CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made the ___ day of 19__, by and between INVESTORS FIDUCIARY
TRUST COMPANY, a trust company chartered under the laws of the state of
Missouri, having its trust office located at 000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000 ("Custodian"), and _______________, a ______________________
having its principal office and place of business at _______________ ("Fund").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Fund desires to appoint Investors Fiduciary Trust Company as
custodian of the securities and monies of Fund's investment portfolio; and
WHEREAS, Investors Fiduciary Trust Company is willing to accept such
appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, mutually covenant and
agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN. Fund hereby constitutes and appoints Custodian as
custodian of the securities and monies at any time owned by the Fund.
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2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
A. Fund hereby represents, warrants and acknowledges to Custodian:
1. That it is a corporation or trust (as specified above) duly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of its
state of organization, and that it is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"); and
2. That it has the requisite power and authority under applicable
law, its articles of incorporation and its bylaws to enter into
this Agreement; that it has taken all requisite action necessary
to appoint Custodian as custodian for the Fund; that this
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Fund; and that
this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
of Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
B. Custodian hereby represents, warrants and acknowledges to Fund:
1. That it is a trust company duly organized and existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri; and
2. That it has the requisite power and authority under applicable
law, its charter and its bylaws to enter into and perform this
Agreement; that this
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Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Custodian; and
that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of Custodian, enforceable in accordance with its
terms.
3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CUSTODIAN.
A. Delivery Of Assets
------------------
Except as permitted by the 1940 Act, Fund will deliver or cause to be
delivered to Custodian on the effective date of this Agreement, or as
soon thereafter as practicable, and from time to time thereafter, all
portfolio securities acquired by it and monies then owned by it or
from time to time coming into its possession during the time this
Agreement shall continue in effect. Custodian shall have no
responsibility or liability whatsoever for or on account of securities
or monies not so delivered.
B. Delivery of Accounts and Records
--------------------------------
Fund shall turn over or cause to be turned over to Custodian all of
the Fund's relevant accounts and records previously maintained.
Custodian shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the completeness
and correctness of the accounts and records turned over to it, and
Fund shall indemnify and hold Custodian harmless of and from any and
all expenses, damages and losses whatsoever arising out of or in
connection with any error, omission, inaccuracy or other deficiency of
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such accounts and records or in the failure of Fund to provide, or to
provide in a timely manner, any accounts, records or information
needed by the Custodian to perform its functions hereunder.
C. Delivery of Assets to Third Parties
-----------------------------------
Custodian will receive delivery of and keep safely the assets of Fund
delivered to it from time to time segregated in a separate account,
and if Fund is comprised of more than one portfolio of investment
securities (each a "Portfolio") Custodian shall keep the assets of
each Portfolio segregated in a separate account. Custodian will not
deliver, assign, pledge or hypothecate any such assets to any person
except as permitted by the provisions of this Agreement or any
agreement executed by it according to the terms of Section 3.S. of
this Agreement. Upon delivery of any such assets to a subcustodian
pursuant to Section 3.S. of this Agreement, Custodian will create and
maintain records identifying those assets which have been delivered to
the subcustodian as belonging to the Fund, by Portfolio if applicable.
The Custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the securities and
monies of Fund only until they have been transmitted to and received
by other persons as permitted under the terms of this Agreement,
except for securities and monies transmitted to subcustodians
appointed under
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Section 3.S. of this Agreement, for which Custodian remains
responsible to the extent provided in Section 3.S. hereof. Custodian
may participate directly or indirectly through a subcustodian in the
Depository Trust Company (DTC), Treasury/Federal Reserve Book Entry
System (Fed System), Participant Trust Company (PTC) or other
depository approved by the Fund (as such entities are defined at 17
CFR Section 270.17f-4(b)) (each a "Depository" and collectively, the
"Depositories").
D. Registration of Securities
--------------------------
The Custodian shall at all times hold registered securities of the
Fund in the name of the Custodian, the Fund, or a nominee of either of
them, unless specifically directed by instructions to hold such
registered securities in so-called "street name," provided that, in
any event, all such securities and other assets shall be held in an
account of the Custodian containing only assets of the Fund, or only
assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for
customers, and provided further, that the records of the Custodian at
all times shall indicate the Fund or other customer for which such
securities and other assets are held in such account and the
respective interests therein. If, however, the Fund directs the
Custodian to maintain securities in "street
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name", notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the
Custodian shall be obligated only to utilize its best efforts to
timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and to notify
the Fund of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation,
pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers. All
securities, and the ownership thereof by Fund, which are held by
Custodian hereunder, however, shall at all times be identifiable on
the records of the Custodian. The Fund agrees to hold Custodian and
its nominee harmless for any liability as a shareholder of record of
securities held in custody.
E. Exchange of Securities
----------------------
Upon receipt of instructions as defined herein in Section 4.A,
Custodian will exchange, or cause to be exchanged, portfolio
securities held by it for the account of Fund for other securities or
cash issued or paid in connection with any reorganization,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, split-up of shares, change of
par value, conversion or otherwise, and will deposit any such
securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization or
protective plan. Without instructions, Custodian is authorized to
exchange securities held by it in temporary form for securities in
definitive form, to effect an exchange of shares when the par value of
the stock is changed, and,
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upon receiving payment therefor, to surrender bonds or other
securities held by it at maturity or when advised of earlier call for
redemption, except that Custodian shall receive instructions prior to
surrendering any convertible security.
F. Purchases of Investments of the Fund
------------------------------------
Fund will, on each business day on which a purchase of securities
shall be made by it, deliver to Custodian instructions which shall
specify with respect to each such purchase:
1. If applicable, the name of the Portfolio making such purchase;
2. The name of the issuer and description of the security;
3. The number of shares and the principal amount purchased, and
accrued interest, if any;
4. The trade date;
5. The settlement date;
6. The purchase price per unit and the brokerage commission, taxes
and other expenses payable in connection with the purchase;
7. The total amount payable upon such purchase; and
8. The name of the person from whom or the broker or dealer through
whom the purchase was made.
9. Whether the security is to be received in certificated form or
via a specified Depository.
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In accordance with such instructions, Custodian will pay for out of monies held
for the account of Fund, but only insofar as such monies are available for such
purpose, and receive the portfolio securities so purchased by or for the account
of Fund, except that Custodian may in its sole discretion advance funds to the
Fund which may result in an overdraft because the monies held by the Custodian
on behalf of the Fund are insufficient to pay the total amount payable upon such
purchase. Except as otherwise instructed by Fund, such payment shall be made by
the Custodian only upon receipt of securities: (a) by the Custodian; (b) by a
clearing corporation of a national exchange of which the Custodian is a member;
or (c) by a Depository. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in the case of a
repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Depository prior to
the receipt of advice from the Depository that the securities underlying such
repurchase agreement have been transferred by book-entry into the account
maintained with such Depository by the Custodian, on behalf of its customers,
provided that the Custodian's instructions to the Depository require that the
Depository make payment of such funds only upon transfer by book-entry of the
securities underlying the repurchase agreement in such account; (ii) in the case
of time deposits, call account deposits, currency deposits and other deposits,
foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or options, the Custodian may
make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or confirmation evidencing
said deposit or entry into such transaction; and (iii)
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in the case of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs
outside of the United States of America, the Custodian may make, or cause a
subcustodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.S.2. of this Agreement to make,
payment therefor in accordance with generally accepted local custom and market
practice.
G. Sales and Deliveries of Investments of the Fund - Other than Options
--------------------------------------------------------------------
and Futures
-----------
Fund will, on each business day on which a sale of investment
securities (other than options and futures) of Fund has been made,
deliver to Custodian instructions specifying with respect to each such
sale:
1. If applicable, the name of the Portfolio making such sale;
2. The name of the issuer and description of the securities;
3. The number of shares and principal amount sold, and accrued
interest, if any;
4. The date on which the securities sold were purchased or other
information identifying the securities sold and to be delivered;
5. The trade date;
6. The settlement date;
7. The sale price per unit and the brokerage commission, taxes or
other expenses payable in connection with such sale;
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8. The total amount to be received by Fund upon such sale; and
9. The name and address of the broker or dealer through whom or
person to whom the sale was made.
In accordance with such instructions, Custodian will deliver or cause to be
delivered the securities thus designated as sold for the account of Fund to the
broker or other person specified in the instructions relating to such sale.
Except as otherwise instructed by Fund, such delivery shall be made upon receipt
of payment therefor: (a) in such form as is satisfactory to the Custodian; (b)
credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the
account of the Custodian, on behalf of its customers, with a Depository.
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the case of securities held in physical
form, such securities shall be delivered in accordance with "street delivery
custom" to a broker or its clearing agent; or (ii) in the case of the sale of
securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the United States of
America, the Custodian may make, or cause a subcustodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.S.2. of this Agreement to make, payment therefor in accordance with
generally accepted local custom and market practice.
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H. Purchases or Sales of Options and Futures Fund will, on each business
day on which a purchase or sale of the following options and/or
futures shall be made by it, deliver to Custodian instructions which
shall specify with respect to each such purchase or sale:
1. If applicable, the name of the Portfolio making such purchase or
sale;
2. Security Options
a. The underlying security;
b. The price at which purchased or sold;
c. The expiration date;
d. The number of contracts;
e. The exercise price;
f. Whether the transaction is an opening, exercising, expiring
or closing transaction;
g. Whether the transaction involves a put or call;
h. Whether the option is written or purchased;
i. Market on which option traded; and
j. Name and address of the broker or dealer through whom the
sale or purchase was made.
3. Options on Indices
a. The index;
b. The price at which purchased or sold;
c. The exercise price;
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d. The premium;
e. The multiple;
f. The expiration date;
g. Whether the transaction is an opening, exercising, expiring
or closing transaction;
h. Whether the transaction involves a put or call;
i. Whether the option is written or purchased; and
j. The name and address of the broker or dealer through whom
the sale or purchase was made, or other applicable
settlement instructions.
4. Security Index Futures Contracts
a. The last trading date specified in the contract and, when
available, the closing level, thereof;
b. The index level on the date the contract is entered into;
c. The multiple;
d. Any margin requirements;
e. The need for a segregated margin account (in addition to
instructions, and if not already in the possession of
Custodian, Fund shall deliver a substantially complete and
executed custodial safekeeping account and procedural
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agreement which shall be incorporated by reference into this
Custody Agreement); and
f. The name and address of the futures commission merchant
through whom the sale or purchase was made, or other
applicable settlement instructions.
5. Options on Index Future Contracts
a. The underlying index future contract;
b. The premium;
c. The expiration date;
d. The number of options;
e. The exercise price;
f. Whether the transaction involves an opening, exercising,
expiring or closing transaction;
g. Whether the transaction involves a put or call;
h. Whether the option is written or purchased; and
i. The market on which the option is traded.
I. Securities Pledged or Loaned
If specifically allowed for in the prospectus of Fund, and subject to
such additional terms and conditions as Custodian may require:
1. Upon receipt of instructions, Custodian will release or cause to
be released securities held in custody to the pledgee designated
in such
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instructions by way of pledge or hypothecation to secure any loan
incurred by Fund; provided, however, that the securities shall be
released only upon payment to Custodian of the monies borrowed,
except that in cases where additional collateral is required to
secure a borrowing already made, further securities may be
released or caused to be released for that purpose upon receipt
of instructions. Upon receipt of instructions, Custodian will
pay, but only from funds available for such purpose, any such
loan upon redelivery to it of the securities pledged or
hypothecated therefor and upon surrender of the note or notes
evidencing such loan.
2. Upon receipt of instructions, Custodian will release securities
held in custody to the borrower designated in such instructions;
provided, however, that the securities will be released only upon
deposit with Custodian of full cash collateral as specified in
such instructions, and that Fund will retain the right to any
dividends, interest or distribution on such loaned securities.
Upon receipt of instructions and the loaned securities, Custodian
will release the cash collateral to the borrower.
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J. Routine Matters
Custodian will, in general, attend to all routine and mechanical
matters in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer, or other dealings with securities or other property of Fund
except as may be otherwise provided in this Agreement or directed from
time to time by the Fund in writing.
K. Deposit Accounts
Custodian will open and maintain one or more special purpose deposit
accounts in the name of Custodian ("Accounts"), subject only to draft
or order by Custodian upon receipt of instructions. All monies
received by Custodian from or for the account of Fund shall be
deposited in said Accounts. Barring events not in the control of the
Custodian such as strikes, lockouts or labor disputes, riots, war or
equipment or transmission failure or damage, fire, flood, earthquake
or other natural disaster, action or inaction of governmental
authority or other causes beyond its control, at 9:00 a.m., Kansas
City time, on the second business day after deposit of any check into
an Account, Custodian agrees to make Fed Funds available to the Fund
in the amount of the check. Deposits made by Federal Reserve wire will
be available to the Fund immediately and ACH wires will be available
to the Fund on the next business day. Income earned on the
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portfolio securities will be credited to the Fund based on the
schedule attached as Exhibit A. The Custodian will be entitled to
reverse any credited amounts where credits have been made and monies
are not finally collected. If monies are collected after such
reversal, the Custodian will credit the Fund in that amount. Custodian
may open and maintain Accounts in its own banking department, or in
such other banks or trust companies as may be designated by it or by
Fund in writing, all such Accounts, however, to be in the name of
Custodian and subject only to its draft or order. Funds received and
held for the account of different Portfolios shall be maintained in
separate Accounts established for each Portfolio.
L. Income and other Payments to the Fund Custodian will:
1. Collect, claim and receive and deposit for the account of Fund
all income and other payments which become due and payable on or
after the effective date of this Agreement with respect to the
securities deposited under this Agreement and credit the account
of Fund in accordance with the schedule attached hereto as
Exhibit A. If, for any reason, the Fund is credited with income
that is not subsequently collected, Custodian may reverse that
credited amount.
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2. Execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all
federal, state and local tax purposes in connection with the
collection of bond and note coupons; and
3. Take such other action as may be necessary or proper in
connection with:
a. the collection, receipt and deposit of such income and other
payments, including but not limited to the presentation for
payment of:
1. all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation; and
2. all other securities which may mature or be called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable and
regarding which the Custodian has actual knowledge, or
should reasonably be expected to have knowledge; and
b. the endorsement for collection, in the name of Fund, of all
checks, drafts or other negotiable instruments.
Custodian, however, will not be required to institute suit or take
other extraordinary action to enforce collection except upon receipt
of instructions and upon being indemnified to its satisfaction against
the costs and expenses of such suit or other actions. Custodian will
receive, claim and collect all stock dividends, rights and
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other similar items and will deal with the same pursuant to
instructions. Unless prior instructions have been received to the
contrary, Custodian will, without further instructions, sell any
rights held for the account of Fund on the last trade date prior to
the date of expiration of such rights.
M. Payment of Dividends and other Distributions
On the declaration of any dividend or other distribution on the shares
of capital stock of Fund ("Fund Shares") by the Board of Directors of
Fund, Fund shall deliver to Custodian instructions with respect
thereto. On the date specified in such instructions for the payment of
such dividend or other distribution, Custodian will pay out of the
monies held for the account of Fund, insofar as the same shall be
available for such purposes, and credit to the account of the Dividend
Disbursing Agent for Fund, such amount as may be necessary to pay the
amount per share payable in cash on Fund Shares issued and outstanding
on the record date established by such resolution.
N. Shares of Fund Purchased by Fund
Whenever any Fund Shares are repurchased or redeemed by Fund, Fund or
its agent shall advise Custodian of the aggregate dollar amount to be
paid for such shares and shall confirm such advice in writing. Upon
receipt of such advice, Custodian shall charge such aggregate
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dollar amount to the account of Fund and either deposit the same in
the account maintained for the purpose of paying for the repurchase or
redemption of Fund Shares or deliver the same in accordance with such
advice. Custodian shall not have any duty or responsibility to
determine that Fund Shares have been removed from the proper
shareholder account or accounts or that the proper number of Fund
Shares have been cancelled and removed from the shareholder records.
O. Shares of Fund Purchased from Fund
Whenever Fund Shares are purchased from Fund, Fund will deposit or
cause to be deposited with Custodian the amount received for such
shares. Custodian shall not have any duty or responsibility to
determine that Fund Shares purchased from Fund have been added to the
proper shareholder account or accounts or that the proper number of
such shares have been added to the shareholder records.
P. Proxies and Notices
Custodian will promptly deliver or mail or have delivered or mailed to
Fund all proxies properly signed, all notices of meetings, all proxy
statements and other notices, requests or announcements affecting or
relating to securities held by Custodian for Fund and will, upon
receipt of instructions, execute and deliver or cause its nominee to
execute and deliver or
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mail or have delivered or mailed such proxies or other authorizations
as may be required. Except as provided by this Agreement or pursuant
to instructions hereafter received by Custodian, neither it nor its
nominee will exercise any power inherent in any such securities,
including any power to vote the same, or execute any proxy, power of
attorney, or other similar instrument voting any of such securities,
or give any consent, approval or waiver with respect thereto, or take
any other similar action.
Q. Disbursements
Custodian will pay or cause to be paid, insofar as funds are available
for the purpose, bills, statements and other obligations of Fund
(including but not limited to obligations in connection with the
conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned by Fund,
interest charges, dividend disbursements, taxes, management fees,
custodian fees, legal fees, auditors' fees, transfer agents' fees,
brokerage commissions, compensation to personnel, and other operating
expenses of Fund) pursuant to instructions of Fund setting forth the
name of the person to whom payment is to be made, the amount of the
payment, and the purpose of the payment.
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R. Daily Statement of Accounts
Custodian will, within a reasonable time, render to Fund a detailed
statement of the amounts received or paid and of securities received
or delivered for the account of Fund during each business day.
Custodian will, from time to time, upon request by Fund, render a
detailed statement of the securities and monies held for Fund under
this Agreement, and Custodian will maintain such books and records as
are necessary to enable it to do so. Custodian will permit such
persons as are authorized by Fund, including Fund's independent public
accountants, reasonable access to such records or will provide
reasonable confirmation of the contents of such records, and if
demanded, Custodian will permit federal and state regulatory agencies
to examine the securities, books and records. Upon the written
instructions of Fund or as demanded by federal or state regulatory
agencies, Custodian will instruct any subcustodian to permit such
persons as are authorized by Fund, including Fund's independent public
accountants, reasonable access to such records or to provide
reasonable confirmation of the contents of such records, and to permit
such agencies to examine the books, records and securities held by
such subcustodian which relate to Fund.
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S. Appointment of Subcustodians
1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, all or
any of the monies or securities of Fund may be held in
Custodian's own custody or in the custody of one or more other
banks or trust companies acting as subcustodians as may be
selected by Custodian. Any such subcustodian selected by the
Custodian must have the qualifications required for a custodian
under the 1940 Act, as amended. It is understood that Custodian
initially intends to appoint United Missouri Bank, N.A. (UMB) and
United Missouri Trust Company of New York (UMTCNY) as
subcustodians. Custodian shall be responsible to the Fund for any
loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund
resulting from the actions or omissions of UMB, UMTCNY and any
other subcustodians selected and appointed by Custodian (except
subcustodians appointed at the request of Fund and as provided in
Subsection 2 below) to the same extent Custodian would be
responsible to the Fund under Section 5. of this Agreement if it
committed the act or omission itself. Upon request of the Fund,
Custodian shall be willing to contract with other subcustodians
reasonably acceptable to the Custodian for purposes of (i)
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effecting third-party repurchase transactions with banks,
brokers, dealers, or other entities through the use of a common
custodian or subcustodian, or (ii) providing depository and
clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate
demand note securities, or (iii) for other reasonable purposes
specified by Fund; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be
responsible to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered
or incurred by the Fund resulting from the actions or omissions
of any such subcustodian only to the same extent such
subcustodian is responsible to the Custodian. The Fund shall be
entitled to review the Custodian's contracts with any such
subcustodians appointed at the request of Fund. Custodian shall
be responsible to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from the actions or
omissions of any Depository only to the same extent such
Depository is responsible to Custodian.
2. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, Fund's
foreign securities (as defined in Rule 17f-5(c)(1) under the 0000
Xxx) and Fund's cash or cash equivalents, in amounts deemed by
the Fund to be reasonably necessary to effect Fund's
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foreign securities transactions, may be held in the custody of
one or more banks or trust companies acting as subcustodians, and
thereafter, pursuant to a written contract or contracts as
approved by Fund's Board of Directors, may be transferred to
accounts maintained by any such subcustodian with eligible
foreign custodians, as defined in Rule 17f-5(c)(2). Custodian
shall be responsible to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from the actions or
omissions of any foreign subcustodians or a domestic subcustodian
contracting with such foreign subcustodians only to the same
extent such domestic subcustodian is responsible to the
Custodian.
T. Accounts and Records Property of Fund
-------------------------------------
Custodian acknowledges that all of the accounts and records maintained
by Custodian pursuant to this Agreement are the property of Fund, and
will be made available to Fund for inspection or reproduction within a
reasonable period of time, upon demand. Custodian will assist Fund's
independent auditors, or upon approval of Fund, or upon demand, any
regulatory body, in any requested review of Fund's accounts and
records but shall be reimbursed by Fund for all expenses and employee
time invested in any such review outside of
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routine and normal periodic reviews. Upon receipt from Fund of the
necessary information or instructions, Custodian will supply
information from the books and records it maintains for Fund that Fund
needs for tax returns, questionnaires, periodic reports to
shareholders and such other reports and information requests as Fund
and Custodian shall agree upon from time to time.
U. Adoption of Procedures
Custodian and Fund may from time to time adopt procedures as they
agree upon, and Custodian may conclusively assume that no procedure
approved or directed by Fund or its accountants or other advisors
conflicts with or violates any requirements of its prospectus,
articles of incorporation, bylaws, any applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any order, decree or agreement by which Fund may be
bound. Fund will be responsible to notify Custodian of any changes in
statutes, regulations, rules, requirements or policies which might
necessitate changes in Custodian's responsibilities or procedures.
V. Overdrafts
If Custodian shall in its sole discretion advance funds to the account
of the Fund which results in an overdraft in any Account because the
monies held therein by Custodian on behalf of the Fund are
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insufficient to pay the total amount payable upon a purchase of
securities as specified in Fund's instructions or for some other
reason, the amount of the overdraft shall be payable by the Fund to
Custodian upon demand together with the overdraft charge set forth on
the then-current Fee Schedule from the date advanced until the date of
payment. Fund hereby grants Custodian a lien on and security interest
in the assets of the Fund to secure the full amount of any outstanding
overdraft and related overdraft charges.
W. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers
Upon receipt of instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver
warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or
trustee thereof, or to the agent of such issuer or trustee, for the
purpose of exercise or sale, provided that the new securities, cash or
other assets, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b)
deposit securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that
the consideration for such securities is to be paid or delivered to
the Custodian or the tendered securities are to be returned to the
Custodian.
INSTRUCTIONS.
A. The term "instructions", as used herein, means written (including
telecopied or telexed) or oral instructions which Custodian reasonably
believes were given by a designated
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representative of Fund. Fund shall deliver to Custodian, prior to delivery
of any assets to Custodian and thereafter from time to time as changes
therein are necessary, written instructions naming one or more designated
representatives to give instructions in the name and on behalf of Fund,
which instructions may be received and accepted by Custodian as conclusive
evidence of the authority of any designated representative to act for Fund
and may be considered to be in full force and effect (and Custodian will be
fully protected in acting in reliance thereon) until receipt by Custodian
of notice to the contrary. Unless such written instructions delegating
authority to any person to give instructions specifically limit such
authority to specific matters or require that the approval of anyone else
will first have been obtained, Custodian will be under no obligation to
inquire into the right of such person, acting alone, to give any
instructions whatsoever which Custodian may receive from such person. If
Fund fails to provide Custodian any such instructions naming designated
representatives, any instructions received by Custodian from a person
reasonably believed to be an appropriate representative of Fund shall
constitute valid and proper instructions hereunder.
B. No later than the next business day immediately following each oral
instruction, Fund will send Custodian written confirmation of such oral
instruction. At Custodian's sole
650203.1
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discretion, Custodian may record on tape, or otherwise, any oral
instruction whether given in person or via telephone, each such recording
identifying the parties, the date and the time of the beginning and ending
of such oral instruction.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN.
A. Custodian shall at all times use reasonable care and due diligence and act
in good faith in performing its duties under this Agreement. Custodian
shall not be responsible for, and the Fund shall indemnify and hold
Custodian harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs,
charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability which may be
asserted against Custodian, incurred by Custodian or for which Custodian
may be held to be liable, arising out of or attributable to:
1. All actions taken by Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or any
instructions provided to it hereunder, provided that Custodian has
acted in good faith and with due diligence and reasonable care; and
2. The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this
Agreement (including without limitation the Fund's failure to pay or
reimburse Custodian under this indemnification provision), the Fund's
negligence or willful misconduct, or the failure of any representation
or warranty of the Fund hereunder to be
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and remain true and correct in all respects at all times.
B. Custodian may request and obtain at the expense of Fund the advice and
opinion of counsel for Fund or of its own counsel with respect to questions
or matters of law, and it shall be without liability to Fund for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith, in conformity with such advice or
opinion. If Custodian reasonably believes that it could not prudently act
according to the instructions of the Fund or the Fund's accountants or
counsel, it may in its discretion, with notice to the Fund, not act
according to such instructions.
C. Custodian may rely upon the advice and statements of Fund, Fund's
accountants and officers or other authorized individuals, and other persons
believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are
consulted, and Custodian shall not be liable for any actions taken, in good
faith, upon such advice and statements.
D. If Fund requests Custodian in any capacity to take any action which
involves the payment of money by Custodian, or which might make it or its
nominee liable for payment of monies or in any other way, Custodian shall
be indemnified and held harmless by Fund against any liability on account
of such action; provided, however, that nothing herein shall obligate
Custodian to take any such action except in its sole discretion.
650203.1
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E. Custodian shall be protected in acting as custodian hereunder upon any
instructions, advice, notice, request, consent, certificate or other
instrument or paper appearing to it to be genuine and to have been properly
executed and shall be entitled to receive upon request as conclusive proof
of any fact or matter required to be ascertained from Fund hereunder a
certificate signed by an officer or designated representative of Fund.
F. 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 or for Fund,
the legality of the purchase of any securities or foreign currency
positions or evidence of ownership required by Fund to be received by
Custodian, or the propriety of the decision to purchase or amount paid
therefor;
2. The legality of the sale of any securities or foreign currency
positions by or for Fund, or the propriety of the amount for which the
same are sold;
3. The legality of the issue or sale of any Fund Shares, or the
sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4. The legality of the repurchase or redemption of any Fund Shares, or
the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor; or
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5. The legality of the declaration of any dividend by Fund, or the
legality of the issue of any Fund Shares in payment of any stock
dividend.
G. Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be Custodian of, any
money represented by any check, draft, wire transfer, clearinghouse funds,
uncollected funds, or instrument for the payment of money to be received by
it on behalf of Fund until Custodian actually receives such money;
provided, however, that it shall advise Fund promptly if it fails to
receive any such money in the ordinary course of business and shall
cooperate with Fund toward the end that such money shall be received.
H. Except as provided in Section 3.S., Custodian shall not be responsible for
loss occasioned by the acts, neglects, defaults or insolvency of any
broker, bank, trust company, or any other person with whom Custodian may
deal.
I. Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for the failure or delay in
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or those of any entity
for which it is responsible hereunder, arising out of or caused, directly
or indirectly, by circumstances beyond the affected entity's reasonable
control, including, without limitations: any interruption, loss or
malfunction of any utility, transportation, computer (hardware or software)
or communication service; inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation, or a delay in mails;
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governmental or exchange action, statute, ordinance, rulings, regulations
or direction; war, strike, riot, emergency, civil disturbance, terrorism,
vandalism, explosions, labor disputes, freezes, floods, fires, tornados,
acts of God or public enemy, revolutions, or insurrection.
J. IN NO EVENT AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EITHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT
BE LIABLE TO ANYONE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION TO THE OTHER PARTY, FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES FOR ANY ACT OR FAILURE TO ACT
UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT EVEN IF ADVISED OF THIS POSSIBILITY
THEREOF.
6. COMPENSATION. In consideration for its services hereunder, Fund will pay to
Custodian such compensation as shall be set forth in a separate fee
schedule to be agreed to by Fund and Custodian from time to time. A copy of
the initial fee schedule is attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference. Custodian shall also be entitled to receive, and Fund agrees to
pay to Custodian, on demand, reimbursement for Custodian's cash
disbursements and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees, incurred by Custodian in connection with the performance
of services hereunder. Custodian may charge such compensation against
monies held by it for the account of Fund. Custodian will also be entitled
to charge against any monies
650203.1
32
held by it for the account of Fund the amount of any loss, damage,
liability, advance, overdraft or expense for which it shall be entitled to
reimbursement from Fund, including but not limited to fees and expenses due
to Custodian for other services provided to the Fund by Custodian.
Custodian will be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for the losses,
damages, liabilities, advances, overdrafts and expenses of subcustodians
only to the extent that (i) Custodian would have been entitled to
reimbursement hereunder if it had incurred the same itself directly, and
(ii) Custodian is obligated to reimburse the subcustodian therefor. 7. TERM
AND TERMINATION. The initial term of this Agreement --------------------
shall be for a period of __________. Thereafter, either party to this
Agreement may terminate the same by notice in writing, delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid, to the other party hereto and received not less than
ninety (90) days prior to the date upon which such termination will take
effect. Upon termination of this Agreement, Fund will pay Custodian its
fees and compensation due hereunder and its reimbursable disbursements,
costs and expenses paid or incurred to such date and Fund shall designate a
successor custodian by notice in writing to Custodian by the termination
date. In the event no written order designating a successor custodian has
been delivered to Custodian on or before the date when such termination
becomes effective,
650203.1
33
then Custodian may, at its option, deliver the securities, funds and
properties of Fund to a bank or trust company at the selection of
Custodian, and meeting the qualifications for custodian set forth in the
1940 Act and having not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000)
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, or apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor custodian or other proper relief, or take any
other lawful action under the circumstances; provided, however, that Fund
shall reimburse Custodian for its costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorney's fees, incurred in connection therewith. Custodian will, upon
termination of this Agreement and payment of all sums due to Custodian from
Fund hereunder or otherwise, deliver to the successor custodian so
specified or appointed, or as specified by the court, at Custodian's
office, all securities then held by Custodian hereunder, duly endorsed and
in form for transfer, and all funds and other properties of Fund deposited
with or held by Custodian hereunder, and Custodian will co-operate in
effecting changes in book-entries at all Depositories. Upon delivery to a
successor custodian or as specified by the court, Custodian will have no
further obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. Thereafter such
successor will be the successor custodian under this Agreement and will be
entitled to reasonable compensation for its
650203.1
34
services. 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 appoint a successor custodian, the
Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as provided in the then-current
fee schedule hereunder for its services during such period as the Custodian
retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties, and the
provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
8. NOTICES. Notices, requests, instructions and other writings addressed to
Fund at ____________________________, or at such other address as Fund may
have designated to Custodian in writing, will be deemed to have been
properly given to Fund hereunder; and notices, requests, instructions and
other writings addressed to Custodian at its offices at 000 Xxxx 00xx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000, Attention: Custody Department, or to
such other address as it may have designated to Fund in writing, will be
deemed to have been properly given to Custodian hereunder.
9. MULTIPLE PORTFOLIOS. If Fund is comprised of more than one Portfolio:
A. Each Portfolio shall be regarded for all purposes hereunder as a
separate party apart from each other Portfolio. Unless the context
otherwise requires, with respect to every transaction
650203.1
35
covered by this Agreement, every reference herein to the Fund shall be
deemed to relate solely to the particular Portfolio to which such
transaction relates. Under no circumstances shall the rights,
obligations or remedies with respect to a particular Portfolio
constitute a right, obligation or remedy applicable to any other
Portfolio. The use of this single document to memorialize the separate
agreement of each Portfolio is understood to be for clerical
convenience only and shall not constitute any basis for joining the
Portfolios for any reason.
B. Additional Portfolios may be added to this Agreement, provided that
Custodian consents to such addition. Rates or charges for each
additional Portfolio shall be as agreed upon by Custodian and Fund in
writing.
10. MISCELLANEOUS.
A. This Agreement shall be construed according to, and the rights and
liabilities of the parties hereto shall be governed by, the laws of
the State of Missouri, without reference to the choice of laws
principles thereof.
B. All terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon,
inure to the benefit of and be
650203.1
36
enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.
C. The representations and warranties and the indemnifications extended
hereunder are intended to and shall continue after and survive the
expiration, termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
D. No provisions of the Agreement may be amended or modified in any
manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and executed
by each party hereto.
E. The failure of either party to insist upon the performance of any
terms or conditions of this Agreement or to enforce any rights
resulting from any breach of any of the terms or conditions of this
Agreement, including the payment of damages, shall not be construed as
a continuing or permanent waiver of any such terms, conditions, rights
or privileges, but the same shall continue and remain in full force
and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred. No
waiver, release or discharge of any party's rights hereunder shall be
effective unless contained in a written instrument signed by the party
sought to be charged.
650203.1
37
F. The captions in 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.
G. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
H. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is determined by the
courts or any regulatory authority to be illegal, in conflict with
any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall
be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and
obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the
Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held
to be illegal or invalid.
I. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party hereto without the
prior written consent of the other party.
J. Neither the execution nor performance of this Agreement shall be
deemed to create a partnership or joint venture by and between
Custodian and Fund.
K. Except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement does not in any
way affect any other
650203.1
38
agreements entered into among the parties hereto and any actions taken
or omitted by either party hereunder shall not affect any rights or
obligations of the other party hereunder.
650203.1
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their respective duly authorized officers.
INVESTORS FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY
By:
------------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
FUND
By:
------------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------
650203.1
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EXHIBIT A
INVESTORS FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY
AVAILABILITY SCHEDULE BY TRANSACTION TYPE
TRANSACTION DTC PHYSICAL FED
----------- --- -------- ---
TYPE CREDIT DATE FUNDS TYPE CREDIT DATE FUNDS TYPE CREDIT DATE FUNDS TYPE
------------------------- --------------- ------------- ------------------ ------------- -------------- -------------
Calls Put As Received C or F* As Received C or F*
Maturities As Received C or F* Mat. Date C or F* Mat. Date F
Tender Reorgs. As Received C As Received C N/A
Dividends Paydate C Paydate C N/A
Floating Rate Int. Paydate C Paydate C N/A
Floating Rate Int. N/A As Rate C N/A
(No Rate) Received
Mtg. Backed P&I Paydate C Paydate + 1 C Paydate F
Bus. Day
Fixed Rate Inc. Paydate C Paydate C Paydate F
Euroclear N/A Paydate C
Legend
C = Clearinghouse Funds
F = Fed Funds
N/A = Not Applicable
* Availability based on how received.
650203.1
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