is a certification signed by the
Secretary of the Fund setting forth the names and the signatures of the
present Authorized Persons. The Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian
a new certification in similar form in the event that any such present
Authorized Person ceases to be such an Authorized Person or in the event
that other or additional Authorized Persons are elected or appointed.
Until such new certification shall be received, the Custodian shall be
fully protected in acting under the provisions of this Agreement upon
Oral Instructions or signatures of the present Authorized Persons as set
forth in the last delivered certification.
(b) Annexed hereto as Appendix B is a certification signed by the
Secretary of the Fund setting forth the names and the signatures of the
present officers of the Fund. The Fund agrees to furnish to the
Custodian a new certification in similar form in the event any such
present officer ceases to be an officer of the Fund or in the event that
other or additional officers are elected or appointed. Until such new
certification shall be received, the Custodian shall be fully protected
in acting under the provisions of this Agreement upon the signature of an
officer as set forth in the last delivered certification.
(c) Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, shall be sufficiently given
if addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to it at its
offices at Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000 or at such other
place as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
(d) Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given to the Fund, shall be sufficiently given if
addressed to the Fund and mailed or delivered to it at its offices at 000
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 or at such other place as the Fund
may from time to time designate in writing.
(e) This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except
by a written agreement executed by both parties with the same formality
as this Agreement, (i) authorized, or ratified and approved by a vote of
the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of
the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), or (ii) authorized, or ratified
and approved by such other procedures as may be permitted or required by
the 1940 Act.
(f) This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the parties
hereto, and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however,
that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the
written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written
consent of the Fund authorized or approved by a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund. Nothing in this Agreement shall give or be
construed to give or confer upon any third party any rights hereunder.
(g) The Fund represents that a copy of the Articles of Incorporation is
on file with the Secretary of the State of Maryland.
(h) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(i) The captions of the Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions
hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
(j) This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall,
together, constitute only one instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective representatives duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.
PEOPLES S&P MIDCAPINDEX FUND, INC.,
D/B/A DREYFUS MIDCAP INDEX FUND
By:
Name: Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Title: Vice President
BOSTON SAFE DEPOSIT ANDTRUST COMPANY
By:
Name:
Title:
APPENDIX A
I, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, the Assistant Secretary, of Peoples S&P MidCap
Index Fund, Inc., d/b/a Dreyfus MidCap Index Fund, a corporation organized
under the laws of the State of Maryland (the "Fund"), do hereby certify that:
The following individuals have been duly authorized as Authorized Persons
to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the Fund and
the specimen signatures set forth opposite their respective names are their
true and correct signatures:
Name Signature
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx ___________________________
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Assistant Secretary
Dated:
APPENDIX B
PEOPLES S&P MIDCAP INDEX FUND, INC.
D/B/A DREYFUS MIDCAP INDEX FUND
I, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Peoples
S&P MidCap Index Fund, Inc., d/b/a Dreyfus MidCap Index Fund, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (the "Fund"),
do hereby certify that the only series of shares of the Fund issued and/or
authorized by the Fund as of the date of this Custody Agreement are shares of
Common Stock, $.001 par value.
SCHEDULE A
BOSTON SAFE DEPOSIT AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
Please refer to correspondence from the Fund to Mellon Equity Associates,
Inc., dated November 13, 1995 regarding fees.
SCHEDULE B
The Fund will pay to the Custodian as soon as possible after the
end of each month all out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in
connection with the assets of the Fund.
APPENDIX C
The following are designated publications for purposes of Section 4(f)2:
The Bond Buyer
Depository Trust Company Notices
Financial Daily Card Service
New York Times
Standard & Poor's Called Bond Record
Wall Street Journal
