Exhibit 9(a)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
EACH OF THE PARTIES LISTED ON APPENDIX 1
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It....................................................1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of each Fund Held by the Custodian in the United States..................................................2
2.1 Holding Securities..............................................................................2
2.2 Delivery of Securities..........................................................................2
2.3 Registration of Securities......................................................................4
2.4 Bank Accounts...................................................................................4
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds...................................................................5
2.6 Collection of Income............................................................................5
2.7 Payment of Fund Moneys..........................................................................5
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.............................6
2.9 Appointment of Agents...........................................................................7
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities System................................................7
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System.........................................8
2.12 Segregated Account..............................................................................9
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes.........................................................9
2.14 Proxies.........................................................................................9
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Securities.....................................................10
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
each Fund Held Outside of the United States.............................................................10
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians..........................................................10
3.2 Assets to be Held..............................................................................10
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems.....................................................................10
3.4 Holding Securities.............................................................................11
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions...................................................11
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of each Fund.................................................11
3.7 Reports by Custodian...........................................................................11
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account........................................................12
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians............................................................12
3.10 Liability of Custodian.........................................................................12
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances.....................................................................13
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities....................................................................13
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks.........................................................................13
3.14 Tax Law........................................................................................13
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions
of Shares of each Fund..................................................................................14
5. Proper Instructions.....................................................................................14
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority.............................................................15
7. Evidence of Authority...................................................................................15
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value
and Net Income..........................................................................................15
9. Records.................................................................................................16
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants...............................................................16
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants.......................................................16
12. Compensation of Custodian...............................................................................16
13. Responsibility of Custodian.............................................................................16
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment.............................................................18
15. Successor Custodian.....................................................................................18
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions..................................................................19
17. Additional Funds........................................................................................19
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply..............................................................................20
19. Prior Contracts.........................................................................................20
20. Shareholder Communications..............................................................................20
21. Limitation of Liability................................................................................21
MASTER CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between each fund or series of a fund listed on Appendix 1
which evidences its agreement to be bound hereby by executing a copy of this
Contract (each such fund, any and all separate series or portfolios thereof and
any additional portfolios or separate series thereof which become subject to
this Contract pursuant to Section 17 hereof, are individually hereafter referred
to as a "Fund"), and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust
company, having its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, each of the Funds has previously entered into a Custodian Contract
with the Custodian;
WHEREAS, the Custodian and each of the Funds desire to replace such
existing Custodian Contracts with this Master Custodian Contract between the
Custodian and all of the Funds;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of
such Fund, including securities which such Fund desires to be held in places
within the United States ("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be
held outside the United States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions
of such Fund's governing documents (domestic securities and foreign securities
are sometimes collectively referred to herein as "Securities"). Each Fund agrees
to deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash of such Fund, and all
payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by
it with respect to all securities owned by such Fund from time to time, and the
cash consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares each class of
capital stock or beneficial interest, as applicable, of such Fund, ("Shares") as
may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for any property of a Fund held or received by such Fund and not delivered to
the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 5),
the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Fund from time to time employ
one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in accordance
with an applicable vote by the Board of the Fund, and provided that the
Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on
account of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any
such sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Fund shall approve in writing the
terms of any subcustodian agreement with a United States subcustodian. The
Custodian may employ as sub-custodian for each Fund's foreign securities the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in
Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of each Fund Held By the
Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of each Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in the
United States including all domestic securities owned by such Fund, other
than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a
clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (each, a "U.S.
Securities System") and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which State
Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct
Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of
the Custodian (the "Direct Paper System") pursuant to Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
securities owned by a Fund held by the Custodian or in a U.S. Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book
entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of
Proper Instructions from such Fund, which may be continuing instructions
when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of such Fund and receipt
of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by such Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for securities of such Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of
such Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian
or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a different
number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
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aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of such Fund, to the
broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination in
accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that in any such
case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving
payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions
for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any
deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities
or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for
definitive securities; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by such
Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon
from time to time by the Custodian and such Fund, which may be in the
form of cash or obligations issued by the United States government,
its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in connection with any
loans for which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's
account in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of
the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for
the delivery of securities owned by such Fund prior to the receipt of
such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by such
Fund requiring a pledge of assets by such Fund, but only against
receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
such Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of
The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of
any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by such Fund ;
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13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
such Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract
Market, or any similar organization or organizations, regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by such Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for such Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the
holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may be
described from time to time in the currently effective prospectus and
statement of additional information of such Fund ("Prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or
redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from such Fund, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board or of the Executive Committee of such Fund
signed by an officer of such Fund and certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities of such Fund to be
delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be
made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall
be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of each Fund
or in the name of any nominee of each Fund or of any nominee of the
Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to each Fund, unless
a Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in
common with other registered investment companies having the same
investment adviser as such Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any
agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of
any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted
by the Custodian under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street name"
or other good delivery form. If, however, a Fund directs the Custodian to
maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize
commercially reasonable means to timely collect income due such Fund on
such securities and to timely notify each Fund of relevant corporate
actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities,
tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Fund , subject
only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of
this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the
provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of such
Fund, other than cash maintained by such Fund in a bank account established
and used
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in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Funds held by the Custodian for each Fund may be deposited by it to its
credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in such
other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary
or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust company
shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be
deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each
applicable Fund be approved by vote of a majority of the Board of such
Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between a Fund and the
Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions
from such Fund, make federal funds available to such Fund as of specified
times agreed upon from time to time by such Fund and the Custodian in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares of such Fund which are
deposited into such Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to Securities held hereunder to which each Fund shall be
entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business,
and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to bearer securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such
securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit
such income, as collected, to such Fund's custodian account. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and
present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when
due on securities held hereunder. Unless otherwise agreed to by the
parties, income due each Fund on securities loaned pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The
Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith,
other than to provide each Fund with such information or data as may be
necessary to assist each Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the
Custodian of the income to which each Fund is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Moneys. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from a Fund,
which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the
parties, the Custodian shall pay out moneys of each Fund in the following
cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of Securities, options, futures contracts or options
on futures contracts for the account of such Fund but only (a) against
the delivery of such securities or evidence of title to such options,
futures contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or
any bank, banking firm or trust company doing business in the United
States or abroad which is qualified under the Investment
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Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and has been
designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered
in the name of such Fund or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer; (b)
in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S. Securities System,
in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;
(c) in the case of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.11; (d) in the
case of repurchase agreements entered into between such Fund and the
Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of
NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities either in certificate
form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at the
Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against delivery of
the receipt evidencing purchase by such Fund of securities owned by
the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the
Custodian to repurchase such securities from such Fund or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of such Fund in any bank, whether
domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of
a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to
Proper Instructions from such Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of Securities
owned by such Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by such Fund as set
forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by such Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
such Fund: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and
legal fees, and operating expenses of such Fund whether or not such
expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of such Fund declared
pursuant to the governing documents of such Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition to
Proper Instructions from such Fund, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board or of the Executive Committee of such Fund signed by an
officer of such Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such
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purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of Securities for the account of such Fund is
made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in
the absence of specific Proper Instructions from such Fund to so pay in
advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to such Fund for such
securities to the same extent as if the securities had been received by the
Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times, subject to
the applicable Fund's prior approval, in its discretion appoint (and may at
any time remove) any other bank or trust company which is itself qualified
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Article
2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that
the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Fund in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of
the Exchange Act, which acts as a securities depository, or in the
book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and
certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "U.S.
Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of each Fund in a U.S. Securities
System provided that such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the U.S. Securities System which shall
not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of each Fund
which are maintained in a U.S. Securities System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to each Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
each Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities System
that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and (ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
payment and transfer for the account of each Fund. The Custodian shall
transfer securities sold for the account of each Fund upon (i) receipt
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of advice from the U.S. Securities System that payment for such
securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of
an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of each Fund. Copies of all advices from the
U.S. Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of
each Fund shall identify each Fund, be maintained for each Fund by the
Custodian and be provided to each Fund at its request. Upon request,
the Custodian shall furnish each Fund confirmation of each transfer to
or from the account of each Fund in the form of a written advice or
notice and shall furnish to each Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the U.S. Securities
System for the account of each Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide each Fund with any report obtained by the
Custodian on the U.S. Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities
deposited in the U.S. Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from each Fund the initial
certificate required by Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to each Fund for the benefit of such Fund
for any loss or damage to such Fund resulting from use of the U.S.
Securities System by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of its or
their employees or from failure of the Custodian or any such agent to
enforce effectively such rights as it may have against the U.S.
Securities System; at the election of the affected Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect
to any claim against the U.S. Securities System or any other person
which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or
damage if and to the extent that such Fund has not been made whole for
any such loss or damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by each Fund in the Direct Paper
System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System will
be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions from each Fund ;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of each Fund in the Direct Paper
System only if such securities are represented in an account of the
Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall not include any
assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
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3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of each Fund
which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to each Fund;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
each Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian
to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the account of
each Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the
account of each Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of payment for the
account of each Fund;
5) The Custodian shall furnish each Fund confirmation of each transfer to
or from the account of each Fund, in the form of a written advice or
notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day following such
transfer and shall furnish to each Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Direct Paper System
for the account of each Fund;
6) The Custodian shall provide each Fund with any report on its system of
internal accounting control as each Fund may reasonably request from
time to time.
2.12 Pledged Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions
from a Fund establish and maintain a pledged account or accounts for and on
behalf of such Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash
and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the
Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among such Fund , the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD
(or any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or
of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by such Fund, (ii) for
purposes of segregating cash or government securities in connection with
options purchased, sold or written by such Fund or commodity futures
contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by such Fund, (iii) for the
purposes of compliance by such Fund with the procedures required by
Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, and subsequent release or
releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies and
(iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of clause
(iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from such Fund ,
a certified copy of a resolution of the Board or of the Executive Committee
of such Fund signed by an
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officer of such Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated
account.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to securities of each Fund held by it and in connection with
transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of
such Fund or a nominee of such Fund, all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to
the applicable Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all
notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Securities. Subject to the provisions of
Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to each Fund all written
information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and
maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in connection
therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written by such
Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by such Fund)
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for
such Fund. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall
transmit promptly to each Fund all written information received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought
and from the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If
a Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange
offer or any other similar transaction, such Fund shall notify the
Custodian at least three business days prior to the date on which the
Custodian is to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of each Fund Held Outside
of the United States
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for such Fund's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated
on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper
Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a
certified resolution of such Fund's Board, the Custodian and such Fund may
agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate additional
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories to act as
sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, a Fund may instruct the
Custodian to cease the employment of any one or more such sub-custodians
for maintaining custody of such Fund's assets.
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3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or each Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect such Fund's foreign securities transactions. The
Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to each Fund, the
foreign securities of each Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
writing by the Custodian and each Fund, assets of each Fund shall be
maintained in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in
a book-entry system for the central handling of securities located outside
of the United States (each a "Foreign Securities System") only through
arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as
sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof (Foreign Securities Systems and
U.S. Securities Systems are collectively referred to herein as the
"Securities Systems"). Where possible, such arrangements shall include
entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.6
hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
property for all of its customers, including each Fund, with a foreign
sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as belonging to the
Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the
records of the Custodian with respect to securities and other non-cash
property of each Fund which are maintained in such account shall identify
by book-entry those securities and other non-cash property belonging to
each Fund and (ii) the Custodian shall require that securities and other
non-cash property so held by the foreign sub-custodian be held separately
from any assets of the foreign sub-custodian or of others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
banking institution shall provide that: (a) the assets of each Fund will
not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of
any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or
agents, except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration;
(b) beneficial ownership for the assets of each Fund will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other than for custody
or administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the
assets as belonging to each Fund; (d) officers of or auditors employed by,
or other representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent
permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants for each
Fund, will be given access to the books and records of the foreign banking
institution relating to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian;
and (e) assets of each Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian will be
subject only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents. Agreements
with
11
foreign banking institutions shall contain those provisions required by
subparagraph (c) of Section 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of each Fund. Upon request of each Fund,
the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of each Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of
any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar
as such books and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking
institution under its agreement with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to each Fund from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
other assets of each Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of such Fund's
securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers
of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign
banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of such Fund indicating, as
to securities acquired for such Fund, the identity of the entity having
physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, the provisions of Sections 2.2 and
2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign
securities of each Fund held outside the United States by foreign
sub-custodians. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the
contrary, settlement and payment for securities received for the account of
each Fund and delivery of securities maintained for the account of each
Fund may be effected in accordance with the customary established
securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures in the
jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without
limitation, delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer
therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with
the expectation of receiving later payment for such securities from such
purchaser or dealer. (c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign
sub-custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the
same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and each Fund
agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of
record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian
shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's
performance of such obligations. At the election of a Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to
any claims against a foreign banking institution as a consequence of any
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that such Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim.
12
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless
of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by Section 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised
reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section
3.10, in delegating custody duties to State Street London Ltd., the
Custodian shall not be relieved of any responsibility to each Fund for any
loss due to such delegation, except such loss as may result from (a)
political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange control
restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, insurrection,
civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding a
bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by
political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under
circumstances where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have
exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If, pursuant to Proper Instructions, a Fund
requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any purpose for
the benefit of a Fund including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or
of contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or
its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of
this Contract, except such as may arise from events or circumstances for
which the Custodian or a sub-custodian are liable pursuant to Sections 3.9
and 3.10 above, or from its or its nominee's own negligent action,
negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property at any time
held for the account of the applicable Fund shall be security therefor and
should such Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall
upon prior written notice be entitled to utilize available cash and to
dispose of such Fund's assets to the extent necessary to obtain
reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to each
Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian and such other information needed
to permit the Fund to comply with Section 17f-5 under the 1940 Act. Such
information shall be similar in kind and scope to that furnished to each
Fund in connection with the initial approval of this Contract. In addition,
the Custodian will promptly inform each Fund in the event that the
Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the financial condition of
a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the assets of each Fund or
in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not the subject of an exemptive
order from the Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by such
foreign sub-custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood
that its shareholders' equity
13
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof) or
that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200 million (in each case
computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract,
the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of a Fund's assets
are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a
"bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The
appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by
Article 1 of this Contract. (b) Cash held for each Fund in the United
Kingdom shall be maintained in an interest bearing account established for
each Fund with the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be
subject to the direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or
both.
3.14 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
obligations now or hereafter imposed on any Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of such Fund by the tax law of the United States of America or
any state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility
of each Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on each
Fund or the Custodian as custodian of each Fund by the tax law of
jurisdictions other than those mentioned in the above sentence, including
responsibility for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other
governmental charges, certifications and governmental reporting. The sole
responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use
reasonable efforts to assist each Fund with respect to any claim for
exemption or refund under the tax law of jurisdictions for which each Fund
has provided such information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of each Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from the
Transfer Agent of each Fund and deposit into the account of each Fund such
payments as are received for Shares of each Fund issued or sold from time to
time by each Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to each Fund
and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Fund.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of each Fund's governing documents and any applicable votes of the
Board of each Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to
holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for
redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or
repurchase of Shares of each Fund, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of each Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on
the
14
Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by such
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between each Fund and the Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing signed
or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of each Fund shall
have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. Each Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of each Fund
accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board,
Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly between
electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board and the
Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for such
Fund's assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include
instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement
which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from each
Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to
the applicable Fund;
1) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
2) endorse for collection, in the name of each Fund, checks, drafts and
other negotiable instruments; and
3) in general, attend to all ministerial details in connection with the
sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of each Fund except as otherwise
directed by the Board of each Fund.
15
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper reasonably believed
by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of each
Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of each Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to
act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action by
the Board pursuant to the governing documents of each Fund as described in such
vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt
by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of
Net Asset Value and Net Income
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of each Fund to keep the books of
account of each Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of the
outstanding shares of each Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by each Fund
, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value
per share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net
income of each Fund as described in each Fund's currently effective Prospectus
and shall advise each Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of
such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of each Fund to do
so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net
income among its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per
share and the daily income of each Fund shall be made at the time or times
described from time to time in each Fund's currently effective Prospectus.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Fund create and maintain all
records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in such
manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and
31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of each Fund and shall
at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for
inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the applicable
Fund and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Custodian shall, at the request of any Fund, supply such Fund with a tabulation
of securities owned by such Fund and held by the Custodian and shall, when
requested to do so by a Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon
between such Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such
tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as each Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from each Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of each Fund's Form N-1A,
16
and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission
and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
--------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide each Fund, at such times as each Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including
securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System, relating to the
services provided by the Custodian under this Contract; such reports, shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by
each Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would
be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the
reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services
and expenses as Custodian, determine in accordance with the fee schedule
attached hereto as Schedule B, as amended from time to time as agreed by each
Fund and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but shall be
kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to any Fund for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to
rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for a Fund) on
all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct or the negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent,
the Custodian shall be without liability to any Fund for any loss, liability,
claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or circumstances beyond
the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or Securities
17
System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including, without
limitation, nationalization or expropriation, imposition of currency controls or
restrictions, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the
closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or technological
failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, acts
of war or terrorism, riots, revolutions, work stoppages, natural disasters or
other similar events or acts provided Custodian has maintained an adequate
disaster recovery plan; (ii) errors by a Fund or its investment advisor in their
instructions to the Custodian provided such instructions have been in accordance
with this Contract; (iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities
System; (iv) any delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central
bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to
the Custodian's sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance
or payment made in connection with securities sold; (v) any delay or failure of
any company, corporation, or other body in charge or registering or transferring
securities in the name of the Custodian, a Fund, the Custodian's sub-custodians,
nominees or agents or any consequential losses arising out of such delay or
failure to transfer such securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends
and rights and other accretions or benefits; (vi) delays or inability to perform
its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any
particular security or Securities System; and (vii) any provision of any present
or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any
state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any
court of competent jurisdiction.
Except as expressly provided in Section 3.9, the Custodian shall be liable
for the acts or omissions of a foreign banking institution appointed pursuant to
the provisions of Article 3 to the same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof
with respect to sub-custodians located in the United States.
If a Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the reasonable opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee
assigned to a Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability
of some other form, such Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to
take such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If a Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents,
to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlements) or
in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of such Fund shall be security
therefor and should such Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Fund's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
18
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or
consequential damages.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30)
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the
Custodian shall not with respect to each Fund act under Section 2.10 hereof in
the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of each Fund has approved the initial use of
a particular Securities System by each Fund, as required by Rule 17f-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not with
respect to a Fund act under Section 2.11 hereof in the absence of receipt of an
initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board
has approved the initial use of the Direct Paper System by each Fund; provided
further, however, that a Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in
contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision
of its governing documents, and further provided, that a Fund may at any time by
action of its Board (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the
Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii)
immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory
agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, each Fund shall pay to the Custodian such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination as provided
herein.
15. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for a Fund shall be appointed by the Board of such
Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, and upon receipt of a certified
copy of such vote, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of such
Fund then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor
custodian all of the securities of such Fund held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of the
applicable Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board shall have been delivered to the Custodian
on or before the date when such
19
termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, of its own selection, having an aggregate
capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report,
of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by
the Custodian on behalf of such Fund and all instruments held by the Custodian
relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Contract on behalf
of such Fund and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of
the securities of such Fund held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank
or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of a Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to above or
of the Board to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled
to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian
retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the
provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and each
Fund, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the governing documents of any Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions
made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of
this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that any mutual funds in addition to the Funds are hereafter
established which desire to have the Custodian render services as custodian
under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the
Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such fund shall become a
Fund hereunder, subject to the delivery by the new Fund of resolutions
authorizing the appointment of the Custodian and such other supporting or
related documentation as the Custodian may request. All references to the "Fund"
are to each of the Funds listed on Appendix 1 individually, as if this Contract
were between each such individual Fund and the Custodian.
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
20
19. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between each of the Funds and the Custodian relating to the custody of
such Fund's assets.
20. Shareholder Communications
--------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether such Fund authorizes
the Custodian to provide such Fund's name, address, and share position to
requesting companies whose stock each Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian
"no", the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies.
If a Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or do not check either "yes" or "no" below,
the Custodian is required by the rule to treat such Fund as consenting to
disclosure of this information for all securities owned by such Fund or any
funds or accounts established by each Fund. For each Fund's protection, the Rule
prohibits the requesting company from using such Fund's name and address for any
purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether each
Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the name,
address, and share positions of each Fund listed on
Appendix 1.
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the
name, address, and share positions of each Fund listed
on Appendix 1.
21. Limitation of Liability.
------------------------
The execution of this Contract has been authorized by each Fund's Board.
This Contract is executed on behalf of each Fund or, in the case of a Fund
organized as a business trust, the trustees of such Fund as trustees and not
individually and the obligations of each Fund under this Contract are not
binding upon any of such Fund's trustees, officers or shareholders individually
but are binding only upon the assets and property of such Fund. A Certificate of
Trust in respect of each Fund organized as a business trust is on file with the
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 1st day of May, 1997.
EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX 1
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
--------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Executive Vice President
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Executive Vice President
APPENDIX 1
Fund Names
(as of May 1, 1997)
Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
Real Estate Securities Series
Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
Phoenix Diversified Income Portfolio
Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Portfolio
Phoenix Endowment Equity Portfolio
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Portfolio
Phoenix Mid Cap Portfolio
Phoenix Tax-Exempt Bond Portfolio
Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
Phoenix Series Fund
Phoenix Aggressive Growth Fund Series
Phoenix Balanced Fund Series
Phoenix Convertible Fund Series
Phoenix Growth Fund Series
Phoenix High Yield Fund Series
Phoenix Money Market Series
Phoenix U.S. Government Securities Fund Series
Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
Phoenix Equity Opportunities Fund
Phoenix Micro Cap Fund
Phoenix Small Cap Fund
Phoenix Strategic Theme Fund
Phoenix Duff & Xxxxxx Institutional Mutual Funds
Enhanced Reserves Portfolio
Real Estate Equity Securities Portfolio
Schedule A
----------
The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of each Fund for use as
sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other assets:
(Insert banks and securities depositories)
Certified:
- - ----------------------------
Fund's Authorized Officer
Date:
-------------------------
