<R>
Fund
/Ticker
</R>
<R> Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF/FCOR </R>
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
Prospectus
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
Fund Summary |
Fidelity ® Corporate Bond ETF |
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Fund Basics |
Investment Details |
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Valuing Shares |
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Shareholder Information |
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares |
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Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions |
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Tax Consequences |
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Fund Services |
Fund Management |
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Fund Distribution |
Prospectus
Fund:
Fidelity
®
Corporate Bond ETF
The fund seeks a high level of current income.
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
|
None |
<R> Management fee |
0.45% </R> |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees |
None |
<R> Other expenses A |
0.00% </R> |
<R> Total annual operating expenses |
0.45% </R> |
<R> |
</R> |
A Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let's say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. Investors may pay brokerage commissions on their purchases and sale of fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. For every $10,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
<R> 1 year |
$ 46 </R> |
<R> 3 years |
$ 144 </R> |
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance.
Prospectus
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance history will be available for the fund after the fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (the Adviser), an affiliate of Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), is the fund's manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
<R>Michael Plage (lead portfolio manager) and David Prothro (co-manager) have managed the fund since October 2014.</R>
<R>The fund is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund. Unlike shares of traditional mutual funds, shares of the fund are not individually redeemable and can be purchased or redeemed directly from the fund at NAV only in large increments called "Creation Units" (50,000 shares per Creation Unit) through certain participants, known as Authorized Participants. The fund will issue or redeem Creation Units in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. </R>
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in much smaller increments and for cash in the secondary market through a broker. These transactions, which do not involve the fund, are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may differ from the fund's NAV. As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
The Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary's web site for more information.
Prospectus
Investment Objective
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF seeks a high level of current income.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of assets in investment-grade corporate bonds and other corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The Adviser uses the Barclays ® U.S. Credit Bond Index as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. The Adviser manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index.
The Adviser may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
The Adviser may invest the fund's assets in lower-quality debt securities.
The Adviser may engage in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives, regardless of whether the fund may own the asset, instrument, or components of the index underlying the derivative, and forward-settling securities. The Adviser may invest a significant portion of the fund's assets in these types of investments. If the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own. The fund's derivative investments may include interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, options (including options on futures and swaps), and futures contracts (both long and short positions) on securities, other instruments, and indexes. Depending on the Adviser's outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, credit qualities, or other factors that affect security values, or to gain or reduce exposure to an asset, instrument, or index.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser analyzes the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current valuation relative to alternatives in the market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market inefficiencies, and potential future valuation. In managing the fund's exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the market's overall risk characteristics, the market's current pricing of those risks, information on the fund's competitive universe and internal views of potential future market conditions.
In selecting foreign securities, the Adviser's analysis also considers the credit, currency, and economic risks associated with the security and the country of its issuer. The Adviser may also consider an issuer's potential for success in light of its current financial condition, its industry position, and economic and market conditions.
To earn additional income for the fund, the Adviser may use a trading strategy that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases transaction costs and may increase taxable gains.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
If the Adviser's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Shareholders should be aware that investments made by the fund and results achieved by the fund at any given time are not expected to be the same as those made by other funds for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as manager, including funds with names, investment objectives, and policies that are similar to the fund.
Description of Principal Security Types
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities, repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loans and loan participations, and other securities believed to have debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
Corporate debt securities are bonds and other debt securities issued by corporations and other business structures. Corporate debt securities include repurchase agreements with corporate counterparties and other securities believed to have corporate debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back at an agreed-upon price.
Derivatives are investments whose values are tied to an underlying asset, instrument, currency, or index. Derivatives include futures, options, forwards, and swaps, such as interest rate swaps (exchanging a floating rate for a fixed rate), total return swaps (exchanging a floating rate for the total return of an index, security, or other instrument or investment) and credit default swaps (buying or selling credit default protection).
Forward-settling securities involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities when issued, or at a predetermined price or yield. When a fund does not already own or have the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount, a commitment to sell securities is equivalent to a short sale. Payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the fund's performance. The fund's share price and yield change daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The fund's reaction to these developments will be affected by the types and maturities of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund's level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in the fund.
Prospectus
The following factors can significantly affect the fund's performance:
Interest Rate Changes. Debt securities, including money market securities, have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and certain types of securities, such as mortgage securities and the securities of issuers in the financial services sector, can be more sensitive to interest rate changes, meaning the longer the maturity of a security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. Short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Securities with floating interest rates can be less sensitive to interest rate changes, but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much as interest rates in general. Securities whose payment at maturity is based on the movement of all or part of an index and inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities.
Foreign Exposure. Foreign securities and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers or providers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region.
Prepayment. Many types of debt securities, including mortgage securities, are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the security's maturity. Securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a debt security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security's or instrument's credit quality or value. Entities providing credit support or a maturity-shortening structure also can be affected by these types of changes, and if the structure of a security fails to function as intended, the security could decline in value. Lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds) tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes.
Lower-quality debt securities involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer. The value of lower-quality debt securities often fluctuates in response to company, political, or economic developments and can decline significantly over short as well as long periods of time or during periods of general or regional economic difficulty.
Leverage Risk. Derivatives, forward-settling securities, and short sale transactions involve leverage because they can provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can magnify investment risks and cause losses to be realized more quickly. A small change in the underlying asset, instrument, or index can lead to a significant loss. Assets segregated to cover these transactions may decline in value and are not available to meet redemptions. Forward-settling securities and short sale transactions also involve the risk that a security will not be issued, delivered, available for purchase, or paid for when anticipated. An increase in the market price of securities sold short will result in a loss. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value and Share Price. The NAV of the fund's shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund's holdings. The fund's shares are listed on NYSE Arca and can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market price of the fund's shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. Although a share's market price is expected to approximate its NAV, it is possible that the market price and NAV will vary significantly. As a result, you may sustain losses if you pay more than the shares' NAV when you purchase shares, or receive less than the shares' NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market price of fund shares is more likely to differ significantly from the fund's NAV.
Prospectus
The market price of shares during the trading day, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a "bid/ask" spread charged by the exchange specialist, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid/ask spread can increase significantly. At those times, shares are most likely to be traded at a discount to NAV, and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your shares. The Adviser believes that, under normal market conditions, large discounts or premiums to NAV will not be sustained because of arbitrage opportunities.
Information about the premiums and discounts at which the fund's shares have traded is available at www.fidelity.com.
No History of an Active Trading Market/Trading Issues. The fund is a recently organized series of an investment company. Although shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will be met or maintained. Trading of shares in the secondary market may be halted, for example, due to activation of marketwide "circuit breakers." FDC, the distributor of the fund's shares, does not maintain a secondary market in the shares.
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF seeks a high level of current income.
The following is subject to change only upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders:
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF normally invests at least 80% of assets in investment-grade corporate bonds and other corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of regular trading hours on NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The fund's assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV.
NAV is not calculated and the fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca and may be purchased through a broker in the secondary market by individual investors at market prices which may vary throughout the day and may differ from NAV.
To the extent that the fund's assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund's assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the fund's assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
Shares of open-end funds in which the fund may invest (referred to as underlying funds) are valued at their respective NAVs. NAV is calculated using the values of any underlying funds in which it invests. Other assets (as well as assets held by an underlying Fidelity non-money market fund) are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser's opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser's opinion, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value. Assets held by an underlying Fidelity money market fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost.
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
The intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. You should not view this intraday portfolio value as a "real-time" update of actual NAV because the intraday portfolio value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
Prospectus
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the world's largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its fund business, the company operates one of America's leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) is a limited trust company and securities depository that facilitates the clearance and settlement of trades for its participating banks and broker-dealers. DTC has executed an agreement with FDC, the fund's distributor.
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in the secondary market through a broker. The fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the fund purchased on NYSE Arca. These transactions are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may be greater than the fund's NAV (premium) or less than the fund's NAV (discount). As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. If you buy or sell shares in the secondary market, you will generally incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Due to such commissions and charges, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns.
The fund is designed to offer investors an investment that can be bought and sold frequently in the secondary market without impact on the fund, and such trading activity is critical to ensuring that the market price of fund shares remains at or close to NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading by these investors.
The fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants and does not place a limit on purchases or redemptions of Creation Units by these investors. The fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase or redemption transaction at any time. In addition, the fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
Prospectus
For example, you may be deemed a statutory underwriter if you purchase Creation Units from the fund, break them down into individual fund shares, and sell such shares directly to customers, or if you choose to couple the creation of a supply of new fund shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for fund shares. A determination of whether a person is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person's activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions), and thus dealing with shares as part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, you should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange. Certain affiliates of the fund may purchase and resell fund shares pursuant to this prospectus.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
The fund may impose a creation transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of shares. The creation and redemption transaction fees applicable to the fund are listed below. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Similarly, the standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Creations and redemptions for cash are also subject to a variable additional fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below). This fee is intended to compensate for brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to cash transactions. In addition, purchasers and redeemers of shares in Creation Units are responsible for payment of the costs of transferring securities to or out of the funds. From time to time, the Adviser may cover the cost of any transaction fees when believed to be in the best interests of the funds.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit, standard fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions (as described above). These fees are payable only by investors who purchase shares directly from the fund. Retail investors who purchase shares through their brokerage account will not pay these fees. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may pay fees for such services.</R>
Name of Fund |
Approximate Value of
|
Standard Creation/
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Maximum Additional
|
Maximum Additional
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<R>Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
$2,500,00 |
$500 |
5.0% |
2.0% </R> |
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
Prospectus
The fund earns interest, dividends, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) as capital gain distributions. If you purchased your shares in the secondary market, your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
The fund normally pays dividends monthly and pays capital gain distributions in December.
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
Taxes on distributions. Distributions investors receive are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while certain distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to investors generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met). Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals.
<R>The fund generally expects to effect its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind securities and may recognize more capital gains and be less tax-efficient than if it were to redeem in-kind. Because the fund generally expects to effect its redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs. If the fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on these gains at the fund level and otherwise comply with applicable tax rules. This may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to or at an earlier date then if the fund effected redemptions in-kind.</R>
If a fund's distributions exceed its income and capital gains realized in any year, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders for tax purposes. A return of capital generally will not be taxable to you but will reduce the cost basis of your shares and result in a higher reported capital gain or a lower reported capital loss when you sell your shares.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
If investors buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, they will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions investors receive will normally be taxable to them when they receive them.
Taxes on transactions. Purchases and sales of shares, as well as purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes.
Prospectus
The Adviser is the fund's manager. The address of the Adviser and its affiliates, unless otherwise indicated below, is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser had approximately $603.0 billion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $1.94 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates' assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing the fund's investments and handling its business affairs.
Other investment advisers assist the Adviser with foreign investments:
<R>Michael Plage is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2005, Mr. Plage has worked as a trader and portfolio manager. </R>
<R>David Prothro is co-manager of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1991, Mr. Prothro has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.</R>
The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager.
From time to time a manager, analyst, or other Fidelity employee may express views regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of Fidelity or any other person in the Fidelity organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Fidelity disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Fidelity fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Fidelity fund.
Prospectus
The fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month.
<R>The Adviser pays all of the other expenses of the fund with limited exceptions.</R>
<R>The fund's annual management fee rate is 0.45% of its average net assets.</R>
The Adviser pays FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services.
<R>The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the fund will be available in the fund's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2015, when available.</R>
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may agree to reimburse or waive certain fund expenses while retaining the ability to be repaid if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Reimbursement or waiver arrangements can decrease expenses and boost performance.
FDC distributes the fund's shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other retirement plan expenses, and compensation for services intended to result in the sale of fund shares. These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) with respect to its shares that recognizes that the Adviser or FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
If payments made by the Adviser or FMR to FDC or to intermediaries under the Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Prospectus
Fund Services - continued
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the fund or by FDC to sell shares of the fund to or to buy shares of the fund from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
<R>State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the fund's transfer agent and custodian, and is located at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts and 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, respectively.</R>
Prospectus
You can obtain additional information about the fund. A description of the fund's policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelity's web sites. The SAI also includes more detailed information about the fund and its investments. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). A financial report will be available once the fund has completed its first annual or semi-annual period. The fund's annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. The fund's annual report includes a discussion of the fund's holdings and recent market conditions and the fund's investment strategies that affected performance.
For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information or ask questions about the fund, call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY. In addition, you may visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAI, the fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You can also review and copy information about the fund, including the fund's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room. Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number, 811-22796 |
FDC is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). You may obtain information about SIPC, including the SIPC brochure, by visiting www.sipc.org or calling SIPC at 202-371-8300.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
<R></R>
<R>1.9860541.100 T12-PRO-0914</R>
<R> SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2014. The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. </R>
<R> Fidelity ® Corporate Bond ETF (FCOR) </R>
A Fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. An annual report for the fund will be available once the fund has completed its first annual period.
<R>To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI, dated September 25, 2014, please call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY or visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com.</R>
<R></R>
<R>T12-PTB-0914</R>
<R></R>
<R>1.9860542.100</R>
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PAGE |
General Description of the Fund |
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Investment Policies and Limitations |
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Exchange Traded Fund Risks |
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Portfolio Transactions |
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Valuation |
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Buying and Selling Information |
24 |
Distributions and Taxes |
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Trustees and Officers |
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Control of Investment Advisers |
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Management Contract |
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<R>Proxy Voting Guidelines |
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Distribution Services |
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Transfer and Service Agent Agreements |
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Description of the Trust |
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Fund Holdings Information |
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Appendix |
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
<R>Fidelity ® Corporate Bond ETF (the fund) is a diversified actively-managed exchange-traded fund that seeks a high level of current income. The fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at net asset value per share (NAV) in aggregations of a specified number of shares called "Creation Units." Creation Units generally are issued in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. Shares are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (NYSE Arca). Shares trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the shares' NAV. Shares are not individually redeemable, but are redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. A Creation Unit of the fund consists of a block of 50,000 shares. Shareholders who are not Authorized Participants (as defined herein), therefore, will not be able to purchase or redeem shares directly with or from the fund. Instead, most shareholders who are not Authorized Participants will buy and sell shares in the secondary market through a broker.</R>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)) of the fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The following are the fund's fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except in connection with the insurance program established by the fund pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Borrowing
The fund may not borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation.
Underwriting
The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
Concentration
The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) looks through to the U.S. Government securities.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in Fidelity ® Money Market Central Fund and/or any non-money market central fund, FIMM looks through to the holdings of the central fund.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, FIMM may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that the third-party classification provider used by FIMM does not assign a classification.
Real Estate
The fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
Commodities
The fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
Loans
The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.
The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Short Sales
The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures contracts, options, and swaps are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
Margin Purchases
The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin, except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
Borrowing
The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of the fundamental borrowing investment limitation).
Illiquid Securities
The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.
For purposes of the fund's illiquid securities limitation discussed above, if through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Loans
The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations, or other forms of debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal. However, the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) is not required to buy any particular instrument or use any particular technique even if to do so might benefit the fund.
On the following pages in this section titled "Investment Policies and Limitations," and except as otherwise indicated, references to "an adviser" or "the adviser" may relate to the fund's adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable.
Affiliated Bank Transactions. A Fidelity fund may engage in transactions with financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated persons" of the fund under the 1940 Act. These transactions may involve repurchase agreements with custodian banks; short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. Government securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the SEC, the Board of Trustees has established and periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving affiliated financial institutions.
Asset-Backed Securities represent interests in pools of mortgages, loans, receivables, or other assets. Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by other factors including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, these securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Borrowing. If a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash Management. A fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money market funds, including (for Fidelity funds and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity central funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees. The investment results of the portions of a Fidelity fund's assets invested in the central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The trust, on behalf of the Fidelity fund to which this SAI relates, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the fund's operation. Accordingly, neither a fund nor its adviser is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or a CPO. However, the CFTC has adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affect the continued availability of this exclusion, and may subject advisers to funds to regulation by the CFTC. As of the date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the fund. However, there is no certainty that a fund or its adviser will be able to rely on an exclusion in the future as the fund's investments change over time. A fund may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional CFTC regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If a fund or its adviser operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each investment by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a fund's portfolio. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Under certain circumstances, a fund may invest in nominally long-term securities that have maturity shortening features of shorter-term securities, and the maturities of these securities may be deemed to be earlier than their ultimate maturity dates by virtue of an existing demand feature or an adjustable interest rate. Under other circumstances, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. The maturities of mortgage securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, and some asset-backed securities are determined on a weighted average life basis, which is the average time for principal to be repaid. For a mortgage security, this average time is calculated by estimating the timing of principal payments, including unscheduled prepayments, during the life of the mortgage. The weighted average life of these securities is likely to be substantially shorter than their stated final maturity.
Duration is a measure of a bond's price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bond's value is likely to fall about 5%. Similarly, if a bond fund has a 5-year average duration and the yield on each of the bonds held by the fund rises 1%, the fund's value is likely to fall about 5%. For funds with exposure to foreign markets, there are many reasons why all of the bond holdings do not experience the same yield changes. These reasons include: the bonds are spread off of different yield curves around the world and these yield curves do not move in tandem; the shapes of these yield curves change; and sector and issuer yield spreads change. Other factors can influence a bond fund's performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond fund's actual performance will likely differ from the example.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are shares of other investment companies, commodity pools, or other entities that are traded on an exchange. Typically, assets underlying the ETF shares are stocks, though they may also be commodities or other instruments. An ETF may seek to replicate the performance of a specific index or may be actively managed.
Typically, shares of an ETF that tracks an index are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called "short ETFs" or "bear ETFs"), ETF shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases. Inverse ETFs seek to deliver the opposite of the performance of the benchmark they track and are often marketed as a way for investors to profit from, or at least hedge their exposure to, downward moving markets. Investments in inverse ETFs are similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark.
ETF shares are redeemable only in large blocks (typically, 50,000 shares) often called "creation units" by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at each day's next calculated NAV. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund's purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF's operating expenses. Further, while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are traded in the secondary market ( e.g., on a stock exchange) on an intra-day basis at prices that may be above or below the value of their underlying portfolios.
Some of the risks of investing in an ETF that tracks an index are similar to those of investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of errors in matching the ETF's underlying assets to the index or other benchmark); and the risk that because an ETF is not actively managed, it cannot sell stocks or other assets as long as they are represented in the index or other benchmark. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs may not be liquid. ETFs also may be leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged and inverse ETFs "reset" daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Leveraged and inverse ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods.
Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial institutions that combines aspects of both bonds and ETFs. An ETN's returns are based on the performance of a market index or other reference asset minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN's maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index or other reference asset to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments and principal typically is not protected.
ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable index. The market value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of the index or other reference asset, and the credit rating of the ETN issuer. The market value of ETN shares may differ from their intraday indicative value. The value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer's credit rating. As a result, there may be times when an ETN's share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV. Some ETNs that use leverage in an effort to amplify the returns of an underlying index or other reference asset can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs may offer the potential for greater return, but the potential for loss and speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Exposure to Foreign and Emerging Markets. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Foreign investments involve risks relating to local political, economic, regulatory, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments, and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. From time to time, a fund's adviser and/or its affiliates may determine that, as a result of regulatory requirements that may apply to the adviser and/or its affiliates due to investments in a particular country, investments in the securities of issuers domiciled or listed on trading markets in that country above certain thresholds (which may apply at the account level or in the aggregate across all accounts managed by the adviser and its affiliates) may be impractical or undesirable. In such instances, the adviser may limit or exclude investment in a particular issuer, and investment flexibility may be restricted. Additionally, governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions for payment be renegotiated. There is no assurance that a fund's adviser will be able to anticipate these potential events or counter their effects. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in increased investment or valuation risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign subcustodian. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Adequate public information on foreign issuers may not be available, and it may be difficult to secure dividends and information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. OTC markets tend to be less regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in foreign countries.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer's country.
The risks of foreign investing may be magnified for investments in emerging markets. Security prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than those in more developed markets, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Foreign Currency Transactions. A fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot ( i.e., cash) or forward basis ( i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be used by a fund. A fund may also use swap agreements, indexed securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign currencies for the same purposes. Forward contracts not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying currency. All of these instruments and transactions are subject to the risk that the counterparty will default.
A "settlement hedge" or "transaction hedge" is designed to protect a fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars "locks in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. Forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency may also be used to protect a fund in anticipation of future purchases or sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected.
A fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in a foreign currency. For example, if a fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A fund could also attempt to hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased, much as if a fund had sold a security denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another. A fund may cross-hedge its U.S. dollar exposure in order to achieve a representative weighted mix of the major currencies in its benchmark index and/or to cover an underweight country or region exposure in its portfolio. Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause a fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on an adviser's skill in analyzing currency values. Currency management strategies may substantially change a fund's investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to a fund if currencies do not perform as an adviser anticipates. For example, if a currency's value rose at a time when a fund had hedged its position by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, the fund would not participate in the currency's appreciation. If a fund hedges currency exposure through proxy hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from both the hedge and the security position if the two currencies do not move in tandem. Similarly, if a fund increases its exposure to a foreign currency and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss. Foreign currency transactions involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that a fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective. Moreover, it is impossible to precisely forecast the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract. Accordingly, a fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expenses of such transaction), if an adviser's predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate.
A fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. A fund will cover its exposure to foreign currency transactions with liquid assets in compliance with applicable requirements. There is no assurance that an adviser's use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate times.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed below. A fund may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.
Fund's Rights as an Investor. Fidelity funds do not intend to direct or administer the day-to-day operations of any company. A fund may, however, exercise its rights as a shareholder or lender and may communicate its views on important matters of policy to a company's management, board of directors, and shareholders, and holders of a company's other securities when such matters could have a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company. The activities in which a fund may engage, either individually or in conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities; seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of the company or a portion of its assets; supporting or opposing third-party takeover efforts; supporting the filing of a bankruptcy petition; or foreclosing on collateral securing a security. This area of corporate activity is increasingly prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be involved in lawsuits related to such activities. Such activities will be monitored with a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred. The fund's proxy voting guidelines are included in this SAI.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an adviser's analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund's return may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to exist. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of such instruments and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. If a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own.
Futures Contracts. In purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract, the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified date. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts and the price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller enter into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities or baskets of securities, some are based on commodities or commodities indexes (for funds that seek commodities exposure), and some are based on indexes of securities prices (including foreign indexes for funds that seek foreign exposure). In addition, some currently available futures contracts are based on Eurodollars. Positions in Eurodollar futures reflect market expectations of forward levels of three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Futures on indexes and futures not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying instrument. Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out by offsetting purchases or sales of futures contracts before then if a liquid market is available. A fund may realize a gain or loss by closing out its futures contracts.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract or an option for a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument or the final cash settlement price, as applicable, unless the contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered into. If the value of either party's position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. This process of "marking to market" will be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund's NAV. The party that has a gain is entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the FCM of the amount one would owe the other if the fund's contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund. A fund is also required to segregate liquid assets equivalent to the fund's outstanding obligations under the contract in excess of the initial margin and variation margin, if any.
Although futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad, foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the United States may not involve a clearing mechanism or related guarantees and may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired. These risks may be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments. In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts will not vary in direct proportion to the value of the fund's holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts (including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or OTC. The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash payments. A purchaser may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument's price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right (but not the obligation) to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if the underlying instrument's price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument's price does not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer may seek to terminate a position in a put option before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for a put option, however, the writer must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instrument's price rises, a put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If the underlying instrument's price remains the same over time, it is likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower price. If the underlying instrument's price falls, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the writer to sell or deliver the option's underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, a call writer should mitigate the effects of a price increase. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
Where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price to close out the put or call option on the secondary market may move more or less than the price of the related security.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options contract at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its options positions could also be impaired.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an existing contract at a specific date in the future in exchange for a premium. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes (sells) an option on a swap than it will incur when it purchases an option on a swap. When a fund purchases an option on a swap, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a fund writes an option on a swap, upon exercise of the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement. A fund that writes an option on a swap receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the preset rate on the underlying interest rate swap. Whether a fund's use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Options on swaps may involve risks similar to those discussed below in "Swap Agreements."
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the options position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Options prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell options contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's options positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
Swap Agreements Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through FCMs that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based, for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as securities, commodities, indexes, or other financial or economic interests). The gross payments to be exchanged between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are computed.
Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names, including interest rate swaps (where the parties exchange a floating rate for a fixed rate), asset swaps (e.g., where parties combine the purchase or sale of a bond with an interest rate swap), total return swaps, and credit default swaps. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and, if applicable, its yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that a fund may be unable to sell a swap contract to a third party at a favorable price. Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition depending on the size of a fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member FCM may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. It is expected, however, that regulators will adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could reduce the distinction.
A total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument, commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange, the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including the change in market value of other underlying assets). A fund may use total return swaps to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or taking physical custody of it. For example, a fund investing in total return commodity swaps will receive the price appreciation of a commodity, commodity index or portion thereof in exchange for payment of an agreed-upon fee.
In a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying asset. A fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default swap. A fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a fund buys credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational risk.
Credit default swaps allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a fund is the credit default protection seller, the fund will experience a loss if a credit event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has deteriorated. If a fund is the credit default protection buyer, the fund will be required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller. In the case of a physically settled credit default swap in which a fund is the protection seller, the fund must be prepared to pay par for and take possession of debt of a defaulted issuer delivered to the fund by the credit default protection buyer. Any loss would be offset by the premium payments the fund receives as the seller of credit default protection. This risk for cleared swaps is generally lower than for uncleared swaps since the counterparty is a clearinghouse, but there can be no assurance that a clearinghouse or its members will satisfy its obligations.
If the creditworthiness of a fund's swap counterparty declines, the risk that the counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to the fund. To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, a Fidelity fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. Although there can be no assurance that a fund will be able to do so, a fund may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. A fund may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has declined.
A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. In order to cover its outstanding obligations to a swap counterparty, a fund would generally be required to provide margin or collateral for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a fund's interest. A fund bears the risk that an adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
Hybrid and Preferred Securities. A hybrid security may be a debt security, warrant, convertible security, certificate of deposit or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest on or principal of which is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, index, or business entity such as a financial institution). Another example is contingent convertible securities, which are fixed income securities that, under certain circumstances, either convert into common stock of the issuer or undergo a principal write-down by a predetermined percentage if the issuer's capital ratio falls below a predetermined trigger level. The liquidation value of such a security may be reduced upon a regulatory action and without the need for a bankruptcy proceeding. Preferred securities may take the form of preferred stock and represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
The risks of investing in hybrid and preferred securities reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid or preferred security may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt or equity security. The risks of a particular hybrid or preferred security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid or preferred security. Hybrid and preferred securities are potentially more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than traditional debt or equity securities. Also, the price of the hybrid or preferred security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the same direction or at the same time. In addition, because hybrid and preferred securities may be traded over-the-counter or in bilateral transactions with the issuer of the security, hybrid and preferred securities may be subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the security and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. In addition, uncertainty regarding the tax and regulatory treatment of hybrid and preferred securities may reduce demand for such securities and tax and regulatory considerations may limit the extent of a fund's investments in certain hybrid and preferred securities.
Illiquid Securities cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity fund's adviser determines the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from the fund's adviser, the Board monitors investments in illiquid securities.
Various factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a fund's investments, including (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).
Increasing Government Debt. The total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a percent of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can decline the valuation of currencies, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns.
On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to "AA+" from "AAA." While Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed the United States' short-term sovereign credit rating as "A-1+," there is no guarantee that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in the future. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision was prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of greater policymaking uncertainty. The market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services decisions to downgrade the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States.
Indexed Securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indexes, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose values at maturity or coupon rates are determined by reference to a specific instrument, statistic, or measure.
Indexed securities also include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other fixed-income securities whose values at maturity or coupon interest rates are determined by reference to the returns of particular stock indexes. Indexed securities can be affected by stock prices as well as changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of their issuers and may not track the indexes as accurately as direct investments in the indexes.
Mortgage-indexed securities, for example, could be structured to replicate the performance of mortgage securities and the characteristics of direct ownership.
Currency-indexed securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures. Indexed securities are also subject to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S. Government agencies.
Insolvency of Issuers, Counterparties, and Intermediaries. Issuers of fund portfolio securities or counterparties to fund transactions that become insolvent or declare bankruptcy can pose special investment risks. In each circumstance, risk of loss, valuation uncertainty, increased illiquidity, and other unpredictable occurrences may negatively impact an investment. Each of these risks may be amplified in foreign markets, where security trading, settlement, and custodial practices can be less developed than those in the U.S. markets, and bankruptcy laws differ from those of the U.S.
As a general matter, if the issuer of a fund portfolio security is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock have priority over the claims of common stock owners. These events can negatively impact the value of the issuer's securities and the results of related proceedings can be unpredictable.
If a counterparty to a fund transaction, such as a swap transaction, a short sale, a borrowing, or other complex transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited in its ability to exercise rights to obtain the return of related fund assets or in exercising other rights against the counterparty. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a fund's ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. Uncertainty may also arise upon the insolvency of a securities or commodities intermediary such as a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant with which a fund has pending transactions. If an intermediary becomes insolvent, while securities positions and other holdings may be protected by U.S. or foreign laws, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether these protections are available to specific trades based on the circumstances. Receiving the benefit of these protections can also take time to resolve, which may result in illiquid positions.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a Fidelity fund may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. A Fidelity fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. A Fidelity fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A Fidelity fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Investment-grade debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody's Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a fund's adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
Funds of Funds and Other Large Shareholders. Certain Fidelity funds and accounts (including funds of funds) invest in other funds ("underlying funds") and, as a result, may at times have substantial investments in one or more underlying funds.
An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in its shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a fund's portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio. Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the underlying fund's shares.
When possible, Fidelity will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including redemption of shares in-kind rather than in cash or carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful. A high volume of redemption requests can impact an underlying fund the same way as the transactions of a single shareholder with substantial investments. As an additional safeguard, Fidelity fund of funds may manage the placement of their redemption requests in a manner designed to minimize the impact of such requests on the day-to-day operations of the underlying funds in which they invest. This may involve, for example, redeeming its shares of an underlying fund gradually over time.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the purchaser in the event of fraud or misrepresentation, or there may be a requirement that a fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand. A fund may acquire loans by buying an assignment of all or a portion of the loan from a lender or by purchasing a loan participation from a lender or other purchaser of a participation.
Lenders and purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of foreign countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Direct lending and investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the lender/purchaser could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a purchaser could be held liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the purchaser has direct recourse against the borrower, the purchaser may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a purchaser were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the purchaser might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments that obligate lenders/purchasers to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a lender/purchaser to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
For a Fidelity fund that limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one issuer or in issuers within the same industry, the fund generally will treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as financial intermediary between a fund and the borrower, if the participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require a fund, in appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a fund's ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
Because the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities, research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type. Such analysis may focus on relative values based on factors such as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer, in an attempt to identify those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
A fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
Mortgage Securities are issued by government and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders, or other institutions. A mortgage security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (or "CMOs"), make payments of both principal and interest at a range of specified intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage securities are based on different types of mortgages, including those on commercial real estate or residential properties. Stripped mortgage securities are created when the interest and principal components of a mortgage security are separated and sold as individual securities. In the case of a stripped mortgage security, the holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage, while the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments from the same underlying mortgage.
Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee payment of interest and repayment of principal on Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs, respectively, are federally chartered corporations supervised by the U.S. Government that act as governmental instrumentalities under authority granted by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations. Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
The value of mortgage securities may change due to shifts in the market's perception of issuers and changes in interest rates. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government mortgage securities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than government issues. Mortgage securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that early principal payments made on the underlying mortgages, usually in response to a reduction in interest rates, will result in the return of principal to the investor, causing it to be invested subsequently at a lower current interest rate. Alternatively, in a rising interest rate environment, mortgage security values may be adversely affected when prepayments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated, resulting in the extension of the security's effective maturity and the related increase in interest rate sensitivity of a longer-term instrument. The prices of stripped mortgage securities tend to be more volatile in response to changes in interest rates than those of non-stripped mortgage securities.
A fund may seek to earn additional income by using a trading strategy (commonly known as "mortgage dollar rolls" or "reverse mortgage dollar rolls") that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities, realizing a gain or loss, and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but will invest the proceeds of the sale in other securities that are permissible investments for the fund. During the period between the purchase and subsequent sale in a reverse mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund is entitled to interest and principal payments on the securities purchased. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the terms of the agreement. If the counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a fund's right to repurchase or sell securities may be limited. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases costs and may increase taxable gains.
Real Estate Investment Trusts. Real estate investment trusts issue debt securities to fund the purchase and/or development of commercial properties. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, the creditworthiness of the trusts, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements. Real estate investment trusts are dependent upon management skill and the cash flow generated by the properties owned by the trusts. Real estate investment trusts are at the risk of the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Internal Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
Reforms and Government Intervention in the Financial Markets. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases, a lack of liquidity. Reforms are ongoing and their effects are uncertain. Federal, state, local, foreign, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Reforms may also change the way in which a fund is regulated and could limit or preclude a fund's ability to achieve its investment objective or engage in certain strategies. Also, while reforms generally are intended to strengthen markets, systems, and public finances, they could affect fund expenses and the value of fund investments.
The value of a fund's holdings is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which a fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, the issuers of securities held by a fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it is not certain that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to a future market disturbance and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Repurchase Agreements involve an agreement to purchase a security and to sell that security back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. As protection against the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the securities are held in a separate account at a bank, marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. The value of the security purchased may be more or less than the price at which the counterparty has agreed to purchase the security. In addition, delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes insolvent. A fund may be limited in its ability to exercise its right to liquidate assets related to a repurchase agreement with an insolvent counterparty. A Fidelity fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser.
Restricted Securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund's assets and, if applicable, a fund's yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Securities Lending. A Fidelity fund may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions, including an affiliate.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides the fund with collateral in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. The fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. For a Fidelity fund, loans will be made only to parties deemed by the fund's adviser to be in good standing and when, in the adviser's judgment, the income earned would justify the risks.
Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market appreciation or depreciation.
Securities of Other Investment Companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies (which include business development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, and open-end investment companies, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the underlying investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as "acquired fund fees and expenses" and may appear as a separate line item in a fund's prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market.
The securities of closed-end funds may be leveraged. As a result, a fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of closed-end funds that use leverage may expose a fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the fund's long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
The extent to which a fund can invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws.
Sources of Liquidity or Credit Support. Issuers may employ various forms of credit and liquidity enhancements, including letters of credit, guarantees, swaps, puts, and demand features, and insurance provided by domestic or foreign entities such as banks and other financial institutions. An adviser and its affiliates may rely on their evaluation of the credit of the issuer or the credit of the liquidity or credit enhancement provider in determining whether to purchase or hold a security supported by such enhancement. In evaluating the credit of a foreign bank or other foreign entities, factors considered may include whether adequate public information about the entity is available and whether the entity may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other government restrictions that might affect its ability to honor its commitment. Changes in the credit quality of the issuer and/or entity providing the enhancement could affect the value of the security or a fund's share price.
Stripped Securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. The risks associated with stripped securities are similar to those of other debt securities, although stripped securities may be more volatile, and the value of certain types of stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates. U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped by a Federal Reserve Bank are obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Privately stripped government securities are created when a dealer deposits a U.S. Treasury security or other U.S. Government security with a custodian for safekeeping. The custodian issues separate receipts for the coupon payments and the principal payment, which the dealer then sells.
Structured Securities (also called "structured notes") are derivative debt securities, the interest rate on or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The value of the interest rate on and/or the principal of structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument ( e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, or index) or the relative change in two or more reference instruments. A structured security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured security may be calculated as a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be very volatile. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. In addition, because structured securities generally are traded over-the-counter, structured securities are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF reserves the right to invest without limitation in investment-grade money market or short-term debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
Transfer Agent Bank Accounts. Proceeds from shareholder purchases of a Fidelity fund may pass through a series of demand deposit bank accounts before being held at the fund's custodian. Redemption proceeds may pass from the custodian to the shareholder through a similar series of bank accounts.
If a bank account is registered to the transfer agent or an affiliate, who acts as an agent for the fund when opening, closing, and conducting business in the bank account, the transfer agent or an affiliate may invest overnight balances in the account in repurchase agreements. Any balances that are not invested in repurchase agreements remain in the bank account overnight. Any risks associated with such an account are investment risks of the fund. The fund faces the risk of loss of these balances if the bank becomes insolvent.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate paid on the security. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer's credit quality, sometimes subject to a cap or floor on such rate. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with put features that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of a variable or floating rate security, a fund's adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
When-Issued and Forward Purchase or Sale Transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield in which payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered.
When purchasing securities pursuant to one of these transactions, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with a fund's investments. If a fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when a purchase is outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage. When a fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, a fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
A fund may renegotiate a when-issued or forward transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the fund.
Zero Coupon Bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can be more volatile than other types of fixed-income securities when interest rates change. In calculating a fund's dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and its face value is considered income.
Continuous Offering. The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), the fund's distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters," but are effecting transactions in shares of the fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the 1933 Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available from NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Listing and Trading. Shares of the fund have been approved for listing and trading on NYSE Arca. The fund's shares trade on NYSE Arca at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. NYSE Arca may, but is not required to, remove the fund's shares from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the fund's shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of NYSE Arca, makes further dealings on NYSE Arca inadvisable. NYSE Arca will remove the fund's shares from listing and trading upon termination of the trust. There can be no assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of the fund's shares will continue to be met.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price of the fund's shares on NYSE Arca is approximately consistent with the current value of the assets of the fund on a per share basis, an intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit of the fund on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that such a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of the fund's shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by FIMM pursuant to authority contained in the management contract. To the extent that FIMM grants investment management authority to a sub-adviser (see the section entitled "Management Contract"), that sub-adviser is authorized to provide the services described in the respective sub-advisory agreement, and in accordance with the policies described in this section. Furthermore, the sub-adviser's trading and associated policies, which may differ from FIMM's policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
FIMM or a sub-adviser may be responsible for the placement of portfolio securities transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
The fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds), but it may incur such costs when it invests directly in other types of securities.
Purchases and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange or OTC are effected through brokers who receive compensation for their services. Generally, compensation relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than compensation relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation. Compensation may also be paid in connection with principal transactions (in both OTC securities and securities listed on an exchange) and agency OTC transactions executed with an electronic communications network (ECN) or an alternative trading system. Equity securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
Purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally made with an issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal. Although there is no stated brokerage commission paid by the fund for any fixed-income security, the price paid by the fund to an underwriter includes the disclosed underwriting fee and prices in secondary trades usually include an undisclosed dealer commission or markup reflecting the spread between the bid and ask prices of the fixed-income security. New issues of equity and fixed-income securities may also be purchased in underwritten fixed price offerings.
The Trustees of the fund periodically review FIMM's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio securities transactions on behalf of the fund. The Trustees also review the compensation paid by the fund over representative periods of time to determine if it was reasonable in relation to the benefits to the fund.
FIMM.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
FIMM or its affiliates generally have authority to select securities brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions. In selecting securities brokers, including affiliates of FIMM, to execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the fund's portfolio manager. Based on the factors considered, FIMM or its affiliates may choose to execute an order by using an electronic trading platform or by calling one or more dealers. Other possibly relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: price; the size and type of the securities transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions, including broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity provided by individual brokers; the reliability of a broker; the broker's overall trading relationship with FIMM or its affiliates; the trader's assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader's instructions to the broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker can provide; the potential for avoiding or lessening market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the broker or dealer; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable.
The trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of FIMM) that execute transactions for the fund may receive higher compensation from the fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these brokerage and research products and services supplement FIMM's or its affiliates' own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, brokerage and research products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, those that assist in the execution, clearing, and settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions (including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use Products and Services. Although FIMM or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services, they may use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in FIMM's or its affiliates' investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, FIMM or its affiliates will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services with their own resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit to FIMM. FIMM's or its affiliates' expenses likely would be increased if they attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and research products or services with their own resources. To minimize the potential for conflicts of interest, the trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities. Furthermore, certain of the brokerage and research products and services FIMM or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products or services may be provided at no additional cost to FIMM or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker's overall services.
FIMM's Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, FIMM or its affiliates make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to FIMM or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the fund's brokerage may not benefit the fund. While FIMM or its affiliates may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither FIMM, its affiliates, nor the fund incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, these brokerage and research products and services assist FIMM or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that may also benefit other funds or accounts managed by FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Contracts. FIMM or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom FIMM or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby FIMM or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are used, FIMM or its affiliates may still cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to FIMM or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. FIMM or its affiliates view hard dollar payments for research products and services as likely to reduce the fund's total commission costs. FIMM's or its affiliates' determination to pay for research products and services separately, rather than bundled with fund commissions, is wholly voluntary on FIMM's or its affiliates' part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Affiliated Transactions
FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with certain brokers, including NFS, with whom they are under common control, provided FIMM or its affiliates determine that these affiliates' trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the fund. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with brokers that use NFS as a clearing agent.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the fund could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S. Securities Transactions
To facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-United States securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates may effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same as those of certain other Fidelity funds, investment decisions for the fund are made independently from those of other Fidelity funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed by FIMM to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or instrument as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions and prices for the fund.
Commissions Paid
A fund may pay compensation including both commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a fund may change from year to year because of, among other things, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding the value of a fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
The value of fund shares bought and sold in the secondary market is driven by market price. The price of these shares, like the price of all traded securities, is subject to factors such as supply and demand, as well as the current value of the portfolio securities held by the fund. Secondary market shares, available for purchase or sale on an intraday basis, do not have a fixed relationship either to the previous day's NAV nor the current day's NAV. Prices in the secondary market, therefore, may be below, at, or above the most recently calculated NAV of such shares.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for pricing, but has delegated day-to-day valuation oversight responsibilities to FIMM. FIMM may rely on information and recommendations provided by the FMR Fair Value Committee (FMR Committee) to fulfill these oversight responsibilities.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs. If an underlying fund's NAV is unavailable, shares of that underlying fund will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies.
Portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying money market central fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost. Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying non-money market central fund, are valued as follows:
Most equity securities are valued at the official closing price or the last reported sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the last quoted bid price on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded.
Debt securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available may be valued at market values in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Or, debt securities and convertible securities may be valued on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market quotations and information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available are valued at amortized cost, which approximates current value.
Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price. Options are valued at their market quotations, if available. Swaps are valued daily using quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers.
Prices described above are obtained from pricing services that have been approved by the Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available and the funds may use more than one of these services. The funds may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. FIMM engages in oversight activities with respect to the fund's pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a fund's NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
Foreign securities and instruments are valued in their local currency following the methodologies described above. Foreign securities, instruments and currencies are translated to U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a pricing service as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at an interpolated rate based on days to maturity between the closest preceding and subsequent settlement period reported by the third party pricing service.
Other portfolio securities and assets for which market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, that security will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the FMR Committee may consider factors including price movements in futures contracts and ADRs, market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading.
BUYING AND SELLING INFORMATION
Book-Entry Only System. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) acts as securities depository for the shares. Shares of the fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among DTC participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly.
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC participants and persons holding interests through DTC participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of beneficial interests are referred to herein as Beneficial Owners) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC participants) and on the records of DTC participants (with respect to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through a DTC participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the trust a listing of the shares of the fund held by each DTC participant. The trust shall inquire of each such DTC participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding fund shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC participant. The trust shall provide each such DTC participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the trust shall pay to each such DTC participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC participants to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC participants.
The trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC participants or the relationship between such DTC participants and the indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of shares, unless the trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to NYSE Arca.
Creation Units. The trust issues and redeems shares of the fund only in Creation Unit aggregations on a continuous basis through FDC, without a sales load, at its NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
<R>Each Creation Unit consists of a block of 50,000 shares.</R>
A "Business Day" with respect to the fund is any day on which NYSE is open for business. As of the date of the prospectus, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day (Washington's Birthday) (U.S.), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (U.S.), Labor Day (U.S.), Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) and Christmas Day.
To be eligible to place orders to purchase a Creation Unit of the fund, an entity must be an "Authorized Participant" which is either (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC (the Clearing Process); or (ii) a DTC participant, and, in each case, must have executed an agreement with FDC, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (Participant Agreement). All shares of the fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC participant.
The fund reserves the right to adjust the prices of fund shares and the number of shares in a Creation Unit in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the fund.
Portfolio Deposit. The fund generally expects to issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment (Cash Deposit). Alternatively, the fund may issue Creation Units in exchange for consideration that consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (Deposit Securities) together with a deposit of a specified cash payment (Cash Component) computed as described herein. The Cash Deposit, or alternatively, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component together, constitute the "Portfolio Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit. In the event the fund requires Deposit Securities and a Cash Component in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Component is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component would be an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.
FIMM, or its agent, makes available through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) on each Business Day, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time), the amount of the Cash Deposit and/or the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component to be included in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the fund. Such Portfolio Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units until such time as the next-announced Portfolio Deposit composition is made available.
The amount of the Cash Deposit (or identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component) required for a Portfolio Deposit for the fund changes as corporate action events, such as dividends, splits, and rights issues, are reflected from time to time by FIMM with a view to the investment objective of the fund. In the event that the fund issues Creation Units in exchange for consideration that includes Deposit Securities and a Cash Component, the fund reserves the right to permit the substitution of an amount of cash ( i.e., a cash in lieu amount) to replace any Deposit Security which may, among other reasons, not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC, the Federal Reserve System or the Clearing Process, not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the trust as a result of an in-kind purchase order pursuant to local law or market convention, restricted under the securities laws or which may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting. In such cases where the fund purchases portfolio securities with cash, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased by the fund and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at FIMM's discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the fund's acquisition of Deposit Securities will be at the expense of the fund and will affect the value of all shares of the fund; but FIMM may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to FIMM on the date of the announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit, in the composition of the fund's holdings or resulting from certain corporate actions.
Procedures for Creation Unit Purchases. All purchase orders must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be received by FDC or its agent no later than the closing time of regular trading hours on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) (the Closing Time), or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) in the case of nonconforming orders, in each case on the date such order is placed in order for the creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. A nonconforming order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the fund permits the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to FDC pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communications failure may impede the ability to reach FDC or an Authorized Participant.
All orders to purchase Creation Units shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, including payments of cash to pay the Cash Deposit (or Cash Component, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement.
Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to FDC prior to the applicable deadlines on the Transmittal Date. Authorized participants may ascertain the deadlines applicable to the Federal Reserve Bank wire system and DTC by contacting the operations department of the depository institution or broker effecting such transfer of the Cash Deposit (or Deposit Securities and Cash Component).
Portfolio Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and government securities) and through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) by an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the fund by no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern time of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will purchase and redeem Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the fund, whose determination shall be final and binding. For purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the fund's custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the fund's custodian no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to purchase Creation Units is deemed received by FDC on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by FDC or its agent not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the fund's custodian does not receive, with respect to purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the Cash Component by 10:00 a.m., or the required Deposit Securities together with the associated Cash Component by 1:00 p.m. on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be deemed not in proper form and canceled. Upon written notice to FDC, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Portfolio Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the next calculated NAV of the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur not later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.
FDC or its agent will inform the transfer agent, FIMM and the fund's custodian upon receipt of a purchase order. The custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate subcustodian. The custodian will cause the subcustodian to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a permitted or required cash purchase or "cash in lieu" amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. The trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the purchase transaction fee described below.
Once the trust has accepted a purchase order, the trust will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of the fund against receipt of payment, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. FDC or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will not be issued until the payment of the Cash Deposit (or the transfer of good title to the trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component) has been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, FDC and FIMM will be notified of such delivery and the trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
<R>Creation Units may be created in advance of receipt by the fund of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component (including any Transaction Fees), plus (ii) 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (Additional Cash Deposit). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such date and federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the fund's custodian by 10:00 a.m. Eastern time the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 3:00 p.m. or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 10:00 a.m. the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for losses, if any, resulting there from. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the fund, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the fund in an amount at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In the sole discretion of the fund following the Business Day on which the order was received the fund may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the fund for the costs incurred by the fund in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by FDC plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing any missing Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral. The fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by FDC or purchased by the fund and deposited into the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.</R>
Acceptance of Purchase Orders. The fund reserves the absolute right to reject a purchase order transmitted to it by FDC if (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the fund; (iii) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; (iv) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of the fund, be unlawful; (v) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the fund or FIMM, have an adverse effect on the fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vi) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the fund, make it impossible to process creation orders for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God; public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather conditions, and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy, and computer failures; wars; civil or military disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the fund, FMR, FIMM, FDC, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, or any other participant in the purchase process, and similar extraordinary events. The fund and FDC have the right to require information to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of (ii) above should it so choose or to rely on a certification from a broker-dealer who is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. as to the cost basis of Deposit Securities. If creations are on an in-kind basis, the fund further reserves the absolute right to reject or suspend an order transmitted to it by FDC and/or the transfer agent in respect of the fund if: (i) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; or (ii) for any other reasons as specified herein. FDC or the fund shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on the purchaser's behalf, of its rejection of the purchaser's order. The fund, the transfer agent, and FDC are under no duty, however, to verify or give notification of any defects or irregularities in any written order or in the delivery of a Portfolio Deposit, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Redemption of Creation Units. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the fund through the transfer agent and only on a Business Day through an Authorized Participant that has entered into a Participant Agreement. The fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Unit-size aggregations. Beneficial Owners must accumulate enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the fund. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
FIMM through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) makes available immediately prior to the opening of trading on NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of the basket of securities (Fund Securities) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day.
The redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit may consist of Fund Securities - as announced by FIMM, or its agent, on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form - plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of the request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (Cash Redemption Amount), less a redemption transaction fee and any variable fee as listed below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the fund equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fund will substitute a cash-in-lieu amount to replace any Fund Security that is a non-deliverable instrument. The amount of the cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Fund Security.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
Orders to redeem Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem Creation Units is deemed received by the fund on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received in proper form by the transfer agent not later than the Closing Time (or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for nonconforming orders) on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the fund's custodian no later than 1:00 p.m., for the shares, and 3:00 p.m., for the Cash Redemption Amount, Eastern time on the next Business Day following such Transmittal Date (the DTC Cut-Off-Time); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount will be transferred by the third (3rd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received, which will generally be no more than seven (7) days after such request for redemption but may be up to fifteen days for funds that invest in foreign securities. In certain cases, Authorized Participants will redeem and purchase Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
If the fund determines, based on information available to the fund when a redemption request is submitted by an Authorized Participant, that: (i) the short interest of the fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100%; and (ii) the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the fund the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement, the Authorized Participant does not verify the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received in proper form.
To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Units to be redeemed to FDC, on behalf of the fund, at or prior to the closing time of regular trading on the NYSE on the date such redemption request is submitted, FDC will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing fund shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) at least equal to 115% of the value of the missing fund shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately-available funds and shall be held by the fund and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the fund and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance, and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Participant Agreement will permit the fund to purchase the missing fund shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Balancing Amount underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Balancing Amount and the value of the collateral. The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC) according to the procedures set forth in the section entitled "Valuation" computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the transfer agent. Therefore, if a conforming redemption order in proper form is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the fund are delivered to the fund's custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by FSC on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a conforming redemption order is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than the Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time as described above on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed as of the Closing Time on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the transfer agent, i.e., the Business Day on which the shares of the fund are delivered through DTC to FDC by the DTC Cut-Off-Time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
<R>The fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. The fund generally expects to effect redemptions for cash. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of the fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper from (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). </R>
Redemption of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or a Beneficial Owner for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities is applicable to the redemption if a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.
In connection with taking delivery of shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within three Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer than three Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods.
The proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as "informal holidays" ( e.g. , days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices, could affect the information set forth herein at some time in the future.
Creation/Redemption Transaction Fees The fund may impose a "Transaction Fee" on investors purchasing or redeeming Creation Units. The Transaction Fee will be limited to amounts that have been determined by FIMM to be appropriate. The purpose of the Transaction Fee is to protect the existing shareholders of the fund from the dilutive costs associated with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. For cash creations (or redemptions) or cash in lieu of depositing one or more Deposit Securities, the purchaser (or redeemer) may be assessed a higher Transaction Fee to offset the transaction cost to the fund of buying (or selling) those particular Deposit Securities. To the extent a purchase/redemption transaction consists of cash and/or in-kind securities, the standard fee applies to in-kind purchases and redemptions of creation units and an additional transaction fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below) may also be imposed on cash transactions. The fund reserves the right to not impose the additional transaction fee or to vary the amount of the additional transaction fee, up to the maximum listed below, depending on the materiality of the fund's actual transaction costs incurred or where FDC believes that not imposing or varying the additional transaction fee would be in the fund's interest. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day an order is received or the nature of the securities. Investors bear the costs of transferring Fund Securities to/from the fund to/from their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Every purchaser of a Creation Unit will receive a prospectus that contains disclosure about the Transaction Fees, including the maximum amount of the additional transaction fee charged by the fund.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit of the fund and sets forth the standard transaction fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions.</R>
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates. A portion of the fund's dividends may be exempt from state and local taxation to the extent that they are derived from certain U.S. Government securities and meet certain requirements.
Capital Gain Distributions. The fund's long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the fund's distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in the fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.
Sales of Listed Shares. Gain or loss that is recognized on the sale of exchange-listed shares generally will be characterized as long-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for one year or less.
Purchase of Creation Units. The purchase of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who transfers securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The transferor will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the Creation Units (which may differ from their NAV) and any Balancing Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the transferor's basis in the transferred securities, transaction fees and any Balancing Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the transferred securities have been held for more than one year. The purchase of Creation Units may trigger application of the wash sale rules for federal tax purposes.
Redemption of Creation Units. The redemption of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who receives securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The recipient will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the securities and any Cash Redemption Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the basis of the Creation Unit shares, transaction fees and any Cash Redemption Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether Creation Units have been held for more than one year. The redemption of Creation Units may be treated as a wash sale for federal tax purposes.
Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction. Foreign governments may impose withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned by the fund with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Foreign governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Because the fund does not currently anticipate that securities of foreign issuers or underlying regulated investment companies will constitute more than 50% of its total assets at the end of its fiscal year, or fiscal quarter, respectively, shareholders should not expect to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns with respect to foreign taxes withheld.
Tax Status of the Fund. The fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code so that it will not be liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, and avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level, the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as on a fiscal year basis (if the fiscal year is other than the calendar year), and intends to comply with other tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies.
Other Tax Information. The information above is only a summary of some of the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. It is up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether the sale of shares of the fund resulted in a capital gain or loss or other tax consequence to you. In addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<R>The Trustees and officers of the trust and fund, as applicable, are listed below. The Board of Trustees governs the fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the fund, oversee management of the risks associated with such activities and contractual arrangements, and review the fund's performance. Except for Elizabeth S. Acton and James C. Curvey, each of the Trustees oversees 224 funds. Ms. Acton oversees 206 funds. Mr. Curvey oversees 397 funds.</R>
The Trustees hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any special meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. Each Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the trust and the fund (Independent Trustee), shall retire not later than the last day of the month in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. The officers hold office without limit in time, except that any officer may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the past five years.
Experience, Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications of the Fund's Trustees. The Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a statement of policy that describes the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that are necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (Statement of Policy). The Board believes that each Trustee satisfied at the time he or she was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy. The Governance and Nominating Committee also engages professional search firms to help identify potential Independent Trustee candidates who have the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills consistent with the Statement of Policy. From time to time, additional criteria based on the composition and skills of the current Independent Trustees, as well as experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of future changes to board composition, business conditions, and regulatory or other developments, have also been considered by the professional search firms and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, the Board takes into account the Trustees' commitment and participation in Board and committee meetings, as well as their leadership of standing and ad hoc committees throughout their tenure.
In determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the specific experience, skills, attributes, and qualifications of each Trustee, which in each case led to the Board's conclusion that the Trustee should serve (or continue to serve) as a trustee of the fund, is provided below.
Board Structure and Oversight Function. Abigail P. Johnson is an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) and currently serves as Chairman. The Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders because an interested Chairman has a personal and professional stake in the quality and continuity of services provided to the fund. Independent Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of their choosing to serve as Chairman, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairman and that a key structural component for assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet in executive session. Albert R. Gamper, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Independent Trustees and as such (i) acts as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management with respect to matters important to the Independent Trustees and (ii) with management prepares agendas for Board meetings.
Fidelity funds are overseen by different Boards of Trustees. The fund's Board oversees Fidelity's investment-grade bond, money market, and asset allocation funds and another Board oversees Fidelity's equity and high income funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity funds that are overseen by such other Board. The use of separate Boards, each with its own committee structure, allows the Trustees of each group of Fidelity funds to focus on the unique issues of the funds they oversee, including common research, investment, and operational issues. On occasion, the separate Boards establish joint committees to address issues of overlapping consequences for the Fidelity funds overseen by each Board.
The Trustees operate using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Trustees, the fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and oversight of the fund's activities and associated risks. The Board, acting through its committees, has charged FMR and its affiliates with (i) identifying events or circumstances the occurrence of which could have demonstrably adverse effects on the fund's business and/or reputation; (ii) implementing processes and controls to lessen the possibility that such events or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system designed to evaluate continuously business and market conditions in order to facilitate the identification and implementation processes described in (i) and (ii) above. Because the day-to-day operations and activities of the fund are carried out by or through FMR, its affiliates, and other service providers, the fund's exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Board's committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the fund's activities, oversight is exercised primarily through the Operations and Audit Committees. In addition, an ad hoc Board committee of Independent Trustees has worked with FMR to enhance the Board's oversight of investment and financial risks, legal and regulatory risks, technology risks, and operational risks, including the development of additional risk reporting to the Board. Appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the fund's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMR's internal auditor, the independent accountants, the fund's Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Board's committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of FMR's risk management program for the Fidelity funds. The responsibilities of each standing committee, including their oversight responsibilities, are described further under "Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees."
Interested Trustees *:
Correspondence intended for each Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
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James C. Curvey (1935) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee |
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Mr. Curvey also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Curvey is a Director of Fidelity Research & Analysis Co. (2009-present), and Vice Chairman (2007-present) and Director of FMR LLC. In addition, Mr. Curvey serves as an Overseer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Trustees of Villanova University. Previously, Mr. Curvey served as a Director of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2009-2014), a Director of FMR (2007-2014), a Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2007-2014) and was the Vice Chairman (2006-2007) and Director (2000-2007) of FMR Corp. |
Abigail P. Johnson (1961) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Board of Trustees |
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Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Ms. Johnson serves as President of FMR LLC (2013-present), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2011-present), Chairman and Director of FMR (2011-present), and the Vice Chairman and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC. Previously, Ms. Johnson served as President and a Director of FMR (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by FMR, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., and FMR Co., Inc. (2001-2005), Senior Vice President of the Fidelity funds (2001-2005), and managed a number of Fidelity funds. Ms. Abigail P. Johnson and Mr. Arthur E. Johnson are not related. |
* Trustees have been determined to be "Interested Trustees" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Independent Trustees :
Correspondence intended for each Independent Trustee (that is, the Trustees other than the Interested Trustees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
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Elizabeth S. Acton (1951) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee or Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity funds. Prior to her retirement in April 2012, Ms. Acton was Executive Vice President, Finance (2011-2012), Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (2002-2011), and Treasurer (2004-2005) of Comerica Incorporated (financial services). Prior to joining Comerica, Ms. Acton held a variety of positions at Ford Motor Company (1983-2002), including Vice President and Treasurer (2000-2002) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Credit Company (1998-2000). Ms. Acton currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-present). |
Albert R. Gamper, Jr. (1942) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
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Mr. Gamper also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement in December 2004, Mr. Gamper served as Chairman of the Board of CIT Group Inc. (commercial finance). During his tenure with CIT Group Inc. Mr. Gamper served in numerous senior management positions, including Chairman (1987-1989; 1999-2001; 2002-2004), Chief Executive Officer (1987-2004), and President (2002-2003). Mr. Gamper currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Public Service Enterprise Group (utilities, 2000-present), a member of the Board of Trustees, Rutgers University (2004-present), and Chairman of the Board of Barnabas Health Care System. Previously, Mr. Gamper served as Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity funds (2011-2012) and as Chairman of the Board of Governors, Rutgers University (2004-2007). |
Robert F. Gartland (1951) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Gartland is Chairman and an investor in Gartland and Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-present). Previously, Mr. Gartland served as a partner and investor of Vietnam Partners LLC (investments and consulting, 2008-2011). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007) including Managing Director (1987-2007). |
Arthur E. Johnson (1947) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Johnson serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Eaton Corporation (diversified power management, 2009-present), AGL Resources, Inc. (holding company, 2002-present) and Booz Allen Hamilton (management consulting, 2011-present). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development of Lockheed Martin Corporation (defense contractor, 1999-2009). He previously served on the Board of Directors of IKON Office Solutions, Inc. (1999-2008) and Delta Airlines (2005-2007). Mr. Arthur E. Johnson is not related to Ms. Abigail P. Johnson. |
Michael E. Kenneally (1954) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Kenneally served as a Member of the Advisory Board for certain Fidelity funds before joining the Board of Trustees (2008-2009). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Kenneally served as Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management. Before joining Credit Suisse, he was an Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America Corporation. Earlier roles at Bank of America included Director of Research, Senior Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, and Mr. Kenneally was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991. |
James H. Keyes (1940) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Keyes also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Keyes serves as a member of the Board and Non-Executive Chairman of Navistar International Corporation (manufacture and sale of trucks, buses, and diesel engines, since 2002). Previously, Mr. Keyes served as a member of the Board of Pitney Bowes, Inc. (integrated mail, messaging, and document management solutions, 1998-2013). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Keyes served as Chairman (1993-2002) and Chief Executive Officer (1988-2002) of Johnson Controls (automotive, building, and energy) and as a member of the Board of LSI Logic Corporation (semiconductor technologies, 1984-2008). |
Marie L. Knowles (1946) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
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Ms. Knowles also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to Ms. Knowles' retirement in June 2000, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (diversified energy, 1996-2000). From 1993 to 1996, she was a Senior Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Transportation Company. She served as a Director of ARCO from 1996 to 1998. Ms. Knowles currently serves as a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, since 2002). Ms. Knowles is a member of the Board of the Catalina Island Conservancy and of the Santa Catalina Island Company (2009-present). She also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. Previously, Ms. Knowles served as a Director of Phelps Dodge Corporation (copper mining and manufacturing, 1994-2007), URS Corporation (engineering and construction, 2000-2003) and America West (airline, 1999-2002). |
Kenneth L. Wolfe (1939) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Wolfe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Wolfe served as Chairman and a Director (2007-2009) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1994-2001) of Hershey Foods Corporation. He also served as a member of the Boards of Adelphia Communications Corporation (telecommunications, 2003-2006), Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (medical/pharmaceutical, 1993-2007), and Revlon, Inc. (personal care products, 2004-2009). Mr. Wolfe previously served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of other Fidelity funds (2008-2012). |
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Officers :
Correspondence intended for each officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupation |
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Elizabeth Paige Baumann (1968) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer |
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Ms. Baumann also serves as AML Officer of other funds. She is Chief AML Officer of FMR LLC (2012-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Baumann served as Vice President and Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2007-2012). |
Robert P. Brown (1963) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds |
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Mr. Brown also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present), President, Bond Group of FMR (2011-present), Director and Managing Director, Research of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Brown served as President, Money Market Group of FMR (2010-2011) and Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2010-2012). |
Marc Bryant (1966) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Secretary |
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Mr. Bryant also serves as an officer of other funds. He is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Bryant served as a Senior Vice President and the Head of Global Retail Legal for AllianceBernstein L.P. (2006-2010), and as the General Counsel for ProFund Advisors LLC (2001-2006). |
Jonathan Davis (1968) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
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Mr. Davis also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Davis is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FMR LLC (2003-2010). |
Adrien E. Deberghes (1967) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
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Mr. Deberghes also serves as an officer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Deberghes was Senior Vice President of Mutual Fund Administration at State Street Corporation (2007-2008), Senior Director of Mutual Fund Administration at Investors Bank & Trust (2005-2007), and Director of Finance for Dunkin' Brands (2000-2005). |
Stephanie J. Dorsey (1969) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> President and Treasurer |
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Ms. Dorsey also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Dorsey served as Treasurer (2004-2008) of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds and Vice President (2004-2008) of JPMorgan Chase Bank. |
Howard J. Galligan III (1966) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Chief Financial Officer |
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Mr. Galligan also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Galligan serves as President of Fidelity Pricing and Cash Management Services (FPCMS) (2014-present) and as a Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Galligan served as Chief Administrative Officer of Asset Management (2011-2014) and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Investment Support for Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2003-2011). |
Scott C. Goebel (1968) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) |
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Mr. Goebel serves as Secretary and CLO of other funds. Mr. Goebel also serves as Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (2013-present), Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present) and Fidelity Research and Analysis Company (FRAC) (2010-present); General Counsel, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR (2008-present) and FMR Co., Inc. (2008-present); Chief Legal Officer of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (2008-present); and Assistant Secretary of Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (2008-present) and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Goebel served as Secretary and CLO of other Fidelity funds (2008-2013), Assistant Secretary of FIMM (2008-2010), FRAC (2008-2010), and certain funds (2007-2008); and as Vice President and Secretary of Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) (2005-2007). Mr. Goebel has been employed by FMR LLC or an affiliate since 2001. |
Chris Maher (1972) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Maher is Vice President of Valuation Oversight and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Maher served as Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010). |
Nancy D. Prior (1967) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President |
|
|
Ms. Prior also serves as Vice President of other funds. Ms. Prior serves as President, Fixed Income (2014-present), Vice Chairman of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2014-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2002-present). Previously, Ms. Prior served as Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2012-2014), President, Money Market and Short Duration Bond of FMR (2013-2014), President, Money Market Group of FMR (2011-2014), Managing Director of Research (2009-2011), Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2007-2009), and Assistant Secretary of other Fidelity funds (2008-2009). |
Kenneth B. Robins (1969) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Robins also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Robins serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2013-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2004-present). Previously, Mr. Robins served in other fund officer roles. |
Stephen Sadoski (1971) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Sadoski also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2012-present) and has served in another fund officer role. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Sadoski served as an assistant chief accountant in the Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (2009-2012) and as a senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP (1997-2009). |
Stacie M. Smith (1974) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2009-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Smith served as Senior Audit Manager of Ernst & Young LLP (1996-2009). |
Renee Stagnone (1975) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Stagnone also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Ms. Stagnone is an employee of Fidelity Investments. |
Michael H. Whitaker (1967) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
Mr. Whitaker also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of other funds. Mr. Whitaker is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2007-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Whitaker worked at MFS Investment Management where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2006), and Assistant General Counsel. |
Joseph F. Zambello (1957) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Zambello also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Zambello is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Zambello served as Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2009-2011) and Vice President of the Transfer Agent Oversight Group (2005-2009). |
Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established various committees to support the Independent Trustees in acting independently in pursuing the best interests of the funds and their shareholders. Currently, the Board of Trustees has three standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
<R>The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Gamper currently serving as Chair. The committee normally meets at least six times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair, and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or calling for particular determinations by, the Independent Trustees. The committee considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and the proposed continuation of contracts between the funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding contracts with third parties unaffiliated with FMR, including insurance coverage and custody agreements. The committee has oversight of compliance issues not specifically within the scope of any other committee. These matters include, but are not limited to, significant non-conformance with contract requirements and other significant regulatory matters and recommending to the Board of Trustees the designation of a person to serve as the funds' CCO. The committee (i) serves as the primary point of contact for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCO's compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO. The committee is also responsible for definitive action on all compliance matters involving the potential for significant reimbursement by FMR. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held 11 meetings.</R>
<R>The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Keyes currently serving as Chair. At least one committee member will be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair or a majority of committee members. The committee meets separately, at least annually, with the funds' Treasurer, with the funds' Chief Financial Officer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR LLC, with the funds' outside auditors, and with the funds' Chief Compliance Officer. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the funds and the funds' service providers (to the extent such controls impact the funds' financial statements); (ii) the funds' auditors and the annual audits of the funds' financial statements; (iii) the financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv) whistleblower reports; and (v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund's financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The committee will receive reports of compliance with provisions of the Auditor Independence Regulations relating to the hiring of employees or former employees of the outside auditors. It oversees and receives reports on the funds' service providers' internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers' accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds' ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund's internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds' or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee will also review any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding the funds' financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also be reviewed by the Operations Committee. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the funds' financial reporting process from the funds' Treasurer and outside auditors and will oversee the resolution of any disagreements concerning financial reporting among applicable parties. The committee will discuss with FMR, the funds' Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The committee will review with FMR, the funds' outside auditor, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and legal counsel, as appropriate, matters related to the audits of the funds' financial statements. The committee will discuss regularly and oversee the review of the internal controls of the funds and their service providers with respect to accounting, financial matters and risk management programs related to the funds. The committee will review periodically the funds' major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held five meetings.</R>
<R>The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Johnson currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee reviews and approves annually Fair Value Committee Policies recommended by the FMR Fair Value Committee and oversees particular valuations or fair valuation methodologies employed by the FMR Fair Value Committee as circumstances may require. The Committee also reviews actions taken by the FMR Fair Value Committee. The Committee does not oversee the day-to-day operational aspects of the valuation and calculation of the net asset value of the funds, which have been delegated to the FMR Fair Value Committee and FSC. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held four meetings.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mr. Gamper (Chair), Ms. Knowles (Vice Chair), and Mr. Johnson. The committee meets as called by the Chair. With respect to fund governance and board administration matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures of the Board of Trustees and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews compensation of Independent Trustees. The committee monitors corporate governance matters and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the frequency and structure of the Board of Trustee meetings and on any other aspect of Board procedures. It acts as the administrative committee under the retirement plan for Independent Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for Independent Trustees. It reviews the performance of legal counsel employed by the funds and the Independent Trustees. On behalf of the Independent Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee monitors the functioning of each Board committee and makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee meets with Independent Trustees at least once a year to discuss matters relating to fund governance. The committee recommends that the Board establish such special or ad hoc Board committees as may be desirable or necessary from time to time in order to address ethical, legal, or other matters that may arise. The committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation of the Board of Trustees and establishes procedures to allow it to exercise this oversight function. In conducting this oversight, the committee shall address all matters that it considers relevant to the performance of the Board of Trustees and shall report the results of its evaluation to the Board of Trustees, including any recommended amendments to the principles of governance, and any recommended changes to the funds' or the Board of Trustees' policies, procedures, and structures. The committee reviews periodically the size and composition of the Board of Trustees as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board of Trustees reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of Independent Trustees required by law. The committee makes nominations for the election or appointment of Independent Trustees and non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party advisers, including authority to approve fees and other retention terms. Such advisers may include search firms to identify Independent Trustee candidates and board compensation consultants. The committee may conduct or authorize investigations into or studies of matters within the committee's scope of responsibilities, and may retain, at the funds' expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting Independent Trustees, it is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an interested person of the funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (iii) does not have a material relationship ( e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or accounting) with the adviser, any sub-adviser or their affiliates that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of the funds; (iv) has the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v) ability to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings during the year; (vi) demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial, or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the funds; (viii) experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective Independent Trustee in light of the funds' complex regulatory, operational, and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held eight meetings.</R>
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the Trustee for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013.
Interested Trustees |
||
DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
Abigail P. Johnson |
James C. Curvey |
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
none |
none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
over $100,000 |
over $100,000 |
* As of January 17, 2013.
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee for his or her services for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015, or calendar year ended December 31, 2013, as applicable.
Compensation Table 1 |
||||||||
AGGREGATE
|
Elizabeth S.
|
Albert R.
|
Robert F.
|
Arthur E.
|
Michael E.
|
James H.
|
Marie L.
|
Kenneth L.
|
<R> Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF + |
$ 4 |
$ 6 |
$ 4 |
$ 4 |
$ 4 |
$ 5 |
$ 5 |
$ 4</R> |
TOTAL COMPENSATION
|
$ 391,500 |
$ 483,000 |
$ 393,000 |
$ 395,500 |
$ 389,000 |
$ 419,000 |
$ 441,750 |
$ 389,000 |
1 Abigail P. Johnson and James C. Curvey are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity.
2 Effective January 17, 2013, Ms. Acton serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust.
+ Estimated for the fund's first full year.
A Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013 for 223 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. Certain of the Independent Trustees elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; and Michael E. Kenneally, $120,000.
<R>As of September 15, 2014, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of the fund's total outstanding shares.</R>
<R>As of September 15, 2014, no persons or entities owned, of record and/or beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund.</R>
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FIMM, Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.), Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (FMR Japan). The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Abigail P. Johnson family, directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC.
At present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are: (i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services; (iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FIMM, FMR U.K., FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FDC, and the fund have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that sets forth employees' fiduciary responsibilities regarding the fund, establishes procedures for personal investing, and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund.
The fund has entered into a management contract with FIMM, pursuant to which FIMM furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FIMM acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for directing the investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations. FIMM also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FIMM, and all personnel of the fund or FIMM performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FIMM or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
<R> Management-Related Expenses. Under the terms of the fund's management contract, FIMM, either itself or through an affiliate, is responsible for payment of all operating expenses of the fund with certain exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FIMM include expenses for typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, fees of the custodian, auditor, and interested Trustees, the fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. The fund's management contract further provides that FIMM will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. FIMM also pays all fees associated with transfer agency services and pricing and bookkeeping services, and the cost of administration of the fund's securities lending program.</R>
<R>FIMMpays all other expenses of the fund with the following exceptions: fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions (if any), and such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.</R>
<R> Management Fee. For the services of FIMM under the management contract, the fund pays FIMM a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of the fund's average net assets throughout the month. The management fee paid to FIMM by the fund is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid by the fund to the Independent Trustees.</R>
FIMM may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the fund's operating expenses. FIMM retains the ability to be repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Expense reimbursements will increase returns and yield, and repayment of the reimbursement will decrease returns and yield.
Sub-Advisers - FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FIMM has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FIMM may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FIMM may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FIMM believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FIMM, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
Michael Plage is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. David Prothro is co-manager of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. As of July 31, 2014, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Each portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of each portfolio manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the investment performance of other FMR taxable bond funds and accounts. The pre-tax investment performance of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to his tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over his tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with his tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to three years for the comparison to a benchmark index. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the fund measured against the Barclays R U.S. Credit Bond Index. Each portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
A portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund's trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund's orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts managed by FMR or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Plage as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
3 |
2 |
17</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 1,181 |
$1,304 |
$10,250</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014.</R>
<R>As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Plage was none.</R>
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Prothro as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
2 |
2 |
14</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 1,499 |
$1,304 |
$5,032</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014..</R>
<R>As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Prothro was none.</R>
The following Proxy Voting Guidelines were established by the Board of Trustees of the Fidelity funds, after consultation with Fidelity. (The guidelines are reviewed periodically by Fidelity and by the Independent Trustees of the Fidelity funds, and, accordingly, are subject to change.)
I. General Principles
A. Voting of shares will be conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders as follows: (i) securities of a portfolio company will generally be voted in a manner consistent with the Guidelines; and (ii) voting will be done without regard to any other Fidelity companies' relationship, business or otherwise, with that portfolio company.
B. FMR Investment Proxy Research votes proxies. Like other Fidelity employees, Investment Proxy Research employees have a fiduciary duty to never place their own personal interest ahead of the interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders, and are instructed to avoid actual and apparent conflicts of interest. In the event of a conflict of interest, Investment Proxy Research employees, like other Fidelity employees, will escalate to their managers or the Ethics Office, as appropriate, in accordance with Fidelity's corporate policy on conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest arises when there are factors that may prompt one to question whether a Fidelity employee is acting solely on the best interests of Fidelity and its customers. Employees are expected to avoid situations that could present even the appearance of a conflict between their interests and the interests of Fidelity and its customers.
C. Except as set forth herein, FMR will generally vote in favor of routine management proposals.
D. Non-routine proposals will generally be voted in accordance with the Guidelines.
E. Non-routine proposals not covered by the Guidelines or involving other special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from the appropriate FMR analyst or portfolio manager, as applicable, subject to review by an attorney within FMR's General Counsel's office and a member of senior management within FMR Investment Proxy Research. A significant pattern of such proposals or other special circumstances will be referred to the appropriate Fidelity Fund Board Committee or its designee.
F. FMR will vote on shareholder proposals not specifically addressed by the Guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal's likelihood to enhance the economic returns or profitability of the portfolio company or to maximize shareholder value. Where information is not readily available to analyze the economic impact of the proposal, FMR will generally abstain.
G. Many Fidelity Funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, FMR will generally evaluate proposals in the context of the Guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares.
H. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a portfolio company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because such trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, FMR will generally not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, FMR will generally not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
I. Where a management-sponsored proposal is inconsistent with the Guidelines, FMR may receive a company's commitment to modify the proposal or its practice to conform to the Guidelines, and FMR will generally support management based on this commitment. If a company subsequently does not abide by its commitment, FMR will generally withhold authority for the election of directors at the next election.
II. Definitions (as used in this document)
A. Anti-Takeover Provision - includes fair price amendments; classified boards; "blank check" preferred stock; Golden Parachutes; supermajority provisions; Poison Pills; restricting the right to call special meetings; provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.
B. Golden Parachute - Employment contracts, agreements, or policies that include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control.
C. Greenmail - payment of a premium to repurchase shares from a shareholder seeking to take over a company through a proxy contest or other means.
D. Sunset Provision - a condition in a charter or plan that specifies an expiration date.
E. Permitted Bid Feature - a provision suspending the application of a Poison Pill, by shareholder referendum, in the event a potential acquirer announces a bona fide offer for all outstanding shares.
F. Poison Pill - a strategy employed by a potential take-over / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison Pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirer's ownership and value in the event of a take-over.
G. Large-Capitalization Company - a company included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
H. Small-Capitalization Company - a company not included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index that is not a Micro-Capitalization Company.
I. Micro-Capitalization Company - a company with a market capitalization under US $300 million.
J. Evergreen Provision - a feature which provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity award plan on a regular basis.
III. Directors
A. Incumbent Directors
FMR will generally vote in favor of incumbent and nominee directors except where one or more such directors clearly appear to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment. FMR will also generally withhold authority for the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if:
1. An Anti-Takeover Provision was introduced, an Anti-Takeover Provision was extended, or a new Anti-Takeover Provision was adopted upon the expiration of an existing Anti-Takeover Provision, without shareholder approval except as set forth below.
With respect to Poison Pills, however, FMR will consider not withholding authority on the election of directors if all of the following conditions are met when a Poison Pill is introduced, extended, or adopted:
a. The Poison Pill includes a Sunset Provision of less than five years;
b. The Poison Pill includes a Permitted Bid Feature;
c. The Poison Pill is linked to a business strategy that will result in greater value for the shareholders; and
d. Shareholder approval is required to reinstate the Poison Pill upon expiration.
FMR will also consider not withholding authority on the election of directors when one or more of the conditions above are not met if a board is willing to strongly consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding above conditions noted a. and b. to an existing Poison Pill. In such a case, if the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, FMR will withhold authority on the election of directors.
2. The company refuses, upon request by FMR, to amend the Poison Pill to allow Fidelity to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
3. Within the last year and without shareholder approval, a company's board of directors or compensation committee has repriced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options.
4. Executive compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as: (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restrictions; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
5. To gain FMR's support on a proposal, the company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to the Guidelines and the company has failed to act on that commitment.
6. The director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board or its committees on which the director served during the company's prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
7. The board is not composed of a majority of independent directors.
B. Indemnification
FMR will generally vote in favor of charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of directors and/or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless FMR is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of management or the proposal is accompanied by Anti-Takeover Provisions.
C. Independent Chairperson
FMR will generally vote against shareholder proposals calling for or recommending the appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson. However, FMR will consider voting for such proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and to promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors.
D. Majority Director Elections
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections (i.e., where there are more nominees than board seats). FMR may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company's board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
IV. Compensation
A. Executive Compensation
1. Advisory votes on executive compensation
a. FMR will generally vote for proposals to ratify executive compensation unless such compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as, among other things, (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restriction; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
b. FMR will generally vote against proposals to ratify Golden Parachutes.
2. Frequency of advisory vote on executive compensation
FMR will generally support annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
B. Equity award plans (including stock options, restricted stock awards, and other stock awards).
FMR will generally vote against equity award plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. (a) The company's average three year burn rate is greater than 1.5% for a Large-Capitalization Company, 2.5% for a Small-Capitalization Company or 3.5% for a Micro-Capitalization Company; and (b) there were no circumstances specific to the company or the plans that lead FMR to conclude that the burn rate is acceptable.
2. In the case of stock option plans, (a) the offering price of options is less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant, except that the offering price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus; (b) the plan's terms allow repricing of underwater options; or (c) the board/committee has repriced options outstanding under the plan in the past two years without shareholder approval.
3. The plan includes an Evergreen Provision.
4. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur.
C. Equity Exchanges and Repricing
FMR will generally vote in favor of a management proposal to exchange, reprice or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, repricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account such factors as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or repricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The company's relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;
4. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and
5. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or repricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
D. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
FMR will generally vote in favor of employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% of the stock's fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company's equity. In the case of non-U.S. company stock purchase plans, FMR may permit a lower minimum stock purchase price equal to the prevailing "best practices" in the relevant non-U.S. market, provided that the minimum stock purchase price must be at least 75% of the stock's fair market value.
E. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
FMR will generally vote in favor of non-leveraged ESOPs. For leveraged ESOPs, FMR may examine the company's state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for the ESOP, and number of shares held by insiders. FMR may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilution effect of the purchase. FMR will generally vote against leveraged ESOPs if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon change in control.
F. Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals
FMR will generally vote in favor of cash and stock incentive plans that are submitted for shareholder approval in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the plan includes well defined and appropriate performance criteria, and with respect to any cash component, that the maximum award per participant is clearly stated and is not unreasonable or excessive.
V. Anti-Takeover Provisions
FMR will generally vote against a proposal to adopt or approve the adoption of an Anti-Takeover Provision unless:
A. The Poison Pill includes the following features:
1. A Sunset Provision of no greater than five years;
2. Linked to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders;
3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended;
4. Contains a Permitted Bid Feature; and
5. Allows the Fidelity Funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
B. An Anti-Greenmail proposal that does not include other Anti-Takeover Provisions; or
C. It is a fair price amendment that considers a two-year price history or less.
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to eliminate Anti-Takeover Provisions unless:
D. In the case of proposals to declassify a board of directors, FMR will generally vote against such a proposal if the issuer's Articles of Incorporation or applicable statutes include a provision whereby a majority of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by written consent, or other reasonable procedures, by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors.
E. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' rights to call special meetings, FMR generally will vote against each proposal if the threshold required to call a special meeting is less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
F. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' right to act by written consent, FMR will generally vote against each proposal if it does not include appropriate mechanisms for implementation including, among other things, that at least 25% of the outstanding stock request that the company establish a record date determining which shareholders are entitled to act and that consents be solicited from all shareholders.
VI. Capital Structure/Incorporation
A. Increases in Common Stock
FMR will generally vote against a provision to increase a company's common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options, except in the case of real estate investment trusts, where an increase that will result in a total number of authorized shares up to five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares is generally acceptable.
B. Reverse Stock Splits
FMR will generally vote in favor of reverse stock splits as long as the post-split authorized shares is no greater than three times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock awards, or in the case of real estate investment trusts the number of post-split authorized shares is not greater than five times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
C. New Classes of Shares
FMR will generally vote against the introduction of new classes of stock with differential voting rights.
D. Cumulative Voting Rights
FMR will generally vote against the introduction and in favor of the elimination of cumulative voting rights.
E. Acquisition or Business Combination Statutes
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposed amendments to a company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws that enable the company to opt out of the control shares acquisition or business combination statutes.
F. Incorporation or Reincorporation in Another State or Country
FMR will generally vote for management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a portfolio company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance, the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests, taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed jurisdictions and any changes to the company's current and proposed governing documents. FMR will consider supporting such shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
VII. Shares of Investment Companies
A. When a Fidelity Fund invests in an underlying Fidelity Fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or non-affiliated fund, FMR will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of such underlying fund or class ("echo voting"). FMR may choose not to vote if "echo voting" is not operationally feasible.
B. Certain Fidelity Funds may invest in shares of underlying Fidelity Funds that do not have public shareholders. For Fidelity Funds without public shareholders that are managed by FMR or an affiliate, FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals recommended by the underlying funds' Board of Trustees.
VIII. Other
A. Voting Process
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to adopt confidential voting and independent vote tabulation practices.
B. Regulated Industries
Voting of shares in securities of any regulated industry (e.g. U.S. banking) organization shall be conducted in a manner consistent with conditions that may be specified by the industry's regulator (e.g. the Federal Reserve Board) for a determination under applicable law (e.g. federal banking law) that no fund or group of funds has acquired control of such organization.
To view a fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FIMM and FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FIMM or FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to shares of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows shares of the fund, FIMM, and FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
<R>Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FIMM is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan specifically recognizes that FIMM or FMR may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to FIMM by the fund or fees paid to FMR by FIMM out of such management fees, as well as past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. In addition, the Plan provides that FIMM or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. </R>
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by shares of the fund other than those made to FIMM under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the Plan gives FIMM, FMR, and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of shares of the fund or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
FDC or an affiliate may compensate, or upon direction make payments for certain retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, and other factors. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to current products and issues, payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC, and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars, including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. Certain of the payments described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
FDC or an affiliate may also make payments to banks, broker-dealers and other service-providers (who may be affiliated with FDC) for distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. If you have purchased shares of the fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from FIMM, FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
FDC may also enter into agreements with securities dealers who will solicit purchases of Creation Units. Such securities dealers may also be Authorized Participants, DTC Participants, and or investor services organizations.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
<R>The fund has entered into a transfer agency and service agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), which is located at at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts. Under the terms of the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) acts as transfer agent and dividend and disbursing agent.</R>
<R>The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FIMM (or an agent, including an affiliate), which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. The fund has also entered into a securities lending administration agreement with FSC. Under the terms of the agreements, FSC (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides certain pricing and bookkeeping services for each fund. FSC has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides various fund accounting and fund administration services, including preparation of financial information for shareholder reports and tax services, for each fund. </R>
<R></R>
For administering the fund's securities lending program, FSC is paid based on the number and duration of individual securities loans.
FIMM bears the cost of services under these agreements under the terms of its management contract with the fund.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
Trust Organization. Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF is a fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated November 15, 2012. Currently, there are three funds offered in the trust: Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of the fund.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each of its funds and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is an entity commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FIMM believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote.
Voting Rights. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value they own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of the trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
<R> Custodians. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the fund's assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The Bank of New York Mellon and JPMorgan Chase Bank, each headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodians of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. From time to time, subject to approval by a fund's Treasurer, the fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.</R>
FIMM, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and Members of the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks, including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FIMM. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the fund's adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
<R> Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for each fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.</R>
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FIMM to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMR's Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the fund's best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the fund's portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the fund's chief compliance officer periodically.
On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in shares on the NYSE Arca, the fund will disclose on its website the identities and quantities of the fund's portfolio holdings that will form the basis for the fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.
<R>Daily portfolio composition files (PCFs) that identify a basket of specified securities that may overlap with the actual or expected portfolio holdings of the fund will be provided as frequently as daily to the fund's service providers to facilitate the provision of services to the fund and to certain other entities in connection with the dissemination of information necessary for transactions in Creation Units. Each business day prior to the opening of the NYSE Arca, a PCF containing a list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security for the fund will be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the NSCC; through other fee-based services to NSCC members; subscribers to the fee-based services, including Authorized Participants; and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading fund shares in the secondary market. In addition to making PCFs available to the NSCC, the fund will disclose the PCF or portions thereof as frequently as daily on www.fidelity.com.</R>
The fund may also from time to time provide or make available to the Board or third parties upon request specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics. Third parties may include fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the activities associated with managing Fidelity funds to: entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed; other parties if legally required; or persons FIMM believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the fund's trustees; the fund's manager, its sub-advisers, if any, and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics (including portfolio managers of affiliated funds of funds); contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; the fund's auditors; the fund's custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to the fund or its Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; third parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding; and third parties who have submitted a standing request to a money market fund for daily holdings information. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by the fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, the fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by FIMM or its affiliates, (ii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iii) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving the fund. Each individual request is reviewed by the Disclosure Policy Committee which must find, in its sole discretion that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to the fund. Entities receiving this information must have in place control mechanisms to reasonably ensure or otherwise agree that, (a) the holdings information will be kept confidential, (b) no employee shall use the information to effect trading or for their personal benefit, and (c) the nature and type of information that they, in turn, may disclose to third parties is limited. FIMM relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to the fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are: Factset Research Systems Inc. (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); DocuLynx Inc. (full or partial holdings daily, on the next business day); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Barclays Capital Inc. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FIMM, its affiliates, or the fund will not enter into any arrangements with third parties from which they derive consideration for the disclosure of material non-public holdings information. If, in the future, such an arrangement is desired, prior Board approval would be sought and any such arrangements would be disclosed in the fund's SAI.
There can be no assurance that the fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of fund portfolio holdings will prevent the misuse of such information by individuals and firms that receive such information.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
<R>
Fund
/Ticker
</R>
<R> Fidelity Total Bond ETF/FBND </R>
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
Prospectus
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
Fund Summary |
Fidelity ® Total Bond ETF |
|
Fund Basics |
Investment Details |
|
|
Valuing Shares |
|
Shareholder Information |
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares |
|
|
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions |
|
|
Tax Consequences |
|
Fund Services |
Fund Management |
|
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Fund Distribution |
Prospectus
Fund:
Fidelity
®
Total Bond ETF
The fund seeks a high level of current income.
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
|
None |
<R> Management fee |
0.45% </R> |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees |
None |
<R> Other expenses A |
0.00% </R> |
<R> Total annual operating expenses |
0.45% </R> |
<R> |
</R> |
A Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let's say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. Investors may pay brokerage commissions on their purchases and sale of fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. For every $10,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
<R> 1 year |
$ 46 </R> |
<R> 3 years |
$ 144 </R> |
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance.
Prospectus
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance history will be available for the fund after the fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
<R>Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (the Adviser), an affiliate of Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), is the fund's manager. FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC), Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.</R>
<R>Ford O'Neil (lead portfolio manager), Pramod Atluri (co-manager), and Michael Foggin (co-manager) have managed the fund since October 2014.</R>
<R>The fund is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund. Unlike shares of traditional mutual funds, shares of the fund are not individually redeemable and can be purchased or redeemed directly from the fund at NAV only in large increments called "Creation Units" (50,000 shares per Creation Unit) through certain participants, known as Authorized Participants. The fund will issue or redeem Creation Units in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. </R>
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in much smaller increments and for cash in the secondary market through a broker. These transactions, which do not involve the fund, are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may differ from the fund's NAV. As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market.
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
The Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary's web site for more information.
Prospectus
Investment Objective
Fidelity Total Bond ETF seeks a high level of current income.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in debt securities of all types and repurchase agreements for those securities. The Adviser allocates the fund's assets across investment-grade, high yield, and emerging market debt securities. The Adviser may invest up to 20% of the fund's assets in lower-quality debt securities.
The Adviser uses the Barclays ® U.S. Universal Bond Index as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. The Adviser uses the index as a guide in allocating the fund's assets across the investment-grade, high yield, and emerging market asset classes. The Adviser manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index.
The Adviser considers other factors when selecting the fund's investments, including the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current valuation relative to alternatives in the market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market inefficiencies, and potential future valuation. In managing the fund's exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the market's overall risk characteristics, the market's current pricing of those risks, information on the fund's competitive universe and internal views of potential future market conditions.
The Adviser may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
The Adviser may engage in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives, regardless of whether the fund may own the asset, instrument, currency, or components of the index underlying the derivative, and forward-settling securities. The Adviser may invest a significant portion of the fund's assets in these types of investments. If the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own. The fund's derivative investments may include interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, options (including options on futures and swaps), forwards, and futures contracts (both long and short positions) on securities, other instruments, indexes, or currencies. Depending on the Adviser's outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, credit qualities, foreign exchange rates, or other factors that affect security values, or to gain or reduce exposure to an asset, instrument, currency, or index.
The Adviser allocates the fund's assets among different asset classes using the composition of the index as a guide, and among different market sectors (for example, corporate, asset-backed, or government securities) and different maturities based on its view of the relative value of each sector or maturity.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
In selecting foreign securities, the Adviser's analysis also considers the credit, currency, and economic risks associated with the security and the country of its issuer. The Adviser may also consider an issuer's potential for success in light of its current financial condition, its industry position, and economic and market conditions.
To earn additional income for the fund, the Adviser may use a trading strategy that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases transaction costs and may increase taxable gains.
If the Adviser's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Shareholders should be aware that investments made by the fund and results achieved by the fund at any given time are not expected to be the same as those made by other funds for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as manager, including funds with names, investment objectives, and policies that are similar to the fund.
Description of Principal Security Types
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities, repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, and loans and loan participations.
A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back at an agreed-upon price.
Derivatives are investments whose values are tied to an underlying asset, instrument, currency, or index. Derivatives include futures, options, forwards, and swaps, such as interest rate swaps (exchanging a floating rate for a fixed rate), total return swaps (exchanging a floating rate for the total return of an index, security, or other instrument or investment) and credit default swaps (buying or selling credit default protection). Currency-related derivatives, in particular, include foreign exchange (FX) transactions such as spot FX trades, FX forwards, non-deliverable forwards, and cross-currency FX trades.
Forward-settling securities involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities when issued, or at a predetermined price or yield. When a fund does not already own or have the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount, a commitment to sell securities is equivalent to a short sale. Payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period.
Prospectus
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the fund's performance. The fund's share price and yield change daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The fund's reaction to these developments will be affected by the types and maturities of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund's level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in the fund.
The following factors can significantly affect the fund's performance:
Interest Rate Changes. Debt securities, including money market securities, have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and certain types of securities, such as mortgage securities and the securities of issuers in the financial services sector, can be more sensitive to interest rate changes, meaning the longer the maturity of a security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. Short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Securities with floating interest rates can be less sensitive to interest rate changes, but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much as interest rates in general. Securities whose payment at maturity is based on the movement of all or part of an index and inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities.
Foreign Exposure. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments, especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Investing in emerging markets can involve risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. The extent of economic development; political stability; market depth, infrastructure, and capitalization; and regulatory oversight can be less than in more developed markets. Emerging market economies can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties. All of these factors can make emerging market securities more volatile and potentially less liquid than securities issued in more developed markets.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers or providers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region.
Prepayment. Many types of debt securities, including mortgage securities, are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the security's maturity. Securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a debt security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility.
Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security's or instrument's credit quality or value. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. Entities providing credit support or a maturity-shortening structure also can be affected by these types of changes, and if the structure of a security fails to function as intended, the security could decline in value. Lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds) and certain types of other securities tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes.
Lower-quality debt securities and certain types of other securities involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer. The value of lower-quality debt securities and certain types of other securities often fluctuates in response to company, political, or economic developments and can decline significantly over short as well as long periods of time or during periods of general or regional economic difficulty. Lower-quality debt securities can be thinly traded or have restrictions on resale, making them difficult to sell at an acceptable price, and often are considered to be speculative. The default rate for lower-quality debt securities is likely to be higher during economic recessions or periods of high interest rates.
Leverage Risk. Derivatives, forward-settling securities, and short sale transactions involve leverage because they can provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can magnify investment risks and cause losses to be realized more quickly. A small change in the underlying asset, instrument, or index can lead to a significant loss. Assets segregated to cover these transactions may decline in value and are not available to meet redemptions. Forward-settling securities and short sale transactions also involve the risk that a security will not be issued, delivered, available for purchase, or paid for when anticipated. An increase in the market price of securities sold short will result in a loss. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies.
Prospectus
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value and Share Price. The NAV of the fund's shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund's holdings. The fund's shares are listed on NYSE Arca and can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market price of the fund's shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. Although a share's market price is expected to approximate its NAV, it is possible that the market price and NAV will vary significantly. As a result, you may sustain losses if you pay more than the shares' NAV when you purchase shares, or receive less than the shares' NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market price of fund shares is more likely to differ significantly from the fund's NAV.
The market price of shares during the trading day, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a "bid/ask" spread charged by the exchange specialist, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid/ask spread can increase significantly. At those times, shares are most likely to be traded at a discount to NAV, and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your shares. The Adviser believes that, under normal market conditions, large discounts or premiums to NAV will not be sustained because of arbitrage opportunities.
Information about the premiums and discounts at which the fund's shares have traded is available at www.fidelity.com.
No History of an Active Trading Market/Trading Issues. The fund is a recently organized series of an investment company. Although shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will be met or maintained. Trading of shares in the secondary market may be halted, for example, due to activation of marketwide "circuit breakers." FDC, the distributor of the fund's shares, does not maintain a secondary market in the shares.
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity Total Bond ETF seeks a high level of current income.
The following is subject to change only upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders:
Fidelity Total Bond ETF normally invests at least 80% of its assets in debt securities of all types and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of regular trading hours on NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The fund's assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV.
NAV is not calculated and the fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca and may be purchased through a broker in the secondary market by individual investors at market prices which may vary throughout the day and may differ from NAV.
To the extent that the fund's assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund's assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the fund's assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
Shares of open-end funds in which the fund may invest (referred to as underlying funds) are valued at their respective NAVs. NAV is calculated using the values of any underlying funds in which it invests. Other assets (as well as assets held by an underlying Fidelity non-money market fund) are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser's opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser's opinion, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value. Assets held by an underlying Fidelity money market fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost.
Prospectus
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
The intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. You should not view this intraday portfolio value as a "real-time" update of actual NAV because the intraday portfolio value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
Prospectus
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the world's largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its fund business, the company operates one of America's leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) is a limited trust company and securities depository that facilitates the clearance and settlement of trades for its participating banks and broker-dealers. DTC has executed an agreement with FDC, the fund's distributor.
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in the secondary market through a broker. The fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the fund purchased on NYSE Arca. These transactions are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may be greater than the fund's NAV (premium) or less than the fund's NAV (discount). As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. If you buy or sell shares in the secondary market, you will generally incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Due to such commissions and charges, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns.
The fund is designed to offer investors an investment that can be bought and sold frequently in the secondary market without impact on the fund, and such trading activity is critical to ensuring that the market price of fund shares remains at or close to NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading by these investors.
The fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants and does not place a limit on purchases or redemptions of Creation Units by these investors. The fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase or redemption transaction at any time. In addition, the fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
Prospectus
For example, you may be deemed a statutory underwriter if you purchase Creation Units from the fund, break them down into individual fund shares, and sell such shares directly to customers, or if you choose to couple the creation of a supply of new fund shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for fund shares. A determination of whether a person is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person's activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions), and thus dealing with shares as part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, you should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange. Certain affiliates of the fund may purchase and resell fund shares pursuant to this prospectus.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
The fund may impose a creation transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of shares. The creation and redemption transaction fees applicable to the fund are listed below. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Similarly, the standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Creations and redemptions for cash are also subject to a variable additional fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below). This fee is intended to compensate for brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to cash transactions. In addition, purchasers and redeemers of shares in Creation Units are responsible for payment of the costs of transferring securities to or out of the funds. From time to time, the Adviser may cover the cost of any transaction fees when believed to be in the best interests of the funds.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit, standard fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions (as described above). These fees are payable only by investors who purchase shares directly from the fund. Retail investors who purchase shares through their brokerage account will not pay these fees. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may pay fees for such services.</R>
Name of Fund |
Approximate Value of
|
Standard Creation/
|
Maximum Additional
|
Maximum Additional
|
<R>Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
$2,500,00 |
$500 |
5.0% |
2.0% </R> |
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
Prospectus
The fund earns interest, dividends, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) as capital gain distributions. If you purchased your shares in the secondary market, your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
The fund normally pays dividends monthly and pays capital gain distributions in December.
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
Taxes on distributions. Distributions investors receive are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while certain distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to investors generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met). Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals.
<R>The fund generally expects to effect its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind securities and may recognize more capital gains and be less tax-efficient than if it were to redeem in-kind. Because the fund generally expects to effect its redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs. If the fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on these gains at the fund level and otherwise comply with applicable tax rules. This may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to or at an earlier date then if the fund effected redemptions in-kind.</R>
If a fund's distributions exceed its income and capital gains realized in any year, which is sometimes the result of currency-related losses, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders for tax purposes. A return of capital generally will not be taxable to you but will reduce the cost basis of your shares and result in a higher reported capital gain or a lower reported capital loss when you sell your shares.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
If investors buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, they will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions investors receive will normally be taxable to them when they receive them.
Taxes on transactions. Purchases and sales of shares, as well as purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes.
Prospectus
The Adviser is the fund's manager. The address of the Adviser and its affiliates, unless otherwise indicated below, is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser had approximately $603.0 billion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $1.94 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates' assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing the fund's investments and handling its business affairs.
FMRC serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. FMRC has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of investments for the fund.
FMRC is an affiliate of the Adviser. As of December 31, 2013, FMRC had approximately $866.5 billion in discretionary assets under management.
Other investment advisers assist the Adviser with foreign investments:
<R>Ford O'Neil is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1990, Mr. O'Neil has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.</R>
<R>Pramod Atluri is co-manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2004, Mr. Atluri has worked as an industrial research analyst, an asset allocation analyst, and a portfolio manager.</R>
Prospectus
<R>Michael Foggin is co-manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments in 2012 as a portfolio manager, Mr. Foggin was a fixed income portfolio manager at Schroders from 2006 to 2012.</R>
The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager.
From time to time a manager, analyst, or other Fidelity employee may express views regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of Fidelity or any other person in the Fidelity organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Fidelity disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Fidelity fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Fidelity fund.
The fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month.
<R>The Adviser pays all of the other expenses of the fund with limited exceptions.</R>
<R>The fund's annual management fee rate is 0.45% of its average net assets.</R>
The Adviser pays FMRC, FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services.
<R>The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the fund will be available in the fund's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2015, when available.</R>
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may agree to reimburse or waive certain fund expenses while retaining the ability to be repaid if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Reimbursement or waiver arrangements can decrease expenses and boost performance.
FDC distributes the fund's shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other retirement plan expenses, and compensation for services intended to result in the sale of fund shares. These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) with respect to its shares that recognizes that the Adviser or FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
Prospectus
Fund Services - continued
If payments made by the Adviser or FMR to FDC or to intermediaries under the Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the fund or by FDC to sell shares of the fund to or to buy shares of the fund from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
<R>State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the fund's transfer agent and custodian, and is located at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts and 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, respectively.</R>
Prospectus
You can obtain additional information about the fund. A description of the fund's policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelity's web sites. The SAI also includes more detailed information about the fund and its investments. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). A financial report will be available once the fund has completed its first annual or semi-annual period. The fund's annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. The fund's annual report includes a discussion of the fund's holdings and recent market conditions and the fund's investment strategies that affected performance.
For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information or ask questions about the fund, call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY. In addition, you may visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAI, the fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You can also review and copy information about the fund, including the fund's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room. Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number, 811-22796 |
FDC is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). You may obtain information about SIPC, including the SIPC brochure, by visiting www.sipc.org or calling SIPC at 202-371-8300.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
<R></R>
<R>1.9860547.100 T14-PRO-0914</R>
<R> SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2014. The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. </R>
<R> Fidelity ® Total Bond ETF (FBND) </R>
A Fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. An annual report for the fund will be available once the fund has completed its first annual period.
<R>To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI, dated September 25, 2014, please call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY or visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com.</R>
<R></R>
<R>T14-PTB-0914</R>
<R></R>
<R>1.9860548.100</R>
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General Description of the Fund |
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Investment Policies and Limitations |
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Exchange Traded Fund Risks |
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Special Geographic Considerations |
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Portfolio Transactions |
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Valuation |
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Buying and Selling Information |
24 |
Distributions and Taxes |
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Trustees and Officers |
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Control of Investment Advisers |
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Management Contract |
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<R>Proxy Voting Guidelines |
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Distribution Services |
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Transfer and Service Agent Agreements |
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<R>Description of the Trust |
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Fund Holdings Information |
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Appendix |
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
<R>Fidelity ® Total Bond ETF (the fund) is a diversified actively-managed exchange-traded fund that seeks a high level of current income. The fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at net asset value per share (NAV) in aggregations of a specified number of shares called "Creation Units." Creation Units generally are issued in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. Shares are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (NYSE Arca). Shares trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the shares' NAV. Shares are not individually redeemable, but are redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. A Creation Unit of the fund consists of a block of 50,000 shares. Shareholders who are not Authorized Participants (as defined herein), therefore, will not be able to purchase or redeem shares directly with or from the fund. Instead, most shareholders who are not Authorized Participants will buy and sell shares in the secondary market through a broker.</R>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)) of the fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The following are the fund's fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except in connection with the insurance program established by the fund pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Borrowing
The fund may not borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation.
Underwriting
The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
Concentration
The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) looks through to the U.S. Government securities.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in Fidelity ® Money Market Central Fund and/or any non-money market central fund, FIMM looks through to the holdings of the central fund.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, FIMM may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that the third-party classification provider used by FIMM does not assign a classification.
Real Estate
The fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
Commodities
The fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
Loans
The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.
The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Short Sales
The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, except for sales of to be announced (TBA) securities, and provided that transactions in futures contracts, options, and swaps are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
Margin Purchases
The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin, except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
Borrowing
The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of the fundamental borrowing investment limitation).
Illiquid Securities
The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.
For purposes of the fund's illiquid securities limitation discussed above, if through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Loans
The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by (a) making direct loans to companies in which the fund has a pre-existing investment (b) lending money (up to 15% of the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (c) assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations, or other forms of debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal. However, the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) is not required to buy any particular instrument or use any particular technique even if to do so might benefit the fund.
On the following pages in this section titled "Investment Policies and Limitations," and except as otherwise indicated, references to "an adviser" or "the adviser" may relate to the fund's adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable.
Affiliated Bank Transactions. A Fidelity fund may engage in transactions with financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated persons" of the fund under the 1940 Act. These transactions may involve repurchase agreements with custodian banks; short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. Government securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the SEC, the Board of Trustees has established and periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving affiliated financial institutions.
Asset-Backed Securities represent interests in pools of mortgages, loans, receivables, or other assets. Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by other factors including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, these securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Borrowing. If a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash Management. A fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money market funds, including (for Fidelity funds and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity central funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees. The investment results of the portions of a Fidelity fund's assets invested in the central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The trust, on behalf of the Fidelity fund to which this SAI relates, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the fund's operation. Accordingly, neither a fund nor its adviser is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or a CPO. However, the CFTC has adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affect the continued availability of this exclusion, and may subject advisers to funds to regulation by the CFTC. As of the date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the fund. However, there is no certainty that a fund or its adviser will be able to rely on an exclusion in the future as the fund's investments change over time. A fund may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional CFTC regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If a fund or its adviser operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each investment by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a fund's portfolio. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Under certain circumstances, a fund may invest in nominally long-term securities that have maturity shortening features of shorter-term securities, and the maturities of these securities may be deemed to be earlier than their ultimate maturity dates by virtue of an existing demand feature or an adjustable interest rate. Under other circumstances, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. The maturities of mortgage securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, and some asset-backed securities are determined on a weighted average life basis, which is the average time for principal to be repaid. For a mortgage security, this average time is calculated by estimating the timing of principal payments, including unscheduled prepayments, during the life of the mortgage. The weighted average life of these securities is likely to be substantially shorter than their stated final maturity.
Duration is a measure of a bond's price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bond's value is likely to fall about 5%. Similarly, if a bond fund has a 5-year average duration and the yield on each of the bonds held by the fund rises 1%, the fund's value is likely to fall about 5%. For funds with exposure to foreign markets, there are many reasons why all of the bond holdings do not experience the same yield changes. These reasons include: the bonds are spread off of different yield curves around the world and these yield curves do not move in tandem; the shapes of these yield curves change; and sector and issuer yield spreads change. Other factors can influence a bond fund's performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond fund's actual performance will likely differ from the example.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are shares of other investment companies, commodity pools, or other entities that are traded on an exchange. Typically, assets underlying the ETF shares are stocks, though they may also be commodities or other instruments. An ETF may seek to replicate the performance of a specific index or may be actively managed.
Typically, shares of an ETF that tracks an index are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called "short ETFs" or "bear ETFs"), ETF shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases. Inverse ETFs seek to deliver the opposite of the performance of the benchmark they track and are often marketed as a way for investors to profit from, or at least hedge their exposure to, downward moving markets. Investments in inverse ETFs are similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark.
ETF shares are redeemable only in large blocks (typically, 50,000 shares) often called "creation units" by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at each day's next calculated NAV. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund's purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF's operating expenses. Further, while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are traded in the secondary market ( e.g., on a stock exchange) on an intra-day basis at prices that may be above or below the value of their underlying portfolios.
Some of the risks of investing in an ETF that tracks an index are similar to those of investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of errors in matching the ETF's underlying assets to the index or other benchmark); and the risk that because an ETF is not actively managed, it cannot sell stocks or other assets as long as they are represented in the index or other benchmark. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs may not be liquid. ETFs also may be leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged and inverse ETFs "reset" daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Leveraged and inverse ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods.
Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial institutions that combines aspects of both bonds and ETFs. An ETN's returns are based on the performance of a market index or other reference asset minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN's maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index or other reference asset to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments and principal typically is not protected.
ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable index. The market value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of the index or other reference asset, and the credit rating of the ETN issuer. The market value of ETN shares may differ from their intraday indicative value. The value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer's credit rating. As a result, there may be times when an ETN's share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV. Some ETNs that use leverage in an effort to amplify the returns of an underlying index or other reference asset can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs may offer the potential for greater return, but the potential for loss and speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Exposure to Foreign and Emerging Markets. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Foreign investments involve risks relating to local political, economic, regulatory, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments, and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. From time to time, a fund's adviser and/or its affiliates may determine that, as a result of regulatory requirements that may apply to the adviser and/or its affiliates due to investments in a particular country, investments in the securities of issuers domiciled or listed on trading markets in that country above certain thresholds (which may apply at the account level or in the aggregate across all accounts managed by the adviser and its affiliates) may be impractical or undesirable. In such instances, the adviser may limit or exclude investment in a particular issuer, and investment flexibility may be restricted. Additionally, governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions for payment be renegotiated. There is no assurance that a fund's adviser will be able to anticipate these potential events or counter their effects. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in increased investment or valuation risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign subcustodian. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Adequate public information on foreign issuers may not be available, and it may be difficult to secure dividends and information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. OTC markets tend to be less regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in foreign countries.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer's country.
The risks of foreign investing may be magnified for investments in emerging markets. Security prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than those in more developed markets, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Foreign Currency Transactions. A fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot ( i.e., cash) or forward basis ( i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be used by a fund. A fund may also use swap agreements, indexed securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign currencies for the same purposes. Forward contracts not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying currency. All of these instruments and transactions are subject to the risk that the counterparty will default.
A "settlement hedge" or "transaction hedge" is designed to protect a fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars "locks in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. Forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency may also be used to protect a fund in anticipation of future purchases or sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected.
A fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in a foreign currency. For example, if a fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A fund could also attempt to hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased, much as if a fund had sold a security denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another. A fund may cross-hedge its U.S. dollar exposure in order to achieve a representative weighted mix of the major currencies in its benchmark index and/or to cover an underweight country or region exposure in its portfolio. Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause a fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on an adviser's skill in analyzing currency values. Currency management strategies may substantially change a fund's investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to a fund if currencies do not perform as an adviser anticipates. For example, if a currency's value rose at a time when a fund had hedged its position by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, the fund would not participate in the currency's appreciation. If a fund hedges currency exposure through proxy hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from both the hedge and the security position if the two currencies do not move in tandem. Similarly, if a fund increases its exposure to a foreign currency and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss. Foreign currency transactions involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that a fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective. Moreover, it is impossible to precisely forecast the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract. Accordingly, a fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expenses of such transaction), if an adviser's predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate.
A fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. A fund will cover its exposure to foreign currency transactions with liquid assets in compliance with applicable requirements. There is no assurance that an adviser's use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate times.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed below. A fund may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.
Fund's Rights as an Investor. Fidelity funds do not intend to direct or administer the day-to-day operations of any company. A fund may, however, exercise its rights as a shareholder or lender and may communicate its views on important matters of policy to a company's management, board of directors, and shareholders, and holders of a company's other securities when such matters could have a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company. The activities in which a fund may engage, either individually or in conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities; seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of the company or a portion of its assets; supporting or opposing third-party takeover efforts; supporting the filing of a bankruptcy petition; or foreclosing on collateral securing a security. This area of corporate activity is increasingly prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be involved in lawsuits related to such activities. Such activities will be monitored with a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred. The fund's proxy voting guidelines are included in this SAI.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an adviser's analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund's return may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to exist. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of such instruments and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. If a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own.
Futures Contracts. In purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract, the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified date. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts and the price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller enter into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities or baskets of securities, some are based on commodities or commodities indexes (for funds that seek commodities exposure), and some are based on indexes of securities prices (including foreign indexes for funds that seek foreign exposure). In addition, some currently available futures contracts are based on Eurodollars. Positions in Eurodollar futures reflect market expectations of forward levels of three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Futures on indexes and futures not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying instrument. Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out by offsetting purchases or sales of futures contracts before then if a liquid market is available. A fund may realize a gain or loss by closing out its futures contracts.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract or an option for a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument or the final cash settlement price, as applicable, unless the contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered into. If the value of either party's position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. This process of "marking to market" will be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund's NAV. The party that has a gain is entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the FCM of the amount one would owe the other if the fund's contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund. A fund is also required to segregate liquid assets equivalent to the fund's outstanding obligations under the contract in excess of the initial margin and variation margin, if any.
Although futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad, foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the United States may not involve a clearing mechanism or related guarantees and may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired. These risks may be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments. In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts will not vary in direct proportion to the value of the fund's holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts (including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or OTC. The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash payments. A purchaser may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument's price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right (but not the obligation) to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if the underlying instrument's price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument's price does not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer may seek to terminate a position in a put option before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for a put option, however, the writer must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instrument's price rises, a put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If the underlying instrument's price remains the same over time, it is likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower price. If the underlying instrument's price falls, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the writer to sell or deliver the option's underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, a call writer should mitigate the effects of a price increase. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
Where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price to close out the put or call option on the secondary market may move more or less than the price of the related security.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options contract at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its options positions could also be impaired.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an existing contract at a specific date in the future in exchange for a premium. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes (sells) an option on a swap than it will incur when it purchases an option on a swap. When a fund purchases an option on a swap, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a fund writes an option on a swap, upon exercise of the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement. A fund that writes an option on a swap receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the preset rate on the underlying interest rate swap. Whether a fund's use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Options on swaps may involve risks similar to those discussed below in "Swap Agreements."
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the options position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Options prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell options contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's options positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
Swap Agreements Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through FCMs that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based, for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as securities, commodities, indexes, or other financial or economic interests). The gross payments to be exchanged between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are computed.
Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names, including interest rate swaps (where the parties exchange a floating rate for a fixed rate), asset swaps (e.g., where parties combine the purchase or sale of a bond with an interest rate swap), total return swaps, and credit default swaps. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and, if applicable, its yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that a fund may be unable to sell a swap contract to a third party at a favorable price. Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition depending on the size of a fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member FCM may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. It is expected, however, that regulators will adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could reduce the distinction.
A total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument, commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange, the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including the change in market value of other underlying assets). A fund may use total return swaps to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or taking physical custody of it. For example, a fund investing in total return commodity swaps will receive the price appreciation of a commodity, commodity index or portion thereof in exchange for payment of an agreed-upon fee.
In a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying asset. A fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default swap. A fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a fund buys credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational risk.
Credit default swaps allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a fund is the credit default protection seller, the fund will experience a loss if a credit event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has deteriorated. If a fund is the credit default protection buyer, the fund will be required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller. In the case of a physically settled credit default swap in which a fund is the protection seller, the fund must be prepared to pay par for and take possession of debt of a defaulted issuer delivered to the fund by the credit default protection buyer. Any loss would be offset by the premium payments the fund receives as the seller of credit default protection. This risk for cleared swaps is generally lower than for uncleared swaps since the counterparty is a clearinghouse, but there can be no assurance that a clearinghouse or its members will satisfy its obligations.
If the creditworthiness of a fund's swap counterparty declines, the risk that the counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to the fund. To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, a Fidelity fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. Although there can be no assurance that a fund will be able to do so, a fund may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. A fund may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has declined.
A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. In order to cover its outstanding obligations to a swap counterparty, a fund would generally be required to provide margin or collateral for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a fund's interest. A fund bears the risk that an adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
Hybrid and Preferred Securities and Other Securities with Debt-Like Characteristics. The fund may invest in other securities believed to have debt-liked characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities. A hybrid security may be a debt security, warrant, convertible security, certificate of deposit or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest on or principal of which is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, index, or business entity such as a financial institution). Another example is contingent convertible securities, which are fixed income securities that, under certain circumstances, either convert into common stock of the issuer or undergo a principal write-down by a predetermined percentage if the issuer's capital ratio falls below a predetermined trigger level. The liquidation value of such a security may be reduced upon a regulatory action and without the need for a bankruptcy proceeding. Preferred securities may take the form of preferred stock and represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
The risks of investing in hybrid and preferred securities reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid or preferred security may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt or equity security. The risks of a particular hybrid or preferred security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid or preferred security. Hybrid and preferred securities are potentially more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than traditional debt or equity securities. Also, the price of the hybrid or preferred security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the same direction or at the same time. In addition, because hybrid and preferred securities may be traded over-the-counter or in bilateral transactions with the issuer of the security, hybrid and preferred securities may be subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the security and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. In addition, uncertainty regarding the tax and regulatory treatment of hybrid and preferred securities may reduce demand for such securities and tax and regulatory considerations may limit the extent of a fund's investments in certain hybrid and preferred securities.
Illiquid Securities cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity fund's adviser determines the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from the fund's adviser, the Board monitors investments in illiquid securities.
Various factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a fund's investments, including (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).
Increasing Government Debt. The total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a percent of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can decline the valuation of currencies, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns.
On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to "AA+" from "AAA." While Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed the United States' short-term sovereign credit rating as "A-1+," there is no guarantee that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in the future. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision was prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of greater policymaking uncertainty. The market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services decisions to downgrade the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States.
Indexed Securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indexes, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose values at maturity or coupon rates are determined by reference to a specific instrument, statistic, or measure.
Indexed securities also include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other fixed-income securities whose values at maturity or coupon interest rates are determined by reference to the returns of particular stock indexes. Indexed securities can be affected by stock prices as well as changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of their issuers and may not track the indexes as accurately as direct investments in the indexes.
Mortgage-indexed securities, for example, could be structured to replicate the performance of mortgage securities and the characteristics of direct ownership.
Currency-indexed securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures. Indexed securities are also subject to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S. Government agencies.
Insolvency of Issuers, Counterparties, and Intermediaries. Issuers of fund portfolio securities or counterparties to fund transactions that become insolvent or declare bankruptcy can pose special investment risks. In each circumstance, risk of loss, valuation uncertainty, increased illiquidity, and other unpredictable occurrences may negatively impact an investment. Each of these risks may be amplified in foreign markets, where security trading, settlement, and custodial practices can be less developed than those in the U.S. markets, and bankruptcy laws differ from those of the U.S.
As a general matter, if the issuer of a fund portfolio security is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock have priority over the claims of common stock owners. These events can negatively impact the value of the issuer's securities and the results of related proceedings can be unpredictable.
If a counterparty to a fund transaction, such as a swap transaction, a short sale, a borrowing, or other complex transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited in its ability to exercise rights to obtain the return of related fund assets or in exercising other rights against the counterparty. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a fund's ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. Uncertainty may also arise upon the insolvency of a securities or commodities intermediary such as a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant with which a fund has pending transactions. If an intermediary becomes insolvent, while securities positions and other holdings may be protected by U.S. or foreign laws, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether these protections are available to specific trades based on the circumstances. Receiving the benefit of these protections can also take time to resolve, which may result in illiquid positions.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a Fidelity fund may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. A Fidelity fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. A Fidelity fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A Fidelity fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Investment-grade debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody's Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a fund's adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
Funds of Funds and Other Large Shareholders. Certain Fidelity funds and accounts (including funds of funds) invest in other funds ("underlying funds") and, as a result, may at times have substantial investments in one or more underlying funds.
An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in its shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a fund's portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio. Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the underlying fund's shares.
When possible, Fidelity will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including redemption of shares in-kind rather than in cash or carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful. A high volume of redemption requests can impact an underlying fund the same way as the transactions of a single shareholder with substantial investments. As an additional safeguard, Fidelity fund of funds may manage the placement of their redemption requests in a manner designed to minimize the impact of such requests on the day-to-day operations of the underlying funds in which they invest. This may involve, for example, redeeming its shares of an underlying fund gradually over time.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the purchaser in the event of fraud or misrepresentation, or there may be a requirement that a fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand. A fund may acquire loans by buying an assignment of all or a portion of the loan from a lender or by purchasing a loan participation from a lender or other purchaser of a participation. Fidelity Total Bond ETF also may acquire loans directly at the time of the loan's closing.
Lenders and purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of foreign countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Direct lending and investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the lender/purchaser could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a purchaser could be held liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the purchaser has direct recourse against the borrower, the purchaser may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a purchaser were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the purchaser might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments that obligate lenders/purchasers to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a lender/purchaser to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
For a Fidelity fund that limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one issuer or in issuers within the same industry, the fund generally will treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as financial intermediary between a fund and the borrower, if the participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require a fund, in appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a fund's ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
Because the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities, research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type. Such analysis may focus on relative values based on factors such as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer, in an attempt to identify those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
A fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
Mortgage Securities are issued by government and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders, or other institutions. A mortgage security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (or "CMOs"), make payments of both principal and interest at a range of specified intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage securities are based on different types of mortgages, including those on commercial real estate or residential properties. Stripped mortgage securities are created when the interest and principal components of a mortgage security are separated and sold as individual securities. In the case of a stripped mortgage security, the holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage, while the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments from the same underlying mortgage.
Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee payment of interest and repayment of principal on Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs, respectively, are federally chartered corporations supervised by the U.S. Government that act as governmental instrumentalities under authority granted by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations. Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
The value of mortgage securities may change due to shifts in the market's perception of issuers and changes in interest rates. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government mortgage securities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than government issues. Mortgage securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that early principal payments made on the underlying mortgages, usually in response to a reduction in interest rates, will result in the return of principal to the investor, causing it to be invested subsequently at a lower current interest rate. Alternatively, in a rising interest rate environment, mortgage security values may be adversely affected when prepayments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated, resulting in the extension of the security's effective maturity and the related increase in interest rate sensitivity of a longer-term instrument. The prices of stripped mortgage securities tend to be more volatile in response to changes in interest rates than those of non-stripped mortgage securities.
A fund may seek to earn additional income by using a trading strategy (commonly known as "mortgage dollar rolls" or "reverse mortgage dollar rolls") that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities, realizing a gain or loss, and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but will invest the proceeds of the sale in other securities that are permissible investments for the fund. During the period between the purchase and subsequent sale in a reverse mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund is entitled to interest and principal payments on the securities purchased. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the terms of the agreement. If the counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a fund's right to repurchase or sell securities may be limited. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases costs and may increase taxable gains.
Real Estate Investment Trusts. Real estate investment trusts issue debt securities to fund the purchase and/or development of commercial properties. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, the creditworthiness of the trusts, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements. Real estate investment trusts are dependent upon management skill and the cash flow generated by the properties owned by the trusts. Real estate investment trusts are at the risk of the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Internal Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
Reforms and Government Intervention in the Financial Markets. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases, a lack of liquidity. Reforms are ongoing and their effects are uncertain. Federal, state, local, foreign, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Reforms may also change the way in which a fund is regulated and could limit or preclude a fund's ability to achieve its investment objective or engage in certain strategies. Also, while reforms generally are intended to strengthen markets, systems, and public finances, they could affect fund expenses and the value of fund investments.
The value of a fund's holdings is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which a fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, the issuers of securities held by a fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it is not certain that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to a future market disturbance and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Repurchase Agreements involve an agreement to purchase a security and to sell that security back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. As protection against the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the securities are held in a separate account at a bank, marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. The value of the security purchased may be more or less than the price at which the counterparty has agreed to purchase the security. In addition, delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes insolvent. A fund may be limited in its ability to exercise its right to liquidate assets related to a repurchase agreement with an insolvent counterparty. A Fidelity fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser.
Restricted Securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund's assets and, if applicable, a fund's yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Securities Lending. A Fidelity fund may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions, including an affiliate.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides the fund with collateral in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. The fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. For a Fidelity fund, loans will be made only to parties deemed by the fund's adviser to be in good standing and when, in the adviser's judgment, the income earned would justify the risks.
Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market appreciation or depreciation.
Securities of Other Investment Companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies (which include business development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, and open-end investment companies, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the underlying investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as "acquired fund fees and expenses" and may appear as a separate line item in a fund's prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market.
The securities of closed-end funds may be leveraged. As a result, a fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of closed-end funds that use leverage may expose a fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the fund's long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
The extent to which a fund can invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws.
Sources of Liquidity or Credit Support. Issuers may employ various forms of credit and liquidity enhancements, including letters of credit, guarantees, swaps, puts, and demand features, and insurance provided by domestic or foreign entities such as banks and other financial institutions. An adviser and its affiliates may rely on their evaluation of the credit of the issuer or the credit of the liquidity or credit enhancement provider in determining whether to purchase or hold a security supported by such enhancement. In evaluating the credit of a foreign bank or other foreign entities, factors considered may include whether adequate public information about the entity is available and whether the entity may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other government restrictions that might affect its ability to honor its commitment. Changes in the credit quality of the issuer and/or entity providing the enhancement could affect the value of the security or a fund's share price.
Stripped Securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. The risks associated with stripped securities are similar to those of other debt securities, although stripped securities may be more volatile, and the value of certain types of stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates. U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped by a Federal Reserve Bank are obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Privately stripped government securities are created when a dealer deposits a U.S. Treasury security or other U.S. Government security with a custodian for safekeeping. The custodian issues separate receipts for the coupon payments and the principal payment, which the dealer then sells.
Structured Securities (also called "structured notes") are derivative debt securities, the interest rate on or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The value of the interest rate on and/or the principal of structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument ( e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, or index) or the relative change in two or more reference instruments. A structured security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured security may be calculated as a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be very volatile. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. In addition, because structured securities generally are traded over-the-counter, structured securities are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity Total Bond ETF reserves the right to invest without limitation in investment-grade money market or short-term debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
Transfer Agent Bank Accounts. Proceeds from shareholder purchases of a Fidelity fund may pass through a series of demand deposit bank accounts before being held at the fund's custodian. Redemption proceeds may pass from the custodian to the shareholder through a similar series of bank accounts.
If a bank account is registered to the transfer agent or an affiliate, who acts as an agent for the fund when opening, closing, and conducting business in the bank account, the transfer agent or an affiliate may invest overnight balances in the account in repurchase agreements. Any balances that are not invested in repurchase agreements remain in the bank account overnight. Any risks associated with such an account are investment risks of the fund. The fund faces the risk of loss of these balances if the bank becomes insolvent.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate paid on the security. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer's credit quality, sometimes subject to a cap or floor on such rate. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with put features that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of a variable or floating rate security, a fund's adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
When-Issued and Forward Purchase or Sale Transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield in which payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered.
When purchasing securities pursuant to one of these transactions, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with a fund's investments. If a fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when a purchase is outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage. When a fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, a fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
A fund may renegotiate a when-issued or forward transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the fund.
A fund may also engage in purchases or sales of "to be announced" or "TBA" securities, which usually are transactions in which a fund buys or sells mortgage-backed securities on a forward commitment basis. A TBA transaction typically does not designate the actual security to be delivered and only includes an approximate principal amount. TBA trades can be used by a fund for investment purposes in order to gain exposure to certain securities, or for hedging purposes to adjust the risk exposure of a fund portfolio without having to restructure a portfolio. Purchases and sales of TBA securities involve risks similar to those discussed above for other when-issued and forward purchase and sale transactions. In addition, when a fund sells TBA securities, it incurs risks similar to those incurred in short sales. For example, when a fund sells TBA securities without owning or having the right to obtain the deliverable securities, it incurs a risk of loss because it could have to purchase the securities at a price that is higher than the price at which it sold them. Also, a fund may be unable to purchase the deliverable securities if the corresponding market is illiquid. In such transactions, the fund will set aside liquid assets in an amount sufficient to offset its exposure as long as the fund's obligations are outstanding.
Zero Coupon Bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can be more volatile than other types of fixed-income securities when interest rates change. In calculating a fund's dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and its face value is considered income.
Continuous Offering. The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), the fund's distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters," but are effecting transactions in shares of the fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the 1933 Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available from NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Listing and Trading. Shares of the fund have been approved for listing and trading on NYSE Arca. The fund's shares trade on NYSE Arca at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. NYSE Arca may, but is not required to, remove the fund's shares from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the fund's shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of NYSE Arca, makes further dealings on NYSE Arca inadvisable. NYSE Arca will remove the fund's shares from listing and trading upon termination of the trust. There can be no assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of the fund's shares will continue to be met.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price of the fund's shares on NYSE Arca is approximately consistent with the current value of the assets of the fund on a per share basis, an intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit of the fund on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that such a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of the fund's shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS
Emerging Markets. Investing in companies domiciled in emerging market countries may be subject to potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include: (i) less social, political, and economic stability; (ii) greater illiquidity and price volatility due to smaller or limited local capital markets for such securities, or low or non-existent trading volumes; (iii) foreign exchanges and broker-dealers may be subject to less scrutiny and regulation by local authorities; (iv) local governments may decide to seize or confiscate securities held by foreign investors and/or local governments may decide to suspend or limit an issuer's ability to make dividend or interest payments; (v) local governments may limit or entirely restrict repatriation of invested capital, profits, and dividends; (vi) capital gains may be subject to local taxation, including on a retroactive basis; (vii) issuers facing restrictions on dollar or euro payments imposed by local governments may attempt to make dividend or interest payments to foreign investors in the local currency; (viii) investors may experience difficulty in enforcing legal claims related to the securities and/or local judges may favor the interests of the issuer over those of foreign investors; (ix) bankruptcy judgments may only be permitted to be paid in the local currency; (x) limited public information regarding the issuer may result in greater difficulty in determining market valuations of the securities, and (xi) infrequent financial reporting, substandard disclosure, and differences in accounting standards may make it difficult to ascertain the financial health of an issuer. In addition, unlike developed countries, many emerging countries' economic growth highly depends on exports and inflows of external capital, making them more vulnerable to the downturns of the world economy. The recent global financial crisis weakened the global demand for their exports and tightened international credit supplies and, as a result, many emerging countries faced significant economic difficulties and some countries fell into recession.
Many emerging market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private property may be weak or non-existent. Sudden changes in governments may result in policies that are less favorable to investors such as policies designed to expropriate or nationalize "sovereign" assets. Certain emerging market countries in the past have expropriated large amounts of private property, in many cases with little or no compensation, and there can be no assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future.
Many emerging market countries in which a fund may invest lack the social, political, and economic stability characteristic of the U.S. Political instability among emerging market countries can be common and may be caused by an uneven distribution of wealth, social unrest, labor strikes, civil wars, and religious oppression. Economic instability in emerging market countries may take the form of: (i) high interest rates; (ii) high levels of inflation, including hyperinflation; (iii) high levels of unemployment or underemployment; (iv) changes in government economic and tax policies, including confiscatory taxation (or taxes on foreign investments); and (v) imposition of trade barriers.
Currencies of emerging market countries are subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Some emerging market currencies may not be internationally traded or may be subject to strict controls by local governments, resulting in undervalued or overvalued currencies. Some emerging market countries have experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves. As a result, some governments have responded by restricting currency conversions. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or restrict a company's ability to make dividend or interest payments in the original currency of the obligation (usually U.S. dollars). In addition, even though the currencies of some emerging market countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to their actual market values.
Governments of many emerging market countries have become overly reliant on the international capital markets and other forms of foreign credit to finance large public spending programs which cause huge budget deficits. Often, interest payments have become too overwhelming for these governments to meet, as these payments may represent a large percentage of a country's total GDP. Accordingly, these foreign obligations have become the subject of political debate and served as fuel for political parties of the opposition, which pressure governments not to make payments to foreign creditors, but instead to use these funds for social programs. Either due to an inability to pay or submission to political pressure, the governments have been forced to seek a restructuring of their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments, or have defaulted on their outstanding debt obligations. These events have adversely affected the values of securities issued by the governments and corporations domiciled in these emerging market countries and have negatively affected not only their cost of borrowing, but their ability to borrow in the future as well. Emerging markets have also benefited from the monetary policies adopted by the central banks of developed countries, in particular the United States Federal Reserve, following the financial crisis. The eventual tapering of these policies may significantly impact the economic outlooks of emerging economies.
In addition to their over-reliance on international capital markets, many emerging economies are also highly dependent on international trade and exports, including exports of oil and other commodities. As a result, these economies are particularly vulnerable to downturns of the world economy. The recent global financial crisis tightened international credit supplies and weakened global demand for their exports and, as a result, certain of these economies faced significant difficulties and some economies fell into recession. Although certain economies in emerging market countries have recently shown signs of recovery from this recession, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. The reduced demand for exports and lack of available capital for investment resulting from the European crisis and weakened global economy may limit recovery by emerging market countries.
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by FIMM pursuant to authority contained in the management contract. To the extent that FIMM grants investment management authority to a sub-adviser (see the section entitled "Management Contract"), that sub-adviser is authorized to provide the services described in the respective sub-advisory agreement, and in accordance with the policies described in this section. Furthermore, the sub-adviser's trading and associated policies, which may differ from FIMM's policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
FIMM or a sub-adviser may be responsible for the placement of portfolio securities transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
The fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds), but it may incur such costs when it invests directly in other types of securities.
Purchases and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange or OTC are effected through brokers who receive compensation for their services. Generally, compensation relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than compensation relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation. Compensation may also be paid in connection with principal transactions (in both OTC securities and securities listed on an exchange) and agency OTC transactions executed with an electronic communications network (ECN) or an alternative trading system. Equity securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
Purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally made with an issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal. Although there is no stated brokerage commission paid by the fund for any fixed-income security, the price paid by the fund to an underwriter includes the disclosed underwriting fee and prices in secondary trades usually include an undisclosed dealer commission or markup reflecting the spread between the bid and ask prices of the fixed-income security. New issues of equity and fixed-income securities may also be purchased in underwritten fixed price offerings.
The Trustees of the fund periodically review FIMM's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio securities transactions on behalf of the fund. The Trustees also review the compensation paid by the fund over representative periods of time to determine if it was reasonable in relation to the benefits to the fund.
FIMM.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
FIMM or its affiliates generally have authority to select securities brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions. In selecting securities brokers, including affiliates of FIMM, to execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the fund's portfolio manager. Based on the factors considered, FIMM or its affiliates may choose to execute an order by using an electronic trading platform or by calling one or more dealers. Other possibly relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: price; the size and type of the securities transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions, including broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity provided by individual brokers; the reliability of a broker; the broker's overall trading relationship with FIMM or its affiliates; the trader's assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader's instructions to the broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker can provide; the potential for avoiding or lessening market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the broker or dealer; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable.
The trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of FIMM) that execute transactions for the fund may receive higher compensation from the fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these brokerage and research products and services supplement FIMM's or its affiliates' own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, brokerage and research products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, those that assist in the execution, clearing, and settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions (including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use Products and Services. Although FIMM or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services, they may use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in FIMM's or its affiliates' investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, FIMM or its affiliates will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services with their own resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit to FIMM. FIMM's or its affiliates' expenses likely would be increased if they attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and research products or services with their own resources. To minimize the potential for conflicts of interest, the trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities. Furthermore, certain of the brokerage and research products and services FIMM or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products or services may be provided at no additional cost to FIMM or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker's overall services.
FIMM's Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, FIMM or its affiliates make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to FIMM or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the fund's brokerage may not benefit the fund. While FIMM or its affiliates may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither FIMM, its affiliates, nor the fund incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, these brokerage and research products and services assist FIMM or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that may also benefit other funds or accounts managed by FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Contracts. FIMM or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom FIMM or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby FIMM or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are used, FIMM or its affiliates may still cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to FIMM or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. FIMM or its affiliates view hard dollar payments for research products and services as likely to reduce the fund's total commission costs. FIMM's or its affiliates' determination to pay for research products and services separately, rather than bundled with fund commissions, is wholly voluntary on FIMM's or its affiliates' part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Affiliated Transactions
FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with certain brokers, including NFS, with whom they are under common control, provided FIMM or its affiliates determine that these affiliates' trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the fund. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with brokers that use NFS as a clearing agent.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the fund could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S. Securities Transactions
To facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-United States securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates may effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same as those of certain other Fidelity funds, investment decisions for the fund are made independently from those of other Fidelity funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed by FIMM to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or instrument as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions and prices for the fund.
Commissions Paid
A fund may pay compensation including both commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a fund may change from year to year because of, among other things, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC)
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
FMRC or its affiliates generally have authority to select securities brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions. In selecting securities brokers, including affiliates of FMRC, to execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions, FMRC or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to FMRC's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the fund's portfolio manager, which may emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. Based on the factors considered, FMRC or its affiliates may choose to execute an order using ECNs, including algorithmic trading, crossing networks, direct market access and program trading, or by actively working an order. Other possibly relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: price; the size and type of the securities transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions, including broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity and depth afforded by a market center or market-maker; the reliability of a market center or broker; the broker's overall trading relationship with FMRC or its affiliates; the trader's assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader's instructions to the broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker or market can provide; the potential for avoiding or lessening market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the broker or dealer; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable.
The trading desks through which FMRC or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities.
In seeking best qualitative execution for portfolio securities transactions, FMRC or its affiliates may select a broker that uses a trading method, including algorithmic trading, for which the broker may charge a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. FMRC or its affiliates also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest available commission rate available from another broker. FMRC or its affiliates may execute an entire securities transaction with a broker and allocate all or a portion of the transaction and/or related commissions to a second broker where a client does not permit trading with an affiliate of FMRC or in other limited situations. In those situations, the commission rate paid to the second broker may be higher than the commission rate paid to the executing broker. For futures transactions, the selection of an FCM is generally based on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the FCM. FMRC or its affiliates may choose to execute futures transactions electronically.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of FMRC) that execute transactions for the fund may receive higher compensation from the fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to FMRC or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. FMRC or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these brokerage and research products and services supplement FMRC's or its affiliates' own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, brokerage and research products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, those that assist in the execution, clearing, and settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions (including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use Products and Services. Although FMRC or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services, they may use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in FMRC's or its affiliates' investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, FMRC or its affiliates will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services with their own resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit to FMRC. FMRC's or its affiliates' expenses likely would be increased if they attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and research products or services with their own resources. To minimize the potential for conflicts of interest, the trading desks through which FMRC or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities. Furthermore, certain of the brokerage and research products and services that FMRC or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products or services may be provided at no additional cost to FMRC or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, FMRC or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker's overall services.
FMRC's Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, FMRC or its affiliates make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to FMRC or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or FMRC's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which FMRC or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the fund's brokerage may not benefit the fund. While FMRC or its affiliates may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither FMRC, its affiliates, nor the fund incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, these brokerage and research products and services assist FMRC or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which FMRC or its affiliates have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that may also benefit other funds or accounts managed by FMRC or its affiliates.
Research Contracts. FMRC or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom FMRC or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby FMRC or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are used, FMRC or its affiliates may still cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to FMRC or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. FMRC or its affiliates view hard dollar payments for research products and services as likely to reduce the fund's total commission costs even though it is expected that in such hard dollar arrangements the commissions available for recapture and used to pay fund expenses, as described below, will decrease. FMRC's or its affiliates' determination to pay for research products and services separately, rather than bundled with fund commissions, is wholly voluntary on FMRC's or its affiliates' part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Commission Recapture
FMRC or its affiliates may allocate brokerage transactions to brokers (who are not affiliates of FMRC) who have entered into arrangements with FMRC or its affiliates under which the broker, using a predetermined methodology, rebates a portion of the compensation paid by a fund to offset that fund's expenses ("commission recapture"). Not all brokers with whom the fund trades have been asked to participate in brokerage commission recapture.
Affiliated Transactions
FMRC or its affiliates may place trades with certain brokers, including NFS, with whom they are under common control, provided FMRC or its affiliates determine that these affiliates' trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the fund. In addition, FMRC or its affiliates may place trades with brokers that use NFS as a clearing agent.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the fund could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S. Securities Transactions
To facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-United States securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates may effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same as those of certain other Fidelity funds, investment decisions for the fund are made independently from those of other Fidelity funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed by FMRC to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or instrument as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions and prices for the fund.
NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding the value of a fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
The value of fund shares bought and sold in the secondary market is driven by market price. The price of these shares, like the price of all traded securities, is subject to factors such as supply and demand, as well as the current value of the portfolio securities held by the fund. Secondary market shares, available for purchase or sale on an intraday basis, do not have a fixed relationship either to the previous day's NAV nor the current day's NAV. Prices in the secondary market, therefore, may be below, at, or above the most recently calculated NAV of such shares.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for pricing, but has delegated day-to-day valuation oversight responsibilities to FIMM. FIMM may rely on information and recommendations provided by the FMR Fair Value Committee (FMR Committee) to fulfill these oversight responsibilities.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs. If an underlying fund's NAV is unavailable, shares of that underlying fund will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies.
Portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying money market central fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost. Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying non-money market central fund, are valued as follows:
Most equity securities are valued at the official closing price or the last reported sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the last quoted bid price on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded.
Debt securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available may be valued at market values in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Or, debt securities and convertible securities may be valued on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market quotations and information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available are valued at amortized cost, which approximates current value.
Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price. Options are valued at their market quotations, if available. Swaps are valued daily using quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers.
Prices described above are obtained from pricing services that have been approved by the Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available and the funds may use more than one of these services. The funds may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. FIMM engages in oversight activities with respect to the fund's pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a fund's NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
Foreign securities and instruments are valued in their local currency following the methodologies described above. Foreign securities, instruments and currencies are translated to U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a pricing service as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at an interpolated rate based on days to maturity between the closest preceding and subsequent settlement period reported by the third party pricing service.
Other portfolio securities and assets for which market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, that security will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the FMR Committee may consider factors including price movements in futures contracts and ADRs, market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading.
BUYING AND SELLING INFORMATION
Book-Entry Only System. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) acts as securities depository for the shares. Shares of the fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among DTC participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly.
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC participants and persons holding interests through DTC participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of beneficial interests are referred to herein as Beneficial Owners) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC participants) and on the records of DTC participants (with respect to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through a DTC participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the trust a listing of the shares of the fund held by each DTC participant. The trust shall inquire of each such DTC participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding fund shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC participant. The trust shall provide each such DTC participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the trust shall pay to each such DTC participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC participants to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC participants.
The trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC participants or the relationship between such DTC participants and the indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of shares, unless the trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to NYSE Arca.
Creation Units. The trust issues and redeems shares of the fund only in Creation Unit aggregations on a continuous basis through FDC, without a sales load, at its NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
<R>Each Creation Unit consists of a block of 50,000 shares.</R>
A "Business Day" with respect to the fund is any day on which NYSE is open for business. As of the date of the prospectus, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day (Washington's Birthday) (U.S.), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (U.S.), Labor Day (U.S.), Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) and Christmas Day.
To be eligible to place orders to purchase a Creation Unit of the fund, an entity must be an "Authorized Participant" which is either (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC (the Clearing Process); or (ii) a DTC participant, and, in each case, must have executed an agreement with FDC, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (Participant Agreement). All shares of the fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC participant.
The fund reserves the right to adjust the prices of fund shares and the number of shares in a Creation Unit in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the fund.
Portfolio Deposit. The fund generally expects to issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment (Cash Deposit). Alternatively, the fund may issue Creation Units in exchange for consideration that consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (Deposit Securities) together with a deposit of a specified cash payment (Cash Component) computed as described herein. The Cash Deposit, or alternatively, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component together, constitute the "Portfolio Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit. In the event the fund requires Deposit Securities and a Cash Component in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Component is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component would be an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.
FIMM, or its agent, makes available through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) on each Business Day, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time), the amount of the Cash Deposit and/or the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component to be included in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the fund. Such Portfolio Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units until such time as the next-announced Portfolio Deposit composition is made available.
The amount of the Cash Deposit (or identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component) required for a Portfolio Deposit for the fund changes as corporate action events, such as dividends, splits, and rights issues, are reflected from time to time by FIMM with a view to the investment objective of the fund. In the event that the fund issues Creation Units in exchange for consideration that includes Deposit Securities and a Cash Component, the fund reserves the right to permit the substitution of an amount of cash ( i.e., a cash in lieu amount) to replace any Deposit Security which may, among other reasons, not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC, the Federal Reserve System or the Clearing Process, not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the trust as a result of an in-kind purchase order pursuant to local law or market convention, restricted under the securities laws or which may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting. In such cases where the fund purchases portfolio securities with cash, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased by the fund and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at FIMM's discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the fund's acquisition of Deposit Securities will be at the expense of the fund and will affect the value of all shares of the fund; but FIMM may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to FIMM on the date of the announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit, in the composition of the fund's holdings or resulting from certain corporate actions.
Procedures for Creation Unit Purchases. All purchase orders must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be received by FDC or its agent no later than the closing time of regular trading hours on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) (the Closing Time), or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) in the case of nonconforming orders, in each case on the date such order is placed in order for the creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. A nonconforming order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the fund permits the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to FDC pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communications failure may impede the ability to reach FDC or an Authorized Participant.
All orders to purchase Creation Units shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, including payments of cash to pay the Cash Deposit (or Cash Component, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement.
Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to FDC prior to the applicable deadlines on the Transmittal Date. Authorized participants may ascertain the deadlines applicable to the Federal Reserve Bank wire system and DTC by contacting the operations department of the depository institution or broker effecting such transfer of the Cash Deposit (or Deposit Securities and Cash Component).
Portfolio Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and government securities) and through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) by an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the fund by no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern time of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will purchase and redeem Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the fund, whose determination shall be final and binding. For purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the fund's custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the fund's custodian no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to purchase Creation Units is deemed received by FDC on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by FDC or its agent not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the fund's custodian does not receive, with respect to purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the Cash Component by 10:00 a.m., or the required Deposit Securities together with the associated Cash Component by 1:00 p.m. on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be deemed not in proper form and canceled. Upon written notice to FDC, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Portfolio Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the next calculated NAV of the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur not later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.
FDC or its agent will inform the transfer agent, FIMM and the fund's custodian upon receipt of a purchase order. The custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate subcustodian. The custodian will cause the subcustodian to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a permitted or required cash purchase or "cash in lieu" amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. The trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the purchase transaction fee described below.
Once the trust has accepted a purchase order, the trust will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of the fund against receipt of payment, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. FDC or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will not be issued until the payment of the Cash Deposit (or the transfer of good title to the trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component) has been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, FDC and FIMM will be notified of such delivery and the trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
<R>Creation Units may be created in advance of receipt by the fund of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component (including any Transaction Fees), plus (ii) 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (Additional Cash Deposit). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such date and federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the fund's custodian by 10:00 a.m. Eastern time the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 3:00 p.m. or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 10:00 a.m. the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for losses, if any, resulting there from. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the fund, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the fund in an amount at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In the sole discretion of the fund following the Business Day on which the order was received the fund may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the fund for the costs incurred by the fund in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by FDC plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing any missing Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral. The fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by FDC or purchased by the fund and deposited into the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.</R>
Acceptance of Purchase Orders. The fund reserves the absolute right to reject a purchase order transmitted to it by FDC if (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the fund; (iii) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; (iv) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of the fund, be unlawful; (v) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the fund or FIMM, have an adverse effect on the fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vi) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the fund, make it impossible to process creation orders for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God; public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather conditions, and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy, and computer failures; wars; civil or military disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the fund, FMR, FIMM, FDC, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, or any other participant in the purchase process, and similar extraordinary events. The fund and FDC have the right to require information to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of (ii) above should it so choose or to rely on a certification from a broker-dealer who is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. as to the cost basis of Deposit Securities. If creations are on an in-kind basis, the fund further reserves the absolute right to reject or suspend an order transmitted to it by FDC and/or the transfer agent in respect of the fund if: (i) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; or (ii) for any other reasons as specified herein. FDC or the fund shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on the purchaser's behalf, of its rejection of the purchaser's order. The fund, the transfer agent, and FDC are under no duty, however, to verify or give notification of any defects or irregularities in any written order or in the delivery of a Portfolio Deposit, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Redemption of Creation Units. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the fund through the transfer agent and only on a Business Day through an Authorized Participant that has entered into a Participant Agreement. The fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Unit-size aggregations. Beneficial Owners must accumulate enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the fund. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
FIMM through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) makes available immediately prior to the opening of trading on NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of the basket of securities (Fund Securities) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day.
The redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit may consist of Fund Securities - as announced by FIMM, or its agent, on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form - plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of the request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (Cash Redemption Amount), less a redemption transaction fee and any variable fee as listed below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the fund equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fund will substitute a cash-in-lieu amount to replace any Fund Security that is a non-deliverable instrument. The amount of the cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Fund Security.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
Orders to redeem Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem Creation Units is deemed received by the fund on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received in proper form by the transfer agent not later than the Closing Time (or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for nonconforming orders) on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the fund's custodian no later than 1:00 p.m., for the shares, and 3:00 p.m., for the Cash Redemption Amount, Eastern time on the next Business Day following such Transmittal Date (the DTC Cut-Off-Time); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount will be transferred by the third (3rd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received, which will generally be no more than seven (7) days after such request for redemption but may be up to fifteen days for funds that invest in foreign securities. In certain cases, Authorized Participants will redeem and purchase Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
If the fund determines, based on information available to the fund when a redemption request is submitted by an Authorized Participant, that: (i) the short interest of the fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100%; and (ii) the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the fund the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement, the Authorized Participant does not verify the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received in proper form.
To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Units to be redeemed to FDC, on behalf of the fund, at or prior to the closing time of regular trading on the NYSE on the date such redemption request is submitted, FDC will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing fund shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) at least equal to 115% of the value of the missing fund shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately-available funds and shall be held by the fund and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the fund and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance, and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Participant Agreement will permit the fund to purchase the missing fund shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Balancing Amount underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Balancing Amount and the value of the collateral. The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC) according to the procedures set forth in the section entitled "Valuation" computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the transfer agent. Therefore, if a conforming redemption order in proper form is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the fund are delivered to the fund's custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by FSC on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a conforming redemption order is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than the Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time as described above on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed as of the Closing Time on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the transfer agent, i.e., the Business Day on which the shares of the fund are delivered through DTC to FDC by the DTC Cut-Off-Time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
<R>The fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. The fund generally expects to effect redemptions for cash. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of the fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper from (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). </R>
Redemption of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or a Beneficial Owner for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities is applicable to the redemption if a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.
In connection with taking delivery of shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within three Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer than three Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods.
The proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as "informal holidays" ( e.g. , days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices, could affect the information set forth herein at some time in the future. The dates in calendar year 2014 and 2015 in which the regular holidays affecting the relevant securities markets of the below listed countries are as follows (the following holiday schedule is subject to potential changes in the securities market):
The longest redemption cycle for foreign funds is a function of the longest redemption cycle among the countries whose securities comprise the funds. In the calendar years 2014 and 2015, the dates of regular holidays affecting the following securities markets present the worst-case (longest) redemption cycle* for foreign funds as follows:
SETTLEMENT PERIODS GREATER THAN SEVEN DAYS FOR YEAR 2014 |
|
|
|
|
Beginning of Settlement Period |
End of Settlement Period |
Number of Days in Settlement Period |
Austria |
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Czech Republic |
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Denmark |
4/14/2014 |
4/23/2014 |
8 |
|
4/15/2014 |
4/24/2014 |
8 |
|
4/16/2014 |
4/25/2014 |
8 |
|
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Egypt |
12/31/2013 |
1/8/2014 |
8 |
|
1/6/2014 |
1/14/2014 |
8 |
|
4/14/2014 |
4/22/2014 |
8 |
|
4/15/2014 |
4/23/2014 |
8 |
|
4/16/2014 |
4/24/2014 |
8 |
|
4/17/2014 |
4/27/2014 |
10 |
|
7/21/2014 |
7/31/2014 |
10 |
|
7/22/2014 |
8/3/2014 |
12 |
|
7/24/2014 |
8/4/2014 |
11 |
|
9/29/2014 |
10/7/2014 |
8 |
|
9/30/2014 |
10/8/2014 |
8 |
|
10/1/2014 |
10/9/2014 |
8 |
|
10/2/2014 |
10/12/2014 |
10 |
Finland |
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Hungary |
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
12/31/2014 |
8 |
Indonesia |
7/23/2014 |
8/4/2014 |
12 |
|
7/24/2014 |
8/5/2014 |
12 |
|
7/25/2014 |
8/6/2014 |
12 |
|
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
11 |
Ireland |
12/23/14 |
01/02/14 |
10 |
|
12/19/14 |
12/30/14 |
11 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/31/14 |
9 |
|
12/23/14 |
01/02/15 |
10 |
Italy |
12/19/14 |
12/29/14 |
10 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/30/14 |
8 |
|
12/23/14 |
01/02/15 |
10 |
Japan |
12/26/14 |
01/05/15 |
10 |
|
12/29/14 |
01/06/15 |
8 |
|
12/30/14 |
01/07/15 |
8 |
Malaysia |
01/27/14 |
02/04/14 |
8 |
|
01/28/14 |
02/05/14 |
8 |
|
01/29/14 |
02/06/14 |
8 |
|
07/23/14 |
07/31/14 |
8 |
|
07/24/14 |
08/01/14 |
8 |
|
07/25/14 |
08/04/14 |
10 |
Norway |
4/14/2014 |
4/22/2014 |
8 |
|
4/15/2014 |
4/23/2014 |
8 |
|
4/16/2014 |
4/24/2014 |
8 |
|
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Philippines |
12/19/2014 |
12/29/2014 |
10 |
|
12/22/2014 |
12/30/2014 |
8 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
Portugal |
12/19/14 |
12/29/14 |
10 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/30/14 |
8 |
|
12/23/14 |
12/31/14 |
8 |
South Africa |
12/23/13 |
01/02/14 |
10 |
|
12/24/13 |
01/03/14 |
10 |
|
12/27/13 |
01/06/14 |
10 |
|
12/30/13 |
01/07/14 |
8 |
|
12/31/13 |
01/08/14 |
8 |
|
03/14/14 |
03/24/14 |
10 |
|
03/17/14 |
03/25/14 |
8 |
|
03/18/14 |
03/26/14 |
8 |
|
03/19/14 |
03/27/14 |
8 |
|
03/20/14 |
03/28/14 |
8 |
|
04/11/14 |
04/22/14 |
9 |
|
04/14/14 |
04/23/14 |
9 |
|
04/15/14 |
04/24/14 |
9 |
|
04/16/14 |
04/25/14 |
9 |
|
04/17/14 |
04/29/14 |
12 |
|
04/22/14 |
04/30/14 |
8 |
|
04/23/14 |
05/02/14 |
9 |
|
04/24/14 |
05/05/14 |
11 |
|
04/25/14 |
05/06/14 |
11 |
|
04/29/14 |
05/07/14 |
8 |
|
04/30/14 |
05/08/14 |
8 |
|
06/09/14 |
06/17/14 |
8 |
|
06/10/14 |
06/18/14 |
8 |
|
06/11/14 |
06/19/14 |
8 |
|
06/12/14 |
06/20/14 |
8 |
|
06/13/14 |
06/23/14 |
10 |
|
09/17/14 |
09/25/14 |
8 |
|
09/18/14 |
09/26/14 |
8 |
|
09/19/14 |
09/29/14 |
10 |
|
09/22/14 |
09/30/14 |
8 |
|
09/23/14 |
10/01/14 |
8 |
|
12/09/14 |
12/17/14 |
8 |
|
12/10/14 |
12/18/14 |
8 |
|
12/11/14 |
12/19/14 |
8 |
|
12/12/14 |
12/22/14 |
10 |
|
12/15/14 |
12/23/14 |
8 |
|
12/18/14 |
12/29/14 |
11 |
|
12/19/14 |
12/30/14 |
11 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/31/14 |
9 |
|
12/23/14 |
01/02/15 |
10 |
|
12/14/14 |
01/05/15 |
12 |
|
12/29/14 |
01/06/15 |
8 |
|
12/30/14 |
01/07/15 |
8 |
|
12/31/14 |
01/08/15 |
8 |
Spain |
4/14/2014 |
4/22/2014 |
8 |
|
4/15/2014 |
4/23/2014 |
8 |
|
4/16/2014 |
4/24/2014 |
8 |
Sri Lanka |
04/09/14 |
04/19/14 |
10 |
|
04/12/14 |
04/20/14 |
8 |
|
04/13/14 |
04/21/14 |
8 |
Sweden |
12/23/13 |
01/02/14 |
10 |
|
12/19/14 |
12/29/14 |
10 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/30/14 |
8 |
|
12/23/14 |
01/02/15 |
10 |
Switzerland |
12/19/14 |
12/29/14 |
10 |
|
12/22/14 |
12/30/14 |
8 |
|
12/23/14 |
01/05/15 |
13 |
|
12/29/14 |
01/06/15 |
8 |
|
12/30/14 |
01/07/15 |
8 |
SETTLEMENT PERIODS GREATER THAN SEVEN DAYS FOR YEAR 2015 |
|
|
|
|
Beginning of Settlement Period |
End of Settlement Period |
Number of Days in Settlement Period |
Denmark |
3/30/2015 |
4/7/2015 |
8 |
|
3/31/2015 |
4/8/2015 |
8 |
|
4/1/2015 |
4/9/2015 |
8 |
Japan |
12/26/14 |
01/05/15 |
10 |
|
12/29/14 |
01/06/15 |
8 |
|
12/30/14 |
01/07/15 |
8 |
|
04/28/15 |
05/07/15 |
9 |
|
04/30/15 |
05/08/15 |
8 |
|
05/01/15 |
05/11/15 |
10 |
|
09/16/15 |
09/24/15 |
8 |
|
09/17/15 |
09/25/15 |
8 |
|
09/18/15 |
09/28/15 |
11 |
Norway |
3/30/2015 |
4/7/2015 |
8 |
|
3/31/2015 |
4/8/2015 |
8 |
|
4/1/2015 |
4/9/2015 |
8 |
Philippines |
12/22/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
11 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/4/2015 |
12 |
|
12/23/2014 |
1/5/2015 |
13 |
|
12/28/2014 |
1/5/2015 |
8 |
|
12/29/2014 |
1/6/2015 |
8 |
South Africa |
12/23/2014 |
1/2/2015 |
10 |
|
12/24/2014 |
1/5/2015 |
12 |
|
12/29/2014 |
1/6/2015 |
8 |
|
12/30/2014 |
1/7/2015 |
8 |
|
12/31/2014 |
1/8/2015 |
8 |
|
3/27/2015 |
4/7/2015 |
11 |
|
3/30/2015 |
4/8/2015 |
9 |
|
3/31/2015 |
4/9/2015 |
9 |
|
4/1/2015 |
4/10/2015 |
9 |
|
4/2/2015 |
4/13/2015 |
11 |
|
4/20/2015 |
4/28/2015 |
8 |
|
4/21/2015 |
4/29/2015 |
8 |
|
4/22/2015 |
4/30/2015 |
8 |
|
4/23/2015 |
5/1/2015 |
8 |
|
4/23/2015 |
5/4/2015 |
11 |
|
4/24/2015 |
5/5/2015 |
11 |
|
4/28/2015 |
5/6/2015 |
8 |
|
4/29/2015 |
5/7/2015 |
8 |
|
4/30/2015 |
5/8/2015 |
8 |
|
6/9/2015 |
6/17/2015 |
8 |
|
6/10/2015 |
6/18/2015 |
8 |
|
6/11/2015 |
6/19/2015 |
8 |
|
6/12/2015 |
6/22/2015 |
10 |
|
6/15/2015 |
6/23/2015 |
8 |
|
8/3/2015 |
8/11/2015 |
8 |
|
8/4/2015 |
8/12/2015 |
8 |
|
8/5/2015 |
8/13/2015 |
8 |
|
8/6/2015 |
8/14/2015 |
8 |
|
8/7/2015 |
8/17/2015 |
10 |
|
9/17/2015 |
9/25/2015 |
8 |
|
9/18/2015 |
9/28/2015 |
10 |
|
9/21/2015 |
9/29/2015 |
8 |
|
9/22/2015 |
9/30/2015 |
8 |
|
9/23/2015 |
10/1/2015 |
8 |
|
12/9/2015 |
12/17/2015 |
8 |
|
12/10/2015 |
12/18/2015 |
8 |
|
12/11/2015 |
12/21/2015 |
10 |
|
12/14/2015 |
12/22/2015 |
8 |
|
12/15/2015 |
12/23/2015 |
8 |
|
12/18/2015 |
12/28/2015 |
10 |
|
12/21/2015 |
12/29/2015 |
8 |
|
12/22/2015 |
12/30/2015 |
8 |
|
12/23/2015 |
12/31/2015 |
8 |
|
12/24/2015 |
1/4/2016 |
11 |
|
12/28/2015 |
1/5/2016 |
8 |
|
12/29/2015 |
1/6/2016 |
8 |
|
12/30/2015 |
1/7/2016 |
8 |
|
12/31/2015 |
1/8/2016 |
8 |
Spain |
3/30/2015 |
4/7/2015 |
8 |
|
3/31/2015 |
4/8/2015 |
8 |
|
4/1/2015 |
4/9/2015 |
8 |
Switzerland |
12/23/2014 |
1/5/2015 |
13 |
|
12/29/2014 |
1/7/2015 |
9 |
|
12/30/2014 |
1/8/2015 |
9 |
|
12/30/2015 |
1/7/2016 |
8 |
Taiwan |
02/16/15 |
02/24/15 |
8 |
|
02/17/15 |
02/25/15 |
8 |
Thailand |
04/08/15 |
04/16/15 |
8 |
|
04/09/15 |
04/17/15 |
8 |
|
04/10/15 |
04/20/15 |
10 |
* These worst-case redemption cycles are based on information regarding regular holidays, which may be out of date.
Based on changes in holidays, longer (worse) redemption cycles are possible.
Creation/Redemption Transaction Fees The fund may impose a "Transaction Fee" on investors purchasing or redeeming Creation Units. The Transaction Fee will be limited to amounts that have been determined by FIMM to be appropriate. The purpose of the Transaction Fee is to protect the existing shareholders of the fund from the dilutive costs associated with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. For cash creations (or redemptions) or cash in lieu of depositing one or more Deposit Securities, the purchaser (or redeemer) may be assessed a higher Transaction Fee to offset the transaction cost to the fund of buying (or selling) those particular Deposit Securities. To the extent a purchase/redemption transaction consists of cash and/or in-kind securities, the standard fee applies to in-kind purchases and redemptions of creation units and an additional transaction fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below) may also be imposed on cash transactions. The fund reserves the right to not impose the additional transaction fee or to vary the amount of the additional transaction fee, up to the maximum listed below, depending on the materiality of the fund's actual transaction costs incurred or where FDC believes that not imposing or varying the additional transaction fee would be in the fund's interest. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day an order is received or the nature of the securities. Investors bear the costs of transferring Fund Securities to/from the fund to/from their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Every purchaser of a Creation Unit will receive a prospectus that contains disclosure about the Transaction Fees, including the maximum amount of the additional transaction fee charged by the fund.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit of the fund and sets forth the standard transaction fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions.</R>
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates. A portion of the fund's dividends may be exempt from state and local taxation to the extent that they are derived from certain U.S. Government securities and meet certain requirements.
Capital Gain Distributions. The fund's long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the fund's distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in the fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.
Sales of Listed Shares. Gain or loss that is recognized on the sale of exchange-listed shares generally will be characterized as long-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for one year or less.
Purchase of Creation Units. The purchase of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who transfers securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The transferor will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the Creation Units (which may differ from their NAV) and any Balancing Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the transferor's basis in the transferred securities, transaction fees and any Balancing Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the transferred securities have been held for more than one year. The purchase of Creation Units may trigger application of the wash sale rules for federal tax purposes.
Redemption of Creation Units. The redemption of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who receives securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The recipient will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the securities and any Cash Redemption Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the basis of the Creation Unit shares, transaction fees and any Cash Redemption Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether Creation Units have been held for more than one year. The redemption of Creation Units may be treated as a wash sale for federal tax purposes.
Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction. Foreign governments may impose withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned by the fund with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Foreign governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Because the fund does not currently anticipate that securities of foreign issuers or underlying regulated investment companies will constitute more than 50% of its total assets at the end of its fiscal year, or fiscal quarter, respectively, shareholders should not expect to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns with respect to foreign taxes withheld.
Tax Status of the Fund. The fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code so that it will not be liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, and avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level, the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as on a fiscal year basis (if the fiscal year is other than the calendar year), and intends to comply with other tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies.
Other Tax Information. The information above is only a summary of some of the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. It is up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether the sale of shares of the fund resulted in a capital gain or loss or other tax consequence to you. In addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<R>The Trustees and officers of the trust and fund, as applicable, are listed below. The Board of Trustees governs the fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the fund, oversee management of the risks associated with such activities and contractual arrangements, and review the fund's performance. Except for Elizabeth S. Acton and James C. Curvey, each of the Trustees oversees 224 funds. Ms. Acton oversees 206 funds. Mr. Curvey oversees 397 funds.</R>
The Trustees hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any special meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. Each Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the trust and the fund (Independent Trustee), shall retire not later than the last day of the month in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. The officers hold office without limit in time, except that any officer may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the past five years.
Experience, Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications of the Fund's Trustees. The Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a statement of policy that describes the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that are necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (Statement of Policy). The Board believes that each Trustee satisfied at the time he or she was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy. The Governance and Nominating Committee also engages professional search firms to help identify potential Independent Trustee candidates who have the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills consistent with the Statement of Policy. From time to time, additional criteria based on the composition and skills of the current Independent Trustees, as well as experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of future changes to board composition, business conditions, and regulatory or other developments, have also been considered by the professional search firms and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, the Board takes into account the Trustees' commitment and participation in Board and committee meetings, as well as their leadership of standing and ad hoc committees throughout their tenure.
In determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the specific experience, skills, attributes, and qualifications of each Trustee, which in each case led to the Board's conclusion that the Trustee should serve (or continue to serve) as a trustee of the fund, is provided below.
Board Structure and Oversight Function. Abigail P. Johnson is an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) and currently serves as Chairman. The Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders because an interested Chairman has a personal and professional stake in the quality and continuity of services provided to the fund. Independent Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of their choosing to serve as Chairman, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairman and that a key structural component for assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet in executive session. Albert R. Gamper, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Independent Trustees and as such (i) acts as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management with respect to matters important to the Independent Trustees and (ii) with management prepares agendas for Board meetings.
Fidelity funds are overseen by different Boards of Trustees. The fund's Board oversees Fidelity's investment-grade bond, money market, and asset allocation funds and another Board oversees Fidelity's equity and high income funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity funds that are overseen by such other Board. The use of separate Boards, each with its own committee structure, allows the Trustees of each group of Fidelity funds to focus on the unique issues of the funds they oversee, including common research, investment, and operational issues. On occasion, the separate Boards establish joint committees to address issues of overlapping consequences for the Fidelity funds overseen by each Board.
The Trustees operate using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Trustees, the fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and oversight of the fund's activities and associated risks. The Board, acting through its committees, has charged FMR and its affiliates with (i) identifying events or circumstances the occurrence of which could have demonstrably adverse effects on the fund's business and/or reputation; (ii) implementing processes and controls to lessen the possibility that such events or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system designed to evaluate continuously business and market conditions in order to facilitate the identification and implementation processes described in (i) and (ii) above. Because the day-to-day operations and activities of the fund are carried out by or through FMR, its affiliates, and other service providers, the fund's exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Board's committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the fund's activities, oversight is exercised primarily through the Operations and Audit Committees. In addition, an ad hoc Board committee of Independent Trustees has worked with FMR to enhance the Board's oversight of investment and financial risks, legal and regulatory risks, technology risks, and operational risks, including the development of additional risk reporting to the Board. Appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the fund's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMR's internal auditor, the independent accountants, the fund's Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Board's committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of FMR's risk management program for the Fidelity funds. The responsibilities of each standing committee, including their oversight responsibilities, are described further under "Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees."
Interested Trustees *:
Correspondence intended for each Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
|
James C. Curvey (1935) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Curvey also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Curvey is a Director of Fidelity Research & Analysis Co. (2009-present), and Vice Chairman (2007-present) and Director of FMR LLC. In addition, Mr. Curvey serves as an Overseer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Trustees of Villanova University. Previously, Mr. Curvey served as a Director of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2009-2014), a Director of FMR (2007-2014), a Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2007-2014) and was the Vice Chairman (2006-2007) and Director (2000-2007) of FMR Corp. |
Abigail P. Johnson (1961) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Board of Trustees |
|
|
Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Ms. Johnson serves as President of FMR LLC (2013-present), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2011-present), Chairman and Director of FMR (2011-present), and the Vice Chairman and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC. Previously, Ms. Johnson served as President and a Director of FMR (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by FMR, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., and FMR Co., Inc. (2001-2005), Senior Vice President of the Fidelity funds (2001-2005), and managed a number of Fidelity funds. Ms. Abigail P. Johnson and Mr. Arthur E. Johnson are not related. |
* Trustees have been determined to be "Interested Trustees" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Independent Trustees :
Correspondence intended for each Independent Trustee (that is, the Trustees other than the Interested Trustees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
|
Elizabeth S. Acton (1951) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee or Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity funds. Prior to her retirement in April 2012, Ms. Acton was Executive Vice President, Finance (2011-2012), Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (2002-2011), and Treasurer (2004-2005) of Comerica Incorporated (financial services). Prior to joining Comerica, Ms. Acton held a variety of positions at Ford Motor Company (1983-2002), including Vice President and Treasurer (2000-2002) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Credit Company (1998-2000). Ms. Acton currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-present). |
Albert R. Gamper, Jr. (1942) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
|
|
Mr. Gamper also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement in December 2004, Mr. Gamper served as Chairman of the Board of CIT Group Inc. (commercial finance). During his tenure with CIT Group Inc. Mr. Gamper served in numerous senior management positions, including Chairman (1987-1989; 1999-2001; 2002-2004), Chief Executive Officer (1987-2004), and President (2002-2003). Mr. Gamper currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Public Service Enterprise Group (utilities, 2000-present), a member of the Board of Trustees, Rutgers University (2004-present), and Chairman of the Board of Barnabas Health Care System. Previously, Mr. Gamper served as Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity funds (2011-2012) and as Chairman of the Board of Governors, Rutgers University (2004-2007). |
Robert F. Gartland (1951) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Gartland is Chairman and an investor in Gartland and Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-present). Previously, Mr. Gartland served as a partner and investor of Vietnam Partners LLC (investments and consulting, 2008-2011). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007) including Managing Director (1987-2007). |
Arthur E. Johnson (1947) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Johnson serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Eaton Corporation (diversified power management, 2009-present), AGL Resources, Inc. (holding company, 2002-present) and Booz Allen Hamilton (management consulting, 2011-present). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development of Lockheed Martin Corporation (defense contractor, 1999-2009). He previously served on the Board of Directors of IKON Office Solutions, Inc. (1999-2008) and Delta Airlines (2005-2007). Mr. Arthur E. Johnson is not related to Ms. Abigail P. Johnson. |
Michael E. Kenneally (1954) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Kenneally served as a Member of the Advisory Board for certain Fidelity funds before joining the Board of Trustees (2008-2009). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Kenneally served as Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management. Before joining Credit Suisse, he was an Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America Corporation. Earlier roles at Bank of America included Director of Research, Senior Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, and Mr. Kenneally was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991. |
James H. Keyes (1940) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Keyes also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Keyes serves as a member of the Board and Non-Executive Chairman of Navistar International Corporation (manufacture and sale of trucks, buses, and diesel engines, since 2002). Previously, Mr. Keyes served as a member of the Board of Pitney Bowes, Inc. (integrated mail, messaging, and document management solutions, 1998-2013). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Keyes served as Chairman (1993-2002) and Chief Executive Officer (1988-2002) of Johnson Controls (automotive, building, and energy) and as a member of the Board of LSI Logic Corporation (semiconductor technologies, 1984-2008). |
Marie L. Knowles (1946) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
|
|
Ms. Knowles also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to Ms. Knowles' retirement in June 2000, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (diversified energy, 1996-2000). From 1993 to 1996, she was a Senior Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Transportation Company. She served as a Director of ARCO from 1996 to 1998. Ms. Knowles currently serves as a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, since 2002). Ms. Knowles is a member of the Board of the Catalina Island Conservancy and of the Santa Catalina Island Company (2009-present). She also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. Previously, Ms. Knowles served as a Director of Phelps Dodge Corporation (copper mining and manufacturing, 1994-2007), URS Corporation (engineering and construction, 2000-2003) and America West (airline, 1999-2002). |
Kenneth L. Wolfe (1939) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
|
|
Mr. Wolfe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Wolfe served as Chairman and a Director (2007-2009) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1994-2001) of Hershey Foods Corporation. He also served as a member of the Boards of Adelphia Communications Corporation (telecommunications, 2003-2006), Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (medical/pharmaceutical, 1993-2007), and Revlon, Inc. (personal care products, 2004-2009). Mr. Wolfe previously served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of other Fidelity funds (2008-2012). |
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Officers :
Correspondence intended for each officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupation |
|
Elizabeth Paige Baumann (1968) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer |
|
|
Ms. Baumann also serves as AML Officer of other funds. She is Chief AML Officer of FMR LLC (2012-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Baumann served as Vice President and Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2007-2012). |
Robert P. Brown (1963) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds |
|
|
Mr. Brown also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present), President, Bond Group of FMR (2011-present), Director and Managing Director, Research of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Brown served as President, Money Market Group of FMR (2010-2011) and Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2010-2012). |
Marc Bryant (1966) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Secretary |
|
|
Mr. Bryant also serves as an officer of other funds. He is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Bryant served as a Senior Vice President and the Head of Global Retail Legal for AllianceBernstein L.P. (2006-2010), and as the General Counsel for ProFund Advisors LLC (2001-2006). |
Jonathan Davis (1968) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Davis also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Davis is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FMR LLC (2003-2010). |
Adrien E. Deberghes (1967) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Deberghes also serves as an officer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Deberghes was Senior Vice President of Mutual Fund Administration at State Street Corporation (2007-2008), Senior Director of Mutual Fund Administration at Investors Bank & Trust (2005-2007), and Director of Finance for Dunkin' Brands (2000-2005). |
Stephanie J. Dorsey (1969) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> President and Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Dorsey also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Dorsey served as Treasurer (2004-2008) of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds and Vice President (2004-2008) of JPMorgan Chase Bank. |
Howard J. Galligan III (1966) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
Mr. Galligan also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Galligan serves as President of Fidelity Pricing and Cash Management Services (FPCMS) (2014-present) and as a Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Galligan served as Chief Administrative Officer of Asset Management (2011-2014) and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Investment Support for Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2003-2011). |
Scott C. Goebel (1968) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) |
|
|
Mr. Goebel serves as Secretary and CLO of other funds. Mr. Goebel also serves as Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (2013-present), Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present) and Fidelity Research and Analysis Company (FRAC) (2010-present); General Counsel, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR (2008-present) and FMR Co., Inc. (2008-present); Chief Legal Officer of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (2008-present); and Assistant Secretary of Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (2008-present) and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Goebel served as Secretary and CLO of other Fidelity funds (2008-2013), Assistant Secretary of FIMM (2008-2010), FRAC (2008-2010), and certain funds (2007-2008); and as Vice President and Secretary of Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) (2005-2007). Mr. Goebel has been employed by FMR LLC or an affiliate since 2001. |
Chris Maher (1972) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Maher is Vice President of Valuation Oversight and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Maher served as Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010). |
Nancy D. Prior (1967) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President |
|
|
Ms. Prior also serves as Vice President of other funds. Ms. Prior serves as President, Fixed Income (2014-present), Vice Chairman of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2014-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2002-present). Previously, Ms. Prior served as Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2012-2014), President, Money Market and Short Duration Bond of FMR (2013-2014), President, Money Market Group of FMR (2011-2014), Managing Director of Research (2009-2011), Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2007-2009), and Assistant Secretary of other Fidelity funds (2008-2009). |
Kenneth B. Robins (1969) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Robins also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Robins serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2013-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2004-present). Previously, Mr. Robins served in other fund officer roles. |
Stephen Sadoski (1971) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Sadoski also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2012-present) and has served in another fund officer role. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Sadoski served as an assistant chief accountant in the Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (2009-2012) and as a senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP (1997-2009). |
Stacie M. Smith (1974) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2009-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Smith served as Senior Audit Manager of Ernst & Young LLP (1996-2009). |
Renee Stagnone (1975) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Stagnone also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Ms. Stagnone is an employee of Fidelity Investments. |
Michael H. Whitaker (1967) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
Mr. Whitaker also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of other funds. Mr. Whitaker is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2007-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Whitaker worked at MFS Investment Management where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2006), and Assistant General Counsel. |
Joseph F. Zambello (1957) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Zambello also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Zambello is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Zambello served as Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2009-2011) and Vice President of the Transfer Agent Oversight Group (2005-2009). |
Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established various committees to support the Independent Trustees in acting independently in pursuing the best interests of the funds and their shareholders. Currently, the Board of Trustees has three standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
<R>The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Gamper currently serving as Chair. The committee normally meets at least six times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair, and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or calling for particular determinations by, the Independent Trustees. The committee considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and the proposed continuation of contracts between the funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding contracts with third parties unaffiliated with FMR, including insurance coverage and custody agreements. The committee has oversight of compliance issues not specifically within the scope of any other committee. These matters include, but are not limited to, significant non-conformance with contract requirements and other significant regulatory matters and recommending to the Board of Trustees the designation of a person to serve as the funds' CCO. The committee (i) serves as the primary point of contact for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCO's compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO. The committee is also responsible for definitive action on all compliance matters involving the potential for significant reimbursement by FMR. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held 11 meetings.</R>
<R>The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Keyes currently serving as Chair. At least one committee member will be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair or a majority of committee members. The committee meets separately, at least annually, with the funds' Treasurer, with the funds' Chief Financial Officer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR LLC, with the funds' outside auditors, and with the funds' Chief Compliance Officer. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the funds and the funds' service providers (to the extent such controls impact the funds' financial statements); (ii) the funds' auditors and the annual audits of the funds' financial statements; (iii) the financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv) whistleblower reports; and (v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund's financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The committee will receive reports of compliance with provisions of the Auditor Independence Regulations relating to the hiring of employees or former employees of the outside auditors. It oversees and receives reports on the funds' service providers' internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers' accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds' ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund's internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds' or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee will also review any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding the funds' financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also be reviewed by the Operations Committee. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the funds' financial reporting process from the funds' Treasurer and outside auditors and will oversee the resolution of any disagreements concerning financial reporting among applicable parties. The committee will discuss with FMR, the funds' Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The committee will review with FMR, the funds' outside auditor, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and legal counsel, as appropriate, matters related to the audits of the funds' financial statements. The committee will discuss regularly and oversee the review of the internal controls of the funds and their service providers with respect to accounting, financial matters and risk management programs related to the funds. The committee will review periodically the funds' major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held five meetings.</R>
<R>The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Johnson currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee reviews and approves annually Fair Value Committee Policies recommended by the FMR Fair Value Committee and oversees particular valuations or fair valuation methodologies employed by the FMR Fair Value Committee as circumstances may require. The Committee also reviews actions taken by the FMR Fair Value Committee. The Committee does not oversee the day-to-day operational aspects of the valuation and calculation of the net asset value of the funds, which have been delegated to the FMR Fair Value Committee and FSC. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held four meetings.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mr. Gamper (Chair), Ms. Knowles (Vice Chair), and Mr. Johnson. The committee meets as called by the Chair. With respect to fund governance and board administration matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures of the Board of Trustees and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews compensation of Independent Trustees. The committee monitors corporate governance matters and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the frequency and structure of the Board of Trustee meetings and on any other aspect of Board procedures. It acts as the administrative committee under the retirement plan for Independent Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for Independent Trustees. It reviews the performance of legal counsel employed by the funds and the Independent Trustees. On behalf of the Independent Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee monitors the functioning of each Board committee and makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee meets with Independent Trustees at least once a year to discuss matters relating to fund governance. The committee recommends that the Board establish such special or ad hoc Board committees as may be desirable or necessary from time to time in order to address ethical, legal, or other matters that may arise. The committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation of the Board of Trustees and establishes procedures to allow it to exercise this oversight function. In conducting this oversight, the committee shall address all matters that it considers relevant to the performance of the Board of Trustees and shall report the results of its evaluation to the Board of Trustees, including any recommended amendments to the principles of governance, and any recommended changes to the funds' or the Board of Trustees' policies, procedures, and structures. The committee reviews periodically the size and composition of the Board of Trustees as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board of Trustees reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of Independent Trustees required by law. The committee makes nominations for the election or appointment of Independent Trustees and non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party advisers, including authority to approve fees and other retention terms. Such advisers may include search firms to identify Independent Trustee candidates and board compensation consultants. The committee may conduct or authorize investigations into or studies of matters within the committee's scope of responsibilities, and may retain, at the funds' expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting Independent Trustees, it is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an interested person of the funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (iii) does not have a material relationship ( e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or accounting) with the adviser, any sub-adviser or their affiliates that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of the funds; (iv) has the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v) ability to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings during the year; (vi) demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial, or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the funds; (viii) experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective Independent Trustee in light of the funds' complex regulatory, operational, and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held eight meetings.</R>
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the Trustee for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013.
Interested Trustees |
||
DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
Abigail P. Johnson |
James C. Curvey |
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
none |
none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
over $100,000 |
over $100,000 |
* As of January 17, 2013.
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee for his or her services for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015, or calendar year ended December 31, 2013, as applicable.
Compensation Table 1 |
||||||||
AGGREGATE
|
Elizabeth S. Acton 2 |
Albert R.
|
Robert F.
|
Arthur E.
|
Michael E.
|
James H.
|
Marie L.
|
Kenneth L.
|
<R> Fidelity Total Bond ETF + |
$ 26 |
$ 33 |
$ 26 |
$ 26 |
$ 26 |
$ 28 |
$ 30 |
$ 26</R> |
TOTAL COMPENSATION
|
$ 391,500 |
$ 483,000 |
$ 393,000 |
$ 395,500 |
$ 389,000 |
$ 419,000 |
$ 441,750 |
$ 389,000 |
1 Abigail P. Johnson and James C. Curvey are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity.
2 Effective January 17, 2013, Ms. Acton serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust.
+ Estimated for the fund's first full year.
A Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013 for 223 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. Certain of the Independent Trustees elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; and Michael E. Kenneally, $120,000.
<R>As of September 15, 2014, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of the fund's total outstanding shares.</R>
<R>As of September 15, 2014, no persons or entities owned, of record and/or beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund.</R>
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FIMM, Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.), Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (FMR Japan), and FMRC. The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Abigail P. Johnson family, directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC.
At present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are: (i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services; (iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FIMM, FMRC, FMR U.K., FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FDC, and the fund have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that sets forth employees' fiduciary responsibilities regarding the fund, establishes procedures for personal investing, and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund.
The fund has entered into a management contract with FIMM, pursuant to which FIMM furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FIMM acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for directing the investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations. FIMM also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FIMM, and all personnel of the fund or FIMM performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FIMM or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
<R> Management-Related Expenses. Under the terms of the fund's management contract, FIMM, either itself or through an affiliate, is responsible for payment of all operating expenses of the fund with certain exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FIMM include expenses for typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, fees of the custodian, auditor, and interested Trustees, the fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. The fund's management contract further provides that FIMM will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. FIMM also pays all fees associated with transfer agency services and pricing and bookkeeping services, and the cost of administration of the fund's securities lending program.</R>
<R>FIMMpays all other expenses of the fund with the following exceptions: fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions (if any), and such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.</R>
<R> Management Fee. For the services of FIMM under the management contract, the fund pays FIMM a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of the fund's average net assets throughout the month. The management fee paid to FIMM by the fund is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid by the fund to the Independent Trustees.</R>
FIMM may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the fund's operating expenses. FIMM retains the ability to be repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Expense reimbursements will increase returns and yield, and repayment of the reimbursement will decrease returns and yield.
Sub-Adviser - FMRC. On behalf of the fund, FIMM has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FMRC pursuant to which FMRC has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of investments for the fund. FIMM, and not the fund, pays FMRC's fees.
Sub-Advisers - FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FIMM has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FIMM may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FIMM may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FIMM believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FIMM, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
<R>Currently, FMR U.K. has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of investments for the fund.</R>
<R>Ford O'Neil is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. Pramod Atluri is co-manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. Michael Foggin is co-manager of Fidelity Total Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. As of July 31, 2014, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.</R>
Each portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of each portfolio manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the investment performance of other FMR taxable bond funds and accounts. The pre-tax investment performance of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to his tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over his tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with his tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to three years for the comparison to a benchmark index. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity Total Bond ETF is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the fund measured against the Barclays ® U.S. Universal Bond Index. Each portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
A portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund's trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund's orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts managed by FMR or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. O'Neil as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
12 |
7 |
6</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 71,697 |
$5,932 |
$3,005</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014. </R>
<R> As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Total Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. O'Neil was none.</R>
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Atluri as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered Investment Companies* |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
4 |
2 |
2</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$12,882 |
$621 |
$931</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014.</R>
<R>As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Total Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Atluri was none. </R>
<R>The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Foggin as of July 31, 2014: </R>
<R> |
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
3 |
1 |
1</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 407 |
$ 37 |
$ 54</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014.</R>
<R>As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Total Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Foggin was none. </R>
The following Proxy Voting Guidelines were established by the Board of Trustees of the Fidelity funds, after consultation with Fidelity. (The guidelines are reviewed periodically by Fidelity and by the Independent Trustees of the Fidelity funds, and, accordingly, are subject to change.)
I. General Principles
A. Voting of shares will be conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders as follows: (i) securities of a portfolio company will generally be voted in a manner consistent with the Guidelines; and (ii) voting will be done without regard to any other Fidelity companies' relationship, business or otherwise, with that portfolio company.
B. FMR Investment Proxy Research votes proxies. Like other Fidelity employees, Investment Proxy Research employees have a fiduciary duty to never place their own personal interest ahead of the interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders, and are instructed to avoid actual and apparent conflicts of interest. In the event of a conflict of interest, Investment Proxy Research employees, like other Fidelity employees, will escalate to their managers or the Ethics Office, as appropriate, in accordance with Fidelity's corporate policy on conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest arises when there are factors that may prompt one to question whether a Fidelity employee is acting solely on the best interests of Fidelity and its customers. Employees are expected to avoid situations that could present even the appearance of a conflict between their interests and the interests of Fidelity and its customers.
C. Except as set forth herein, FMR will generally vote in favor of routine management proposals.
D. Non-routine proposals will generally be voted in accordance with the Guidelines.
E. Non-routine proposals not covered by the Guidelines or involving other special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from the appropriate FMR analyst or portfolio manager, as applicable, subject to review by an attorney within FMR's General Counsel's office and a member of senior management within FMR Investment Proxy Research. A significant pattern of such proposals or other special circumstances will be referred to the appropriate Fidelity Fund Board Committee or its designee.
F. FMR will vote on shareholder proposals not specifically addressed by the Guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal's likelihood to enhance the economic returns or profitability of the portfolio company or to maximize shareholder value. Where information is not readily available to analyze the economic impact of the proposal, FMR will generally abstain.
G. Many Fidelity Funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, FMR will generally evaluate proposals in the context of the Guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares.
H. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a portfolio company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because such trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, FMR will generally not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, FMR will generally not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
I. Where a management-sponsored proposal is inconsistent with the Guidelines, FMR may receive a company's commitment to modify the proposal or its practice to conform to the Guidelines, and FMR will generally support management based on this commitment. If a company subsequently does not abide by its commitment, FMR will generally withhold authority for the election of directors at the next election.
II. Definitions (as used in this document)
A. Anti-Takeover Provision - includes fair price amendments; classified boards; "blank check" preferred stock; Golden Parachutes; supermajority provisions; Poison Pills; restricting the right to call special meetings; provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.
B. Golden Parachute - Employment contracts, agreements, or policies that include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control.
C. Greenmail - payment of a premium to repurchase shares from a shareholder seeking to take over a company through a proxy contest or other means.
D. Sunset Provision - a condition in a charter or plan that specifies an expiration date.
E. Permitted Bid Feature - a provision suspending the application of a Poison Pill, by shareholder referendum, in the event a potential acquirer announces a bona fide offer for all outstanding shares.
F. Poison Pill - a strategy employed by a potential take-over / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison Pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirer's ownership and value in the event of a take-over.
G. Large-Capitalization Company - a company included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
H. Small-Capitalization Company - a company not included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index that is not a Micro-Capitalization Company.
I. Micro-Capitalization Company - a company with a market capitalization under US $300 million.
J. Evergreen Provision - a feature which provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity award plan on a regular basis.
III. Directors
A. Incumbent Directors
FMR will generally vote in favor of incumbent and nominee directors except where one or more such directors clearly appear to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment. FMR will also generally withhold authority for the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if:
1. An Anti-Takeover Provision was introduced, an Anti-Takeover Provision was extended, or a new Anti-Takeover Provision was adopted upon the expiration of an existing Anti-Takeover Provision, without shareholder approval except as set forth below.
With respect to Poison Pills, however, FMR will consider not withholding authority on the election of directors if all of the following conditions are met when a Poison Pill is introduced, extended, or adopted:
a. The Poison Pill includes a Sunset Provision of less than five years;
b. The Poison Pill includes a Permitted Bid Feature;
c. The Poison Pill is linked to a business strategy that will result in greater value for the shareholders; and
d. Shareholder approval is required to reinstate the Poison Pill upon expiration.
FMR will also consider not withholding authority on the election of directors when one or more of the conditions above are not met if a board is willing to strongly consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding above conditions noted a. and b. to an existing Poison Pill. In such a case, if the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, FMR will withhold authority on the election of directors.
2. The company refuses, upon request by FMR, to amend the Poison Pill to allow Fidelity to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
3. Within the last year and without shareholder approval, a company's board of directors or compensation committee has repriced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options.
4. Executive compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as: (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restrictions; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
5. To gain FMR's support on a proposal, the company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to the Guidelines and the company has failed to act on that commitment.
6. The director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board or its committees on which the director served during the company's prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
7. The board is not composed of a majority of independent directors.
B. Indemnification
FMR will generally vote in favor of charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of directors and/or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless FMR is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of management or the proposal is accompanied by Anti-Takeover Provisions.
C. Independent Chairperson
FMR will generally vote against shareholder proposals calling for or recommending the appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson. However, FMR will consider voting for such proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and to promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors.
D. Majority Director Elections
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections (i.e., where there are more nominees than board seats). FMR may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company's board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
IV. Compensation
A. Executive Compensation
1. Advisory votes on executive compensation
a. FMR will generally vote for proposals to ratify executive compensation unless such compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as, among other things, (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restriction; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
b. FMR will generally vote against proposals to ratify Golden Parachutes.
2. Frequency of advisory vote on executive compensation
FMR will generally support annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
B. Equity award plans (including stock options, restricted stock awards, and other stock awards).
FMR will generally vote against equity award plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. (a) The company's average three year burn rate is greater than 1.5% for a Large-Capitalization Company, 2.5% for a Small-Capitalization Company or 3.5% for a Micro-Capitalization Company; and (b) there were no circumstances specific to the company or the plans that lead FMR to conclude that the burn rate is acceptable.
2. In the case of stock option plans, (a) the offering price of options is less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant, except that the offering price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus; (b) the plan's terms allow repricing of underwater options; or (c) the board/committee has repriced options outstanding under the plan in the past two years without shareholder approval.
3. The plan includes an Evergreen Provision.
4. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur.
C. Equity Exchanges and Repricing
FMR will generally vote in favor of a management proposal to exchange, reprice or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, repricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account such factors as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or repricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The company's relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;
4. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and
5. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or repricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
D. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
FMR will generally vote in favor of employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% of the stock's fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company's equity. In the case of non-U.S. company stock purchase plans, FMR may permit a lower minimum stock purchase price equal to the prevailing "best practices" in the relevant non-U.S. market, provided that the minimum stock purchase price must be at least 75% of the stock's fair market value.
E. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
FMR will generally vote in favor of non-leveraged ESOPs. For leveraged ESOPs, FMR may examine the company's state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for the ESOP, and number of shares held by insiders. FMR may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilution effect of the purchase. FMR will generally vote against leveraged ESOPs if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon change in control.
F. Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals
FMR will generally vote in favor of cash and stock incentive plans that are submitted for shareholder approval in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the plan includes well defined and appropriate performance criteria, and with respect to any cash component, that the maximum award per participant is clearly stated and is not unreasonable or excessive.
V. Anti-Takeover Provisions
FMR will generally vote against a proposal to adopt or approve the adoption of an Anti-Takeover Provision unless:
A. The Poison Pill includes the following features:
1. A Sunset Provision of no greater than five years;
2. Linked to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders;
3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended;
4. Contains a Permitted Bid Feature; and
5. Allows the Fidelity Funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
B. An Anti-Greenmail proposal that does not include other Anti-Takeover Provisions; or
C. It is a fair price amendment that considers a two-year price history or less.
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to eliminate Anti-Takeover Provisions unless:
D. In the case of proposals to declassify a board of directors, FMR will generally vote against such a proposal if the issuer's Articles of Incorporation or applicable statutes include a provision whereby a majority of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by written consent, or other reasonable procedures, by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors.
E. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' rights to call special meetings, FMR generally will vote against each proposal if the threshold required to call a special meeting is less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
F. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' right to act by written consent, FMR will generally vote against each proposal if it does not include appropriate mechanisms for implementation including, among other things, that at least 25% of the outstanding stock request that the company establish a record date determining which shareholders are entitled to act and that consents be solicited from all shareholders.
VI. Capital Structure/Incorporation
A. Increases in Common Stock
FMR will generally vote against a provision to increase a company's common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options, except in the case of real estate investment trusts, where an increase that will result in a total number of authorized shares up to five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares is generally acceptable.
B. Reverse Stock Splits
FMR will generally vote in favor of reverse stock splits as long as the post-split authorized shares is no greater than three times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock awards, or in the case of real estate investment trusts the number of post-split authorized shares is not greater than five times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
C. New Classes of Shares
FMR will generally vote against the introduction of new classes of stock with differential voting rights.
D. Cumulative Voting Rights
FMR will generally vote against the introduction and in favor of the elimination of cumulative voting rights.
E. Acquisition or Business Combination Statutes
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposed amendments to a company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws that enable the company to opt out of the control shares acquisition or business combination statutes.
F. Incorporation or Reincorporation in Another State or Country
FMR will generally vote for management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a portfolio company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance, the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests, taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed jurisdictions and any changes to the company's current and proposed governing documents. FMR will consider supporting such shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
VII. Shares of Investment Companies
A. When a Fidelity Fund invests in an underlying Fidelity Fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or non-affiliated fund, FMR will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of such underlying fund or class ("echo voting"). FMR may choose not to vote if "echo voting" is not operationally feasible.
B. Certain Fidelity Funds may invest in shares of underlying Fidelity Funds that do not have public shareholders. For Fidelity Funds without public shareholders that are managed by FMR or an affiliate, FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals recommended by the underlying funds' Board of Trustees.
VIII. Other
A. Voting Process
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to adopt confidential voting and independent vote tabulation practices.
B. Regulated Industries
Voting of shares in securities of any regulated industry (e.g. U.S. banking) organization shall be conducted in a manner consistent with conditions that may be specified by the industry's regulator (e.g. the Federal Reserve Board) for a determination under applicable law (e.g. federal banking law) that no fund or group of funds has acquired control of such organization.
To view a fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FIMM and FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FIMM or FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to shares of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows shares of the fund, FIMM, and FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
<R>Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FIMM is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan specifically recognizes that FIMM or FMR may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to FIMM by the fund or fees paid to FMR by FIMM out of such managemnet fees, as well as past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. In addition, the Plan provides that FIMM or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. </R>
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by shares of the fund other than those made to FIMM under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the Plan gives FIMM, FMR, and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of shares of the fund or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
FDC or an affiliate may compensate, or upon direction make payments for certain retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, and other factors. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to current products and issues, payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC, and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars, including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. Certain of the payments described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
FDC or an affiliate may also make payments to banks, broker-dealers and other service-providers (who may be affiliated with FDC) for distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. If you have purchased shares of the fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from FIMM, FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
FDC may also enter into agreements with securities dealers who will solicit purchases of Creation Units. Such securities dealers may also be Authorized Participants, DTC Participants, and or investor services organizations.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
<R>The fund has entered into a transfer agency and service agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), which is located at at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts. Under the terms of the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) acts as transfer agent and dividend and disbursing agent.</R>
<R>The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FIMM (or an agent, including an affiliate), which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. The fund has also entered into a securities lending administration agreement with FSC. Under the terms of the agreements, FSC (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides certain pricing and bookkeeping services for the fund. FSC has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides various fund accounting and fund administration services, including preparation of financial information for shareholder reports and tax services, for the fund. </R>
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For administering the fund's securities lending program, FSC is paid based on the number and duration of individual securities loans.
FIMM bears the cost of services under these agreements under the terms of its management contract with the fund.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
Trust Organization. Fidelity Total Bond ETF is a fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated November 15, 2012. Currently, there are three funds offered in the trust: Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of the fund.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each of its funds and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is an entity commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FIMM believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote.
Voting Rights. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value they own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of the trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
<R> Custodians. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the fund's assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The Bank of New York Mellon and JPMorgan Chase Bank, each headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodians of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. From time to time, subject to approval by a fund's Treasurer, the fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.</R>
FIMM, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and Members of the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks, including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FIMM. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the fund's adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
<R> Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.</R>
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FIMM to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMR's Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the fund's best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the fund's portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the fund's chief compliance officer periodically.
On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in shares on the NYSE Arca, the fund will disclose on its website the identities and quantities of the fund's portfolio holdings that will form the basis for the fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.
<R>Daily portfolio composition files (PCFs) that identify a basket of specified securities that may overlap with the actual or expected portfolio holdings of the fund will be provided as frequently as daily to the fund's service providers to facilitate the provision of services to the fund and to certain other entities in connection with the dissemination of information necessary for transactions in Creation Units. Each business day prior to the opening of the NYSE Arca, a PCF containing a list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security for the fund will be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the NSCC; through other fee-based services to NSCC members; subscribers to the fee-based services, including Authorized Participants; and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading fund shares in the secondary market. In addition to making PCFs available to the NSCC, the fund will disclose the PCF or portions thereof as frequently as daily on www.fidelity.com.</R>
The fund may also from time to time provide or make available to the Board or third parties upon request specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics. Third parties may include fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the activities associated with managing Fidelity funds to: entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed; other parties if legally required; or persons FIMM believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the fund's trustees; the fund's manager, its sub-advisers, if any, and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics (including portfolio managers of affiliated funds of funds); contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; the fund's auditors; the fund's custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to the fund or its Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; third parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding; and third parties who have submitted a standing request to a money market fund for daily holdings information. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by the fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, the fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by FIMM or its affiliates, (ii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iii) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving the fund. Each individual request is reviewed by the Disclosure Policy Committee which must find, in its sole discretion that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to the fund. Entities receiving this information must have in place control mechanisms to reasonably ensure or otherwise agree that, (a) the holdings information will be kept confidential, (b) no employee shall use the information to effect trading or for their personal benefit, and (c) the nature and type of information that they, in turn, may disclose to third parties is limited. FIMM relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to the fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are: Factset Research Systems Inc. (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); DocuLynx Inc. (full or partial holdings daily, on the next business day); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Barclays Capital Inc. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FIMM, its affiliates, or the fund will not enter into any arrangements with third parties from which they derive consideration for the disclosure of material non-public holdings information. If, in the future, such an arrangement is desired, prior Board approval would be sought and any such arrangements would be disclosed in the fund's SAI.
There can be no assurance that the fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of fund portfolio holdings will prevent the misuse of such information by individuals and firms that receive such information.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
<R>
Fund
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<R> Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF/FLTB </R>
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
Prospectus
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
Fund Summary |
Fidelity ® Limited Term Bond ETF |
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Valuing Shares |
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Shareholder Information |
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares |
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Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions |
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Tax Consequences |
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Fund Services |
Fund Management |
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Fund Distribution |
Prospectus
Fund:
Fidelity
®
Limited Term Bond ETF
The fund seeks to provide a high rate of income.
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
|
None |
<R> Management fee |
0.45% </R> |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees |
None |
<R> Other expenses A |
0.00% </R> |
<R> Total annual operating expenses |
0.45% </R> |
<R> |
</R> |
A Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let's say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. Investors may pay brokerage commissions on their purchases and sale of fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. For every $10,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
<R> 1 year |
$ 46 </R> |
<R> 3 years |
$ 144 </R> |
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance.
Prospectus
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance history will be available for the fund after the fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (the Adviser), an affiliate of Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), is the fund's manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
<R>Robert Galusza (lead portfolio manager) and David Prothro (co-manager) have managed the fund since October 2014.</R>
<R>The fund is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund. Unlike shares of traditional mutual funds, shares of the fund are not individually redeemable and can be purchased or redeemed directly from the fund at NAV only in large increments called "Creation Units" (50,000 shares per Creation Unit) through certain participants, known as Authorized Participants. The fund will issue or redeem Creation Units in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. </R>
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in much smaller increments and for cash in the secondary market through a broker. These transactions, which do not involve the fund, are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may differ from the fund's NAV. As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market.
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
The Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary's web site for more information.
Prospectus
Investment Objective
Fidelity Limited Term ETF seeks to provide a high rate of income.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in investment-grade debt securities (those of medium and high quality) of all types and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The Adviser uses the Fidelity Limited Term Composite Index SM as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. The Adviser manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index.
The Adviser considers other factors when selecting the fund's investments, including the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current valuation relative to alternatives in the market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market inefficiencies, and potential future valuation. In managing the fund's exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the market's overall risk characteristics, the market's current pricing of those risks, information on the fund's competitive universe and internal views of potential future market conditions.
In addition, the fund normally maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity between two and five years. In determining a security's maturity for purposes of calculating the fund's average maturity, an estimate of the average time for its principal to be paid may be used. This can be substantially shorter than its stated maturity.
The Adviser allocates the fund's assets among different market sectors (for example, corporate, asset-backed, or government securities) and different maturities based on its view of the relative value of each sector or maturity.
The Adviser may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
The Adviser may also invest the fund's assets in lower-quality debt securities.
The Adviser may engage in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives, regardless of whether the fund may own the asset, instrument, or components of the index underlying the derivative, and forward-settling securities. The Adviser may invest a significant portion of the fund's assets in these types of investments. If the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own. The fund's derivative investments may include interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, options (including options on futures and swaps), and futures contracts (both long and short positions) on securities, other instruments, and indexes. Depending on the Adviser's outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, credit qualities, or other factors that affect security values, or to gain or reduce exposure to an asset, instrument, or index.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
To earn additional income for the fund, the Adviser may use a trading strategy that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases transaction costs and may increase taxable gains.
If the Adviser's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Shareholders should be aware that investments made by the fund and results achieved by the fund at any given time are not expected to be the same as those made by other funds for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as manager, including funds with names, investment objectives, and policies that are similar to the fund.
Description of Principal Security Types
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities, repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, and loans and loan participations.
A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back at an agreed-upon price.
Derivatives are investments whose values are tied to an underlying asset, instrument, currency, or index. Derivatives include futures, options, forwards, and swaps, such as interest rate swaps (exchanging a floating rate for a fixed rate), total return swaps (exchanging a floating rate for the total return of an index, security, or other instrument or investment) and credit default swaps (buying or selling credit default protection).
Forward-settling securities involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities when issued, or at a predetermined price or yield. When a fund does not already own or have the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount, a commitment to sell securities is equivalent to a short sale. Payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the fund's performance. The fund's share price and yield change daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The fund's reaction to these developments will be affected by the types and maturities of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund's level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in the fund.
Prospectus
The following factors can significantly affect the fund's performance:
Interest Rate Changes. Debt securities, including money market securities, have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and certain types of securities, such as mortgage securities and the securities of issuers in the financial services sector, can be more sensitive to interest rate changes, meaning the longer the maturity of a security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. Short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Securities with floating interest rates can be less sensitive to interest rate changes, but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much as interest rates in general. Securities whose payment at maturity is based on the movement of all or part of an index and inflation-protected debt securities may react differently from other types of debt securities.
Foreign Exposure. Foreign securities and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers or providers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region.
Prepayment. Many types of debt securities, including mortgage securities, are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the security's maturity. Securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a debt security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security's or instrument's credit quality or value. Entities providing credit support or a maturity-shortening structure also can be affected by these types of changes, and if the structure of a security fails to function as intended, the security could decline in value. Lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds) tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes.
Lower-quality debt securities involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer. The value of lower-quality debt securities often fluctuates in response to company, political, or economic developments and can decline significantly over short as well as long periods of time or during periods of general or regional economic difficulty.
Leverage Risk. Derivatives, forward-settling securities, and short sale transactions involve leverage because they can provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can magnify investment risks and cause losses to be realized more quickly. A small change in the underlying asset, instrument, or index can lead to a significant loss. Assets segregated to cover these transactions may decline in value and are not available to meet redemptions. Forward-settling securities and short sale transactions also involve the risk that a security will not be issued, delivered, available for purchase, or paid for when anticipated. An increase in the market price of securities sold short will result in a loss. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value and Share Price. The NAV of the fund's shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund's holdings. The fund's shares are listed on NYSE Arca and can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market price of the fund's shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. Although a share's market price is expected to approximate its NAV, it is possible that the market price and NAV will vary significantly. As a result, you may sustain losses if you pay more than the shares' NAV when you purchase shares, or receive less than the shares' NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market price of fund shares is more likely to differ significantly from the fund's NAV.
The market price of shares during the trading day, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a "bid/ask" spread charged by the exchange specialist, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid/ask spread can increase significantly. At those times, shares are most likely to be traded at a discount to NAV, and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your shares. The Adviser believes that, under normal market conditions, large discounts or premiums to NAV will not be sustained because of arbitrage opportunities.
Prospectus
Information about the premiums and discounts at which the fund's shares have traded is available at www.fidelity.com.
No History of an Active Trading Market/Trading Issues. The fund is a recently organized series of an investment company. Although shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will be met or maintained. Trading of shares in the secondary market may be halted, for example, due to activation of marketwide "circuit breakers." FDC, the distributor of the fund's shares, does not maintain a secondary market in the shares.
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity Limited Term ETF seeks to provide a high rate of income.
The following is subject to change only upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders:
Fidelity Limited Term ETF normally invests at least 80% of its assets in investment-grade debt securities of all types and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of regular trading hours on NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The fund's assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV.
NAV is not calculated and the fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca and may be purchased through a broker in the secondary market by individual investors at market prices which may vary throughout the day and may differ from NAV.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
To the extent that the fund's assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund's assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the fund's assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
Shares of open-end funds in which the fund may invest (referred to as underlying funds) are valued at their respective NAVs. NAV is calculated using the values of any underlying funds in which it invests. Other assets (as well as assets held by an underlying Fidelity non-money market fund) are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser's opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser's opinion, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value. Assets held by an underlying Fidelity money market fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost.
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
The intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. You should not view this intraday portfolio value as a "real-time" update of actual NAV because the intraday portfolio value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
Prospectus
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the world's largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its fund business, the company operates one of America's leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) is a limited trust company and securities depository that facilitates the clearance and settlement of trades for its participating banks and broker-dealers. DTC has executed an agreement with FDC, the fund's distributor.
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in the secondary market through a broker. The fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the fund purchased on NYSE Arca. These transactions are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may be greater than the fund's NAV (premium) or less than the fund's NAV (discount). As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. If you buy or sell shares in the secondary market, you will generally incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Due to such commissions and charges, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns.
The fund is designed to offer investors an investment that can be bought and sold frequently in the secondary market without impact on the fund, and such trading activity is critical to ensuring that the market price of fund shares remains at or close to NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading by these investors.
The fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants and does not place a limit on purchases or redemptions of Creation Units by these investors. The fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase or redemption transaction at any time. In addition, the fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
Prospectus
For example, you may be deemed a statutory underwriter if you purchase Creation Units from the fund, break them down into individual fund shares, and sell such shares directly to customers, or if you choose to couple the creation of a supply of new fund shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for fund shares. A determination of whether a person is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person's activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions), and thus dealing with shares as part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, you should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange. Certain affiliates of the fund may purchase and resell fund shares pursuant to this prospectus.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
The fund may impose a creation transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of shares. The creation and redemption transaction fees applicable to the fund are listed below. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Similarly, the standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Creations and redemptions for cash are also subject to a variable additional fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below). This fee is intended to compensate for brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to cash transactions. In addition, purchasers and redeemers of shares in Creation Units are responsible for payment of the costs of transferring securities to or out of the funds. From time to time, the Adviser may cover the cost of any transaction fees when believed to be in the best interests of the funds.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit, standard fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions (as described above). These fees are payable only by investors who purchase shares directly from the fund. Retail investors who purchase shares through their brokerage account will not pay these fees. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may pay fees for such services.</R>
Name of Fund |
Approximate Value of
|
Standard Creation/
|
Maximum Additional
|
Maximum Additional
|
<R>Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF |
$2,500,00 |
$500 |
5.0% |
2.0% </R> |
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
Prospectus
The fund earns interest, dividends, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) as capital gain distributions. If you purchased your shares in the secondary market, your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
The fund normally pays dividends monthly and pays capital gain distributions in December.
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
Taxes on distributions. Distributions investors receive are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while certain distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to investors generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met). Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals.
<R>The fund generally expects to effect its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind securities and may recognize more capital gains and be less tax-efficient than if it were to redeem in-kind. Because the fund generally expects to effect its redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs. If the fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on these gains at the fund level and otherwise comply with applicable tax rules. This may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to or at an earlier date then if the fund effected redemptions in-kind.</R>
If a fund's distributions exceed its income and capital gains realized in any year, all or a portion of those distributions may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders for tax purposes. A return of capital generally will not be taxable to you but will reduce the cost basis of your shares and result in a higher reported capital gain or a lower reported capital loss when you sell your shares.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
If investors buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, they will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions investors receive will normally be taxable to them when they receive them.
Taxes on transactions. Purchases and sales of shares, as well as purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes.
Prospectus
The Adviser is the fund's manager. The address of the Adviser and its affiliates, unless otherwise indicated below, is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser had approximately $603.0 billion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $1.94 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates' assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing the fund's investments and handling its business affairs.
Other investment advisers assist the Adviser with foreign investments:
<R>Robert Galusza is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1987, Mr. Galusza has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.</R>
<R>David Prothro is co-manager of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, which he has managed since October 2014. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1991, Mr. Prothro has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.</R>
The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager.
From time to time a manager, analyst, or other Fidelity employee may express views regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of Fidelity or any other person in the Fidelity organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Fidelity disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Fidelity fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Fidelity fund.
Prospectus
The fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month.
<R>The Adviser pays all of the other expenses of the fund with limited exceptions.</R>
<R>The fund's annual management fee rate is 0.45% of its average net assets.</R>
The Adviser pays FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services.
<R>The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the fund will be available in the fund's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2015, when available.</R>
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may agree to reimburse or waive certain fund expenses while retaining the ability to be repaid if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Reimbursement or waiver arrangements can decrease expenses and boost performance.
FDC distributes the fund's shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other retirement plan expenses, and compensation for services intended to result in the sale of fund shares. These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) with respect to its shares that recognizes that the Adviser or FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
If payments made by the Adviser or FMR to FDC or to intermediaries under the Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Prospectus
Fund Services - continued
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the fund or by FDC to sell shares of the fund to or to buy shares of the fund from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
<R>State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the fund's transfer agent and custodian, and is located at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts and 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, respectively.</R>
Prospectus
Fidelity Limited Term Composite Index is a customized blend of unmanaged indexes, weighted as follows: Barclays U.S. 1-5 Year Credit Bond Index - 80%; and Barclays U.S. 1-5 Year Government Bond Index - 20%.
Prospectus
You can obtain additional information about the fund. A description of the fund's policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelity's web sites. The SAI also includes more detailed information about the fund and its investments. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). A financial report will be available once the fund has completed its first annual or semi-annual period. The fund's annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. The fund's annual report includes a discussion of the fund's holdings and recent market conditions and the fund's investment strategies that affected performance.
For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information or ask questions about the fund, call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY. In addition, you may visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAI, the fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You can also review and copy information about the fund, including the fund's SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room. Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number, 811-22796 |
FDC is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). You may obtain information about SIPC, including the SIPC brochure, by visiting www.sipc.org or calling SIPC at 202-371-8300.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
<R></R>
<R>1.9860544.100 T13-PRO-0914</R>
<R> SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2014. The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. </R>
<R> Fidelity ® Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) </R>
A Fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
<R> September 25, 2014 </R>
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. An annual report for the fund will be available once the fund has completed its first annual period.
<R>To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI, dated September 25, 2014, please call Fidelity at 1-800-FIDELITY or visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com.</R>
<R></R>
<R>T13-PTB-0914</R>
<R></R>
<R>1.9860545.100</R>
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PAGE |
General Description of the Fund |
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Investment Policies and Limitations |
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Exchange Traded Fund Risks |
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Portfolio Transactions |
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Valuation |
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Buying and Selling Information |
24 |
Distributions and Taxes |
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Trustees and Officers |
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Control of Investment Advisers |
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Management Contract |
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Proxy Voting Guidelines |
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<R>Distribution Services |
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Transfer and Service Agent Agreements |
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Description of the Trust |
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<R>Fund Holdings Information |
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<R>Appendix |
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
<R>Fidelity ® Limited Term Bond ETF (the fund) is a diversified actively-managed exchange-traded fund that seeks a high rate of income. The fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at net asset value per share (NAV) in aggregations of a specified number of shares called "Creation Units." Creation Units generally are issued in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. Shares are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (NYSE Arca). Shares trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the shares' NAV. Shares are not individually redeemable, but are redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. A Creation Unit of the fund consists of a block of 50,000 shares. Shareholders who are not Authorized Participants (as defined herein), therefore, will not be able to purchase or redeem shares directly with or from the fund. Instead, most shareholders who are not Authorized Participants will buy and sell shares in the secondary market through a broker.</R>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)) of the fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The following are the fund's fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except in connection with the insurance program established by the fund pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Borrowing
The fund may not borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation.
Underwriting
The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
Concentration
The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) looks through to the U.S. Government securities.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in Fidelity ® Money Market Central Fund and/or any non-money market central fund, FIMM looks through to the holdings of the central fund.
For purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, FIMM may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that the third-party classification provider used by FIMM does not assign a classification.
Real Estate
The fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
Commodities
The fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
Loans
The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.
The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Short Sales
The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, except for sales of to be announced (TBA) securities, and provided that transactions in futures contracts, options, and swaps are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
Margin Purchases
The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin, except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
Borrowing
The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of the fundamental borrowing investment limitation).
Illiquid Securities
The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued.
For purposes of the fund's illiquid securities limitation discussed above, if through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Loans
The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for which FIMM or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations, or other forms of debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal. However, the fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) is not required to buy any particular instrument or use any particular technique even if to do so might benefit the fund.
On the following pages in this section titled "Investment Policies and Limitations," and except as otherwise indicated, references to "an adviser" or "the adviser" may relate to the fund's adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable.
Affiliated Bank Transactions. A Fidelity fund may engage in transactions with financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated persons" of the fund under the 1940 Act. These transactions may involve repurchase agreements with custodian banks; short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. Government securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the SEC, the Board of Trustees has established and periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving affiliated financial institutions.
Asset-Backed Securities represent interests in pools of mortgages, loans, receivables, or other assets. Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by other factors including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, these securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Borrowing. If a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash Management. A fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money market funds, including (for Fidelity funds and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity central funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees. The investment results of the portions of a Fidelity fund's assets invested in the central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The trust, on behalf of the Fidelity fund to which this SAI relates, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the fund's operation. Accordingly, neither a fund nor its adviser is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or a CPO. However, the CFTC has adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affect the continued availability of this exclusion, and may subject advisers to funds to regulation by the CFTC. As of the date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the fund. However, there is no certainty that a fund or its adviser will be able to rely on an exclusion in the future as the fund's investments change over time. A fund may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional CFTC regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If a fund or its adviser operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each investment by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a fund's portfolio. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Under certain circumstances, a fund may invest in nominally long-term securities that have maturity shortening features of shorter-term securities, and the maturities of these securities may be deemed to be earlier than their ultimate maturity dates by virtue of an existing demand feature or an adjustable interest rate. Under other circumstances, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. The maturities of mortgage securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, and some asset-backed securities are determined on a weighted average life basis, which is the average time for principal to be repaid. For a mortgage security, this average time is calculated by estimating the timing of principal payments, including unscheduled prepayments, during the life of the mortgage. The weighted average life of these securities is likely to be substantially shorter than their stated final maturity.
Duration is a measure of a bond's price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bond's value is likely to fall about 5%. Similarly, if a bond fund has a 5-year average duration and the yield on each of the bonds held by the fund rises 1%, the fund's value is likely to fall about 5%. For funds with exposure to foreign markets, there are many reasons why all of the bond holdings do not experience the same yield changes. These reasons include: the bonds are spread off of different yield curves around the world and these yield curves do not move in tandem; the shapes of these yield curves change; and sector and issuer yield spreads change. Other factors can influence a bond fund's performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond fund's actual performance will likely differ from the example.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are shares of other investment companies, commodity pools, or other entities that are traded on an exchange. Typically, assets underlying the ETF shares are stocks, though they may also be commodities or other instruments. An ETF may seek to replicate the performance of a specific index or may be actively managed.
Typically, shares of an ETF that tracks an index are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called "short ETFs" or "bear ETFs"), ETF shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases. Inverse ETFs seek to deliver the opposite of the performance of the benchmark they track and are often marketed as a way for investors to profit from, or at least hedge their exposure to, downward moving markets. Investments in inverse ETFs are similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark.
ETF shares are redeemable only in large blocks (typically, 50,000 shares) often called "creation units" by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at each day's next calculated NAV. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund's purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF's operating expenses. Further, while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are traded in the secondary market ( e.g., on a stock exchange) on an intra-day basis at prices that may be above or below the value of their underlying portfolios.
Some of the risks of investing in an ETF that tracks an index are similar to those of investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of errors in matching the ETF's underlying assets to the index or other benchmark); and the risk that because an ETF is not actively managed, it cannot sell stocks or other assets as long as they are represented in the index or other benchmark. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs may not be liquid. ETFs also may be leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged and inverse ETFs "reset" daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Leveraged and inverse ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods.
Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial institutions that combines aspects of both bonds and ETFs. An ETN's returns are based on the performance of a market index or other reference asset minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN's maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index or other reference asset to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments and principal typically is not protected.
ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable index. The market value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of the index or other reference asset, and the credit rating of the ETN issuer. The market value of ETN shares may differ from their intraday indicative value. The value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer's credit rating. As a result, there may be times when an ETN's share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV. Some ETNs that use leverage in an effort to amplify the returns of an underlying index or other reference asset can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs may offer the potential for greater return, but the potential for loss and speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Exposure to Foreign and Emerging Markets. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Foreign investments involve risks relating to local political, economic, regulatory, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments, and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. From time to time, a fund's adviser and/or its affiliates may determine that, as a result of regulatory requirements that may apply to the adviser and/or its affiliates due to investments in a particular country, investments in the securities of issuers domiciled or listed on trading markets in that country above certain thresholds (which may apply at the account level or in the aggregate across all accounts managed by the adviser and its affiliates) may be impractical or undesirable. In such instances, the adviser may limit or exclude investment in a particular issuer, and investment flexibility may be restricted. Additionally, governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions for payment be renegotiated. There is no assurance that a fund's adviser will be able to anticipate these potential events or counter their effects. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in increased investment or valuation risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign subcustodian. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Adequate public information on foreign issuers may not be available, and it may be difficult to secure dividends and information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. OTC markets tend to be less regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in foreign countries.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer's country.
The risks of foreign investing may be magnified for investments in emerging markets. Security prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than those in more developed markets, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Foreign Currency Transactions. A fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot ( i.e., cash) or forward basis ( i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be used by a fund. A fund may also use swap agreements, indexed securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign currencies for the same purposes. Forward contracts not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying currency. All of these instruments and transactions are subject to the risk that the counterparty will default.
A "settlement hedge" or "transaction hedge" is designed to protect a fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars "locks in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. Forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency may also be used to protect a fund in anticipation of future purchases or sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected.
A fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in a foreign currency. For example, if a fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A fund could also attempt to hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased, much as if a fund had sold a security denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another. A fund may cross-hedge its U.S. dollar exposure in order to achieve a representative weighted mix of the major currencies in its benchmark index and/or to cover an underweight country or region exposure in its portfolio. Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause a fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on an adviser's skill in analyzing currency values. Currency management strategies may substantially change a fund's investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to a fund if currencies do not perform as an adviser anticipates. For example, if a currency's value rose at a time when a fund had hedged its position by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, the fund would not participate in the currency's appreciation. If a fund hedges currency exposure through proxy hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from both the hedge and the security position if the two currencies do not move in tandem. Similarly, if a fund increases its exposure to a foreign currency and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss. Foreign currency transactions involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that a fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective. Moreover, it is impossible to precisely forecast the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract. Accordingly, a fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expenses of such transaction), if an adviser's predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate.
A fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. A fund will cover its exposure to foreign currency transactions with liquid assets in compliance with applicable requirements. There is no assurance that an adviser's use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate times.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed below. A fund may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.
Fund's Rights as an Investor. Fidelity funds do not intend to direct or administer the day-to-day operations of any company. A fund may, however, exercise its rights as a shareholder or lender and may communicate its views on important matters of policy to a company's management, board of directors, and shareholders, and holders of a company's other securities when such matters could have a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company. The activities in which a fund may engage, either individually or in conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities; seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of the company or a portion of its assets; supporting or opposing third-party takeover efforts; supporting the filing of a bankruptcy petition; or foreclosing on collateral securing a security. This area of corporate activity is increasingly prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be involved in lawsuits related to such activities. Such activities will be monitored with a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred. The fund's proxy voting guidelines are included in this SAI.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an adviser's analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund's return may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to exist. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of such instruments and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. If a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own.
Futures Contracts. In purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract, the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified date. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts and the price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller enter into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities or baskets of securities, some are based on commodities or commodities indexes (for funds that seek commodities exposure), and some are based on indexes of securities prices (including foreign indexes for funds that seek foreign exposure). In addition, some currently available futures contracts are based on Eurodollars. Positions in Eurodollar futures reflect market expectations of forward levels of three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rates. Futures on indexes and futures not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying instrument. Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out by offsetting purchases or sales of futures contracts before then if a liquid market is available. A fund may realize a gain or loss by closing out its futures contracts.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract or an option for a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument or the final cash settlement price, as applicable, unless the contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered into. If the value of either party's position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. This process of "marking to market" will be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund's NAV. The party that has a gain is entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the FCM of the amount one would owe the other if the fund's contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund. A fund is also required to segregate liquid assets equivalent to the fund's outstanding obligations under the contract in excess of the initial margin and variation margin, if any.
Although futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad, foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the United States may not involve a clearing mechanism or related guarantees and may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired. These risks may be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments. In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts will not vary in direct proportion to the value of the fund's holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts (including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or OTC. The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash payments. A purchaser may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument's price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right (but not the obligation) to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if the underlying instrument's price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument's price does not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer may seek to terminate a position in a put option before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for a put option, however, the writer must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instrument's price rises, a put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If the underlying instrument's price remains the same over time, it is likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower price. If the underlying instrument's price falls, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the writer to sell or deliver the option's underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, a call writer should mitigate the effects of a price increase. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
Where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price to close out the put or call option on the secondary market may move more or less than the price of the related security.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options contract at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its options positions could also be impaired.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an existing contract at a specific date in the future in exchange for a premium. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes (sells) an option on a swap than it will incur when it purchases an option on a swap. When a fund purchases an option on a swap, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a fund writes an option on a swap, upon exercise of the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement. A fund that writes an option on a swap receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the preset rate on the underlying interest rate swap. Whether a fund's use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Options on swaps may involve risks similar to those discussed below in "Swap Agreements."
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the options position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Options prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell options contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's options positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
Swap Agreements Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through FCMs that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based, for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as securities, commodities, indexes, or other financial or economic interests). The gross payments to be exchanged between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are computed.
Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names, including interest rate swaps (where the parties exchange a floating rate for a fixed rate), asset swaps (e.g., where parties combine the purchase or sale of a bond with an interest rate swap), total return swaps, and credit default swaps. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and, if applicable, its yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that a fund may be unable to sell a swap contract to a third party at a favorable price. Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition depending on the size of a fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member FCM may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. It is expected, however, that regulators will adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could reduce the distinction.
A total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument, commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange, the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including the change in market value of other underlying assets). A fund may use total return swaps to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or taking physical custody of it. For example, a fund investing in total return commodity swaps will receive the price appreciation of a commodity, commodity index or portion thereof in exchange for payment of an agreed-upon fee.
In a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying asset. A fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default swap. A fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a fund buys credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational risk.
Credit default swaps allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a fund is the credit default protection seller, the fund will experience a loss if a credit event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has deteriorated. If a fund is the credit default protection buyer, the fund will be required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller. In the case of a physically settled credit default swap in which a fund is the protection seller, the fund must be prepared to pay par for and take possession of debt of a defaulted issuer delivered to the fund by the credit default protection buyer. Any loss would be offset by the premium payments the fund receives as the seller of credit default protection. This risk for cleared swaps is generally lower than for uncleared swaps since the counterparty is a clearinghouse, but there can be no assurance that a clearinghouse or its members will satisfy its obligations.
If the creditworthiness of a fund's swap counterparty declines, the risk that the counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to the fund. To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, a Fidelity fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. Although there can be no assurance that a fund will be able to do so, a fund may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. A fund may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has declined.
A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. In order to cover its outstanding obligations to a swap counterparty, a fund would generally be required to provide margin or collateral for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a fund's interest. A fund bears the risk that an adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
Hybrid and Preferred Securities and Other Securities with Debt-Like Characteristics. The fund may invest in other securities believed to have debt-liked characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities. A hybrid security may be a debt security, warrant, convertible security, certificate of deposit or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest on or principal of which is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, index, or business entity such as a financial institution). Another example is contingent convertible securities, which are fixed income securities that, under certain circumstances, either convert into common stock of the issuer or undergo a principal write-down by a predetermined percentage if the issuer's capital ratio falls below a predetermined trigger level. The liquidation value of such a security may be reduced upon a regulatory action and without the need for a bankruptcy proceeding. Preferred securities may take the form of preferred stock and represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
The risks of investing in hybrid and preferred securities reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid or preferred security may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt or equity security. The risks of a particular hybrid or preferred security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid or preferred security. Hybrid and preferred securities are potentially more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than traditional debt or equity securities. Also, the price of the hybrid or preferred security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the same direction or at the same time. In addition, because hybrid and preferred securities may be traded over-the-counter or in bilateral transactions with the issuer of the security, hybrid and preferred securities may be subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the security and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. In addition, uncertainty regarding the tax and regulatory treatment of hybrid and preferred securities may reduce demand for such securities and tax and regulatory considerations may limit the extent of a fund's investments in certain hybrid and preferred securities.
Illiquid Securities cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity fund's adviser determines the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from the fund's adviser, the Board monitors investments in illiquid securities.
Various factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a fund's investments, including (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).
Increasing Government Debt. The total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a percent of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can decline the valuation of currencies, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns.
On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to "AA+" from "AAA." While Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed the United States' short-term sovereign credit rating as "A-1+," there is no guarantee that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in the future. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision was prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of greater policymaking uncertainty. The market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services decisions to downgrade the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States.
Indexed Securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indexes, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose values at maturity or coupon rates are determined by reference to a specific instrument, statistic, or measure.
Indexed securities also include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other fixed-income securities whose values at maturity or coupon interest rates are determined by reference to the returns of particular stock indexes. Indexed securities can be affected by stock prices as well as changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of their issuers and may not track the indexes as accurately as direct investments in the indexes.
Mortgage-indexed securities, for example, could be structured to replicate the performance of mortgage securities and the characteristics of direct ownership.
Currency-indexed securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures. Indexed securities are also subject to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S. Government agencies.
Insolvency of Issuers, Counterparties, and Intermediaries. Issuers of fund portfolio securities or counterparties to fund transactions that become insolvent or declare bankruptcy can pose special investment risks. In each circumstance, risk of loss, valuation uncertainty, increased illiquidity, and other unpredictable occurrences may negatively impact an investment. Each of these risks may be amplified in foreign markets, where security trading, settlement, and custodial practices can be less developed than those in the U.S. markets, and bankruptcy laws differ from those of the U.S.
As a general matter, if the issuer of a fund portfolio security is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock have priority over the claims of common stock owners. These events can negatively impact the value of the issuer's securities and the results of related proceedings can be unpredictable.
If a counterparty to a fund transaction, such as a swap transaction, a short sale, a borrowing, or other complex transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited in its ability to exercise rights to obtain the return of related fund assets or in exercising other rights against the counterparty. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a fund's ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. Uncertainty may also arise upon the insolvency of a securities or commodities intermediary such as a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant with which a fund has pending transactions. If an intermediary becomes insolvent, while securities positions and other holdings may be protected by U.S. or foreign laws, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether these protections are available to specific trades based on the circumstances. Receiving the benefit of these protections can also take time to resolve, which may result in illiquid positions.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a Fidelity fund may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. A Fidelity fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. A Fidelity fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A Fidelity fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Investment-grade debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody's Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a fund's adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
Funds of Funds and Other Large Shareholders. Certain Fidelity funds and accounts (including funds of funds) invest in other funds ("underlying funds") and, as a result, may at times have substantial investments in one or more underlying funds.
An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in its shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund's performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund's brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a fund's portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying fund's shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund's expense ratio. Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the underlying fund's shares.
When possible, Fidelity will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including redemption of shares in-kind rather than in cash or carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful. A high volume of redemption requests can impact an underlying fund the same way as the transactions of a single shareholder with substantial investments. As an additional safeguard, Fidelity fund of funds may manage the placement of their redemption requests in a manner designed to minimize the impact of such requests on the day-to-day operations of the underlying funds in which they invest. This may involve, for example, redeeming its shares of an underlying fund gradually over time.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the purchaser in the event of fraud or misrepresentation, or there may be a requirement that a fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand. A fund may acquire loans by buying an assignment of all or a portion of the loan from a lender or by purchasing a loan participation from a lender or other purchaser of a participation.
Lenders and purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of foreign countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Direct lending and investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the lender/purchaser could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a purchaser could be held liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the purchaser has direct recourse against the borrower, the purchaser may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a purchaser were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the purchaser might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments that obligate lenders/purchasers to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a lender/purchaser to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
For a Fidelity fund that limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one issuer or in issuers within the same industry, the fund generally will treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as financial intermediary between a fund and the borrower, if the participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require a fund, in appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a fund's ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
Because the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities, research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type. Such analysis may focus on relative values based on factors such as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer, in an attempt to identify those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
A fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
Mortgage Securities are issued by government and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders, or other institutions. A mortgage security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (or "CMOs"), make payments of both principal and interest at a range of specified intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage securities are based on different types of mortgages, including those on commercial real estate or residential properties. Stripped mortgage securities are created when the interest and principal components of a mortgage security are separated and sold as individual securities. In the case of a stripped mortgage security, the holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage, while the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments from the same underlying mortgage.
Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee payment of interest and repayment of principal on Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs, respectively, are federally chartered corporations supervised by the U.S. Government that act as governmental instrumentalities under authority granted by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations. Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
The value of mortgage securities may change due to shifts in the market's perception of issuers and changes in interest rates. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government mortgage securities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than government issues. Mortgage securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that early principal payments made on the underlying mortgages, usually in response to a reduction in interest rates, will result in the return of principal to the investor, causing it to be invested subsequently at a lower current interest rate. Alternatively, in a rising interest rate environment, mortgage security values may be adversely affected when prepayments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated, resulting in the extension of the security's effective maturity and the related increase in interest rate sensitivity of a longer-term instrument. The prices of stripped mortgage securities tend to be more volatile in response to changes in interest rates than those of non-stripped mortgage securities.
A fund may seek to earn additional income by using a trading strategy (commonly known as "mortgage dollar rolls" or "reverse mortgage dollar rolls") that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities, realizing a gain or loss, and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but will invest the proceeds of the sale in other securities that are permissible investments for the fund. During the period between the purchase and subsequent sale in a reverse mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund is entitled to interest and principal payments on the securities purchased. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the terms of the agreement. If the counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a fund's right to repurchase or sell securities may be limited. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases costs and may increase taxable gains.
Real Estate Investment Trusts. Real estate investment trusts issue debt securities to fund the purchase and/or development of commercial properties. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, the creditworthiness of the trusts, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements. Real estate investment trusts are dependent upon management skill and the cash flow generated by the properties owned by the trusts. Real estate investment trusts are at the risk of the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Internal Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
Reforms and Government Intervention in the Financial Markets. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases, a lack of liquidity. Reforms are ongoing and their effects are uncertain. Federal, state, local, foreign, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Reforms may also change the way in which a fund is regulated and could limit or preclude a fund's ability to achieve its investment objective or engage in certain strategies. Also, while reforms generally are intended to strengthen markets, systems, and public finances, they could affect fund expenses and the value of fund investments.
The value of a fund's holdings is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which a fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, the issuers of securities held by a fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it is not certain that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to a future market disturbance and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Repurchase Agreements involve an agreement to purchase a security and to sell that security back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. As protection against the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the securities are held in a separate account at a bank, marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. The value of the security purchased may be more or less than the price at which the counterparty has agreed to purchase the security. In addition, delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes insolvent. A fund may be limited in its ability to exercise its right to liquidate assets related to a repurchase agreement with an insolvent counterparty. A Fidelity fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser.
Restricted Securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund's assets and, if applicable, a fund's yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Securities Lending. A Fidelity fund may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions, including an affiliate.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides the fund with collateral in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. The fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. For a Fidelity fund, loans will be made only to parties deemed by the fund's adviser to be in good standing and when, in the adviser's judgment, the income earned would justify the risks.
Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market appreciation or depreciation.
Securities of Other Investment Companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies (which include business development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, and open-end investment companies, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the underlying investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as "acquired fund fees and expenses" and may appear as a separate line item in a fund's prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market.
The securities of closed-end funds may be leveraged. As a result, a fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of closed-end funds that use leverage may expose a fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the fund's long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
The extent to which a fund can invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws.
Sources of Liquidity or Credit Support. Issuers may employ various forms of credit and liquidity enhancements, including letters of credit, guarantees, swaps, puts, and demand features, and insurance provided by domestic or foreign entities such as banks and other financial institutions. An adviser and its affiliates may rely on their evaluation of the credit of the issuer or the credit of the liquidity or credit enhancement provider in determining whether to purchase or hold a security supported by such enhancement. In evaluating the credit of a foreign bank or other foreign entities, factors considered may include whether adequate public information about the entity is available and whether the entity may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other government restrictions that might affect its ability to honor its commitment. Changes in the credit quality of the issuer and/or entity providing the enhancement could affect the value of the security or a fund's share price.
Stripped Securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. The risks associated with stripped securities are similar to those of other debt securities, although stripped securities may be more volatile, and the value of certain types of stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates. U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped by a Federal Reserve Bank are obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Privately stripped government securities are created when a dealer deposits a U.S. Treasury security or other U.S. Government security with a custodian for safekeeping. The custodian issues separate receipts for the coupon payments and the principal payment, which the dealer then sells.
Structured Securities (also called "structured notes") are derivative debt securities, the interest rate on or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The value of the interest rate on and/or the principal of structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument ( e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, or index) or the relative change in two or more reference instruments. A structured security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured security may be calculated as a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be very volatile. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. In addition, because structured securities generally are traded over-the-counter, structured securities are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF reserves the right to invest without limitation in investment-grade money market or short-term debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
Transfer Agent Bank Accounts. Proceeds from shareholder purchases of a Fidelity fund may pass through a series of demand deposit bank accounts before being held at the fund's custodian. Redemption proceeds may pass from the custodian to the shareholder through a similar series of bank accounts.
If a bank account is registered to the transfer agent or an affiliate, who acts as an agent for the fund when opening, closing, and conducting business in the bank account, the transfer agent or an affiliate may invest overnight balances in the account in repurchase agreements. Any balances that are not invested in repurchase agreements remain in the bank account overnight. Any risks associated with such an account are investment risks of the fund. The fund faces the risk of loss of these balances if the bank becomes insolvent.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate paid on the security. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer's credit quality, sometimes subject to a cap or floor on such rate. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with put features that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of a variable or floating rate security, a fund's adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
When-Issued and Forward Purchase or Sale Transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield in which payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered.
When purchasing securities pursuant to one of these transactions, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with a fund's investments. If a fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when a purchase is outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage. When a fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, a fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
A fund may renegotiate a when-issued or forward transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the fund.
A fund may also engage in purchases or sales of "to be announced" or "TBA" securities, which usually are transactions in which a fund buys or sells mortgage-backed securities on a forward commitment basis. A TBA transaction typically does not designate the actual security to be delivered and only includes an approximate principal amount. TBA trades can be used by a fund for investment purposes in order to gain exposure to certain securities, or for hedging purposes to adjust the risk exposure of a fund portfolio without having to restructure a portfolio. Purchases and sales of TBA securities involve risks similar to those discussed above for other when-issued and forward purchase and sale transactions. In addition, when a fund sells TBA securities, it incurs risks similar to those incurred in short sales. For example, when a fund sells TBA securities without owning or having the right to obtain the deliverable securities, it incurs a risk of loss because it could have to purchase the securities at a price that is higher than the price at which it sold them. Also, a fund may be unable to purchase the deliverable securities if the corresponding market is illiquid. In such transactions, the fund will set aside liquid assets in an amount sufficient to offset its exposure as long as the fund's obligations are outstanding.
Zero Coupon Bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can be more volatile than other types of fixed-income securities when interest rates change. In calculating a fund's dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and its face value is considered income.
Continuous Offering. The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), the fund's distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters," but are effecting transactions in shares of the fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the 1933 Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available from NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Listing and Trading. Shares of the fund have been approved for listing and trading on NYSE Arca. The fund's shares trade on NYSE Arca at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. NYSE Arca may, but is not required to, remove the fund's shares from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the fund's shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of NYSE Arca, makes further dealings on NYSE Arca inadvisable. NYSE Arca will remove the fund's shares from listing and trading upon termination of the trust. There can be no assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of the fund's shares will continue to be met.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price of the fund's shares on NYSE Arca is approximately consistent with the current value of the assets of the fund on a per share basis, an intraday portfolio value of a Creation Unit of the fund on a per share basis will be disseminated every fifteen seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. The fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such amount and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that such a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of the fund's shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by FIMM pursuant to authority contained in the management contract. To the extent that FIMM grants investment management authority to a sub-adviser (see the section entitled "Management Contract"), that sub-adviser is authorized to provide the services described in the respective sub-advisory agreement, and in accordance with the policies described in this section. Furthermore, the sub-adviser's trading and associated policies, which may differ from FIMM's policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
FIMM or a sub-adviser may be responsible for the placement of portfolio securities transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
The fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds), but it may incur such costs when it invests directly in other types of securities.
Purchases and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange or OTC are effected through brokers who receive compensation for their services. Generally, compensation relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than compensation relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation. Compensation may also be paid in connection with principal transactions (in both OTC securities and securities listed on an exchange) and agency OTC transactions executed with an electronic communications network (ECN) or an alternative trading system. Equity securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
Purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally made with an issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal. Although there is no stated brokerage commission paid by the fund for any fixed-income security, the price paid by the fund to an underwriter includes the disclosed underwriting fee and prices in secondary trades usually include an undisclosed dealer commission or markup reflecting the spread between the bid and ask prices of the fixed-income security. New issues of equity and fixed-income securities may also be purchased in underwritten fixed price offerings.
The Trustees of the fund periodically review FIMM's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio securities transactions on behalf of the fund. The Trustees also review the compensation paid by the fund over representative periods of time to determine if it was reasonable in relation to the benefits to the fund.
FIMM.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
FIMM or its affiliates generally have authority to select securities brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions. In selecting securities brokers, including affiliates of FIMM, to execute the fund's portfolio securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the fund's portfolio manager. Based on the factors considered, FIMM or its affiliates may choose to execute an order by using an electronic trading platform or by calling one or more dealers. Other possibly relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: price; the size and type of the securities transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions, including broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity provided by individual brokers; the reliability of a broker; the broker's overall trading relationship with FIMM or its affiliates; the trader's assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader's instructions to the broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker can provide; the potential for avoiding or lessening market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the broker or dealer; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable.
The trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of FIMM) that execute transactions for the fund may receive higher compensation from the fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these brokerage and research products and services supplement FIMM's or its affiliates' own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, brokerage and research products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, those that assist in the execution, clearing, and settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions (including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use Products and Services. Although FIMM or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services, they may use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in FIMM's or its affiliates' investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, FIMM or its affiliates will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services with their own resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit to FIMM. FIMM's or its affiliates' expenses likely would be increased if they attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and research products or services with their own resources. To minimize the potential for conflicts of interest, the trading desks through which FIMM or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the broker or dealer may provide. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities. Furthermore, certain of the brokerage and research products and services FIMM or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products or services may be provided at no additional cost to FIMM or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker's overall services.
FIMM's Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, FIMM or its affiliates make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to FIMM or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or FIMM's or its affiliates' overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the fund's brokerage may not benefit the fund. While FIMM or its affiliates may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither FIMM, its affiliates, nor the fund incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, these brokerage and research products and services assist FIMM or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which FIMM or its affiliates have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that may also benefit other funds or accounts managed by FIMM or its affiliates.
Research Contracts. FIMM or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom FIMM or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby FIMM or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are used, FIMM or its affiliates may still cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to FIMM or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. FIMM or its affiliates view hard dollar payments for research products and services as likely to reduce the fund's total commission costs. FIMM's or its affiliates' determination to pay for research products and services separately, rather than bundled with fund commissions, is wholly voluntary on FIMM's or its affiliates' part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Affiliated Transactions
FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with certain brokers, including NFS, with whom they are under common control, provided FIMM or its affiliates determine that these affiliates' trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the fund. In addition, FIMM or its affiliates may place trades with brokers that use NFS as a clearing agent.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the fund could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S. Securities Transactions
To facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-United States securities transactions, FIMM or its affiliates may effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same as those of certain other Fidelity funds, investment decisions for the fund are made independently from those of other Fidelity funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed by FIMM to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or instrument as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions and prices for the fund.
Commissions Paid
A fund may pay compensation including both commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a fund may change from year to year because of, among other things, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding the value of a fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
The value of fund shares bought and sold in the secondary market is driven by market price. The price of these shares, like the price of all traded securities, is subject to factors such as supply and demand, as well as the current value of the portfolio securities held by the fund. Secondary market shares, available for purchase or sale on an intraday basis, do not have a fixed relationship either to the previous day's NAV nor the current day's NAV. Prices in the secondary market, therefore, may be below, at, or above the most recently calculated NAV of such shares.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for pricing, but has delegated day-to-day valuation oversight responsibilities to FIMM. FIMM may rely on information and recommendations provided by the FMR Fair Value Committee (FMR Committee) to fulfill these oversight responsibilities.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs. If an underlying fund's NAV is unavailable, shares of that underlying fund will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies.
Portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying money market central fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost. Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying non-money market central fund, are valued as follows:
Most equity securities are valued at the official closing price or the last reported sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the last quoted bid price on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded.
Debt securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available may be valued at market values in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Or, debt securities and convertible securities may be valued on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market quotations and information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available are valued at amortized cost, which approximates current value.
Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price. Options are valued at their market quotations, if available. Swaps are valued daily using quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers.
Prices described above are obtained from pricing services that have been approved by the Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available and the funds may use more than one of these services. The funds may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. FIMM engages in oversight activities with respect to the fund's pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a fund's NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
Foreign securities and instruments are valued in their local currency following the methodologies described above. Foreign securities, instruments and currencies are translated to U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a pricing service as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at an interpolated rate based on days to maturity between the closest preceding and subsequent settlement period reported by the third party pricing service.
Other portfolio securities and assets for which market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the FMR Committee, a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, that security will be fair valued in good faith by the FMR Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the FMR Committee may consider factors including price movements in futures contracts and ADRs, market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading.
BUYING AND SELLING INFORMATION
Book-Entry Only System. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) acts as securities depository for the shares. Shares of the fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among DTC participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly.
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC participants and persons holding interests through DTC participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of beneficial interests are referred to herein as Beneficial Owners) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC participants) and on the records of DTC participants (with respect to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through a DTC participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the trust a listing of the shares of the fund held by each DTC participant. The trust shall inquire of each such DTC participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding fund shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC participant. The trust shall provide each such DTC participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the trust shall pay to each such DTC participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC participants to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC participants.
The trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC participants or the relationship between such DTC participants and the indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of shares, unless the trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to NYSE Arca.
Creation Units. The trust issues and redeems shares of the fund only in Creation Unit aggregations on a continuous basis through FDC, without a sales load, at its NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
<R>Each Creation Unit consists of a block of 50,000 shares.</R>
A "Business Day" with respect to the fund is any day on which NYSE is open for business. As of the date of the prospectus, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day (Washington's Birthday) (U.S.), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (U.S.), Labor Day (U.S.), Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) and Christmas Day.
To be eligible to place orders to purchase a Creation Unit of the fund, an entity must be an "Authorized Participant" which is either (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC (the Clearing Process); or (ii) a DTC participant, and, in each case, must have executed an agreement with FDC, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (Participant Agreement). All shares of the fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC participant.
The fund reserves the right to adjust the prices of fund shares and the number of shares in a Creation Unit in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the fund.
Portfolio Deposit. The fund generally expects to issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment (Cash Deposit). Alternatively, the fund may issue Creation Units in exchange for consideration that consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (Deposit Securities) together with a deposit of a specified cash payment (Cash Component) computed as described herein. The Cash Deposit, or alternatively, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component together, constitute the "Portfolio Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit. In the event the fund requires Deposit Securities and a Cash Component in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Component is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component would be an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.
FIMM, or its agent, makes available through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) on each Business Day, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time), the amount of the Cash Deposit and/or the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component to be included in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the fund. Such Portfolio Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units until such time as the next-announced Portfolio Deposit composition is made available.
The amount of the Cash Deposit (or identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities and the amount of the Cash Component) required for a Portfolio Deposit for the fund changes as corporate action events, such as dividends, splits, and rights issues, are reflected from time to time by FIMM with a view to the investment objective of the fund. In the event that the fund issues Creation Units in exchange for consideration that includes Deposit Securities and a Cash Component, the fund reserves the right to permit the substitution of an amount of cash ( i.e., a cash in lieu amount) to replace any Deposit Security which may, among other reasons, not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC, the Federal Reserve System or the Clearing Process, not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the trust as a result of an in-kind purchase order pursuant to local law or market convention, restricted under the securities laws or which may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting. In such cases where the fund purchases portfolio securities with cash, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased by the fund and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at FIMM's discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the fund's acquisition of Deposit Securities will be at the expense of the fund and will affect the value of all shares of the fund; but FIMM may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to FIMM on the date of the announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit, in the composition of the fund's holdings or resulting from certain corporate actions.
Procedures for Creation Unit Purchases. All purchase orders must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be received by FDC or its agent no later than the closing time of regular trading hours on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) (the Closing Time), or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) in the case of nonconforming orders, in each case on the date such order is placed in order for the creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. A nonconforming order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the fund permits the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to FDC pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communications failure may impede the ability to reach FDC or an Authorized Participant.
All orders to purchase Creation Units shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, including payments of cash to pay the Cash Deposit (or Cash Component, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement.
Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to FDC prior to the applicable deadlines on the Transmittal Date. Authorized participants may ascertain the deadlines applicable to the Federal Reserve Bank wire system and DTC by contacting the operations department of the depository institution or broker effecting such transfer of the Cash Deposit (or Deposit Securities and Cash Component).
Portfolio Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and government securities) and through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) by an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the fund by no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern time of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will purchase and redeem Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the fund, whose determination shall be final and binding. For purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the fund's custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the fund's custodian no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to purchase Creation Units is deemed received by FDC on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by FDC or its agent not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the fund's custodian does not receive, with respect to purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the Cash Component by 10:00 a.m., or the required Deposit Securities together with the associated Cash Component by 1:00 p.m. on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be deemed not in proper form and canceled. Upon written notice to FDC, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Portfolio Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the next calculated NAV of the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur not later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.
FDC or its agent will inform the transfer agent, FIMM and the fund's custodian upon receipt of a purchase order. The custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate subcustodian. The custodian will cause the subcustodian to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a permitted or required cash purchase or "cash in lieu" amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. The trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the purchase transaction fee described below.
Once the trust has accepted a purchase order, the trust will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of the fund against receipt of payment, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. FDC or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will not be issued until the payment of the Cash Deposit (or the transfer of good title to the trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component) has been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, FDC and FIMM will be notified of such delivery and the trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
<R>Creation Units may be created in advance of receipt by the fund of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component (including any Transaction Fees), plus (ii) 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (Additional Cash Deposit). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such date and federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the fund's custodian by 10:00 a.m. Eastern time the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 3:00 p.m. or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 10:00 a.m. the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for losses, if any, resulting there from. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the fund, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the fund in an amount at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In the sole discretion of the fund following the Business Day on which the order was received the fund may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the fund for the costs incurred by the fund in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by FDC plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing any missing Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral. The fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by FDC or purchased by the fund and deposited into the fund. The delivery of Creation Units so purchased will occur no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by FDC.</R>
Acceptance of Purchase Orders. The fund reserves the absolute right to reject a purchase order transmitted to it by FDC if (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the fund; (iii) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; (iv) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of the fund, be unlawful; (v) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the fund or FIMM, have an adverse effect on the fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vi) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the fund, make it impossible to process creation orders for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God; public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather conditions, and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy, and computer failures; wars; civil or military disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the fund, FMR, FIMM, FDC, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, or any other participant in the purchase process, and similar extraordinary events. The fund and FDC have the right to require information to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of (ii) above should it so choose or to rely on a certification from a broker-dealer who is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. as to the cost basis of Deposit Securities. If creations are on an in-kind basis, the fund further reserves the absolute right to reject or suspend an order transmitted to it by FDC and/or the transfer agent in respect of the fund if: (i) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the fund; or (ii) for any other reasons as specified herein. FDC or the fund shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on the purchaser's behalf, of its rejection of the purchaser's order. The fund, the transfer agent, and FDC are under no duty, however, to verify or give notification of any defects or irregularities in any written order or in the delivery of a Portfolio Deposit, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Redemption of Creation Units. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the fund through the transfer agent and only on a Business Day through an Authorized Participant that has entered into a Participant Agreement. The fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Unit-size aggregations. Beneficial Owners must accumulate enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the fund. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
FIMM through FDC or the transfer agent (through the NSCC) makes available immediately prior to the opening of trading on NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of the basket of securities (Fund Securities) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day.
The redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit may consist of Fund Securities - as announced by FIMM, or its agent, on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form - plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of the request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (Cash Redemption Amount), less a redemption transaction fee and any variable fee as listed below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the fund equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fund will substitute a cash-in-lieu amount to replace any Fund Security that is a non-deliverable instrument. The amount of the cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Fund Security.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
Orders to redeem Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem Creation Units is deemed received by the fund on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received in proper form by the transfer agent not later than the Closing Time (or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for nonconforming orders) on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the fund's custodian no later than 1:00 p.m., for the shares, and 3:00 p.m., for the Cash Redemption Amount, Eastern time on the next Business Day following such Transmittal Date (the DTC Cut-Off-Time); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount will be transferred by the third (3rd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received, which will generally be no more than seven (7) days after such request for redemption but may be up to fifteen days for funds that invest in foreign securities. In certain cases, Authorized Participants will redeem and purchase Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
If the fund determines, based on information available to the fund when a redemption request is submitted by an Authorized Participant, that: (i) the short interest of the fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100%; and (ii) the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the fund the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement, the Authorized Participant does not verify the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received in proper form.
To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Units to be redeemed to FDC, on behalf of the fund, at or prior to the closing time of regular trading on the NYSE on the date such redemption request is submitted, FDC will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing fund shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) at least equal to 115% of the value of the missing fund shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately-available funds and shall be held by the fund and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the fund and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance, and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Participant Agreement will permit the fund to purchase the missing fund shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Balancing Amount underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Balancing Amount and the value of the collateral. The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC) according to the procedures set forth in the section entitled "Valuation" computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the transfer agent. Therefore, if a conforming redemption order in proper form is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the fund are delivered to the fund's custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by FSC on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a conforming redemption order is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than the Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time as described above on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed as of the Closing Time on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the transfer agent, i.e., the Business Day on which the shares of the fund are delivered through DTC to FDC by the DTC Cut-Off-Time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
<R>The fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. The fund generally expects to effect redemptions for cash. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of the fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper from (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). </R>
Redemption of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or a Beneficial Owner for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities is applicable to the redemption if a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.
In connection with taking delivery of shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within three Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer than three Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods.
The proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as "informal holidays" ( e.g. , days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices, could affect the information set forth herein at some time in the future.
Creation/Redemption Transaction Fees The fund may impose a "Transaction Fee" on investors purchasing or redeeming Creation Units. The Transaction Fee will be limited to amounts that have been determined by FIMM to be appropriate. The purpose of the Transaction Fee is to protect the existing shareholders of the fund from the dilutive costs associated with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. For cash creations (or redemptions) or cash in lieu of depositing one or more Deposit Securities, the purchaser (or redeemer) may be assessed a higher Transaction Fee to offset the transaction cost to the fund of buying (or selling) those particular Deposit Securities. To the extent a purchase/redemption transaction consists of cash and/or in-kind securities, the standard fee applies to in-kind purchases and redemptions of creation units and an additional transaction fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below) may also be imposed on cash transactions. The fund reserves the right to not impose the additional transaction fee or to vary the amount of the additional transaction fee, up to the maximum listed below, depending on the materiality of the fund's actual transaction costs incurred or where FDC believes that not imposing or varying the additional transaction fee would be in the fund's interest. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day an order is received or the nature of the securities. Investors bear the costs of transferring Fund Securities to/from the fund to/from their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Every purchaser of a Creation Unit will receive a prospectus that contains disclosure about the Transaction Fees, including the maximum amount of the additional transaction fee charged by the fund.
<R>The following table shows, as of September 25, 2014, the approximate value of one Creation Unit of the fund and sets forth the standard transaction fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions.</R>
* As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest, dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or the long-term capital gains tax rates available to individuals. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates. A portion of the fund's dividends may be exempt from state and local taxation to the extent that they are derived from certain U.S. Government securities and meet certain requirements.
Capital Gain Distributions. The fund's long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the fund's distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in the fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.
Sales of Listed Shares. Gain or loss that is recognized on the sale of exchange-listed shares generally will be characterized as long-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for one year or less.
Purchase of Creation Units. The purchase of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who transfers securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The transferor will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the Creation Units (which may differ from their NAV) and any Balancing Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the transferor's basis in the transferred securities, transaction fees and any Balancing Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether the transferred securities have been held for more than one year. The purchase of Creation Units may trigger application of the wash sale rules for federal tax purposes.
Redemption of Creation Units. The redemption of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who receives securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The recipient will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the securities and any Cash Redemption Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the basis of the Creation Unit shares, transaction fees and any Cash Redemption Amount that is paid. Gain or loss generally will be capital and will be long-term or short-term depending on whether Creation Units have been held for more than one year. The redemption of Creation Units may be treated as a wash sale for federal tax purposes.
Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction. Foreign governments may impose withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned by the fund with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Foreign governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign securities held directly by the fund. Because the fund does not currently anticipate that securities of foreign issuers or underlying regulated investment companies will constitute more than 50% of its total assets at the end of its fiscal year, or fiscal quarter, respectively, shareholders should not expect to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns with respect to foreign taxes withheld.
Tax Status of the Fund. The fund intends to qualify each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code so that it will not be liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, and avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level, the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as on a fiscal year basis (if the fiscal year is other than the calendar year), and intends to comply with other tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies.
Other Tax Information. The information above is only a summary of some of the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. It is up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether the sale of shares of the fund resulted in a capital gain or loss or other tax consequence to you. In addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<R>The Trustees and officers of the trust and fund, as applicable, are listed below. The Board of Trustees governs the fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the fund, oversee management of the risks associated with such activities and contractual arrangements, and review the fund's performance. Except for Elizabeth S. Acton and James C. Curvey, each of the Trustees oversees 224 funds. Ms. Acton oversees 206 funds . Mr. Curvey oversees 397 funds.</R>
The Trustees hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any special meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. Each Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the trust and the fund (Independent Trustee), shall retire not later than the last day of the month in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. The officers hold office without limit in time, except that any officer may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the past five years.
Experience, Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications of the Fund's Trustees. The Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a statement of policy that describes the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that are necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (Statement of Policy). The Board believes that each Trustee satisfied at the time he or she was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy. The Governance and Nominating Committee also engages professional search firms to help identify potential Independent Trustee candidates who have the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills consistent with the Statement of Policy. From time to time, additional criteria based on the composition and skills of the current Independent Trustees, as well as experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of future changes to board composition, business conditions, and regulatory or other developments, have also been considered by the professional search firms and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, the Board takes into account the Trustees' commitment and participation in Board and committee meetings, as well as their leadership of standing and ad hoc committees throughout their tenure.
In determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the specific experience, skills, attributes, and qualifications of each Trustee, which in each case led to the Board's conclusion that the Trustee should serve (or continue to serve) as a trustee of the fund, is provided below.
Board Structure and Oversight Function. Abigail P. Johnson is an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) and currently serves as Chairman. The Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders because an interested Chairman has a personal and professional stake in the quality and continuity of services provided to the fund. Independent Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of their choosing to serve as Chairman, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairman and that a key structural component for assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet in executive session. Albert R. Gamper, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Independent Trustees and as such (i) acts as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management with respect to matters important to the Independent Trustees and (ii) with management prepares agendas for Board meetings.
Fidelity funds are overseen by different Boards of Trustees. The fund's Board oversees Fidelity's investment-grade bond, money market, and asset allocation funds and another Board oversees Fidelity's equity and high income funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity funds that are overseen by such other Board. The use of separate Boards, each with its own committee structure, allows the Trustees of each group of Fidelity funds to focus on the unique issues of the funds they oversee, including common research, investment, and operational issues. On occasion, the separate Boards establish joint committees to address issues of overlapping consequences for the Fidelity funds overseen by each Board.
The Trustees operate using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Trustees, the fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and oversight of the fund's activities and associated risks. The Board, acting through its committees, has charged FMR and its affiliates with (i) identifying events or circumstances the occurrence of which could have demonstrably adverse effects on the fund's business and/or reputation; (ii) implementing processes and controls to lessen the possibility that such events or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system designed to evaluate continuously business and market conditions in order to facilitate the identification and implementation processes described in (i) and (ii) above. Because the day-to-day operations and activities of the fund are carried out by or through FMR, its affiliates, and other service providers, the fund's exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Board's committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the fund's activities, oversight is exercised primarily through the Operations and Audit Committees. In addition, an ad hoc Board committee of Independent Trustees has worked with FMR to enhance the Board's oversight of investment and financial risks, legal and regulatory risks, technology risks, and operational risks, including the development of additional risk reporting to the Board. Appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the fund's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMR's internal auditor, the independent accountants, the fund's Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Board's committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of FMR's risk management program for the Fidelity funds. The responsibilities of each standing committee, including their oversight responsibilities, are described further under "Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees."
Interested Trustees *:
Correspondence intended for each Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
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James C. Curvey (1935) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee |
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Mr. Curvey also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Curvey is a Director of Fidelity Research & Analysis Co. (2009-present), and Vice Chairman (2007-present) and Director of FMR LLC. In addition, Mr. Curvey serves as an Overseer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Trustees of Villanova University. Previously, Mr. Curvey served as a Director of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2009-2014), a Director of FMR (2007-2014), a Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2007-2014) and was the Vice Chairman (2006-2007) and Director (2000-2007) of FMR Corp. |
Abigail P. Johnson (1961) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Board of Trustees |
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Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Ms. Johnson serves as President of FMR LLC (2013-present), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (2011-present), Chairman and Director of FMR (2011-present), and the Vice Chairman and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC. Previously, Ms. Johnson served as President and a Director of FMR (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by FMR, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., and FMR Co., Inc. (2001-2005), Senior Vice President of the Fidelity funds (2001-2005), and managed a number of Fidelity funds. Ms. Abigail P. Johnson and Mr. Arthur E. Johnson are not related. |
* Trustees have been determined to be "Interested Trustees" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Independent Trustees :
Correspondence intended for each Independent Trustee (that is, the Trustees other than the Interested Trustees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience + |
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Elizabeth S. Acton (1951) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee or Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity funds. Prior to her retirement in April 2012, Ms. Acton was Executive Vice President, Finance (2011-2012), Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (2002-2011), and Treasurer (2004-2005) of Comerica Incorporated (financial services). Prior to joining Comerica, Ms. Acton held a variety of positions at Ford Motor Company (1983-2002), including Vice President and Treasurer (2000-2002) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Credit Company (1998-2000). Ms. Acton currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-present). |
Albert R. Gamper, Jr. (1942) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Trustee Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
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Mr. Gamper also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement in December 2004, Mr. Gamper served as Chairman of the Board of CIT Group Inc. (commercial finance). During his tenure with CIT Group Inc. Mr. Gamper served in numerous senior management positions, including Chairman (1987-1989; 1999-2001; 2002-2004), Chief Executive Officer (1987-2004), and President (2002-2003). Mr. Gamper currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Public Service Enterprise Group (utilities, 2000-present), a member of the Board of Trustees, Rutgers University (2004-present), and Chairman of the Board of Barnabas Health Care System. Previously, Mr. Gamper served as Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity funds (2011-2012) and as Chairman of the Board of Governors, Rutgers University (2004-2007). |
Robert F. Gartland (1951) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Gartland is Chairman and an investor in Gartland and Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-present). Previously, Mr. Gartland served as a partner and investor of Vietnam Partners LLC (investments and consulting, 2008-2011). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007) including Managing Director (1987-2007). |
Arthur E. Johnson (1947) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Johnson serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Eaton Corporation (diversified power management, 2009-present), AGL Resources, Inc. (holding company, 2002-present) and Booz Allen Hamilton (management consulting, 2011-present). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development of Lockheed Martin Corporation (defense contractor, 1999-2009). He previously served on the Board of Directors of IKON Office Solutions, Inc. (1999-2008) and Delta Airlines (2005-2007). Mr. Arthur E. Johnson is not related to Ms. Abigail P. Johnson. |
Michael E. Kenneally (1954) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Kenneally served as a Member of the Advisory Board for certain Fidelity funds before joining the Board of Trustees (2008-2009). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Kenneally served as Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management. Before joining Credit Suisse, he was an Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America Corporation. Earlier roles at Bank of America included Director of Research, Senior Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, and Mr. Kenneally was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991. |
James H. Keyes (1940) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Keyes also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Mr. Keyes serves as a member of the Board and Non-Executive Chairman of Navistar International Corporation (manufacture and sale of trucks, buses, and diesel engines, since 2002). Previously, Mr. Keyes served as a member of the Board of Pitney Bowes, Inc. (integrated mail, messaging, and document management solutions, 1998-2013). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Keyes served as Chairman (1993-2002) and Chief Executive Officer (1988-2002) of Johnson Controls (automotive, building, and energy) and as a member of the Board of LSI Logic Corporation (semiconductor technologies, 1984-2008). |
Marie L. Knowles (1946) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee Vice Chairman of the Independent Trustees |
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Ms. Knowles also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to Ms. Knowles' retirement in June 2000, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (diversified energy, 1996-2000). From 1993 to 1996, she was a Senior Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Transportation Company. She served as a Director of ARCO from 1996 to 1998. Ms. Knowles currently serves as a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, since 2002). Ms. Knowles is a member of the Board of the Catalina Island Conservancy and of the Santa Catalina Island Company (2009-present). She also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. Previously, Ms. Knowles served as a Director of Phelps Dodge Corporation (copper mining and manufacturing, 1994-2007), URS Corporation (engineering and construction, 2000-2003) and America West (airline, 1999-2002). |
Kenneth L. Wolfe (1939) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Trustee |
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Mr. Wolfe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Wolfe served as Chairman and a Director (2007-2009) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1994-2001) of Hershey Foods Corporation. He also served as a member of the Boards of Adelphia Communications Corporation (telecommunications, 2003-2006), Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (medical/pharmaceutical, 1993-2007), and Revlon, Inc. (personal care products, 2004-2009). Mr. Wolfe previously served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of other Fidelity funds (2008-2012). |
+ The information above includes each Trustee's principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Officers :
Correspondence intended for each officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupation |
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Elizabeth Paige Baumann (1968) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer |
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Ms. Baumann also serves as AML Officer of other funds. She is Chief AML Officer of FMR LLC (2012-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Baumann served as Vice President and Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2007-2012). |
Robert P. Brown (1963) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds |
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Mr. Brown also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present), President, Bond Group of FMR (2011-present), Director and Managing Director, Research of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Brown served as President, Money Market Group of FMR (2010-2011) and Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2010-2012). |
Marc Bryant (1966) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Secretary |
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Mr. Bryant also serves as an officer of other funds. He is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Bryant served as a Senior Vice President and the Head of Global Retail Legal for AllianceBernstein L.P. (2006-2010), and as the General Counsel for ProFund Advisors LLC (2001-2006). |
Jonathan Davis (1968) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
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Mr. Davis also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Davis is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FMR LLC (2003-2010). |
Adrien E. Deberghes (1967) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
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Mr. Deberghes also serves as an officer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Deberghes was Senior Vice President of Mutual Fund Administration at State Street Corporation (2007-2008), Senior Director of Mutual Fund Administration at Investors Bank & Trust (2005-2007), and Director of Finance for Dunkin' Brands (2000-2005). |
Stephanie J. Dorsey (1969) |
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<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> President and Treasurer |
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Ms. Dorsey also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Dorsey served as Treasurer (2004-2008) of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds and Vice President (2004-2008) of JPMorgan Chase Bank. |
Howard J. Galligan III (1966) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Chief Financial Officer |
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Mr. Galligan also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Galligan serves as President of Fidelity Pricing and Cash Management Services (FPCMS) (2014-present) and as a Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Galligan served as Chief Administrative Officer of Asset Management (2011-2014) and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Investment Support for Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2003-2011). |
Scott C. Goebel (1968) |
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Year of Election or Appointment: 2012 Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) |
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Mr. Goebel serves as Secretary and CLO of other funds. Mr. Goebel also serves as Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (2013-present), Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2010-present) and Fidelity Research and Analysis Company (FRAC) (2010-present); General Counsel, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR (2008-present) and FMR Co., Inc. (2008-present); Chief Legal Officer of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (2008-present); and Assistant Secretary of Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (2008-present) and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Goebel served as Secretary and CLO of other Fidelity funds (2008-2013), Assistant Secretary of FIMM (2008-2010), FRAC (2008-2010), and certain funds (2007-2008); and as Vice President and Secretary of Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) (2005-2007). Mr. Goebel has been employed by FMR LLC or an affiliate since 2001. |
Chris Maher (1972) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Maher is Vice President of Valuation Oversight and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Maher served as Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010). |
Nancy D. Prior (1967) |
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014 Vice President |
|
|
Ms. Prior also serves as Vice President of other funds. Ms. Prior serves as President, Fixed Income (2014-present), Vice Chairman of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2014-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2002-present). Previously, Ms. Prior served as Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2012-2014), President, Money Market and Short Duration Bond of FMR (2013-2014), President, Money Market Group of FMR (2011-2014), Managing Director of Research (2009-2011), Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2007-2009), and Assistant Secretary of other Fidelity funds (2008-2009). |
Kenneth B. Robins (1969) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Robins also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Robins serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) (2013-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2004-present). Previously, Mr. Robins served in other fund officer roles. |
Stephen Sadoski (1971) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Sadoski also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. He is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2012-present) and has served in another fund officer role. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Sadoski served as an assistant chief accountant in the Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (2009-2012) and as a senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP (1997-2009). |
Stacie M. Smith (1974) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. She is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2009-present) and has served in other fund officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Smith served as Senior Audit Manager of Ernst & Young LLP (1996-2009). |
Renee Stagnone (1975) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Ms. Stagnone also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Ms. Stagnone is an employee of Fidelity Investments. |
Michael H. Whitaker (1967) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
Mr. Whitaker also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of other funds. Mr. Whitaker is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2007-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Whitaker worked at MFS Investment Management where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2006), and Assistant General Counsel. |
Joseph F. Zambello (1957) |
|
<R>Year of Election or Appointment: 2013</R> Deputy Treasurer |
|
|
Mr. Zambello also serves as Deputy Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Zambello is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Zambello served as Vice President of FMR's Program Management Group (2009-2011) and Vice President of the Transfer Agent Oversight Group (2005-2009). |
Standing Committees of the Fund's Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established various committees to support the Independent Trustees in acting independently in pursuing the best interests of the funds and their shareholders. Currently, the Board of Trustees has three standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
<R>The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Gamper currently serving as Chair. The committee normally meets at least six times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair, and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or calling for particular determinations by, the Independent Trustees. The committee considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and the proposed continuation of contracts between the funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding contracts with third parties unaffiliated with FMR, including insurance coverage and custody agreements. The committee has oversight of compliance issues not specifically within the scope of any other committee. These matters include, but are not limited to, significant non-conformance with contract requirements and other significant regulatory matters and recommending to the Board of Trustees the designation of a person to serve as the funds' CCO. The committee (i) serves as the primary point of contact for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCO's compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO. The committee is also responsible for definitive action on all compliance matters involving the potential for significant reimbursement by FMR. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held 11 meetings.</R>
<R>The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Keyes currently serving as Chair. At least one committee member will be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair or a majority of committee members. The committee meets separately, at least annually, with the funds' Treasurer, with the funds' Chief Financial Officer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR LLC, with the funds' outside auditors, and with the funds' Chief Compliance Officer. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the funds and the funds' service providers (to the extent such controls impact the funds' financial statements); (ii) the funds' auditors and the annual audits of the funds' financial statements; (iii) the financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv) whistleblower reports; and (v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund's financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The committee will receive reports of compliance with provisions of the Auditor Independence Regulations relating to the hiring of employees or former employees of the outside auditors. It oversees and receives reports on the funds' service providers' internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers' accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds' ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund's internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds' or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee will also review any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding the funds' financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also be reviewed by the Operations Committee. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the funds' financial reporting process from the funds' Treasurer and outside auditors and will oversee the resolution of any disagreements concerning financial reporting among applicable parties. The committee will discuss with FMR, the funds' Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The committee will review with FMR, the funds' outside auditor, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and legal counsel, as appropriate, matters related to the audits of the funds' financial statements. The committee will discuss regularly and oversee the review of the internal controls of the funds and their service providers with respect to accounting, financial matters and risk management programs related to the funds. The committee will review periodically the funds' major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held five meetings.</R>
<R>The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Johnson currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee reviews and approves annually Fair Value Committee Policies recommended by the FMR Fair Value Committee and oversees particular valuations or fair valuation methodologies employed by the FMR Fair Value Committee as circumstances may require. The Committee also reviews actions taken by the FMR Fair Value Committee. The Committee does not oversee the day-to-day operational aspects of the valuation and calculation of the net asset value of the funds, which have been delegated to the FMR Fair Value Committee and FSC. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held four meetings.</R>
<R>The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mr. Gamper (Chair), Ms. Knowles (Vice Chair), and Mr. Johnson. The committee meets as called by the Chair. With respect to fund governance and board administration matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures of the Board of Trustees and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews compensation of Independent Trustees. The committee monitors corporate governance matters and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the frequency and structure of the Board of Trustee meetings and on any other aspect of Board procedures. It acts as the administrative committee under the retirement plan for Independent Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for Independent Trustees. It reviews the performance of legal counsel employed by the funds and the Independent Trustees. On behalf of the Independent Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee monitors the functioning of each Board committee and makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee meets with Independent Trustees at least once a year to discuss matters relating to fund governance. The committee recommends that the Board establish such special or ad hoc Board committees as may be desirable or necessary from time to time in order to address ethical, legal, or other matters that may arise. The committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation of the Board of Trustees and establishes procedures to allow it to exercise this oversight function. In conducting this oversight, the committee shall address all matters that it considers relevant to the performance of the Board of Trustees and shall report the results of its evaluation to the Board of Trustees, including any recommended amendments to the principles of governance, and any recommended changes to the funds' or the Board of Trustees' policies, procedures, and structures. The committee reviews periodically the size and composition of the Board of Trustees as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board of Trustees reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of Independent Trustees required by law. The committee makes nominations for the election or appointment of Independent Trustees and non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party advisers, including authority to approve fees and other retention terms. Such advisers may include search firms to identify Independent Trustee candidates and board compensation consultants. The committee may conduct or authorize investigations into or studies of matters within the committee's scope of responsibilities, and may retain, at the funds' expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting Independent Trustees, it is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an interested person of the funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (iii) does not have a material relationship ( e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or accounting) with the adviser, any sub-adviser or their affiliates that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of the funds; (iv) has the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v) ability to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings during the year; (vi) demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial, or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the funds; (viii) experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective Independent Trustee in light of the funds' complex regulatory, operational, and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the committee held eight meetings.</R>
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the Trustee for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013.
Interested Trustees |
||
DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
Abigail P. Johnson |
James C. Curvey |
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF |
none |
none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
over $100,000 |
over $100,000 |
* As of January 17, 2013.
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee for his or her services for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015, or calendar year ended December 31, 2013, as applicable.
Compensation Table 1 |
||||||||
AGGREGATE
|
Elizabeth S. Acton 2 |
Albert R.
|
Robert F.
|
Arthur E.
|
Michael E.
|
James H.
|
Marie L.
|
Kenneth L.
|
<R> Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF + |
$ 8 |
$ 10 |
$ 8 |
$ 8 |
$ 8 |
$ 9 |
$ 9 |
$ 8</R> |
TOTAL COMPENSATION
|
$ 391,500 |
$ 483,000 |
$ 393,000 |
$ 395,500 |
$ 389,000 |
$ 419,000 |
$ 441,750 |
$ 389,000 |
1 Abigail P. Johnson and James C. Curvey are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity.
2 Effective January 17, 2013, Ms. Acton serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust.
+ Estimated for the fund's first full year.
A Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2013 for 223 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. Certain of the Independent Trustees elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; and Michael E. Kenneally, $120,000.
<R>As of September 15, 2014, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of the fund's total outstanding shares.</R>
<R>As of September 15, 2014, no persons or entities owned, of record and/or beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund.</R>
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FIMM, Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.), Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (FMR Japan). The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Abigail P. Johnson family, directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC.
At present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are: (i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services; (iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FIMM, FMR U.K., FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FDC, and the fund have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that sets forth employees' fiduciary responsibilities regarding the fund, establishes procedures for personal investing, and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund.
The fund has entered into a management contract with FIMM, pursuant to which FIMM furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FIMM acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for directing the investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations. FIMM also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FIMM, and all personnel of the fund or FIMM performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FIMM or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
<R> Management-Related Expenses. Under the terms of the fund's management contract, FIMM, either itself or through an affiliate, is responsible for payment of all operating expenses of the fund with certain exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FIMM include expenses for typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, fees of the custodian, auditor, and interested Trustees, the fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. The fund's management contract further provides that FIMM will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. FIMM also pays all fees associated with transfer agency services and pricing and bookkeeping services, and the cost of administration of the fund's securities lending program.</R>
<R>FIMMpays all other expenses of the fund with the following exceptions: fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions (if any), and such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.</R>
<R> Management Fee. For the services of FIMM under the management contract, the fund pays FIMM a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of the fund's average net assets throughout the month. The management fee paid to FIMM by the fund is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid by the fund to the Independent Trustees.</R>
FIMM may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the fund's operating expenses. FIMM retains the ability to be repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Expense reimbursements will increase returns and yield, and repayment of the reimbursement will decrease returns and yield.
Sub-Advisers - FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FIMM has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K., FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FIMM may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FIMM may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FIMM believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FIMM, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
Robert Galusza is lead portfolio manager of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. David Prothro is co-manager of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF and receives compensation for his services. As of July 31, 2014, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Each portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of each portfolio manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the investment performance of other FMR taxable bond funds and accounts. The pre-tax investment performance of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to his tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over his tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with his tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to three years for the comparison to a benchmark index. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Limited Term Bond ETF is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the fund measured against a composite index, the components of which are 80% Barclays ® U.S. 1-5 Year Credit Bond Index and 20% Barclays ® U.S. 1-5 Year Government Bond Index. Each portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
A portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund's trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund's orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts managed by FMR or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Galusza as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
5 |
2 |
20</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 14,268 |
$1,149 |
$8,380</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014. </R>
<R>As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Galusza was none. </R>
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Prothro as of July 31, 2014:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
Investment
|
Other
|
<R>Number of Accounts Managed |
2 |
2 |
14</R> |
<R>Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 1,499 |
$1,304 |
$5,032</R> |
<R>Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none</R> |
<R>* Does not include Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF. The fund is expected to commence operations on October 6, 2014. </R>
<R> As of July 31, 2014, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF beneficially owned by Mr. Prothro was none. </R>
The following Proxy Voting Guidelines were established by the Board of Trustees of the Fidelity funds, after consultation with Fidelity. (The guidelines are reviewed periodically by Fidelity and by the Independent Trustees of the Fidelity funds, and, accordingly, are subject to change.)
I. General Principles
A. Voting of shares will be conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders as follows: (i) securities of a portfolio company will generally be voted in a manner consistent with the Guidelines; and (ii) voting will be done without regard to any other Fidelity companies' relationship, business or otherwise, with that portfolio company.
B. FMR Investment Proxy Research votes proxies. Like other Fidelity employees, Investment Proxy Research employees have a fiduciary duty to never place their own personal interest ahead of the interests of Fidelity Fund shareholders, and are instructed to avoid actual and apparent conflicts of interest. In the event of a conflict of interest, Investment Proxy Research employees, like other Fidelity employees, will escalate to their managers or the Ethics Office, as appropriate, in accordance with Fidelity's corporate policy on conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest arises when there are factors that may prompt one to question whether a Fidelity employee is acting solely on the best interests of Fidelity and its customers. Employees are expected to avoid situations that could present even the appearance of a conflict between their interests and the interests of Fidelity and its customers.
C. Except as set forth herein, FMR will generally vote in favor of routine management proposals.
D. Non-routine proposals will generally be voted in accordance with the Guidelines.
E. Non-routine proposals not covered by the Guidelines or involving other special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from the appropriate FMR analyst or portfolio manager, as applicable, subject to review by an attorney within FMR's General Counsel's office and a member of senior management within FMR Investment Proxy Research. A significant pattern of such proposals or other special circumstances will be referred to the appropriate Fidelity Fund Board Committee or its designee.
F. FMR will vote on shareholder proposals not specifically addressed by the Guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal's likelihood to enhance the economic returns or profitability of the portfolio company or to maximize shareholder value. Where information is not readily available to analyze the economic impact of the proposal, FMR will generally abstain.
G. Many Fidelity Funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, FMR will generally evaluate proposals in the context of the Guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares.
H. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a portfolio company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because such trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, FMR will generally not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, FMR will generally not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
I. Where a management-sponsored proposal is inconsistent with the Guidelines, FMR may receive a company's commitment to modify the proposal or its practice to conform to the Guidelines, and FMR will generally support management based on this commitment. If a company subsequently does not abide by its commitment, FMR will generally withhold authority for the election of directors at the next election.
II. Definitions (as used in this document)
A. Anti-Takeover Provision - includes fair price amendments; classified boards; "blank check" preferred stock; Golden Parachutes; supermajority provisions; Poison Pills; restricting the right to call special meetings; provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.
B. Golden Parachute - Employment contracts, agreements, or policies that include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control.
C. Greenmail - payment of a premium to repurchase shares from a shareholder seeking to take over a company through a proxy contest or other means.
D. Sunset Provision - a condition in a charter or plan that specifies an expiration date.
E. Permitted Bid Feature - a provision suspending the application of a Poison Pill, by shareholder referendum, in the event a potential acquirer announces a bona fide offer for all outstanding shares.
F. Poison Pill - a strategy employed by a potential take-over / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison Pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirer's ownership and value in the event of a take-over.
G. Large-Capitalization Company - a company included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
H. Small-Capitalization Company - a company not included in the Russell 1000 ® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index that is not a Micro-Capitalization Company.
I. Micro-Capitalization Company - a company with a market capitalization under US $300 million.
J. Evergreen Provision - a feature which provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity award plan on a regular basis.
III. Directors
A. Incumbent Directors
FMR will generally vote in favor of incumbent and nominee directors except where one or more such directors clearly appear to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment. FMR will also generally withhold authority for the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if:
1. An Anti-Takeover Provision was introduced, an Anti-Takeover Provision was extended, or a new Anti-Takeover Provision was adopted upon the expiration of an existing Anti-Takeover Provision, without shareholder approval except as set forth below.
With respect to Poison Pills, however, FMR will consider not withholding authority on the election of directors if all of the following conditions are met when a Poison Pill is introduced, extended, or adopted:
a. The Poison Pill includes a Sunset Provision of less than five years;
b. The Poison Pill includes a Permitted Bid Feature;
c. The Poison Pill is linked to a business strategy that will result in greater value for the shareholders; and
d. Shareholder approval is required to reinstate the Poison Pill upon expiration.
FMR will also consider not withholding authority on the election of directors when one or more of the conditions above are not met if a board is willing to strongly consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding above conditions noted a. and b. to an existing Poison Pill. In such a case, if the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, FMR will withhold authority on the election of directors.
2. The company refuses, upon request by FMR, to amend the Poison Pill to allow Fidelity to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
3. Within the last year and without shareholder approval, a company's board of directors or compensation committee has repriced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options.
4. Executive compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as: (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restrictions; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
5. To gain FMR's support on a proposal, the company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to the Guidelines and the company has failed to act on that commitment.
6. The director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board or its committees on which the director served during the company's prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
7. The board is not composed of a majority of independent directors.
B. Indemnification
FMR will generally vote in favor of charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of directors and/or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless FMR is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of management or the proposal is accompanied by Anti-Takeover Provisions.
C. Independent Chairperson
FMR will generally vote against shareholder proposals calling for or recommending the appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson. However, FMR will consider voting for such proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and to promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors.
D. Majority Director Elections
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections (i.e., where there are more nominees than board seats). FMR may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company's board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
IV. Compensation
A. Executive Compensation
1. Advisory votes on executive compensation
a. FMR will generally vote for proposals to ratify executive compensation unless such compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or otherwise problematic, taking into account such factors as, among other things, (i) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; (ii) whether the compensation committee engaged independent compensation consultants; (iii) whether, in the case of stock awards, the restriction period was less than three years for non-performance-based awards, and less than one year for performance-based awards; (iv) whether the compensation committee has lapsed or waived equity vesting restriction; and (v) whether the company has adopted or extended a Golden Parachute without shareholder approval.
b. FMR will generally vote against proposals to ratify Golden Parachutes.
2. Frequency of advisory vote on executive compensation
FMR will generally support annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
B. Equity award plans (including stock options, restricted stock awards, and other stock awards).
FMR will generally vote against equity award plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. (a) The company's average three year burn rate is greater than 1.5% for a Large-Capitalization Company, 2.5% for a Small-Capitalization Company or 3.5% for a Micro-Capitalization Company; and (b) there were no circumstances specific to the company or the plans that lead FMR to conclude that the burn rate is acceptable.
2. In the case of stock option plans, (a) the offering price of options is less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant, except that the offering price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus; (b) the plan's terms allow repricing of underwater options; or (c) the board/committee has repriced options outstanding under the plan in the past two years without shareholder approval.
3. The plan includes an Evergreen Provision.
4. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur.
C. Equity Exchanges and Repricing
FMR will generally vote in favor of a management proposal to exchange, reprice or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, repricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account such factors as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or repricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The company's relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;
4. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and
5. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or repricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
D. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
FMR will generally vote in favor of employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% of the stock's fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company's equity. In the case of non-U.S. company stock purchase plans, FMR may permit a lower minimum stock purchase price equal to the prevailing "best practices" in the relevant non-U.S. market, provided that the minimum stock purchase price must be at least 75% of the stock's fair market value.
E. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
FMR will generally vote in favor of non-leveraged ESOPs. For leveraged ESOPs, FMR may examine the company's state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for the ESOP, and number of shares held by insiders. FMR may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilution effect of the purchase. FMR will generally vote against leveraged ESOPs if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon change in control.
F. Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals
FMR will generally vote in favor of cash and stock incentive plans that are submitted for shareholder approval in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the plan includes well defined and appropriate performance criteria, and with respect to any cash component, that the maximum award per participant is clearly stated and is not unreasonable or excessive.
V. Anti-Takeover Provisions
FMR will generally vote against a proposal to adopt or approve the adoption of an Anti-Takeover Provision unless:
A. The Poison Pill includes the following features:
1. A Sunset Provision of no greater than five years;
2. Linked to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders;
3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended;
4. Contains a Permitted Bid Feature; and
5. Allows the Fidelity Funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company's total voting securities and of any class of voting securities.
B. An Anti-Greenmail proposal that does not include other Anti-Takeover Provisions; or
C. It is a fair price amendment that considers a two-year price history or less.
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to eliminate Anti-Takeover Provisions unless:
D. In the case of proposals to declassify a board of directors, FMR will generally vote against such a proposal if the issuer's Articles of Incorporation or applicable statutes include a provision whereby a majority of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by written consent, or other reasonable procedures, by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors.
E. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' rights to call special meetings, FMR generally will vote against each proposal if the threshold required to call a special meeting is less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
F. In the case of proposals regarding shareholders' right to act by written consent, FMR will generally vote against each proposal if it does not include appropriate mechanisms for implementation including, among other things, that at least 25% of the outstanding stock request that the company establish a record date determining which shareholders are entitled to act and that consents be solicited from all shareholders.
VI. Capital Structure/Incorporation
A. Increases in Common Stock
FMR will generally vote against a provision to increase a company's common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options, except in the case of real estate investment trusts, where an increase that will result in a total number of authorized shares up to five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares is generally acceptable.
B. Reverse Stock Splits
FMR will generally vote in favor of reverse stock splits as long as the post-split authorized shares is no greater than three times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock awards, or in the case of real estate investment trusts the number of post-split authorized shares is not greater than five times the post-split number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
C. New Classes of Shares
FMR will generally vote against the introduction of new classes of stock with differential voting rights.
D. Cumulative Voting Rights
FMR will generally vote against the introduction and in favor of the elimination of cumulative voting rights.
E. Acquisition or Business Combination Statutes
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposed amendments to a company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws that enable the company to opt out of the control shares acquisition or business combination statutes.
F. Incorporation or Reincorporation in Another State or Country
FMR will generally vote for management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a portfolio company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance, the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests, taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed jurisdictions and any changes to the company's current and proposed governing documents. FMR will consider supporting such shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
VII. Shares of Investment Companies
A. When a Fidelity Fund invests in an underlying Fidelity Fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or non-affiliated fund, FMR will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of such underlying fund or class ("echo voting"). FMR may choose not to vote if "echo voting" is not operationally feasible.
B. Certain Fidelity Funds may invest in shares of underlying Fidelity Funds that do not have public shareholders. For Fidelity Funds without public shareholders that are managed by FMR or an affiliate, FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals recommended by the underlying funds' Board of Trustees.
VIII. Other
A. Voting Process
FMR will generally vote in favor of proposals to adopt confidential voting and independent vote tabulation practices.
B. Regulated Industries
Voting of shares in securities of any regulated industry (e.g. U.S. banking) organization shall be conducted in a manner consistent with conditions that may be specified by the industry's regulator (e.g. the Federal Reserve Board) for a determination under applicable law (e.g. federal banking law) that no fund or group of funds has acquired control of such organization.
To view a fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FIMM and FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FIMM or FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to shares of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows shares of the fund, FIMM, and FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
<R>Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FIMM is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan specifically recognizes that FIMM or FMR may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to FIMM by the fund or fees paid to FMR by FIMM out of such management fees, as well as profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. In addition, the Plan provides that FIMM or FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. </R>
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by shares of the fund other than those made to FIMM under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the Plan gives FIMM, FMR, and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of shares of the fund or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
FDC or an affiliate may compensate, or upon direction make payments for certain retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, and other factors. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to current products and issues, payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC, and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars, including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. Certain of the payments described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
FDC or an affiliate may also make payments to banks, broker-dealers and other service-providers (who may be affiliated with FDC) for distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. If you have purchased shares of the fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from FIMM, FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
FDC may also enter into agreements with securities dealers who will solicit purchases of Creation Units. Such securities dealers may also be Authorized Participants, DTC Participants, and or investor services organizations.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
<R>The fund has entered into a transfer agency and service agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), which is located at at 200 Clarendon Street, 16 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts. Under the terms of the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) acts as transfer agent and dividend and disbursing agent.</R>
<R>The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FIMM (or an agent, including an affiliate), which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. The fund has also entered into a securities lending administration agreement with FSC. Under the terms of the agreements, FSC (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides certain pricing and bookkeeping services for the fund. FSC has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the agreement, State Street (or an agent, including an affiliate) provides various fund accounting and fund administration services, including preparation of financial information for shareholder reports and tax services, for the fund. </R>
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For administering the fund's securities lending program, FSC is paid based on the number and duration of individual securities loans.
FIMM bears the cost of services under these agreements under the terms of its management contract with the fund.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
Trust Organization. Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF is a fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated November 15, 2012. Currently, there are three funds offered in the trust: Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF. The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of the fund.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each of its funds and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is an entity commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FIMM believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote.
Voting Rights. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value they own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of the trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
<R> Custodians. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the fund's assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The Bank of New York Mellon and JPMorgan Chase Bank, each headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodians of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. From time to time, subject to approval by a fund's Treasurer, the fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.</R>
FIMM, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and Members of the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks, including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FIMM. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the fund's adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
<R> Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.</R>
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FIMM to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMR's Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the fund's best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the fund's portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the fund's chief compliance officer periodically.
On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in shares on the NYSE Arca, the fund will disclose on its website the identities and quantities of the fund's portfolio holdings that will form the basis for the fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.
<R>Daily portfolio composition files (PCFs) that identify a basket of specified securities that may overlap with the actual or expected portfolio holdings of the fund will be provided as frequently as daily to the fund's service providers to facilitate the provision of services to the fund and to certain other entities in connection with the dissemination of information necessary for transactions in Creation Units. Each business day prior to the opening of the NYSE Arca, a PCF containing a list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security for the fund will be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the NSCC; through other fee-based services to NSCC members; subscribers to the fee-based services, including Authorized Participants; and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading fund shares in the secondary market. In addition to making PCFs available to the NSCC, the fund will disclose the PCF or portions thereof as frequently as daily on www.fidelity.com.</R>
The fund may also from time to time provide or make available to the Board or third parties upon request specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics. Third parties may include fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the activities associated with managing Fidelity funds to: entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed; other parties if legally required; or persons FIMM believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the fund's trustees; the fund's manager, its sub-advisers, if any, and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics (including portfolio managers of affiliated funds of funds); contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; the fund's auditors; the fund's custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to the fund or its Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; third parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding; and third parties who have submitted a standing request to a money market fund for daily holdings information. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by the fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, the fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by FIMM or its affiliates, (ii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iii) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving the fund. Each individual request is reviewed by the Disclosure Policy Committee which must find, in its sole discretion that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to the fund. Entities receiving this information must have in place control mechanisms to reasonably ensure or otherwise agree that, (a) the holdings information will be kept confidential, (b) no employee shall use the information to effect trading or for their personal benefit, and (c) the nature and type of information that they, in turn, may disclose to third parties is limited. FIMM relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to the fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are: Factset Research Systems Inc. (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); DocuLynx Inc. (full or partial holdings daily, on the next business day); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Barclays Capital Inc. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FIMM, its affiliates, or the fund will not enter into any arrangements with third parties from which they derive consideration for the disclosure of material non-public holdings information. If, in the future, such an arrangement is desired, prior Board approval would be sought and any such arrangements would be disclosed in the fund's SAI.
There can be no assurance that the fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of fund portfolio holdings will prevent the misuse of such information by individuals and firms that receive such information.
Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2014 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
The third-party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
(a) Declaration of Trust, dated November 15, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a) of the initial Registration Statement.
(b) Bylaws of the Trust, dated November 15, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of the initial Registration Statement.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) (1) Management Contract, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit d(1).
(2) Management Contract, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit d(2).
(3) Management Contract, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Total Bond ETF and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit d(3).
(4) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and FMR Co., Inc., on behalf of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is filed herein as Exhibit d(4).
(5) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 9, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(6) of Fidelity Garrison Street Trust's (File No. 811-04861) Amendment No. 64.
(6) Schedule A, dated September 18, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 9, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit d(6).
(7) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 29, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc., on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of Fidelity Garrison Street Trust's (File No. 811-04861) Amendment No. 64.
(8) Schedule A, dated September 18, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 29, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc., on behalf of on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit d(8).
(9) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 19, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(11) of Fidelity Revere Street Trust's (File No. 811-07807) Amendment No. 25.
(10) Schedule A, September 18, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 19, 2008, between Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., on behalf of on behalf of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit d(10).
(e) (1) General Distribution Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit e(1).
(2) General Distribution Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit e(2).
(3) General Distribution Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Total Bond ETF and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit e(3).
(f) Amended and Restated Fee Deferral Plan of the Non-Interested Person Trustees of the Fidelity Fixed Income and Asset Allocation Funds, effective as of September 15, 1995, as amended and restated through January 1, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (f) of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust's (currently known as Fidelity Salem Street Trust's) (File No. 002-41839) Post-Effective Amendment No. 137.
(g) (1) Custodian Agreement and Appendix C and E, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) of Fidelity Advisor Series I's (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 72.
(2) Appendix A, dated September 18, 2014, to the Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit (g)(2).
(3) Appendix B, dated October 20, 2010, to the Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(13) of Fidelity Advisor Series VII's (File No. 002-67004) Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
(4) Appendix D, dated October 31, 2012, to the Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) of Fidelity Magellan Fund's (File No. 002-21461) Post-Effective Amendment No. 67.
(5) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 11, 2013, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(5) of Fidelity Covington Trust's (File No. 811-07319) Post-Effective Amendment No. 11.
(6) Appendix A, dated September 18, 2014, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 11, 2013, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit (g)(6).
(7) Side Letter, dated October 11, 2013, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 11, 2013, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(6) of Fidelity Covington Trust's (File No. 811-07319) Post-Effective Amendment No. 11.
(h) (1) Form of Participation Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit h(1).
(2) Form of Authorized Participant Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit h(2).
(i) Legal Opinion of Dechert LLP for Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF, dated September 23, 2014, is filed herein as Exhibit (i).
(j) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, dated September 23, 2014, is filed herein as Exhibit (j).
(k) Statement of Assets & Liabilities, dated September 22, 2014, if filed herein as Exhibit (k).
(l) Purchase Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and FIMM, LLC is filed herein as Exhibit (l).
(m) (1) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit m(1).
(2) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit m(2).
(3) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Total Bond ETF is filed herein as Exhibit m(3).
(n) Not applicable.
(p) (1) The 2014 Code of Ethics, adopted by each fund, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., FMR Co., Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Distributors Corporation pursuant to Rule 17j-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Fidelity Trend Fund's (File No. 002-15063) Post-Effective Amendment No. 131.
Item 29. Trusts Controlled by or under Common Control with this Trust
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the board of other Fidelity funds, each of which has Fidelity Management & Research Company, or an affiliate, or Geode Capital Management LLC, as its investment adviser. In addition, the officers of the Trust are substantially identical to those of the other Fidelity funds. Nonetheless, the Trust takes the position that it is not under common control with other Fidelity funds because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective trusts.
Item 30. Indemnification
Article XI, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust sets forth the reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification shall be provided to any past or present Trustee or officer. It states that the Trust shall indemnify any present or past trustee or officer to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability, and all expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of his or her service as a trustee or officer and against any amount incurred in settlement thereof. Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other adjudicatory body to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties (collectively, "disabling conduct"), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination, as specified in the Declaration of Trust, that the officer or trustee did not engage in disabling conduct.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Trust does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Distributor. In no case is the indemnity of the Trust in favor of the Distributor or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which the Distributor or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers
(1) FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC. (FIMM)
FIMM serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment companies. The directors and officers of the Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Jacques P. Perold |
President of FMR; President and Director of FIMM; Director of SelectCo (2013). |
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Robert P. Brown |
Director and Managing Director, Research of FMR U.K.; Executive Vice President of FIMM. |
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Kenneth Robins |
Executive Vice President of FIMM (2013). |
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William E. Dailey |
Treasurer of FMR, FMRC, FMR H.K., and FIMM (2012); Director and Treasurer of FMR Japan and FMR U.K. (2012); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of SelectCo (2013). |
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Scott C. Goebel |
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of FMR and FMRC; Secretary of FIMM, FRAC, and SelectCo (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR Japan and FMR U.K.; Chief Legal Officer of FMR H.K. |
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John J. Remondi |
Director of FMR, FMRC, FRAC, and FIMM; Director and Executive Vice President of FMR LLC. |
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Steven F. Schiffman |
Treasurer of Strategic Advisers, Inc., FDC, and FMR LLC. Assistant Treasurer of FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, and FIMM. |
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Peter D. Stahl |
Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR, FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, FMR LLC, Strategic Advisers, Inc., and SelectCo (2013). Previously served as Assistant Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013). |
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Linda J. Wondrack |
Chief Compliance Officer of FMR (2012), FMRC (2012), FMR H.K. (2012), FMR U.K. (2012), FIMM (2012), FMR Japan (2012), Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2012), Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2012), and SelectCo (2013). |
(2) FMR CO., INC. (FMRC)
FMRC provides investment advisory services to FIMM. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Abigail P. Johnson |
Chairman of the Board of certain Trusts; Chairman of the Board and Director of FMR and FMRC; Vice Chairman and Director of FMR LLC. |
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Brian B. Hogan |
President of FMRC. |
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Peter S. Lynch |
Vice Chairman and Director of FMR and FMRC and member of the Advisory Board of funds advised by FMR. |
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William E. Dailey |
Treasurer of FMR, FMRC, FMR H.K., and FIMM (2012); Director and Treasurer of FMR Japan and FMR U.K. (2012); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of SelectCo (2013). |
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Scott C. Goebel |
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of FMR and FMRC; Secretary of FIMM, FRAC, and SelectCo (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR Japan and FMR U.K.; Chief Legal Officer of FMR H.K. |
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John J. Remondi |
Director of FMR, FMRC, FRAC, and FIMM; Director and Executive Vice President of FMR LLC. |
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Steven F. Schiffman |
Treasurer of Strategic Advisers, Inc., FDC, and FMR LLC. Assistant Treasurer of FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, and FIMM. |
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Peter D. Stahl |
Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR, FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, FMR LLC, Strategic Advisers, Inc., and SelectCo (2013). Previously served as Assistant Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013). |
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Linda J. Wondrack |
Chief Compliance Officer of FMR (2012), FMRC (2012), FMR H.K. (2012), FMR U.K. (2012), FIMM (2012), FMR Japan (2012), Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2012), Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2012), and SelectCo (2013). |
(3) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (HONG KONG) LIMITED (FMR H.K.)
FMR H.K. provides investment advisory services to FIMM. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Markus K.E. Eichacker |
Chairman of the Board (2012), President (2012), Chief Executive Officer (2012), Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Managing Director of Research of FMR H.K. |
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Pamela R. Holding |
Director of FMR H.K. (2014). |
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Christopher S. Bartel |
President (2012), Chief Executive Officer (2012), and Director (2012) of FMR Japan; Director of FMR H.K. (2012). |
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William E. Dailey |
Treasurer of FMR, FMRC, FMR H.K., and FIMM (2012); Director and Treasurer of FMR Japan and FMR U.K. (2012); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of SelectCo (2013). |
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Scott C. Goebel |
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of FMR and FMRC; Secretary of FIMM, FRAC, and SelectCo (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR Japan and FMR U.K.; Chief Legal Officer of FMR H.K. |
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Adrian James Tyerman |
Compliance Officer of FMR U.K. (2013) and FMR H.K. (2014). |
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Michael D. Kopfler |
Director of FMR H.K. (2013). |
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Linda J. Wondrack |
Chief Compliance Officer of FMR (2012), FMRC (2012), FMR H.K. (2012), FMR U.K. (2012), FIMM (2012), FMR Japan (2012), Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2012), Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2012), and SelectCo (2013). |
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Sharon Yau Lecornu |
Director; Director of Investment Services-Asia of FMR H.K. |
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Tricor Corporate Secretary Limited |
Secretary of FMR H.K. |
(4) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (JAPAN) INC. (FMR JAPAN)
FMR Japan provides investment advisory services to FIMM. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Christopher S. Bartel |
President (2012), Chief Executive Officer (2012), and Director (2012) of FMR Japan; Director of FMR H.K. (2012). |
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William E. Dailey |
Treasurer of FMR, FMRC, FMR H.K., and FIMM (2012); Director and Treasurer of FMR Japan and FMR U.K. (2012); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of SelectCo (2013). |
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Scott C. Goebel |
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of FMR and FMRC; Secretary of FIMM, FRAC, and SelectCo (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR Japan and FMR U.K.; Chief Legal Officer of FMR H.K. |
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Koichi Iwabuchi |
Compliance Officer of FMR Japan (2013). |
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Steven F. Schiffman |
Treasurer of Strategic Advisers, Inc., FDC, and FMR LLC. Assistant Treasurer of FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, and FIMM. |
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Peter D. Stahl |
Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013); Assistant Secretary of FMR, FMRC, FMR Japan, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, FMR LLC, Strategic Advisers, Inc., and SelectCo (2013). Previously served as Assistant Secretary of FDC (2013) and FMR LLC (2013). |
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Takeya Suzuki |
Director of FMR Japan; Managing Director of Research, Japan of FMR Japan. |
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Linda J. Wondrack |
Chief Compliance Officer of FMR (2012), FMRC (2012), FMR H.K. (2012), FMR U.K. (2012), FIMM (2012), FMR Japan (2012), Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (2012), Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2012), and SelectCo (2013). |
(5) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (U.K.) INC. (FMR U.K.)
FMR U.K. provides investment advisory services to FIMM and Fidelity Management Trust Company. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Principal business addresses of the investment adviser, sub-advisers and affiliates.
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.)
Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Inc. (FMR Japan)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Research & Analysis Company (FRAC)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (SelectCo)
1225 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202-5541
FIL Investment Advisors (FIA)
Pembroke Hall
42 Crow Lane
Pembroke HM19, Bermuda
FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK))
Oakhill House,
130 Tonbridge Road,
Hildenborough, TN11 9DZ, United Kingdom
FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ)
Shiroyama Trust Tower
4-3-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 105-6019, Japan
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Strategic Advisers, Inc.
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
100 Salem Street
Smithfield, RI 02917
Item 32. Principal Underwriters
(a) Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) acts as distributor for all funds advised by FMR or an affiliate, as well as Fidelity Commodity Strategy Central Fund and Fidelity Series Commodity Strategy Fund.
(b) |
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Name and Principal |
Positions and Offices |
Positions and Offices |
Business Address* |
with Underwriter |
with Fund |
Scott Couto |
President and Director |
None |
Natalie Kavanaugh |
Chief Legal Officer |
None |
Harris Komishane |
Chief Financial Officer |
None |
William F. Loehning |
Executive Vice President |
None |
Steven Schiffman |
Treasurer |
None |
Richard Siegelman |
Chief Compliance Officer |
None |
Peter D. Stahl |
Secretary (2013) |
None |
Brian C. McLain |
Assistant Secretary (2013) |
None |
* 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI
(c) Not applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are maintained by Fidelity Management & Research Company, FIMM, or Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc., 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, or the funds' custodian, State Street Bank & Trust Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, MA. JPMorgan Chase Bank, headquartered in New York, also may serve as a special purpose custodian of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. The Bank of New York Mellon, headquartered in New York, also may serve as a special purpose custodian of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions.
Item 34. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the
25th day of September 2014
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Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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Stephanie J. Dorsey, President |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
(Signature) |
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(Title) |
(Date) |
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/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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President and Treasurer |
September 25, 2014 |
Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/Howard J. Galligan III |
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Chief Financial Officer |
September 25, 2014 |
Howard J. Galligan III |
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(Principal Financial Officer) |
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/s/Abigail P. Johnson |
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Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Abigail P. Johnson |
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/s/Elizabeth S. Acton |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Elizabeth S. Acton |
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/s/James C. Curvey |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
James C. Curvey |
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/s/Albert R. Gamper, Jr. |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Albert R. Gamper, Jr. |
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/s/Robert F. Gartland |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Robert F. Gartland |
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/s/Arthur E. Johnson |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Arthur E. Johnson |
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/s/Michael E. Kenneally |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Michael E. Kenneally |
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/s/James H. Keyes |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
James H. Keyes |
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/s/Marie L. Knowles |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Marie L. Knowles |
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/s/Kenneth L. Wolfe |
* |
Trustee |
September 25, 2014 |
Kenneth L. Wolfe |
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* |
By: |
/s/Joseph R. Fleming |
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Joseph R. Fleming, pursuant to powers of attorney dated August 1, 2013 and filed herewith. |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Directors or Trustees, as the case may be, of the following investment companies:
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Boylston Street Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity Colchester Street Trust Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity Court Street Trust II Fidelity Garrison Street Trust Fidelity Hereford Street Trust Fidelity Income Fund Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust II Fidelity Newbury Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II Fidelity Oxford Street Trust Fidelity Oxford Street Trust II Fidelity Phillips Street Trust Fidelity Revere Street Trust Fidelity Salem Street Trust Fidelity School Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust II Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned individuals serve as Directors or Trustees (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney we have given to sign and otherwise act in our names and behalf in matters involving any investment company for which FMR or an affiliate acts as investment adviser and hereby constitute and appoint Thomas C. Bogle, Joseph R.
Fleming, John V. O'Hanlon, Robert W. Helm and Anthony H. Zacharski, each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with
full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for us and in our names in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, or any successors thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments,
or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements or any successors thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in our names and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes
may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after August 1, 2013.
WITNESS our hands on this first day of August 2013.
/s/James C. Curvey |
/s/Michael E. Kenneally |
James C. Curvey |
Michael E. Kenneally |
/s/Albert R. Gamper, Jr. |
/s/James H. Keyes |
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
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James H. Keyes |
/s/Robert F. Gartland |
/s/Marie L. Knowles |
Robert F. Gartland
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Marie L. Knowles |
/s/Arthur E. Johnson |
/s/Kenneth L. Wolfe |
Arthur E. Johnson
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Kenneth L. Wolfe |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Director or Trustee of the following investment companies:
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Boylston Street Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity Garrison Street Trust Fidelity Hereford Street Trust Fidelity Income Fund Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Municipal Trust II Fidelity Newbury Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II Fidelity Oxford Street Trust Fidelity Oxford Street Trust II Fidelity Phillips Street Trust Fidelity Revere Street Trust Fidelity Salem Street Trust Fidelity School Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust II Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned serves as Director or Trustee (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby constitute and appoint Thomas C. Bogle, Joseph R. Fleming, John V. O'Hanlon, Robert W. Helm and Anthony H. Zacharski, each of them singly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, or any successors thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements or any successors thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after August 1, 2013.
WITNESS my hand on this first day of August 2013.
/s/Elizabeth S. Acton |
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Elizabeth S. Acton
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Exhibit d(1)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST:
FIDELITY CORPORATE BOND ETF
and
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of September, 2014, by and between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF (hereinafter called the "Fund"), and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Fund and shall, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Fund's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Trust, of all Trustees of the Trust who are "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Trust or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund as permitted under the Fund's investment policies. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Trust. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Fund with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Fund, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Trust's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust as the Trust's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trust's Board of Trustees with respect to Trust policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser undertakes to pay, either itself or through an affiliated company, all expenses involved in the operation of the Fund, except the following, which shall be paid by the Fund: (i) taxes; (ii) the fees and expenses of all Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the Fund; and (v) such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is or is threatened to be a party and the legal obligation that the Fund may have to indemnify the Trust's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Fund, including charges for creations, exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Fund or the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates.
(d) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Fund.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Declaration of Trust) throughout the month; provided that the fee, so computed, shall be reduced by the compensation, including reimbursement of expenses, paid by the Fund to those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the Adviser.
In case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
5. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 5, this Contract shall continue in force until September 30, 2015 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 5, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Fund by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund or any other Funds of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds.
7. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY
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By |
/s/William E. Dailey |
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William E. Dailey |
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Treasurer |
Exhibit d(2)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST:
FIDELITY LIMITED TERM BOND ETF
and
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of September, 2014, by and between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (hereinafter called the "Fund"), and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Fund and shall, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Fund's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Trust, of all Trustees of the Trust who are "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Trust or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund as permitted under the Fund's investment policies. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Trust. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Fund with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Fund, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Trust's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust as the Trust's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trust's Board of Trustees with respect to Trust policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser undertakes to pay, either itself or through an affiliated company, all expenses involved in the operation of the Fund, except the following, which shall be paid by the Fund: (i) taxes; (ii) the fees and expenses of all Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the Fund; and (v) such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is or is threatened to be a party and the legal obligation that the Fund may have to indemnify the Trust's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Fund, including charges for creations, exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Fund or the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates.
(d) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Fund.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Declaration of Trust) throughout the month; provided that the fee, so computed, shall be reduced by the compensation, including reimbursement of expenses, paid by the Fund to those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the Adviser.
In case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
5. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 5, this Contract shall continue in force until September 30, 2015 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 5, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Fund by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund or any other Funds of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds.
7. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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on behalf of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY
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By |
/s/William E. Dailey |
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William E. Dailey |
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Treasurer |
Exhibit d(3)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST:
FIDELITY TOTAL BOND ETF
and
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of September, 2014, by and between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Total Bond ETF (hereinafter called the "Fund"), and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Fund and shall, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Fund in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Fund's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Trust, of all Trustees of the Trust who are "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Trust or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund as permitted under the Fund's investment policies. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Trust. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Fund, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Fund with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Fund, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Trust's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Fund's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust as the Trust's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trust's Board of Trustees with respect to Trust policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser undertakes to pay, either itself or through an affiliated company, all expenses involved in the operation of the Fund, except the following, which shall be paid by the Fund: (i) taxes; (ii) the fees and expenses of all Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or of the Adviser; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the Fund; and (v) such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is or is threatened to be a party and the legal obligation that the Fund may have to indemnify the Trust's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Fund, including charges for creations, exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Fund or the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates.
(d) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Fund.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Declaration of Trust) throughout the month; provided that the fee, so computed, shall be reduced by the compensation, including reimbursement of expenses, paid by the Fund to those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the Adviser.
In case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The services of the Adviser to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
5. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 5, this Contract shall continue in force until September 30, 2015 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 5, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Fund by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund or any other Funds of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds.
7. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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on behalf of Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY
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By |
/s/William E. Dailey |
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William E. Dailey |
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Treasurer |
Exhibit d(4)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
FMR CO., INC. and
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of September, 2014, by and between FMR Co., Inc., a Massachusetts corporation with principal offices at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts (hereinafter called the ´´Sub-Adviser") and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation with principal offices at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts (hereinafter called the ´´Adviser").
WHEREAS the Adviser has entered into a Management Contract with Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the ´´Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Total Bond ETF (hereinafter called the ´´Fund"), pursuant to which the Adviser is to act as investment manager and adviser to the Fund, and
WHEREAS the Sub-Adviser was formed for the purpose of providing investment management of equity and high income funds and advising generally with respect to equity and high income instruments .
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser agree as follows:
1. (a) The Sub-Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Adviser, direct the investments of all or such portion of the Fund's assets as the Adviser shall designate in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Fund's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the ´´1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Fund may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all personnel of the Sub-Adviser performing services for the Fund relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Sub-Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund or the Adviser, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund. The investment policies and all other actions of the Fund are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees.
(b) The Sub-Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust and the Adviser as the Trust's Board of Trustees or the Adviser may request from time to time or as the Sub-Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Sub-Adviser shall make recommendations to the Trust's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Sub-Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Sub-Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Agreement and which are not otherwise furnished by the Adviser.
(c) The Sub-Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Sub-Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Sub-Adviser, Adviser or their affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Trust shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
2. As compensation for the services to be furnished by the Sub-Adviser hereunder, the Adviser agrees to pay the Sub-Adviser a monthly fee equal to 50% of the management fee (including performance adjustments, if any) that the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser under the Fund's Management Contract with the Adviser in respect of that portion of the Fund's assets managed by the Sub-Adviser during such month. Such fee shall not be reduced to reflect expense reimbursements or fee waivers by the Adviser, if any, in effect from time to time.
3. It is understood that Trustees, officers, and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise.
4. It is understood that the Fund will pay all its expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Sub-Adviser hereunder or by the Adviser under the Management Contract with the Fund.
5. The Services of the Sub-Adviser to the Adviser are not to be deemed to be exclusive, the Sub-Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Agreement, interfere, in a material manner, with the Sub-Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering investment advice hereunder. The Sub-Adviser shall for all purposes be an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the Adviser or the Trust.
6. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Advisor, the Trust or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.
7. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 7, this Agreement shall continue in force until September 30, 2015 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such period shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trust's Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(b) This Agreement may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretive releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 7, the terms of any continuance or modification of the Agreement must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to such Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the Fund may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other parties, terminate this Agreement, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Board of Trustees or Directors, or by vote of a majority of its outstanding voting securities. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
8. The Sub-Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Trust and agrees that any obligations of the Trust or the Fund arising in connection with this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and the Sub-Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund. Nor shall the Sub-Adviser seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee.
9. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CHOICE OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF.
The terms ´´registered investment company," ´´vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," ´´assignment," and ´´interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FMR CO., INC. |
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BY: |
/s/William E. Dailey |
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William E. Dailey |
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Treasurer |
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FIDELITY INVESTMENT MONEY MANAGEMENT, INC. |
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BY: |
/s/William E. Dailey |
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William E. Dailey |
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Treasurer |
Exhibit d(6)
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2008,
between
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.
and
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
VIP Investment Grade Central Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Limited Term ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Municipal Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Securities Lending Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Tax-Free Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Agreed and Accepted
as of September 18, 2014
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. |
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited |
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By: /s/William E. Dailey By: /s/William E. Dailey
Name: William E. Dailey Name: William E. Dailey
Title: Treasurer Title: Treasurer
Exhibit d(8)
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2008,
between
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.
and
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan), Inc.
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/29/2008 |
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
VIP Investment Grade Central Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/29/2008 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Limited Term ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/29/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Municipal Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/29/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Securities Lending Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/29/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Tax-Free Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
09/29/2008 |
Agreed and Accepted
as of September 18, 2014
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. |
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan), Inc. |
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By: /s/William E. Dailey By: /s/William E. Dailey
Name: William E. Dailey Name: William E. Dailey
Title: Treasurer Title: Treasurer
Exhibit d(10)
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2008, between
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.
and
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.), Inc.
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Central Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
VIP Investment Grade Central Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Limited Term ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Municipal Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Securities Lending Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Revere Street Trust |
Fidelity Tax-Free Cash Central Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Agreed and Accepted
as of September 18, 2014
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. |
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. |
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By: /s/William E. Dailey By: /s/William E. Dailey
Name: William E. Dailey Name: William E. Dailey
Title: Treasurer Title: Treasurer
Exhibit e(1)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 18th day of September, 2014, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Smithfield, Rhode Island ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Investments Money Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or any of its affiliates. As specified in the Issuer's registration statement, Issuer shares may be created or redeemed only in blocks of shares or multiples thereof ("Creation Units").
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer -Distributors agrees to act as agent of the Issuer with respect to the continuous distribution of shares of each series as set forth in the Trust's registration statement and in accordance with the provisions thereof. Distributors further agrees as follows: (i) Distributors shall enter into agreements with DTC participants or participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("Authorized Participants") in accordance with the registration statement; (ii) Distributors or its agent shall generate, transmit and maintain copies of confirmations of Creation Unit purchase order acceptances to the purchaser (such confirmations will be made available to the Issuer promptly upon request); (iii) Distributors or its agent shall deliver copies of the relevant Prospectus to purchasers of such Creation Units and upon request the Statement of Additional Information; and (iv) Distributors or its agent shall maintain telephonic, facsimile and/or access to direct computer communications links with the transfer agent. The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus applicable transaction fees (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Right Not to Sell Shares - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that the Adviser or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of the Adviser or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until May 31, 2016 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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By |
/s/Scott E. Couto
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Exhibit e(2)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 18th day of September, 2014, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Smithfield, Rhode Island ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Investments Money Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or any of its affiliates. As specified in the Issuer's registration statement, Issuer shares may be created or redeemed only in blocks of shares or multiples thereof ("Creation Units").
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer -Distributors agrees to act as agent of the Issuer with respect to the continuous distribution of shares of each series as set forth in the Trust's registration statement and in accordance with the provisions thereof. Distributors further agrees as follows: (i) Distributors shall enter into agreements with DTC participants or participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("Authorized Participants") in accordance with the registration statement; (ii) Distributors or its agent shall generate, transmit and maintain copies of confirmations of Creation Unit purchase order acceptances to the purchaser (such confirmations will be made available to the Issuer promptly upon request); (iii) Distributors or its agent shall deliver copies of the relevant Prospectus to purchasers of such Creation Units and upon request the Statement of Additional Information; and (iv) Distributors or its agent shall maintain telephonic, facsimile and/or access to direct computer communications links with the transfer agent. The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus applicable transaction fees (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Right Not to Sell Shares - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that the Adviser or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of the Adviser or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until May 31, 2016 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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/s/Scott E. Cout
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Exhibit e(3)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 18th day of September, 2014, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Smithfield, Rhode Island ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Investments Money Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or any of its affiliates. As specified in the Issuer's registration statement, Issuer shares may be created or redeemed only in blocks of shares or multiples thereof ("Creation Units").
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer -Distributors agrees to act as agent of the Issuer with respect to the continuous distribution of shares of each series as set forth in the Trust's registration statement and in accordance with the provisions thereof. Distributors further agrees as follows: (i) Distributors shall enter into agreements with DTC participants or participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("Authorized Participants") in accordance with the registration statement; (ii) Distributors or its agent shall generate, transmit and maintain copies of confirmations of Creation Unit purchase order acceptances to the purchaser (such confirmations will be made available to the Issuer promptly upon request); (iii) Distributors or its agent shall deliver copies of the relevant Prospectus to purchasers of such Creation Units and upon request the Statement of Additional Information; and (iv) Distributors or its agent shall maintain telephonic, facsimile and/or access to direct computer communications links with the transfer agent. The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus applicable transaction fees (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Right Not to Sell Shares - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that the Adviser or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of the Adviser or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until May 31, 2016 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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By |
/s/Stephanie J. Dorsey
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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By |
/s/Scott E. Couto
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Exhibit g(2)
APPENDIX A
TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
AND
EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES HERETO
UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Notes:
Addition of the following exchange traded funds:
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust: Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust: Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust: Fidelity Total Bond ETF
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on this Appendix "A", on behalf of each of their Respective Portfolios
By: /s/Stephanie Dorsey Name: Stephanie Dorsey Title: Treasurer - Fixed Income and Asset Allocation Funds Assistant Treasurer - Equity and High Income Funds Assistant Treasurer - Sector Portfolios Assistant Treasurer - Fidelity Strategic Advisers Funds
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State Street Bank and Trust Company
By: /s/Michael F. Rogers Name: Michael F. Rogers Title: Executive Vice President |
Exhibit g(6)
APPENDIX "A"
List of Investment Companies
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Financials Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Materials Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Telecommunication Services Index ETF
Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF
Fidelity Total Bond ETF
Each of the Investment Companies Listed Above,
On behalf of each of their Respective Portfolios
By: /s/Stephanie Dorsey
Stephanie Dorsey
Treasurer - Fidelity Fixed Income and Asset Allocation Funds
Assistant Treasurer - Fidelity Equity and High Income Funds
Assistant Treasurer - Fidelity Sector Portfolios
Assistant Treasurer - Fidelity Strategic Advisers Funds
State Street Bank and Trust Company
By: /s/Michael F. Rogers
Michael F. Rogers
Executive Vice President
Exhibit h(1)
FORM OF
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Participation Agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of the date set forth below between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of each series of the Trust listed on Annex A hereto (as may be amended from time to time by the Trust), and _____________________________ (the "________________"), on behalf of each of its series listed on Annex B hereto, as may be amended from time to time by the _________(each, an "Investing Fund").
WHEREAS, Section 12(d)(1)(A) ("Section 12(d)(1)(A)") of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), limits investment by an investment company, as defined in the 1940 Act, and affiliates of such company, in any other investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Trust is an investment company registered as such under the 1940 Act; and is organized as a series fund with multiple separate series (each such series a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, the ________________ is a registered investment company under the 1940 Act, and each Investing Fund has been duly formed or organized as a series of such ________________; and
WHEREAS, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has granted an order (Rel. No. IC-30513 dated May 10, 2013) exempting the Trust and certain investment companies investing in the Trust from the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) (such release and the application collectively, the "Order"); and
WHEREAS, in reliance on the Order, the Investing Fund may acquire shares in the Funds ("Shares") in excess of the limits imposed by Section 12(d)(1)(A); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the conditions set forth in the Order, each Investing Fund must enter into a written agreement with the Trust prior to acquiring Shares in excess of the limits imposed by Section 12(d)(1)(A);
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust and the ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, agree as follows:
1. The members of an Investing Fund's Advisory Group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) within the meaning of Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. The members of an Investing Fund's Sub-Advisory Group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) within the meaning of Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. If, as a result of a decrease in the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, the Investing Fund's Advisory Group or the Investing Fund's Sub-Advisory Group, each in the aggregate, becomes a holder of more than 25 percent of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, it will vote its Shares of the Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the Fund's Shares. This condition does not apply to the Investing Fund's Sub-Advisory Group with respect to a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) for which the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser or a person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser acts as the investment adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(20)(A) of the 1940 Act.
For purposes of this Agreement, a "Master Fund" is another registered investment company in which a Fund invests that is in the same group of investment companies as the Fund, having the identical investment objectives as the Fund.
For purposes of this Agreement, any Investing Fund organized as a unit investment trust will have a sponsor ("Sponsor") and/or trustee ("Trustee") and each Investing Fund formed as a registered management investment company (each, an "Investing Management Company") will have an investment adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(20)(A) of the 1940 Act ("Investing Fund Adviser") that does not control, is not controlled by or under common control with the Fund's adviser. Each Investing Management Company may also have one or more investment advisers within the meaning of Section 2(a)(20)(B) of the 1940 Act (each, an "Investing Fund Sub-Adviser").
For purposes of this Agreement, the "Investing Fund's Advisory Group" consists of the Investing Fund Adviser, or Sponsor, any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Adviser or Sponsor, and any investment company or issuer that would be an investment company but for Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act that is advised or sponsored by the Investing Fund Adviser, the Sponsor, or any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Adviser or Sponsor. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Investing Fund's Sub-Advisory Group" consists of any Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, and any investment company or issuer that would be an investment company but for Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act (or portion of such investment company or issuer) advised or sponsored by the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investing Fund Sub- Adviser.
2. The Investing Fund Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor, as applicable, will waive fees otherwise payable to it by the Investing Fund in an amount at least equal to any compensation (including fees received pursuant to any plan adopted by a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) under Rule 12b-l under the 1940 Act) received from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) by the Investing Fund Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor, or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor, or its affiliated person by the Fund (or its respective Master Fund), in connection with the investment by the Investing Fund in the Fund. Any Investing Fund Sub-Adviser will waive fees otherwise payable to the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, directly or indirectly, by the Investing Management Company in an amount at least equal to any compensation received from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) by the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser or its affiliated person by the Fund (or its respective Master Fund), in connection with the investment by the Investing Management Company in the Fund made at the direction of the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser. In the event that the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser waives fees, the benefit of the waiver will be passed through to the Investing Management Company.
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3. Before approving any advisory contract under Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the board of directors or trustees of each Investing Management Company, including a majority of the independent directors or trustees, will find that the advisory fees charged under such contract are based on services provided that will be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contract(s) of any Fund (or its respective Master Fund) in which the Investing Management Company may invest. These findings and their basis will be fully recorded in the minute books of the appropriate Investing Management Company.
4. No Investing Fund or Investing Fund Affiliate will cause any existing or potential investment by the Investing Fund in a Fund to influence the terms of any services or transactions between the Investing Fund or an Investing Fund Affiliate and the Fund (or its respective Master Fund) or a Fund Affiliate.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Investing Fund Affiliate" includes the Investing Fund Adviser, Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, Sponsor, promoter and principal underwriter of an Investing Fund, and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of these entities.
5. The board of directors or trustees of an Investing Management Company, including a majority of the independent directors or trustees, will adopt procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the Investing Fund Adviser and any Investing Fund Sub-Adviser are conducting the investment program of the Investing Management Company without taking into account any consideration received by the Investing Management Company or an Investing Fund Affiliate from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) or a Fund Affiliate in connection with any services or transactions.
6. No Investing Fund or Investing Fund Affiliate (except to the extent it is acting in its capacity as an investment adviser to a Fund (or its respective Master Fund)) will cause a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) to purchase a security in an Affiliated Underwriting.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Affiliated Underwriting" means an offering of securities during the existence of an underwriting or selling syndicate of which a principal underwriter is an Underwriting Affiliate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Underwriting Affiliate" means a principal underwriter in any underwriting or selling syndicate that is an officer, director, member of an advisory board, Investing Fund Adviser, Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, employee or Sponsor of the Investing Fund, or a person of which any such officer, director, member of an advisory board, Investing Fund Adviser or Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, employee or Sponsor is an affiliated person. An Underwriting Affiliate does not include any person whose relationship to the Fund is covered by Section 10(f) of the 1940 Act.
7. Before investing in Shares of a Fund in excess of the limits in Section 12(d)(1)(A), each Investing Fund and the Trust will have executed this Agreement and complied with the terms and conditions hereof. At the time of its investment in Shares of a Fund in excess of the limit in Section 12(d)(1)(A)(i), an Investing Fund will notify the Fund of the investment. At such time, the Investing Fund will also transmit to the Fund a list of the names of each Investing Fund Affiliate and Underwriting Affiliate. The Investing Fund will notify the Fund of any changes to the list of the names as soon as reasonably practicable after a change occurs.
8. Each Investing Fund will promptly notify a Fund in writing of any purchase or acquisition of shares of the Fund that causes such Investing Fund to hold 5% or more of such Fund's total outstanding voting securities. If Fidelity Management & Research Company or any of its affiliates actively trade with any of __________________'s affiliates, trading could be blocked until the Fund is notified that the holding percentage has fallen below 5%.
9. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, represents and warrants to the Trust that the ________________'s board of directors or trustees, trustee, investment adviser or manager, sponsor, and/or depositor, as applicable, have received a copy of and have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Order, and agree to fulfill their responsibilities under the Order. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, further represents and warrants to the Trust that the foregoing persons understand that the Order pertains only to investments in the Trust and not to investments in any other investment company. The ________________ understands that this Agreement is entered into in furtherance of, and pursuant to, the Order, and agrees that this Agreement shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
10. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, agrees that it has sole responsibility under the Order and this Agreement to monitor the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A) as they pertain to its acquisition of Shares.
11. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, represents and warrants to the Trust that, if it is an Investing Management Company, its investment adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or is exempt from such registration.
12. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, represents and warrants to the Trust that, if it purchases Shares in large aggregations ( i.e. , "Creation Units") directly from the Trust, it will do so only in compliance with the Investing Fund's investment restrictions and only if so doing is consistent with the investment policies set forth in the Investing Fund's registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
13. The Fund and the Investing Fund will maintain and preserve a copy of the Order, the Agreement, and the list with any updated information for the duration of the investment and for a period of not less than six years thereafter, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
14. The Fund and the Investing Fund acknowledge that the receipt of compensation by (a) an affiliated person of an Investing Fund, or an affiliated person of such person, for the purchase by the Investing Fund of Shares of a Fund or (b) an affiliated person of a Fund, or an affiliated person of such person, for the sale by the Fund of its Shares to an Investing Fund, may be prohibited by Section 17(e)(1) of the 1940 Act.
15. Any sales charge and/or service fees charged with respect to shares of an Investing Fund will not exceed the limits applicable to a fund of funds as set forth in NASD Conduct Rule 2830.
16. If it is acquiring Shares in excess of either (i) the 5% limit of Section 12(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the 1940 Act or (ii) the 10% limit of Section 12(d)(1)(A)(iii) of the 1940 Act, the ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, represents and warrants to the Trust, and agrees, that its prospectus will disclose in "plain English" the fact that it does or may invest in exchange-traded funds such as the Trust, the unique characteristics of a fund that invests in Funds, and the expenses of so doing.
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17. Any of the provisions of this Agreement notwithstanding, the ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, represents and warrants to the Trust that it operates, and will continue to operate, in compliance with the 1940 Act, and the Commission's rules and regulations thereunder. The ________________, on behalf of each Investing Fund, agrees that the Trust is entitled to rely on the representations contained in this Agreement and that the Trust has no independent duty to monitor the Investing Fund's compliance with this Agreement, the Order, the 1940 Act, or the Commission's rules and regulations thereunder.
18. The Investing Fund and/or the Investing Fund's Adviser will provide certifications on an annual basis on the form attached hereto as Annex C, (as may be amended from time to time), in order to confirm the Investing Fund's and/or the Investing Fund's Adviser's compliance with the provisions set forth herein.
19. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Trust may, in its sole discretion, amend Annex A to add or delete a series of the Trust.
20. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the _________ may, in its sole discretion, amend Annex B to add or delete a series of the _____________.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the __ day of __________________, 201_.
[Name of Series Trust]
By: ____________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: ____________________________
ACCEPTED:
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
By: ____________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: ____________________________
Attachment 7
Annex A
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF Fidelity Total Bond ETF
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Annex B
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Attachment 7
FORM OF CERTIFICATION
Annex C
Form of Officer's Certificate
I, [ ], the duly elected and qualified [President/Vice President] of [ ] hereby certify in my capacity as such officer pursuant to Section 17 of that certain Participation Agreement dated [ , 201_] by and among the Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust on behalf of its series identified on Annex A to the Participation Agreement that:
During the preceding year:
1. The members of the Investing Fund's Advisory Group have not controlled (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) within the meaning of Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act, and the members of the Investing Funds' Sub-Advisory Group have not controlled (individually or in the aggregate) the Fund (or its respective Master Fund) within the meaning of Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.
2. The Investing Fund or Investing Fund's Affiliate has not caused any existing or potential investment by the Investing Fund in a Fund to influence the terms of any services or transactions between the Investing Fund or Investing Fund's Affiliate and the Fund (or its respective Master Fund) or a Fund Affiliate.
3. The Investing Fund's Adviser and Investing Fund's Sub-Adviser, if applicable, have conducted the investment program of the Investing Management Company without taking into account any consideration received by the Investing Management Company or Investing Fund's Affiliate from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) or Fund Affiliate in connection with any services or transactions.
4. The Investing Fund's Adviser, or trustee or Sponsor of an Investing Trust, as applicable, has waived any fees otherwise payable to it by the Investing Fund in an amount at least equal to any compensation (including fees received pursuant to any plan adopted by a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) under Rule 12b-l under the Act) received from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) by the Investing Fund's Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor of the Investing Trust, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund's Adviser, or Trustee or Sponsor, or its affiliated person by the Fund (or its respective Master Fund) in connection with the investment by the Investing Fund in the Fund.
The Investing Fund's Sub-Adviser, if applicable, has waived any fees otherwise payable to the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, directly or indirectly, by the Investing Management Company in an amount at least equal to any compensation received from a Fund (or its respective Master Fund) by the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser or its affiliated person by the Fund (or its respective Master Fund), in connection with the investment by the Investing Management Company in the Fund made at the direction of the Investing Fund Sub-Adviser.
5. No Investing Fund caused the Fund to purchase a security in an Affiliated Underwriting.
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6. Each Investing Fund maintains a copy of the exemptive order and the Participation Agreement, along with any updated information or amendments, for the duration of the investment and for a period of not less than six years thereafter, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
7. No Investing Fund acquired shares of the Fund such that caused such Investing Fund to hold 5% or more of such Fund's total outstanding voting securities, other than those instances where notice was provided to the Fund. If Fidelity Management & Research Company or any of its affiliates actively trade with any of __________________'s affiliates, trading could be blocked until the Fund is notified that the holding percentage has fallen below 5%.
8. The Investing Fund has not charged sales loads and/or service fees that in the aggregate, exceed the limits set forth in FINRA Rule 2830 (i.e., 8.5% of the offering price).
9. The Investing Fund has not purchased shares of the Fund based on any compensation received by an affiliate of the Investing Fund.
10. Each Investing Fund complied with all applicable terms and conditions of the Order and the Participation Agreement.
Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings as defined in the Participation Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the _____ day of _______________, 201_.
______________________________
Name:
Title: [President/Vice President]
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Exhibit h(2)
FORM OF AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
Fidelity Covington Trust, Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust
This Authorized Participant Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into between Fidelity Distributors Corporation (the "Distributor") and [________________________________________] (the "Participant") and is subject to acceptance by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Transfer Agent"). The Distributor, the Participant and the Transfer Agent acknowledge and agree that Fidelity Covington Trust, Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust, (collectively the "Trusts") and each series thereof structured as an exchange-traded fund (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement and shall receive the benefits contemplated by this Agreement to the extent specified herein. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are defined in the current prospectus for each Fund (together with the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") incorporated therein, the "Prospectus").
The Distributor acts as principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the sale and distribution of shares of beneficial interest of each Fund (the "Shares"). The Distributor may designate others, including affiliates or its agents, to perform certain functions in this agreement. The Fidelity Covington Trust has appointed the Transfer Agent to provide certain order-taking functions relating to the ETF shares. The Transfer Agent serves as the transfer agent of the Shares.
This Agreement is intended to set forth certain premises and the procedures by which the Participant may create and/or redeem Creation Units through the Federal Reserve/Treasury Automated Debt Entry System maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the "Federal Reserve Book-Entry System") and the Continuous Net Settlement ("CNS") clearing processes of NSCC (as such processes have been enhanced to effect purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, the "CNS Clearing Process ") or , outside of the CNS Clearing Process, the manual process of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC").
In consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. STATUS OF PARTICIPANT
a. Clearing Status
The Participant represents, covenants and warrants that it has the ability to transact through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System and, with respect to orders for the creation or redemption of Creation Units, (i) through the CNS Clearing Process, because it is a member of NSCC and an authorized participant in the CNS System of NSCC (a "Participating Party"), and/or (ii) outside the CNS Clearing Process, because it is a DTC participant (a "DTC Participant"). The Participant clears through NSCC numbers [____________] (CNS) and [____________] (DTC).
The Participant may place orders for the creation or redemption of Creation Units either through the CNS Clearing Process or outside the CNS Clearing Process, subject to the procedures for creation and redemption referred to in Section 2 of this Agreement and the procedures described in Attachment A hereto. Any change in the foregoing status of the Participant shall terminate this Agreement. The Participant shall give prompt notice of any such change to the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and each Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser").
b. Broker-Dealer Status
The Participant represents, covenants and warrants that: (i) it is a broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and it is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), or it is exempt from, or it is otherwise not required to be licensed as, a broker-dealer or a member of FINRA; (ii) it is registered and/or licensed to act as a broker or dealer, as required under all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the states or other jurisdictions in which the Participant conducts its activities, or it is otherwise exempt; and (iii) it is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The Participant agrees that it will: (i) maintain such registrations, licenses, qualifications, and memberships in good standing and in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement; (ii) conform to the NASD Conduct Rules (or comparable FINRA Conduct Rules, if such NASD Conduct Rules are subsequently renamed, repealed, rescinded, or otherwise replaced by FINRA Conduct Rules) and the securities laws of any jurisdiction in which it sells Shares, directly or indirectly, to the extent such laws, rules and regulations relate to the Participant's transactions in, and activities with respect to, the Shares; and (iii) not offer or sell Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction where such Shares may not lawfully be offered and/or sold.
c. Foreign Status
If the Participant is offering and selling Shares in jurisdictions outside the several states, territories and possessions of the United States, and the Participant is not otherwise required to be registered or qualified as a broker or dealer, or to be a member of FINRA as set forth above, the Participant nevertheless agrees to observe the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which such offer and/or sale is made, to comply with the full disclosure requirements of the Securities Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and to conduct its business in accordance with the NASD Conduct Rules (or comparable FINRA Conduct Rules, if such NASD Conduct Rules are subsequently renamed, repealed, rescinded, or otherwise replaced by FINRA Conduct Rules), to the extent the foregoing relates to the Participant's transactions in, and activities with respect to, the Shares.
d. Distributor Status
The Participant understands and acknowledges that the method by which Creation Units will be created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. For example, because new Creation Units of Shares may be issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. The Participant understands and acknowledges that some activities on its part, depending on the circumstances, may result in it being deemed a participant in a distribution in a manner which could render it a statutory underwriter and subject it to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act. Neither the Distributor nor the Transfer Agent will indemnify the Participant for any violations of the federal securities laws committed by the Participant. The Participant also understands and acknowledges that dealers who are not "underwriters," but who effect transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus.
2. EXECUTION OF ORDERS
All orders for the creation or redemption of Creation Units shall be handled in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus, and where applicable, the procedures described in Attachment A to this Agreement. In the event the procedures include the use of recorded telephone lines, the Participant hereby consents to such use. The Trust reserves the right to issue additional or other procedures relating to the manner of creating or redeeming Creation Units, and the Participant, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent agree to comply with such procedures as may be issued from time to time, upon reasonable notice thereof. In the event of a conflict between the Prospectus and any such procedures, the Prospectus shall control.
With respect to any order for the purchase of Creation Units ("Purchase Order"), the Trust acknowledges and agrees to return to the Participant, or to any party for which it is acting, any dividend, interest, distribution or other corporate action paid to the Trust in respect of any Deposit Securities that are transferred to the Trust that, based on the valuation of such Deposit Securities at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the Participant or any party for which it is acting.
With respect to any order for the redemption of Creation Units ("Redemption Order"), the Participant acknowledges and agrees on behalf of itself and any party for which it is acting (regardless of its capacity) that: (i) the Participant will use its best efforts to return to the Trust any dividend, interest, distribution or other corporate action paid to it or the party for which it is acting in respect of Fund Securities that are transferred to the Participant or any party for which it is acting that, based on the valuation of such Fund Securities at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the Trust, and (ii) the Trust is entitled to reduce the amount of money or other proceeds due to the Participant or any party for which it is acting that, based on the valuation of such Fund Securities at the time of transfer, should be paid to the Trust.
Solely with respect to orders for the creation or redemption of Creation Units through the CNS Clearing Process, the Participant as a Participating Party hereby authorizes the Trust or its designee to transmit to NSCC on behalf of the Participant such instructions, including Share and cash amounts, as are necessary with respect to the creation and redemption of Creation Units consistent with the instructions issued by the Participant to the Transfer Agent for purchases and redemptions. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of such instructions issued by the Transfer Agent on behalf of the Trust and reported to NSCC as though such instructions were issued by the Participant directly to NSCC.
3. DEPOSIT SECURITIES AND/OR RELEVANT CASH AMOUNTS
Each Fund will make available each day the Fund is open through the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent the names and the required number of Shares of each Deposit Security in a Creation Unit, as well as information regarding the Cash Component, or the Cash Deposit, as applicable. The Participant understands that a Creation Unit will not be issued until the requisite number of Shares of each Deposit Security and the Cash Component, or the Cash Deposit, as applicable, as well as applicable Transaction Fees (as discussed below) are transferred to the Trust on or before the settlement date in accordance with the Prospectus.
4. ROLE OF PARTICIPANT
a. Not Acting as Agent
The Participant acknowledges and agrees that, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Participant will be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall have no authority in any transaction or in any respect to act as agent of the Trust, the Distributor, or the Transfer Agent. The Participant agrees to make itself and its employees available, upon request, during normal business hours to consult with the Trust, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, or the Participant's custodian or their designees concerning the performance of the Participant's responsibilities under this Agreement.
b. Obligations as DTC Participant
The Participant, as a DTC Participant, agrees that it shall be bound by all of the obligations of a DTC Participant in addition to any obligations that it undertakes hereunder or in accordance with the Prospectus.
c. Delivery of Shareholder Information
The Participant agrees that subject to any privacy obligations or other obligations arising under the federal or state securities laws that the Participant may have to its customers, the Participant will assist the Distributor and/or Transfer Agent in ascertaining certain information regarding sales of Shares made by or through the Participant upon the request of the Trust or the Distributor necessary for a Fund to comply with its obligations to distribute information to its shareholders, as may be required from time to time under applicable state or federal securities laws, rules and regulations. The Participant shall undertake to deliver to its customers proxy materials and annual and other reports of the Funds, or other similar information that the Funds are obligated to deliver to their shareholders, upon receiving from the Funds or the Distributor of sufficient quantities of the same to allow mailing thereof to such customers. The Participant will be responsible for providing Prospectuses in connection with sales of Shares in the secondary market, as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
d. Proprietary Information
Neither the Distributor nor any of its affiliates shall use the names, addresses and other information concerning the Participant's customers for any purpose except in connection with the performance of its duties and responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational mailings described in this Section 4, or as may otherwise be permitted by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
e. Maintenance of Records
The Participant agrees to maintain records of all sales of Shares made by or through it, in a manner consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to furnish copies of such records to the Trust or the Distributor promptly upon request.
f. Agent for Proxy
The Participant represents that from time to time, it may be a beneficial owner of Shares ("Beneficial Owner"). To the extent that it is a Beneficial Owner, the Participant agrees to irrevocably appoint the Distributor as its attorney and proxy with full authorization and power to vote (or abstain from voting) its beneficially owned Shares. The Distributor intends to vote (or abstain from voting) the Participant's beneficially owned Shares in the same proportion as the votes (or abstentions) of all other shareholders of the corresponding Fund on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of such Fund. The Distributor, as attorney and proxy for the Participant hereunder: (i) is hereby given full power of substitution and revocation; (ii) may act through such agents, nominees, or attorneys as it may appoint from time to time; and (iii) may provide voting instructions to such agents, nominees, or substitute attorneys. The Distributor may terminate this irrevocable proxy within sixty (60) days written notice to the Participant.
g. Privacy
The Participant affirms that it has, and will continue to have throughout the term of this Agreement, procedures in place that are reasonably designed to protect the privacy of non-public personal consumer/customer information to the extent required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
h. Anti-Money Laundering
The Participant represents that it has and will continue to have throughout the term of this agreements written policies, procedures and internal controls ("AML Program") reasonably designed to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws, rules and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, including applicable provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, as the same may be in effect from time to time, which is hereby confirmed with the placement of any order. The Participant represents that its AML Program will be maintained in substantial conformity with the foregoing provisions throughout the term of this Agreement.
5. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTATIONS
a. Representations Concerning a Fund
The Participant represents, warrants and agrees that it will not make any representations concerning a Fund, Creation Units or Shares, other than those consistent with the Prospectus or any promotional or sales literature furnished to the Participant by the Trust or the Distributor, or any such materials permitted by clause (b) of this Section.
b. Marketing Materials
The Participant represents, warrants and agrees that, in connection with any sale or solicitation of a sale of Shares, it will only make representations concerning the Shares that are consistent with the then current Prospectus or any promotional materials or sales literature furnished to the Participant by the Distributor or the Trust.
The Participant agrees not to furnish, or cause to be furnished by it or its employees, to any person, or to display or publish, any information or materials relating to a Fund or the Shares (including, without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature, advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters, signs or other similar materials, but not including any materials that are prepared and used for the Participant's internal use only, or brokerage communications that are prepared by the Participant in the normal course of its business, consistent with the Prospectus, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations) ("Marketing Materials"), unless such Marketing Materials: (i) are either furnished to the Participant by the Trust or the Distributor, or are otherwise consistent with the Prospectus, have been approved by the Distributor in writing prior to use, and clearly indicate that such Marketing Materials are prepared and distributed by the Participant, and (ii) comply with applicable NASD Conduct Rules (or comparable FINRA Conduct Rules, if such NASD Conduct Rules are subsequently renamed, repealed, rescinded, or otherwise replaced by FINRA Conduct Rules). The Participant shall file all such Marketing Materials that it prepares with FINRA, as required by applicable laws, rules or regulations.
c. Advertisements Describing Purchase/Sale of Creation Units
The Participant understands that: (i) neither the Trust nor any Fund may be advertised or marketed as an "open-end investment company" or a "mutual fund," (ii) all Marketing Materials will prominently disclose that the Shares are not individually redeemable, and (iii) the Prospectus and all Marketing Materials that address redemptions of Shares will prominently disclose that Shares are not individually redeemable and that the owners of Shares may acquire Shares and tender Shares for redemption to the Trust in Creation Unit aggregations only.
d. Preparation and Circulation of Research Reports
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Participant and its affiliates may prepare and circulate in the regular course of their businesses research, reports and other similar materials that include information, opinions or recommendations relating to the Shares, provided that, such materials comply with applicable NASD Conduct Rules (or comparable FINRA Conduct Rules, if such NASD Conduct Rules are subsequently renamed, repealed, rescinded, or are otherwise replaced by FINRA Conduct Rules) and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. Such materials must be consistent with the prospectus or other materials previously furnished by the Trust or the Distributor or be approved by the Distributor in writing prior to use, and clearly indicate that such materials are prepared and distributed by the Participant.
6. SUB-CUSTODIAN ACCOUNT
The Participant understands and agrees that, in the case of each Fund that invests in international securities (each, a "Global Fund"), the Trust has caused State Street Bank and Trust Company, acting in its capacity as the Trust's custodian ("Custodian"), to maintain with the applicable sub-custodian ("Sub-custodian") for such Fund, an account in the relevant foreign jurisdiction, to which the Participant shall deliver or cause to be delivered, in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit, on behalf of itself or any party for which it is acting (whether or not a customer), the securities not subject to settlement in the United States, with any appropriate adjustments as advised by such Fund, in accordance with the terms and conditions applicable to such account in such jurisdiction.
7. TITLE TO SECURITIES - RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Participant represents on behalf of itself and any party for which it acts that Deposit Securities delivered to the Custodian and/or any relevant Sub-Custodian in connection with a Fund Deposit will not be "restricted securities," as such term is used in Rule 144(a)(3)(i) of the Securities Act, and at the time of delivery to the Custodian and/or any relevant Sub-Custodian in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus, will provide good and unencumbered title to such Deposit Securities to the Trust and be free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and will not be subject to any adverse claims, including without limitation, any restriction upon the sale or transfer of such securities imposed by (i) any agreement or arrangement entered into by the Participant or any party for which it is acting in connection with a transaction to purchase Shares, or (ii) any provision of the Securities Act and regulations thereunder (except that portfolio securities of issuers other than U.S. issuers shall not be required to have been registered under the Securities Act if exempt from such registration) or of the applicable securities laws, rules or regulations of any other applicable jurisdiction.
8. PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND TAXES
a. Transaction Fees
In connection with the creation or redemption of Creation Units, the Participant agrees to pay the Transaction Fee, if any, prescribed in the Prospectus applicable to creations or redemptions. Transaction Fees, which may be waived or otherwise adjusted from time to time, will differ for each Fund, depending on the transaction expenses related to each Fund's portfolio instruments. The Participant will receive a Prospectus that contains complete disclosure about Transaction Fees, including the maximum amount of the Transaction Fee charged by a Fund. The method of calculating the Transaction Fees will be fully disclosed in the SAI. Variations in the Transaction Fee may be imposed in the sole discretion of the Trust from time to time, as disclosed in the Prospectus, and the method of determining such variations will be disclosed in the SAI.
b. Tax Liability
To the extent any payment of any transfer tax, sales or use tax, stamp tax, recording tax, value added tax or any other similar tax or government charge applicable to the creation or redemption of any Creation Unit of Shares of any Fund made pursuant to this Agreement is imposed, the Participant shall be responsible for the payment of such tax or government charge regardless of whether or not such tax or charge is imposed directly on the Participant. To the extent the Trust, the Distributor or their agents are required by law to pay any such tax or charge, the Participant agrees to promptly indemnify such party for any such payment, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax or interest thereon.
9. AUTHORIZED PERSONS
a. Certification
Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Distributor, the Adviser, the Transfer Agent, and the Trust a certificate in a form attached as Attachment B-1 to this Agreement, duly certified as appropriate by its secretary or other duly authorized person that sets forth the names, titles, signatures, email addresses, and telephone and facsimile numbers of all persons authorized to give instructions relating to the activities contemplated hereby or any other notice, request or instruction on behalf of the Participant (each, an "Authorized Person"). Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust of a superseding or amended certificate or if earlier, until termination of this Agreement. After such certificate is accepted by the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust, the Participant may authorize additional Authorized Persons to give instructions relating to any activity contemplated hereby or any other notice, request or instruction on behalf of the Participant by delivering to the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, and the Trust an addendum to the certificate described above in a form attached as Attachment B-2 to this Agreement.
b. PIN Numbers
The Transfer Agent shall issue to each Authorized Person a unique personal identification number ("PIN Number") by which such Authorized Person and the Participant shall be identified and instructions issued by the Participant hereunder shall be authenticated. The PIN Number shall be kept confidential and provided to Authorized Persons and the Distributor only. If for some reason, an Authorized Person's PIN Number is compromised, the Participant or such Authorized Person shall contact the Transfer Agent immediately in order for a new PIN Number to be issued, and the Participant or Authorized Person and the Transfer Agent shall notify the Distributor.
The Participant may revoke the PIN Number at any time upon written notice to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of such written request, the Transfer Agent shall promptly deactivate the PIN Number. If a Participant's PIN Number is changed, the new PIN Number will become effective on a date and time mutually agreed upon by the Participant, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust. The Transfer Agent will promptly provide the Distributor with all newly issued PIN Numbers and promptly notify the Distributor of any changes to PIN Numbers, including deactivation of any PIN Number.
c. Termination of Authority
Upon the termination or revocation of authority of an Authorized Person by the Participant, the Participant shall give prompt written notice of such fact to the Distributor, Transfer Agent and the Adviser, and such notice shall be effective upon receipt by the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall promptly deactivate the PIN Number of such Authorized Person upon receipt of the written notice and notify the Distributor.
d. Verification
The Distributor and Transfer Agent shall not verify that an Order is being placed by an Authorized Person. The Distributor and Transfer Agent shall be entitled to assume that all instructions issued to it using the Participant's PIN Number have been properly placed by Authorized Persons, unless the Distributor or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, has actual knowledge to the contrary or the Participant has properly revoked such PIN Number as provided herein.
e. Limitation of Liability
The Participant agrees that the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust shall not be liable for losses incurred by the Participant as a result of unauthorized use of the Participant's PIN Number.
10. REDEMPTION
The Participant represents and warrants that it will not obtain an Order Number (as described in Attachment A) for the purpose of redeeming a Creation Unit unless it first ascertains that (a) it or its customer, as the case may be, owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed and receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (b) such Shares have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement which would preclude the delivery of such Shares in accordance with the Prospectus and on a "regular way" basis, or as otherwise required by the Trust. The Participant understands that Shares of any Fund may be redeemed only when one or more Creation Units of Shares of a Beneficial Owner are held in the account of a single Participant. The Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent may, upon request, require the Participant to provide proof of ownership and the Distributor and/or Transfer Agent may reject any such order if proof of ownership is not provided.
11. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
The Participant represents and warrants to the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust that (based upon the number of outstanding Shares of each Fund made publicly available by the Trust) either (i) it does not hold, and will not as a result of the contemplated transaction hold, for its account or the account of any Beneficial Owner, eighty percent (80%) or more of the outstanding Shares of the relevant Fund, or (ii) if it does hold for its account or the account of any Beneficial Owner, eighty percent (80%) or more of the outstanding Shares of the relevant Fund, that such a circumstance would not result in the Fund acquiring a basis in the portfolio securities deposited with the Fund with respect to an order to create Shares in such Fund different from the fair market value of such portfolio securities on the date of such order. Such representation and warranty shall be deemed repeated with respect to each order for one or more Creation Units of Shares of any Fund. The Participant understands and agrees that the order form relating to any order for one or more Creation Units of Shares of any Fund shall state substantially the same foregoing representations and warranties. In making the above representation and warranty with respect to the holdings of Shares by Beneficial Owners other than the Participant or its affiliates, the Participant may rely upon the representations and warranties provided by such Beneficial Owners to the Participant regarding their holdings of Shares of the relevant Fund.
The Distributor or the Transfer Agent may request information from the Participant regarding Share ownership, which the Participant must furnish within a reasonable period of time after such request is made, and may rely on such information to the extent necessary to make a determination regarding ownership of eighty percent (80%) or more of the outstanding Shares by a Beneficial Owner as a condition to the acceptance of a Fund Deposit.
12. INDEMNIFICATION
This Section 12 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
a. Participant's Indemnification of Trust, Distributor, and Transfer Agent
The Participant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor in its capacity as principal underwriter, the Trust, the Transfer Agent, their respective affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (each, a "Participant Indemnified Party") from and against any loss, liability, cost and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by such Participant Indemnified Party as a result of: (i) any breach by the Participant of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Participant; (ii) any failure on the part of the Participant to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement; (iii) any failure by the Participant to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including rules and regulations of self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") in relation to its role as Participant; (iv) actions of such Participant Indemnified Party in reliance upon any instructions issued or representations made in accordance with Attachment A (as amended from time to time) and reasonably believed by the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, as applicable, to be genuine and to have been given by the Participant or (v)(1) any representation by the Participant, its employees or its agents or other representatives about the Shares, any Participant Indemnified Party or the Trust that is not consistent with the Trust's then-current Prospectus made in connection with the offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell Shares and (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any of Participant's research reports, marketing material or sales literature described in Section 5 hereof or any alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to the extent that such statement or omission relates to the Shares or any Participant Indemnified Party unless, in either case, such representation, statement or omission was made or included by the Participant at the written direction of the Trust or the Distributor or is based upon any omission by the Trust or the Distributor to state a material fact in connection with such representation, statement or omission necessary to make such representation, statement or omission not misleading.
The foregoing shall not apply to any loss, damage, charge, liability, cost, expense, cause of action, obligation, judgment or fee incurred by a Participant Indemnified Party arising out of such Participant Indemnified Party's fraud, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless or willful misconduct. With respect to (i) through (iii) and (v) above, the Participant Indemnified Party's failure to promptly acknowledge the Participant's breach of, or failure to perform or comply with, the terms of this Agreement shall not negate the foregoing indemnification.
b. Distributor's Indemnification of Participant
The Distributor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Participant, its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act (each a "Distributor Indemnified Party") from and against any loss, liability, cost and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by such Distributor Indemnified Party as a result of: (i) any breach by the Distributor of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Distributor; (ii) any failure on the part of the Distributor to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement; (iii) any failure by the Distributor to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including rules and regulations of SROs in relation to its role as Distributor; (iv) actions of such Distributor Indemnified Party in reliance upon any instructions issued or representations made in accordance with Attachment A (as amended from time to time) reasonably believed by the Participant to be genuine and to have been given by the Distributor; or (v) any untrue statement, of a material fact contained in the registration statement, Prospectus, or SAI, as each may be amended from time to time, or any omission, to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
The foregoing shall not apply to any loss, damage, charge, liability, cost, expense, cause of action, obligation, judgment or fee incurred by a Distributor Indemnified Party arising out of such Distributor Indemnified Party's fraud, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless or willful misconduct. With respect to (i) through (iii) and (v) above, the Distributor Indemnified Party's failure to promptly acknowledge any omission to state a material fact or untrue statement contained in such materials or the Distributor's breach of, or failure to perform or comply with, the terms of this Agreement shall not negate the foregoing indemnification.
c. Data Errors and Communication Delays
Neither the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, nor the Participant shall be liable to any other party to this Agreement for any damages arising out of mistakes or errors in data provided to the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, or the Participant by a third party, or out of interruptions or delays of electronic means of communications with the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, or the Participant.
13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
a. Express Duties
The Distributor and the Transfer Agent undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are expressly set forth herein, or expressly incorporated herein by reference, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.
b. Limited Liability
In the absence of fraud, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless or willful misconduct on its part, neither the Distributor, nor the Transfer Agent, whether acting directly or through agents or attorneys, shall be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted or for any error of judgment made by any of them in the performance of their duties hereunder. Neither the Distributor nor the Transfer Agent shall be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless the party exercising such shall have been grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts necessary to make such judgment. In no event shall the Distributor or the Transfer Agent be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profit), even if such parties have been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. In no event shall the Distributor or the Transfer Agent be liable for the acts or omissions of DTC, NSCC or any other securities depository or clearing corporation.
c. Force Majeure
Neither the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, nor the Participant shall be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation: acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunction of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions.
d. Reliance on Instructions
The Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust may conclusively rely upon, and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any communication authorized hereby and upon any written or oral instruction, notice, request, direction or consent reasonably believed by each of them to be genuine.
e. No Advancement by Transfer Agent
The Transfer Agent shall not be required to advance, expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder, except as may be required as a result of its own fraud, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless or willful misconduct.
14. TRUST AS THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY
The Participant, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent understand and agree that the Trust, as a third-party beneficiary to this Agreement, is entitled and intends to proceed directly against the Participant in the event the Participant fails to honor any of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement that benefit the Trust. The Participant agrees to cooperate with the Trust, Transfer Agent, and the Distributor if a request for information or records is made to the Participant.
15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Participant acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus and represents it has reviewed the Prospectus and understands the terms thereof , and further acknowledges that the procedures contained therein pertaining to the creation and redemption of Shares are incorporated herein by reference.
16. NOTICES
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery, traceable overnight mail ( e.g., Federal Express) or by postage prepaid registered or certified U.S. First Class mail, return receipt requested, or by facsimile or similar means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices shall be given or sent as follows:
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Fidelity SelectCo, LLC |
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[Name of Participant] [Participant Street Address] [Participant City, State and Zip Code] |
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State Street Bank and Trust Company Attn: ETF Matters P.O. Box 5049 Boston, MA 02206-5049
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State Street Bank and Trust Company 200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor Boston, MA 02116
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17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement and Attachment A hereto, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, supersede any prior agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding the matters contained herein. Additional or other procedures relating to the manner of creating or redeeming Creation Units, when issued by the Trust and provided pursuant to the notice provisions hereof, shall become part of this Agreement.
18. INTERPRETATION
Titles and section headings are included solely for convenient reference and are not a part of this Agreement.
19. AMENDMENT
This Agreement, Attachment A hereto, and any additional or other procedures relating to the manner of creating or redeeming Creation Units issued by the Trust and provided pursuant to the notice provisions hereof may be amended or modified: (i) by a written document signed by an authorized representative of each party; or (ii) by the Trust or the Distributor from time to time without the consent of any Participant or Beneficial Owner by the following procedure: the Trust or the Distributor will mail a copy of the amendment to the Participant and the Trust or Distributor, as applicable, and the Transfer Agent. If neither the Participant nor the other party objects in writing to the amendment within ten (10) days after its receipt, the amendment will become part of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
20. TERMINATION
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by any party upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other parties unless: (i) earlier terminated by the Trust, Transfer Agent or the Distributor in the event of a breach by the Participant of this Agreement or the procedures described or incorporated herein; or (ii) in the event that the Trust is terminated pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
21. PROSPECTUS AND REPRESENTATIONS
The Distributor will provide to the Participant copies of the Prospectus and any printed supplemental information in reasonable quantities upon request. The Participant consents to the delivery of Prospectuses electronically. The Participant understands that current Prospectuses and all required reports for each applicable Fund are available at the Funds' website at Fidelity.com. The Participant can revoke this consent to delivering Prospectuses electronically at any time by calling 1-800-[___-_____]. The Participant agrees to maintain a valid email address, and agrees to promptly notify the Distributor if its email address changes. The Participant shall, upon request of the Trust, provide the Trust with sufficient documentation and other evidence that the Participant is providing Prospectuses to the purchasers of any Shares. The Distributor shall be deemed to have complied with this Section when the Participant has received such revised, supplemented or amended Prospectus by email at [ @ .com].
Participant and Distributor are expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration(s) of Trust or other organizational document of the Funds and agree that any obligation assumed by the Fund under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets. Participant or Distributor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Fund. Nor shall the Participant or Distributor seek satisfaction from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Fund. Participant and Distributor understand that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Fund under its Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
22. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
23. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. The parties irrevocably submit to the personal jurisdiction and service and venue of any Commonwealth of Massachusetts or United States Federal court sitting in Boston, Massachusetts having subject matter jurisdiction, for the purposes of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
24. ASSIGNMENT
No party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement (in whole or in part) without the prior written consent of the other parties, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided that, any party may assign its rights and obligations hereunder (in whole, but not in part) without such consent to an entity acquiring all, or substantially all of its assets or business or to an affiliate. The party resulting from any such merger, conversion, consolidation or succession shall notify the other parties hereto of the change. Notwithstanding the aforementioned termination provisions, in the event that an entity acquires all or substantially all of the Participant's assets or business, the Distributor or Transfer Agent may elect within a limited period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date upon which such acquisition was publicly announced to immediately terminate this Agreement.
25. SEVERANCE
If any provision of this Agreement is held by any court or any act, regulation, rule or decision of any other governmental or supranational body or authority or regulatory or self-regulatory organization to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, it shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable only to the extent so held and shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement so long as this Agreement, as so modified, continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and the deletion of such portion of this Agreement will not substantially impair the respective benefits, obligations, or expectations of the parties to this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the below parties hereto have executed this Agreement, the effective date of which shall be date of the last dated signature below.
Accepted by:
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRANSFER AGENT:
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ATTACHMENT A
This attachment to the Authorized Participant Agreement supplements the Prospectus with respect to the procedures to be used by (i) the Transfer Agent and Distributor in processing a Purchase Order for the purchase of Shares, (ii) the Transfer Agent and Distributor in processing a Redemption Order for the redemption of Shares, and (iii) the Participant, Transfer Agent, Distributor or their agents in delivering or arranging for the delivery of requisite cash payments, Fund Deposits or Shares, as the case may be, in connection with the submission of Purchase Orders or Redemption Orders.
A Participant may, under certain circumstances, submit a non-standard order. In order to submit a non-standard order, the Participant must follow the additional procedures described in Appendix 1 of this Attachment A.
A Participant is first required to have signed the Authorized Participant Agreement. Upon acceptance of the Authorized Participant Agreement by the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent will assign a PIN Number to each Authorized Person authorized to act for the Participant. This will allow a Participant through its Authorized Person(s) to place a Purchase Order or Redemption Order with respect to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of Shares.
A. ELECTION TO PLACE ORDERS BY INTERNET
1. GENERAL
In addition to the procedures for placing a Purchase Order and Redemption Order as set forth under Sections B.1 - B.3, Sections C.1 - C.3 and Section D of this Attachment A, respectively, the Participant may utilize the State Street Fund Connect proprietary system, or any successor system ("Fund Connect"), made available to Participant by the Transfer Agent, together with State Street Global Markets, LLC (collectively, "State Street"). Fund Connect is a proprietary electronic fund platform that will allow Participant to submit orders to create or redeem Creation Units under the Agreement. The terms and conditions on which State Street will deliver Fund Connect to Participant shall be set forth in a separate agreement between State Street and Participant ("Fund Connect Agreement"). To the extent that any provision of the Agreement is inconsistent with any provision of any Fund Connect Agreement, the Fund Connect Agreement shall control with respect to State Street's provision of Fund Connect; provided, however, it is not the intention of the parties to otherwise modify the rights, duties and obligations of the parties under the Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise expressly modified or terminated in accordance with its terms. For additional clarity, SectionsB.4 andB.5 of this Attachment A related to processing and suspending/rejecting Purchase Orders, respectively, shall continue to apply with respect to any orders via Fund Connect.
2. CERTAIN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Participant acknowledges and agrees that (i) neither the Trust, the Distributor nor State Street have made any representations, warranties, indemnities, obligations, guarantees or agreements of any kind, whether express, implied, oral or written, with respect to Fund Connect, other than as may be expressly provided by State Street in the Fund Connect Agreement; (ii) Fund Connect is provided "as is," "as available" with all faults and without any warranty of any kind and that any transactions, content, or data downloaded or otherwise obtained through the use of Fund Connect are done at the Participant's own discretion and risk; (iii) the Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor and their respective agents may elect to review any order placed through Fund Connect manually before it is executed and that such manual review may result in a delay in execution of such order; and (iv) during periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to place orders via Fund Connect and the Participant may place orders as otherwise set forth in Attachment A.
A-15#
3. ELECTION TO TERMINATE PLACING ORDERS BY INTERNET
The Participant may elect at any time to discontinue placing orders through Fund Connect without providing notice under the Agreement.
B. TO PLACE A PURCHASE ORDER
1. PLACEMENT OF A PURCHASE ORDER
Purchase Orders for Creation Units may be initiated only on days when the NYSE is open for trading ("Transmittal Days"), which excludes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday (popularly known as "President's Day"), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (each, a "Holiday").
Purchase Orders may only be made in whole Creation Units. All Purchase Orders shall be made in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in the Prospectus. Each party hereto agrees to comply with the provisions of the Prospectus to the extent applicable to it. The Trust reserves the right to issue procedures relating to the manner of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units, and the Participant, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent agree to comply with such procedures as may be issued from time to time upon reasonable notice thereof.
To initiate a Purchase Order, an Authorized Person of the Participant must call the Transfer Agent at [State Street to insert phone number here] not later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time) on a Transmittal Day as set forth in the applicable Fund's order form, which is incorporated into and made part of this Agreement, or such earlier time as designated by such Fund (the "Order Cut-Off Time"); provided that, when the NYSE closes early on a Transmittal Day prior to a Holiday, or for any other reason, the Order Cut-Off Time shall be the earlier NYSE close on such Transmittal Day.
Upon verifying the authenticity of the Authorized Person (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN Number) and the terms of the Purchase Order, the Transfer Agent will issue a unique Order Number. An Order Number is only valid for a limited time. The Purchase Order must be sent by facsimile in the form provided by the Fund or its agents (which may include various Participant representations) to the Transfer Agent within 20 minutes of the issuance of the Order Number. In the event that the Purchase Order is not received within such time period, the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request immediate transmission of the Purchase Order. Unless the Purchase Order is received by the Transfer Agent upon the earlier of (i) within 15 minutes of contact with the Participant or (ii) 45 minutes after the Order Cut-Off Time, the order will be deemed invalid.
NOTE: A PURCHASE ORDER REQUEST IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE TRANSFER AGENT ISSUES AN ORDER NUMBER. AN ORDER MAY NOT BE CANCELED BY AN AUTHORIZED PERSON AFTER AN ORDER NUMBER HAS BEEN ISSUED. INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE QUEUED AND WILL BE HANDLED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED. A CALL THAT IS PLACED BEFORE THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL BE PROCESSED EVEN IF THE CALL IS ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT AFTER THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME. ACCORDINGLY, THE AUTHORIZED PERSON SHOULD NOT HANG UP AND REDIAL. INCOMING CALLS THAT ARE RECEIVED AFTER THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL NOT BE ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. ALL TELEPHONE CALLS MAY BE RECORDED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT.
THE TELEPHONE CALL IN WHICH THE ORDER NUMBER IS ISSUED INITIATES THE ORDER PROCESS BUT DOES NOT ALONE CONSTITUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER. A PURCHASE ORDER IS ONLY COMPLETED AND PROCESSED UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINING THE DESIGNATED ORDER NUMBER AND AUTHORIZED PERSON'S SIGNATURE AND TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE.
2. RECEIPT OF TRADE CONFIRMATION
The Transfer Agent will fax a copy of any accepted Purchase Order that was submitted by telephone to the Participant within approximately 45 minutes of its receipt of acceptance of the Order by the Distributor, as confirmation of such Purchase Order. In the event the Participant does not receive a Purchase Order confirmation, it should contact the Transfer Agent at the business number indicated.
3. AMBIGUOUS INSTRUCTIONS
In the event that the written Purchase Order contains terms that differ from the information provided in the telephone call at the time of issuance of the Order Number, a representative of the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request confirmation of the terms of the Purchase Order. If an Authorized Person is able to confirm the terms as they appear in the written Purchase Order by the Order Cut-Off Time, the Transfer Agent will continue processing the Purchase Order. If an Authorized Person contradicts its terms, the Purchase Order will be deemed invalid and a corrected written Purchase Order must be received by the Transfer Agent's telephone representative by the Order Cut-Off Time.
In the event that a written Purchase Order contains terms that are illegible, as determined in the sole discretion of the Distributor or Transfer Agent, the written Purchase Order will be deemed invalid and the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request transmission of a legible written Purchase Order. If the Transfer Agent does not receive a legible written Purchase Order by the Order Cut-Off Time, the Purchase Order will be deemed invalid. If the Transfer Agent is not able to contact an Authorized Person, the Purchase Order will be deemed invalid.
4. PROCESSING A PURCHASE ORDER
A Purchase Order shall be deemed to be received on the Transmittal Day on which the order is placed; provided that: (i) the order is placed in proper form prior to the Order Cut-Off Time on such date; (ii) federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the Fund's custodian on the next following business day prior to 10:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time for Fund Deposits consisting solely of cash ("Cash Settlement Time"); and (iii) the requisite number of Deposit Securities, together with any associated cash component, is delivered to the account of the applicable Fund by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on the Settlement Date for Fund Deposits consisting of securities or securities and cash. Any Purchase Order that is not placed in the manner described above may be deemed to be rejected and the Participant shall be liable to the Trust for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. The Transfer Agent shall process and transmit Purchase Orders in accordance with the procedures described in the relevant Fund's registration statement and in this Attachment A. The Distributor shall make any determination to approve Purchase Orders.
The Adviser may, prior to the receipt of federal funds in the appropriate amount on the applicable Cash Settlement Time for Fund Deposits consisting of cash, begin to trade for a Fund with respect to which the Participant has placed a Purchase Order. The Participant agrees that, if the Adviser makes investments for such a Fund prior to receiving confirmation that such federal funds have been received, the Participant will indemnify and hold the Adviser, the Distributor, the Fund, the Trust and their agents harmless for any loss suffered by any or all of them due to the failure or delay in depositing such federal funds wit h the Fund's custodian prior to the Cash Settlement Time. For purposes of clarity, a loss suffered by such a Fund includes not only actual losses suffered by the Fund, but also any adverse effect on the Fund's performance directly attributable to the failure or delay in depositing such federal funds in the appropriate amount prior to the applicable Cash Settlement Time.
The Transfer Agent, Distributor and the Trust each reserve the right to reject any Order in the event that its acceptance would appear to result in the Participant or a Beneficial Owner owning eighty percent (80%) or more of all outstanding Shares of a given Fund. In such event, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent will ask the Authorized Person to re-confirm the representation that the Participant or a Beneficial Owner will not own 80% or more of the Shares of any Fund upon execution of the Purchase Order. If the Authorized Person is able to so confirm, either verbally or in writing in the sole discretion of the Distributor, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent will transmit the Purchase Order to the relevant Fund. If the Authorized Person is not able to confirm that the Participant or a Beneficial Owner will not own 80% or more of the Shares of any Fund upon execution of the Purchase Order, the Distributor has the right to reject the Purchase Order. Purchase Orders may also be rejected under the circumstances described in Section 5 of this Attachment A.
After a Fund has accepted a Purchase Order and received delivery of the all-cash payment (or Deposit Securities, as applicable and any accompanying cash payment), DTC will instruct the Fund to initiate "delivery" of the appropriate number of Shares to the book-entry account specified by the Participant. The Distributor will furnish a Prospectus and the Transfer Agent will furnish a confirmation to the Participant unless such confirmation will be provided by the National Securities Clearing Corporation.
A Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of the all-cash payment (or the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of any cash portion of the purchase price) has been completed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Creation Units may be issued to a Participant notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Deposit Securities and cash payment have not been received in part or in whole, in the sole discretion of the Trust, provided that the Participant deposits the available Deposit Securities and cash in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component (including any Transaction Fees), plus (ii) 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the "Additional Cash Deposit"). An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Fund, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain an amount of cash on deposit with the Fund at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities. In the sole discretion of the Fund following the initial settlement date, the Fund may use the cash on deposit to purchase the undelivered Deposit Securities. The Participant will be liable to the Fund for the costs incurred by the Fund in connection with any such purchases and the Participant shall be liable to the Fund for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing any missing Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the Purchase Order was deemed received by the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the undelivered Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Fund's custodian or purchased by the Fund and deposited into the Fund.
5. REJECTING OR SUSPENDING A PURCHASE ORDER
The Distributor may reject any Purchase Order that is not submitted in accordance with the procedures described in the Prospectus. The Trust and the Distributor also reserve the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a Purchase Order transmitted to it in respect of a Fund, for example if:
a. the Purchase Order is not in proper form;
b. the purchaser or group of purchasers, upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of such Fund upon execution of the Purchase Order;
c. the Fund Deposit delivered is not as specified by the Fund through the Distributor and/or Transfer Agent, and the Adviser has not consented to acceptance of an in-kind deposit that varies from the designated portfolio;
d. the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would have certain adverse tax consequences to such Fund;
e. the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful;
f. the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners of such Fund;
g. the value of Creation Units to be created exceeds a purchase authorization limit afforded to the Participant by the Trust, and the Participant has not deposited an amount in excess of such purchase authorization with the Trust's custodian prior to 3:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, on the Transmittal Day; or
h. there exist circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor, or the Adviser that make it impossible to process Purchase Orders for all practical purposes.
In-Kind Purchase Orders
If creations are on an in-kind basis, the Trust further reserves the absolute right to reject or suspend a Purchase Order transmitted to it by the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent in respect of a Fund if: (i) the portfolio of Deposit Securities delivered is not as specified by the Adviser; (ii) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Trust or any Fund; or (iii) for any other reasons as specified herein.
The Trust shall notify the Authorized Person of its rejection of any Purchase Order. Except as provided herein, all Purchase Orders for Creation Units are irrevocable.
The Trust, Transfer Agent and the Distributor are under no duty to verify or give notification of any defects or irregularities in any written Order or in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust shall return to the Authorized Person or any party for which it is acting any dividend, interest, distribution or other corporate action paid to the Trust in respect of any Deposit Securities that is transferred to the Trust that, based on the valuation of such Deposit Securities at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the Authorized Person or any party for which it is acting.
C. TO PLACE A REDEMPTION ORDER
1. PLACING A REDEMPTION ORDER
Redemption Orders for Creation Units may be initiated only on Transmittal Days (as defined herein). Redemption Orders may only be made in whole Creation Units of Shares of each Fund.
To initiate a Redemption Order, the Authorized Person must call the Transfer Agent at [State Street to insert phone number here] not later than the Order Cut-Off Time. Upon verifying the authenticity of the Authorized Person (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN Number) and terms of the Redemption Order, the Transfer Agent will issue a unique Order Number. Upon verifying the authenticity of the Authorized Person (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN Number) and the terms of the Redemption Order, the Transfer Agent will issue a unique Order Number. An Order Number is only valid for a limited time. The Redemption Order must be sent by facsimile in the form provided by the Fund or its agents (which may include various Participant representations, warranties or acknowledgments) to the Transfer Agent within 20 minutes of the issuance of the Order Number. In the event that the Redemption Order is not received within such time period, the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request immediate transmission of the Redemption Order. Unless the Redemption Order is received by the Transfer Agent upon the earlier of (i) within 15 minutes of contact with the Participant or (ii) 45 minutes after the Order Cut-Off Time, the order will be deemed invalid.
NOTE: A REDEMPTION ORDER REQUEST IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE TRANSFER AGENT ISSUES AN ORDER NUMBER. AN ORDER MAY NOT BE CANCELED BY THE AUTHORIZED PERSON AFTER AN ORDER NUMBER IS ISSUED. INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE QUEUED AND WILL BE HANDLED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED. CALLS PLACED BEFORE THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL BY PROCESSED EVEN IF THE CALL IS ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT AFTER THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME. ACCORDINGLY, THE AUTHORIZED PERSON SHOULD NOT HANG UP AND REDIAL. INCOMING CALLS THAT ARE RECEIVED AFTER THE ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL NOT BE ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. ALL TELEPHONE CALLS MAY BE RECORDED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT.
THE TELEPHONE CALL IN WHICH THE ORDER NUMBER IS ISSUED INITIATES THE ORDER PROCESS BUT DOES NOT ALONE CONSTITUTE THE REDEMPTION ORDER. A REDEMPTION ORDER IS ONLY COMPLETED AND PROCESSED UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINING THE DESIGNATED ORDER NUMBER AND AUTHORIZED PERSON'S SIGNATURE AND TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE.
2. RECEIPT OF CONFIRMATION
The Transfer Agent will fax a copy of any accepted Redemption Order that was submitted by telephone to the Participant within approximately 45 minutes of its receipt of acceptance of the Order by the Distributor, as confirmation of such Redemption Order. In the event the Participant does not receive a Redemption Order confirmation, it should contact the Transfer Agent at the business number indicated.
3. AMBIGUOUS INSTRUCTIONS
In the event that the written Redemption Order contains terms that differ from the information provided in the telephone call at the time of issuance of the Order Number, a representative of the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request confirmation of the terms of the Redemption Order. If an Authorized Person is able to confirm the terms as they appear in the written Redemption Order by the Order Cut-Off Time, the Transfer Agent will continue processing the Redemption Order. If an Authorized Person contradicts its terms, the Redemption Order will be deemed invalid and a corrected written Redemption Order must be received by the Transfer Agent by the Order Cut-Off Time.
In the event that a written Redemption Order contains terms that are illegible, as determined in the sole discretion of the Distributor or Transfer Agent, the written Redemption Order will be deemed invalid and the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request transmission of a legible written Redemption Order. If the Transfer Agent does not receive a legible written Redemption Order by the Order Cut-Off Time, the Redemption Order will be deemed invalid. If the Transfer Agent is not able to contact an Authorized Person, the Redemption Order will be deemed invalid.
D. T-1 PROCEDURES
The following trade date minus 1 ("T-1") procedures relate only to Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders submitted after 4:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time (or such earlier time following an early NYSE close on a Transmittal Day) and before 5:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time (the "T-1 Order Cut-Off Time") (a "T-1 Purchase Order" with respect to Purchase Orders and a "T-1 Redemption Order" with respect to Redemption Orders) for the Funds listed on Attachment C. Except as modified herein, all of the procedures set forth under Sections A.1 - A.3 and Sections B.1 - B.3 of this Attachment A apply to T-1 Purchase Orders and T-1 Redemption Orders.
An Authorized Person for the Participant may call the Transfer Agent at the telephone number provided on the order form after 4:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time and before 5:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time to receive an Order Number. Upon verifying the authenticity of the Authorized Person (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN Number) and the terms of the T-1 Purchase Order or T-1 Redemption Order, the Transfer Agent will issue a unique Order Number. An Order Number is only valid for a limited time. The T-1 Purchase Order or T-1 Redemption Order must be sent by facsimile in the form provided by the Fund or its agents (which may include various Participant representations) to the Transfer Agent within 20 minutes of the issuance of the Order Number. In the event that the T-1 Purchase Order or T-1 Redemption Order is not received within such time period, the Transfer Agent will attempt to contact the Participant to request immediate transmission of the T-1 Purchase Order or T-1 Redemption Order. Unless the T-1 Purchase Order or T-1 Redemption Order is received by the Transfer Agent upon the earlier of (i) within 15 minutes of contact with the Participant or (ii) 45 minutes after the T-1 Order Cut-Off Time, the Order will be deemed invalid.
NOTE: A T-1 PURCHASE ORDER OR T-1 REDEMPTION ORDER IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE TRANSFER AGENT ISSUES AN ORDER NUMBER. AN ORDER MAY NOT BE CANCELED BY AN AUTHORIZED PERSON AFTER AN ORDER NUMBER HAS BEEN ISSUED. INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE QUEUED AND WILL BE HANDLED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED. A CALL THAT IS PLACED BEFORE THE T-1 ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL BE PROCESSED EVEN IF THE CALL IS ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT AFTER THE T-1 ORDER CUT-OFF TIME. ACCORDINGLY, THE AUTHORIZED PERSON SHOULD NOT HANG UP AND REDIAL. INCOMING CALLS THAT ARE RECEIVED AFTER THE T-1 ORDER CUT-OFF TIME WILL NOT BE ANSWERED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. ALL TELEPHONE CALLS MAY BE RECORDED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT.
THE TELEPHONE CALL IN WHICH THE ORDER NUMBER IS ISSUED INITIATES THE ORDER PROCESS BUT DOES NOT ALONE CONSTITUTE THE ORDER. AN ORDER IS ONLY COMPLETED AND PROCESSED UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINING THE DESIGNATED ORDER NUMBER AND AUTHORIZED PERSON'S SIGNATURE AND TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE. ONCE AN ORDER NUMBER IS ISSUED, A T-1 PURCHASE ORDER OR A T-1 REDEMPTION ORDER CANNOT BE CANCELED BY THE PARTICIPANT.
E. ADDITIONAL SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES
The Participant is advised that, pursuant to the Trust's Valuation Procedures, if an error occurs in calculating a Fund's net asset value after Participant receives a Purchase/Redemption Order confirmation but prior to the Settlement Date and results in a difference between the originally computed net asset value and the corrected net asset value that equals or exceeds $0.01 per share, the Custodian will reprocess the Purchase/Redemption Order and notify the Participant. If there is a loss to the Fund as a result of the error in calculating the net asset value, the Participant will be required to pay the additional value in cash on or prior to the Settlement Date. If there is a Fund benefit, the amount of the benefit will be returned to the Participant on the Settlement Date.
APPENDIX 1
Procedures Specific to Non-Standard Orders
The following guidelines must be followed by the Participant when placing a non-standard order ( e.g. , substituting cash-in-lieu of a Deposit Security) (each, a "Non-Standard Order"):
1. Prior to placing the Non-Standard Order with the Transfer Agent, the Participant must contact the Adviser at the number set forth on the applicable order form or as otherwise provided in order to discuss the cash and/or securities (together, the "Non-Standard Consideration") expected to be delivered by (in the case of a Creation Order) or received by (in the case a Redemption Order) the Participant per the Non-Standard Order on settlement date. If the Adviser provides verbal authorization to the Participant regarding the use of the Non-Standard Consideration, the Participant will follow the directions regarding placing orders outlined in Attachment A and it will be the Participant's responsibility to ensure that the box is checked on the applicable order form indicating that the Participant is submitting a Non-Standard Order.
2. Notwithstanding the Order-Cut Off Time(s) described in Attachment A, the Order Cut-Off Time for Non-Standard Orders will be one hour prior to the closing time of the regular trading session on the NYSE on a Transmittal Day; provided that, when the NYSE closes early on a Transmittal Day prior to a Holiday, or for any other reason, the Order Cut-Off Time shall be one hour prior to the earlier NYSE close on such Transmittal Day ("Non-Standard Order Cut-Off Time"). Non-Standard Orders will not be processed if received after the applicable Non-Standard Order Cut-Off Time. The Participant must transact on a standard order after the applicable Non-Standard Order Cut-Off Time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Participant acknowledges that he or she has read the procedures relating to Non-Standard Orders and agrees to comply with all such procedures. Failure to comply with the Non-Standard Order procedures will require the transaction to be effected as a standard order ( i.e. , standard basket).
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A-21#
ATTACHMENT B-1
The following are the names, titles, signatures, phone numbers, and email addresses of all persons (each, an "Authorized Person") authorized to give instructions relating to any activity contemplated by the Authorized Participant Agreement for the [ ] ETF Trust (the "Agreement") or any other notice, request or instruction on behalf of the Authorized Participant pursuant to the Agreement.
Authorized Participant: [ __________________________________ ]
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A-22#
17990645.1.BUSINESS
ATTACHMENT B-2
[On AP's Firm Letterhead]
[DATE]
Distributor
Re: Addendum to the Certificate of Authorized Persons for [_________________________] under the Authorized Participant Agreement for the [ ] ETF Trust (the "Agreement") |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to the Agreement, following are the names, titles, signatures, phone numbers, and email addresses of additional Authorized Persons of [______________________________] (the "Participant") authorized to give instructions relating to any activity contemplated by the Agreement or any other notice, request or instruction on behalf of the Participant pursuant to the Agreement. This list of Authorized Persons is an addendum and adds Authorized Persons to the Participant's most recently executed certificate (entitled "Certificate of Authorized Persons of the Authorized Participant, [ ] ETF Trust") preceding the date set forth above.
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Please provide PIN numbers for those listed above.
Very truly yours,
Exhibit (i)
Dechert LLP |
One International Place, 40th Floor 100 Oliver Street Boston, MA 02110-2605 +1 617 728 7100 Main +1 617 426 6567 Fax www.dechert.com |
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September 23, 2014
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Re: Registration Statement on Form N-1A
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust") and its series Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF (the "Funds"), in connection with the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
In connection with the opinions set forth herein, you have provided to us originals, copies or facsimile transmissions of, and we have reviewed and relied upon, among other things, copies of the following: the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement (the "Amendment"); the Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated November 12, 2012; and the By-Laws of the Trust dated November 12, 2012 (the "By-Laws"). In addition, we have reviewed and relied upon a Certificate issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We have assumed that the By-Laws have been duly adopted by the Trustees. We have also examined such documents and questions of law as we have concluded are necessary or appropriate for purposes of the opinions expressed below.
In rendering this opinion we have assumed, without independent verification, (i) the due authority of all individuals signing in representative capacities and the genuineness of signatures; (ii) the authenticity, completeness and continued effectiveness of all documents or copies furnished to us; (iii) that any resolutions provided have been duly adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees; (iv) that the facts contained in the instruments and certificates or statements of public officials, officers and representatives of the Funds on which we have relied for the purposes of this opinion are true and correct; and (v) that no amendments, agreements, resolutions or actions have been approved, executed or adopted which would limit, supersede or modify the items described above. Where documents are referred to in resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, or in the Amendment, we have assumed such documents are the same as in the most recent form provided to us, whether as an exhibit to the Amendment or otherwise. When any opinion set forth below relates to the existence or standing of the Trust, such opinion is based entirely upon and is limited by the items referred to above, and we understand that the foregoing assumptions, limitations and qualifications are acceptable to you.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly formed and is validly existing as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
2. the Shares registered under the Securities Act, when issued in accordance with the terms described in the Amendment, when it is made effective by the Commission, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.
The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal securities laws of the United States. We express no opinion herein with respect to the effect or applicability of the law of any other jurisdiction. The opinions expressed herein are solely for your benefit and may not be relied on in any manner or for any purpose by any other person.
We express no opinion as to any other matter other than as expressly set forth above and no other opinion is intended or may be inferred herefrom. The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation and hereby disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change after the date of this opinion pertaining to any matter referred to herein. We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Dechert LLP
Exhibit (j)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated September 23, 2014, relating to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading ""Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2014
Exhibit (k)
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
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STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
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September 22, 2014 |
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Assets: |
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Cash |
$100,000 |
Total Assets |
100,000 |
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Liabilities: |
0 |
Net Assets: |
$100,000 |
Net Assets consist of: |
$100,000 |
Paid in Capital |
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Net Assets , for 2,000 shares outstanding |
$100,000 |
Net asset value, offering price and |
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redemption price per share ($100,000/2,000 shares outstanding) |
$50.00 |
Note 1: Fidelity Total Bond ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the Trust), and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of assets in debt securities of all types and repurchase agreements for those securities.
The Fund has had no operations to date other than matters relating to the sale and issuance of 2,000 shares of the Fund to FIMM, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $100,000 on September 22, 2014. The financial statement has been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statement.
Shares of the Fund will be listed and traded on NYSE Arca.
All organizational and offering expenses of the Trust will be borne by Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM) and will not be subject to future recoupment. As a result, organizational and offering expenses are not reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Note 2: Management Fee. FIMM and its affiliates provide investment management related services for which the Fund pays a monthly management fee to FIMM. The management fee is computed at an annual rate of .45% of the Fund's average net assets. Under the management contract, FIMM pays all other expenses of the Fund, except the compensation of the independent Trustees and certain other expenses such as interest expense. The management fee paid to FIMM is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid to the independent Trustees.
Note 3: Income Tax Information. The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and if qualified will not be subject to U.S. Federal income tax to the extent it distributes substantially all of its taxable income and net capital gains.
Note 4: Share Transactions. The Fund will issue and redeem shares at Net Asset Value (NAV) only with certain authorized participants in large increments known as Creation Units. Purchases of Creation Units are made by tendering a basket of designated securities to the Fund and redemption proceeds are paid with a basket of securities from the fund's portfolio with a balancing cash component to equate the market value of the basket securities delivered or redeemed to the NAV per Creation Unit on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities
generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery. The Fund's shares are available in smaller increments to individual investors in the secondary market at market prices and may be subject to commissions. Authorized participants pay a transaction fee to the shareholder servicing agent when purchasing and redeeming Creation Units of the Fund. The transaction fee is used to defray the costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units.
To the Trustees of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and Shareholder of Fidelity Total Bond ETF:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fidelity Total Bond ETF, (a fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust ), at September 22, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This financial statement is the responsibility of Fidelity Total Bond ETF's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit of this financial statement in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 2014
Exhibit (l)
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Purchase Agreement, dated September 18, 2014, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust that is a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and FIMM, LLC ("FIMM"), a limited liability company under the laws of the State of New Hampshire.
WHEREAS, the Trust proposes to issue and sell shares of its common stock (the "Shares") to the public pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
WHEREAS, the Shares have not been registered for public offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and
WHEREAS, Section 14(a) of the 1940 Act requires a registered investment company to have a net worth of at least $100,000 before making a public offering of its securities;
NOW THEREFORE, the Trust and the FIMM agree as follows:
1. The Trust offers to sell to FIMM, and FIMM agrees to purchase from the Trust, 2,000 Shares, without par value, at a price of $50 per share. FIMM shall tender to the Trust the amount of $100,000 in full payment for the Shares.
2. FIMM represents and warrants to the Trust that the Shares are being acquired for investment purposes only and for FIMM's own account, and not with a view to or in connection with any resale or distribution thereof, or with the current intention to redeem or dispose of any of the Shares.
The Trust and FIMM have caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST |
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By: /s/Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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Stephanie J. Dorsey |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIMM, LLC |
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By: /s/Scott C. Goebel |
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Scott C. Goebel |
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Assistant Secretary |
Exhibit m(1)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST: FIDELITY CORPORATE BOND ETF
1. This Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan"), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF (the "Fund"), a series of shares of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the "Trust").
2. The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement with respect to the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund's shares of beneficial interest ("shares"). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser and/or Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to the Adviser by the Fund or fees paid to FMR by the Adviser out of such management fees, as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Fund shares, including the activities referred to above.
3. The Adviser and/or FMR directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4. The Fund will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, FMR, the Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, out of which management fees the Adviser may pay fees to FMR, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5. This Plan shall become effective upon the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
6. This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect from the date specified above until July 31, 2015, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by the Fund to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, or to increase materially the amount spent by the Fund for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
8. During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or FMR and/or the Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trust's Board of Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9. This Plan does not require the Adviser, FMR, or the Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
10. Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and shall not constitute obligations of any other series of shares of the Trust.
11. If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
Exhibit m(2)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST: FIDELITY LIMITED TERM BOND ETF
1. This Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan"), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") of Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (the "Fund"), a series of shares of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the "Trust").
2. The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement with respect to the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund's shares of beneficial interest ("shares"). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser and/or Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to the Adviser by the Fund or fees paid to FMR by the Adviser out of such management fees, as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Fund shares, including the activities referred to above.
3. The Adviser and/or FMR directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4. The Fund will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, FMR, the Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, out of which management fees the Adviser may pay fees to FMR, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5. This Plan shall become effective upon the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
6. This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect from the date specified above until July 31, 2015, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by the Fund to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, or to increase materially the amount spent by the Fund for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
8. During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or FMR and/or the Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trust's Board of Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9. This Plan does not require the Adviser, FMR, or the Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
10. Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and shall not constitute obligations of any other series of shares of the Trust.
11. If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
Exhibit m(3)
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST: FIDELITY TOTAL BOND ETF
1. This Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan"), when effective in accordance with its terms, shall be the written plan contemplated by Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") of Fidelity Total Bond ETF (the "Fund"), a series of shares of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust (the "Trust").
2. The Trust has entered into a General Distribution Agreement with respect to the Fund with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the Fund's shares of beneficial interest ("shares"). Under the agreement, the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any prospectuses, reports and other literature used by the Distributor, advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund for sale to the public. It is recognized that the Adviser and/or Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") may use its management fee revenues, including management fees paid to the Adviser by the Fund or fees paid to FMR by the Adviser out of such management fees, as well as past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Fund shares, including the activities referred to above.
3. The Adviser and/or FMR directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other third parties who engage in the sale of shares or who render shareholder support services, including but not limited to providing office space, equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other shareholder services as the Trust may reasonably request.
4. The Fund will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan to the Adviser, FMR, the Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that the Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Fund to the Adviser, including payment of management fees, out of which management fees the Adviser may pay fees to FMR, should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5. This Plan shall become effective upon the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements related to this Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
6. This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in effect from the date specified above until July 31, 2015, and from year to year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any amendment to authorize direct payments by the Fund to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, or to increase materially the amount spent by the Fund for distribution, shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence in this paragraph.
7. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
8. During the existence of this Plan, the Trust shall require the Adviser and/or FMR and/or the Distributor to provide the Trust, for review by the Trust's Board of Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund (making estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
9. This Plan does not require the Adviser, FMR, or the Distributor to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
10. Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, any obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan shall be limited in all cases to the Fund and its assets, and shall not constitute obligations of any other series of shares of the Trust.
11. If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.