Securities Act of 1933 Registration No. 002-41839
Investment Company Act of 1940 Registration No. 811-02105
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ | |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 | ☒ |
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ | |
Amendment No. 545 | ☒ |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number: 617-563-7000
Cynthia Lo Bessette, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
245 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on February 8, 2023 pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2022. The information in this prospectus 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 prospectus 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.
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class/Ticker
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund/[ ]
In this prospectus, the term shares (as it relates to the fund) means the class of shares offered through this prospectus.
Prospectus
[ , 2023]
Like securities of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. |
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund/Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred
when you buy and hold shares of the fund. In addition to the fees and expenses described below, your broker may also require you to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of certain share classes of the fund.
Shareholder fees | ||||
(fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |||
Annual Operating Expenses | ||||
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment) |
| |||
Management fee | 0.35% | |||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | None | |||
Other expenses(a) | 0.93% | |||
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|
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Total annual operating expenses | 1.28% | |||
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | 0.91% | |||
|
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Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | 0.37% |
(a) Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(b) Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses (including fees and expenses associated with a wholly owned subsidiary), if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the funds securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 0.37% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through May 31, 2024. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date.
Fund Summary continued
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Lets 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. For every $10,000 you invested, heres how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
1 year | $ | 38 | ||
3 years | $ | 292 |
Portfolio Turnover
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 funds performance.
Principal Investment Strategies
Normally investing at least 80% of assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
Investing up to 30% of assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds).
Investing up to 20% of assets in securities that are not municipal securities exempt from federal income tax, includ-
ing, but not limited to, taxable municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government agency issues, and investment-grade corporate bonds.
Managing the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to an index designed to represent Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR)s view of how the funds competitive universe will perform over time.
Analyzing the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current and potential future valuation, and trading opportunities to select investments.
Allocating assets across different market sectors and maturities.
Potentially investing more than 25% of total assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects.
Engaging in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives such as swaps (interest rate, total return, and credit default), options, and futures contracts and forward-settling securities, to adjust the funds risk exposure.
Principal Investment Risks
Municipal Market Volatility. The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.
Interest Rate Changes. Interest rate increases can cause the price of a debt security to decrease.
Prepayment. The ability of an issuer of a debt security to repay principal prior to a securitys maturity can cause greater price volatility if interest rates change.
Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. A decline in the credit quality of an issuer or a provider of credit support or a maturity-shortening structure for a security can cause the price of a security to decrease. 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 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 can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can be difficult to resell.
Leverage Risk. Leverage can increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly.
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
Performance history will be available for the fund after the fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
Investment Adviser
FMR (the Adviser) is the funds manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Cormac Cullen (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Michael Maka (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Elizah McLaughlin (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund
Fund Summary continued
account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Additional purchases:
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 |
Redemptions:
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
The fund seeks to earn income and pay dividends exempt from federal income tax. Income exempt from federal income tax may be subject to state or local tax, or to the federal alternative
minimum tax. A portion of the dividends you receive may be subject to federal and state income taxes. You may also receive taxable distributions attributable to the funds sale of bonds.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, 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 intermediarys web site for more information.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the funds assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax. While the majority of the municipal securities in which the fund invests are investment-grade (those of medium and high quality), the Adviser may invest up to 30% of the funds assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds).
The Adviser may invest up to 20% of the funds assets in securities that are not municipal securities exempt from federal income tax, including, but not limited to, taxable municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government agency issues, and investment grade corporate bonds. The Adviser may invest all of the funds assets in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The Adviser uses a customized index as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. This index, a blended market value-weighted index of investment-grade and high yield fixed-rate municipal bonds, is designed to represent the Advisers view of how the funds competitive universe will
perform over time. The Adviser manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index. The Adviser may, from time to time, change the index or the characteristics of the index in response to changes in the market or the funds peer group, for example, when the observed interest rate sensitivity or credit composition of the funds competitive universe deviates from that of the index.
The Adviser considers other factors when selecting the funds 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 funds exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the markets overall risk characteristics, the markets current pricing of those risks, information on the funds competitive universe and internal views of potential future market conditions.
The Adviser allocates the funds assets among different market sectors (for example, general obligation bonds of a state or bonds financing a specific project) and different maturities based on its view of the relative value of each sector or maturity.
The Adviser may invest more than 25% of the funds total assets in municipal securities that finance similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities.
Fund Basics continued
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 funds 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 funds 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 Advisers outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the funds 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.
If the Advisers strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
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 general obligation bonds of municipalities, local or state governments, project or revenue-specific bonds, pre-refunded or escrowed bonds, municipal money market securities, corporate bonds, government securities (including Treasury securities), repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities (including collateralized loan obligations), loans and loan participations, and other securities believed to have debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
Municipal securities are issued to raise money for a variety of public and private purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, or financing for a specific project or public facility. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed by the local government, by the credit of a private issuer, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees, or insurance.
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. Payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the funds performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a funds performance. The funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds performance:
Municipal Market Volatility. Municipal securities can be significantly affected by political changes as well as uncertainties in the municipal market related to taxation, legislative changes, or the rights of municipal security holders. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. Budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the issuers may be relying for funding may also impact municipal securities. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal insurer can affect the overall municipal market, and market conditions may directly impact the liquidity and valuation of municipal securities.
Prepayment. Many types of debt securities are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the securitys 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.
Fund Basics continued
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 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 securitys 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. In market environments where interest rates are rising, issuers may be less willing or able to make principal and/or interest payments on securities when due. The discontinuation and replacement of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (an indicative measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks could borrow from one another) and other benchmark rates may have a significant impact on the financial markets and may adversely impact a funds performance.
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 securitys or instruments 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. Municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the project or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable and the security could decline significantly in value.
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. 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.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither the Adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsels opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax-free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass-through of tax-free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
Leverage Risk. Derivatives and forward-settling securities 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. Forward-settling securities also involve the risk that a security will not be issued, delivered, or paid for when anticipated. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a funds ability to pursue its investment strategies.
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 could distribute income subject to federal income tax.
Other Investment Strategies
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Adviser may invest the funds assets in municipal debt securities by investing in other funds.
Fundamental Investment Policies
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
The NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of business of the NYSE,
Fund Basics continued
normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The funds assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV. Fidelity calculates NAV separately for each class of shares of a multiple class fund.
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).
To the extent that the funds assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the funds assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the funds assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
NAV is calculated using the values of other open-end funds, if any, in which the fund invests (referred to as underlying funds). Shares of underlying funds are valued at their respective NAVs. Other assets 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 Advisers 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 Advisers opinion, a securitys value has been materially affected by events occurring before a funds 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.
Arbitrage opportunities may exist when trading in a portfolio security or securities is halted and does not resume before a fund calculates its NAV. These arbitrage opportunities may enable short-term traders to dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of a funds portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of NAV by short-term traders.
Policies regarding excessive trading may not be effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts.
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.
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares
As used in this prospectus, the term shares generally refers to the shares offered through this prospectus.
General Information
Information on Fidelity
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of Americas first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the worlds largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of Americas 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.
Ways to Invest
Subject to the purchase and sale requirements stated in this prospectus, you may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account. If you buy or sell shares (other than by exchange) through a Fidelity® brokerage account, your transactions generally involve your Fidelity® brokerage core (a settlement vehicle included as part of your Fidelity® brokerage account).
If you do not currently have a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account and would like to invest in a fund, you may need to complete an application. For more information about a Fidelity®
brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account, please visit Fidelitys web site at www.fidelity.com, call 1-800-FIDELITY, or visit a Fidelity Investor Center (call 1-800-544-9797 for the center nearest you).
You may also buy or sell shares through an investment professional. If you buy or sell shares through an investment professional, the procedures for buying, selling, and exchanging shares and the account features and policies may differ from those discussed in this prospectus. Fees in addition to those discussed in this prospectus may also apply. For example, you may be charged a transaction fee if you buy or sell shares through a non-Fidelity broker or other investment professional.
Information on Placing Orders
You should include the following information with any order:
Your name
Your account number
Type of transaction requested
Name(s) of fund(s) and class(es)
Dollar amount or number of shares
Certain methods of contacting Fidelity may be unavailable or delayed (for example, during periods of unusual market activity). In addition, the level and type of service available may be restricted.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
The fund may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law,
Shareholder Information continued
any purchase or exchange, including transactions deemed to represent excessive trading, at any time.
Excessive trading of fund shares can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to the fund (such as brokerage commissions or spreads paid to dealers who sell money market instruments), disrupting portfolio management strategies, and diluting the value of the shares in cases in which fluctuations in markets are not fully priced into the funds NAV.
The fund reserves the right at any time to restrict purchases or exchanges or impose conditions that are more restrictive on excessive trading than those stated in this prospectus.
Excessive Trading Policy
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies designed to discourage excessive trading of fund shares. Excessive trading activity in a fund is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in a shareholders account and each class of a multiple class fund is treated separately. A roundtrip transaction occurs when a shareholder sells fund shares (including exchanges) within 30 days of the purchase date.
Shareholders with two or more roundtrip transactions in a single fund within a rolling 90-day period will be blocked from making additional purchases or exchange purchases of the fund for 85 days. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip transactions across all Fidelity® funds within any
rolling 12-month period will be blocked for at least 85 days from additional purchases or exchange purchases across all Fidelity® funds. Any roundtrip within 12 months of the expiration of a multi-fund block will initiate another multi-fund block. Repeat offenders may be subject to long-term or permanent blocks on purchase or exchange purchase transactions in any account under the shareholders control at any time. In addition to enforcing these roundtrip limitations, the fund may in its discretion restrict, reject, or cancel any purchases or exchanges that, in the Advisers opinion, may be disruptive to the management of the fund or otherwise not be in the funds interests.
Exceptions
The following transactions are exempt from the funds excessive trading policy described above: (i) systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, (ii) mandatory retirement distributions, (iii) transactions initiated by a plan sponsor or sponsors of certain employee benefit plans or other related accounts, (iv) transactions within a qualified advisory program, and (v) transactions initiated by the trustee or adviser to a donor-advised charitable gift fund, qualified fund of fund(s), or other strategy funds.
A qualified advisory program is one that demonstrates to Fidelity that the program has investment strategies and trading policies designed to protect the interests of long-term investors and meets specific criteria outlined by Fidelity.
A qualified fund of fund(s) is a mutual fund, qualified tuition program, or other strategy fund consisting of qualified plan assets that either applies the funds excessive trading policies to shareholders at the fund of fund(s) level, or demonstrates that the fund of fund(s) has an investment strategy coupled with policies designed to control frequent trading that are reasonably likely to be effective as determined by the funds Treasurer.
Fidelity may choose not to monitor transactions below certain dollar value thresholds.
Omnibus Accounts
Omnibus accounts, in which shares are held in the name of an intermediary on behalf of multiple investors, are a common form of holding shares among retirement plans and financial intermediaries such as brokers, advisers, and third-party administrators. Individual trades in omnibus accounts are often not disclosed to the fund, making it difficult to determine whether a particular shareholder is engaging in excessive trading. Excessive trading in omnibus accounts is likely to go undetected by the fund and may increase costs to the fund and disrupt its portfolio management.
Under policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, intermediaries will be permitted to apply the funds excessive trading policy (described above), or their own excessive trading policy if approved by the Adviser. In these cases, the fund will typically not request or receive individual account
data but will rely on the intermediary to monitor trading activity in good faith in accordance with its or the funds policies. Reliance on intermediaries increases the risk that excessive trading may go undetected. For other intermediaries, the fund will generally monitor trading activity at the omnibus account level to attempt to identify disruptive trades. The fund may request transaction information, as frequently as daily, from any intermediary at any time, and may apply the funds policy to transactions that exceed thresholds established by the Board of Trustees. The fund may prohibit purchases of fund shares by an intermediary or by some or all of any intermediarys clients. There is no assurance that the Adviser will request data with sufficient frequency to detect or deter excessive trading in omnibus accounts effectively.
If you purchase or sell fund shares through a financial intermediary, you may wish to contact the intermediary to determine the policies applicable to your account.
Retirement Plans
For employer-sponsored retirement plans, only participant directed exchanges count toward the roundtrip limits. Employer-sponsored retirement plan participants whose activity triggers a purchase or exchange block will be permitted one trade every calendar quarter. In the event of a block, employer and participant contributions and loan repayments by the participant may still be invested in the fund.
Shareholder Information continued
Other Information about the Excessive Trading Policy
The funds Treasurer is authorized to suspend the funds policies during periods of severe market turbulence or national emergency. The fund reserves the right to modify its policies at any time without prior notice.
The fund does not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors, except to the extent permitted by the policies described above.
As described in Valuing Shares, the fund also uses fair value pricing to help reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance that the funds excessive trading policy will be effective, or will successfully detect or deter excessive or disruptive trading.
Buying Shares
Eligibility
Shares are generally available only to investors residing in the United States.
There is no minimum balance or purchase minimum for fund shares.
Price to Buy
The price to buy one share is its NAV. Shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to buy shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as
being placed with the fund, and shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
The fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or Fidelity has incurred.
Certain financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone, with payment to follow no later than the time when fund shares are priced on the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the order will be canceled and the financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Selling Shares
The price to sell one share is its NAV.
Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form. Normally, redemptions
will be processed by the next business day, but it may take up to seven days to pay the redemption proceeds if making immediate payment would adversely affect the fund.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to sell shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
See Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares below for additional redemption information.
A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and Fidelity from fraud. If you hold your shares in a Fidelity® mutual fund account and submit your request to Fidelity by mail, Fidelity may require that your request be made in writing and include a signature guarantee in certain circumstances, such as:
When you wish to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares.
When the address on your account (record address) has changed within the last 15 days or you are requesting that a check be mailed to an address different than the record address.
When you are requesting that redemption proceeds be paid to someone other than the account owner.
In certain situations when the redemption proceeds are being transferred to a Fidelity® mutual fund account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker (including Fidelity® Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
When you place an order to sell shares, note the following:
Redemption proceeds (other than exchanges) may be delayed until money from prior purchases sufficient to cover your redemption has been received and collected.
Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
Redemption proceeds may be paid in securities or other property rather than in cash if the Adviser determines it is in the best interests of the fund.
You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed redemption checks.
If you hold your shares in a Fidelity® mutual fund account and your
Shareholder Information continued
redemption check remains uncashed for six months, the check may be invested in additional shares at the NAV next calculated on the day of the investment.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, redemption requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.
Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares
If your account is held directly with a fund, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends on the method you have elected to receive such proceeds. A fund typically expects to make payment of redemption proceeds by wire, automated clearing house (ACH) or by issuing a check by the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form. Proceeds from the periodic and automatic sale of shares of a Fidelity® money market fund that are used to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund are settled simultaneously.
If your account is held through an intermediary, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends, in part, on the terms of the agreement in place between the intermediary and a fund. For redemption proceeds that are paid either directly to you from a fund or to your intermediary for transmittal to you, a fund typically expects to make payments by wire, by ACH or by issuing a check on the next business day
following receipt of a redemption order in proper form from the intermediary by a fund. Redemption orders that are processed through investment professionals that utilize the National Securities Clearing Corporation will generally settle one to three business days following receipt of a redemption order in proper form.
As noted elsewhere, payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time a fund typically expects and may take up to seven days from the date of receipt of the redemption order as permitted by applicable law.
Redemption Methods Available. Generally a fund expects to pay redemption proceeds in cash. To do so, a fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests either by using available cash (or cash equivalents) or by selling portfolio securities. On a less regular basis, a fund may also satisfy redemption requests by utilizing one or more of the following sources, if permitted: borrowing from another Fidelity® fund; drawing on an available line or lines of credit from a bank or banks; or using reverse repurchase agreements. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, a fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash (redemption in-kind). Redemption in-kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering the selected securities to the redeeming shareholder within seven days after the
receipt of the redemption order in proper form by a fund.
An exchange involves the redemption of all or a portion of the shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund.
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares for shares of other Fidelity® funds.
However, you should note the following policies and restrictions governing exchanges:
The fund may refuse any exchange purchase for any reason. For example, the fund may refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Advisers judgment, the fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
Before any exchange, read the prospectus for the shares you are purchasing, including any purchase and sale requirements.
The shares you are acquiring by exchange must be available for sale in your state.
Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
If you are exchanging between accounts that are not registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN), there may be additional requirements.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, exchange requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.
The fund may terminate or modify exchange privileges in the future.
Other funds may have different exchange restrictions and minimums. Check each funds prospectus for details.
Features
The following features may be available to buy and sell shares of the fund or to move money to and from your account, depending on whether you are investing through a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account. Please visit Fidelitys web site at www.fidelity.com or call 1-800-544-6666 for more information.
Electronic Funds Transfer: electronic money movement through the Automated Clearing House
| To transfer money between a bank account and a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
| You can use electronic funds transfer to: |
| Make periodic (automatic) purchases of Fidelity® fund shares or payments to your Fidelity® brokerage account. |
| Make periodic (automatic) redemptions of Fidelity® fund shares or withdrawals from your Fidelity® brokerage account. |
Shareholder Information continued
Wire: electronic money movement through the Federal Reserve wire system
| To transfer money between a bank account and a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
Automatic Transactions: periodic (automatic) transactions
| To directly deposit all or a portion of your compensation from your employer (or the U.S. Government, in the case of Social Security) into a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
| To make contributions from a Fidelity® mutual fund account to a Fidelity® mutual fund IRA. |
| To sell shares of a Fidelity® money market fund and simultaneously to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund in a Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
Policies
The following apply to you as a shareholder.
Statements that Fidelity sends to you, if applicable, include the following:
Confirmation statements (after transactions affecting your fund balance except, to the extent applicable, reinvestment of distributions in the fund or another fund and certain transactions through automatic investment or withdrawal programs).
Monthly or quarterly account statements (detailing fund balances and all transactions completed during the prior month or quarter).
Current regulations allow Fidelity to send a single copy of shareholder documents for Fidelity® funds, such as prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and proxy materials, to certain mutual fund customers whom we believe are members of the same family who share the same address. For certain types of accounts, we will not send multiple copies of these documents to you and members of your family who share the same address. Instead, we will
send only a single copy of these documents. This will continue for as long as you are a shareholder, unless you notify us otherwise. If at any time you choose to receive individual copies of any documents, please call 1-800-544-8544. We will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days of receiving your call.
Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available at Fidelitys web site. To participate in Fidelitys electronic delivery program, call Fidelity or visit Fidelitys web site for more information.
You may initiate many transactions by telephone or electronically. Fidelity will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense, or other liability resulting from unauthorized transactions if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and may also record calls. For transactions conducted through the Internet, Fidelity recommends the use of an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption. You should verify the
accuracy of your confirmation statements upon receipt and notify Fidelity immediately of any discrepancies in your account activity. If you do not want the ability to sell and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for instructions.
You may also be asked to provide additional information in order for Fidelity to verify your identity in accordance with requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations. In addition, the fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an account in the case of: (i) actual or suspected threatening conduct or actual or suspected fraudulent, illegal or suspicious activity by the account owner or any other individual associated with the account; or (ii) the failure of the account owner to provide information to the fund related to opening the accounts. Your shares will be sold at the NAV, minus any applicable shareholder fees, calculated on the day Fidelity closes your fund position.
Fidelity may charge a fee for certain services, such as providing historical account documents.
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
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) to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
The fund normally declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. The fund normally pays capital gain distributions in March and December.
Earning Dividends
The fund processes purchase and redemption requests only on days it is open for business.
Shares generally begin to earn dividends on the first business day following the day of purchase.
Shares generally earn dividends until, but not including, the next business day following the day of redemption.
Exchange requests will be processed only when both funds are open for business.
Distribution Options
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to receive your distributions. The following distribution options are available:
1. Reinvestment Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. If you do not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. Any dividends will be paid in cash.
Shareholder Information continued
3. Cash Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
4. Directed Dividends® Option. Any dividends will be automatically invested in shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund, automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund, or paid in cash.
Not all distribution options may be available for every account and certain restrictions may apply. If the distribution option you prefer is not listed on your account application, or if you want to change your current distribution option, visit Fidelitys web site at www.fidelity.com or call 1-800-544-6666 for more information.
If you elect to receive distributions paid in cash by check and the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver your checks, your distribution option may be converted to the Reinvestment Option. You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks.
If your dividend check(s) remains uncashed for six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares at the NAV next calculated on the day of the investment.
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you.
Taxes on Distributions
The fund seeks to earn income and pay dividends exempt from federal income tax.
Income exempt from federal income tax may be subject to state or local tax or to the federal alternative minimum tax.
A portion of the dividends you receive may be subject to federal and state income taxes. You may also receive taxable distributions attributable to the funds sale of bonds.
For federal tax purposes, certain of the funds distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as market discount, are taxable to you as ordinary income, while the funds distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you generally as capital gains.
If you buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you 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 potentially taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions you receive from the fund will normally be taxable to you when you receive them, regardless of your distribution option. If you elect to receive distributions in cash or to invest distributions automatically in shares of another Fidelity® fund, you will receive certain December distributions in January, but those distributions will be taxable as if you received them on December 31.
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive when you sell them.
The fund is a mutual fund, an investment that pools shareholders money and invests it toward a specified goal.
Adviser
FMR. The Adviser is the funds manager. The address of the Adviser is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of December 31, 2021, the Adviser had approximately $3.6 trillion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $4.5 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing the funds investments and handling its business affairs.
Sub-Adviser(s)
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK), at 1 St. Martins Le Grand, London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of December 31, 2021, FMR UK had approximately $30.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. FMR UK may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR UK is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), at Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of December 31, 2021,
FMR H.K. had approximately $19.0 billion in discretionary assets under management. FMR H.K. may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR H.K. is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan), at Kamiyacho Prime Place, 1-17, Toranomon-4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of March 31, 2022, FMR Japan had approximately $6.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. FMR Japan may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR Japan is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Cormac Cullen is co-manager of the fund, which he has managed since February 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2007, Mr. Cullen has worked as a research analyst, structured analyst, senior legal counsel, and portfolio manager.
Michael Maka is co-manager of the fund, which he has managed since February 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2000, Mr. Maka has worked as the head of municipal trading and a portfolio manager.
Elizah McLaughlin is co-manager of the fund, which she has managed since February 2023. She also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1997, Ms. McLaughlin has worked as an analyst and portfolio manager.
The statement of additional information (SAI) provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager(s).
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.
Advisory Fee(s)
The fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month. The fee is calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund
fee rate, dividing by twelve, and multiplying the result by the funds average net assets throughout the month.
The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of a group of mutual funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above 0.37%, and it drops as total assets under management increase.
For September 2022, the group fee rate was 0.10%. The individual fund fee rate is 0.25%.
The Adviser pays FMR UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the fund will be included in the funds semi-annual report for the fiscal period ending July 31, 2023, when available
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.
The fund is composed of multiple classes of shares. All classes of the fund have a common investment objective and investment portfolio.
FDC distributes the funds shares.
Fund Services continued
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.
Distribution and Service Plan(s)
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 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, 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 to FDC or to intermediaries under the Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of a classs 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.
From time to time, FDC may offer special promotional programs to investors who purchase shares of Fidelity®
funds. For example, FDC may offer merchandise, discounts, vouchers, or similar items to investors who purchase shares of certain Fidelity® funds during certain periods. To determine if you qualify for any such programs, contact Fidelity or visit our web site at www.fidelity.com.
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.
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index is a market value-weighted index of investment-grade municipal bonds with maturities of one year or more.
Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Composite Index is a customized blend of unmanaged indices: Bloomberg 1-10 Year Municipal Bond Index 60%, Bloomberg 10+ Year Municipal Bond Index 30% and Bloomberg Municipal High Yield Index 10%.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT), requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account.
For individual investors opening an account: When you open an account, you will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow Fidelity to identify you. You may also be asked to provide documents that may help to establish your identity, such as your drivers license.
For investors other than individuals: When you open an account, you will be asked for the name of the entity, its principal place of business and taxpayer identification number (TIN). You will be asked to provide information about the entitys control person and beneficial owners, and person(s) with authority over the account, including name, address, date of birth and social security number. You may also be asked to provide documents, such as drivers licenses, articles of incorporation, trust instruments or partnership agreements and other information that will help Fidelity identify the entity.
You can obtain additional information about the fund. A description of the funds policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelitys 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 funds annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. The funds annual report includes a discussion of the funds holdings and recent market conditions and the funds 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 1-800-544-8544. In addition, you may visit Fidelitys 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 funds annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SECs 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 funds SAI, at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room.
Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number(s), 811-02105
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, Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design, FAST, and Directed Dividends are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2022 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
1.9907248.100 | MUC-RED-1122 |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2022. The information in this prospectus 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 prospectus 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.
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
Class/Ticker
Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
A/[ ] M/[ ] C/[ ] I/[ ] Z/[ ]
Prospectus
[ , 2023]
Like securities of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. |
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
Fund Summary | 3 | Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | ||
Fund Basics | 8 | Investment Details | ||
12 | Valuing Shares | |||
Shareholder Information | 14 | Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares | ||
22 | Converting Shares | |||
22 | Exchanging Shares | |||
24 | Rollover IRAs | |||
24 | Account Features and Policies | |||
26 | Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions | |||
27 | Tax Consequences | |||
Fund Services | 29 | Fund Management | ||
30 | Fund Distribution | |||
Appendix | 42 | Additional Index Information | ||
42 | Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries |
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund/Fidelity Advisor®
Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund A, M, C, I, Z
Investment Objective
The fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund. In addition to the fees and expenses described below, your broker may also require you to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of certain share classes of the fund.
You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the fund or certain other Fidelity® funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your investment professional and in the Fund Distribution section beginning on page [31] of the prospectus. Different intermediaries may provide additional waivers or reductions of the sales charge. Please see Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries in the Appendix section of the prospectus.
(a) Class A and Class M purchases of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge. Such Class A and Class M purchases may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 0.75% or 0.25%, respectively.
(b) On Class C shares redeemed less than one year after purchase.
Fund Summary continued
(a) Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(b) Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses (including fees and expenses associated with a wholly owned subsidiary), if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the funds securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 0.62%, 0.62%, 1.37%, 0.37%, and 0.31% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through May 31, 2024. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date.
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Lets 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. For every $10,000 you invested, heres how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated and if you hold your shares:
Class A | Class M | Class C | Class I | Class Z | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sell All Shares |
Hold Shares |
Sell All Shares |
Hold Shares |
Sell All Shares |
Hold Shares |
Sell All Shares |
Hold Shares |
Sell All Shares |
Hold Shares |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 year | $ | 461 | $ | 772 | $ | 461 | $ | 772 | $ | 239 | $ | 618 | $ | 36 | $ | 309 | $ | 32 | $ | 277 | ||||||||||||||||||||
3 years | $ | 461 | $ | 772 | $ | 461 | $ | 772 | $ | 139 | $ | 618 | $ | 36 | $ | 309 | $ | 32 | $ | 277 |
Portfolio Turnover
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 funds performance.
Principal Investment Strategies
Normally investing at least 80% of assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
Investing up to 30% of assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds).
Investing up to 20% of assets in securities that are not municipal securities exempt from federal income tax, including, but not limited to, taxable municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government agency issues, and investment-grade corporate bonds.
Managing the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to an index designed to represent Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR)s view of how the funds competitive universe will perform over time. Analyzing the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current and potential future valuation,
and trading opportunities to select investments.
Allocating assets across different market sectors and maturities.
Potentially investing more than 25% of total assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects.
Engaging in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives such as swaps (interest rate, total return, and credit default), options, and futures contracts and forward-settling securities, to adjust the funds risk exposure.
Principal Investment Risks
Municipal Market Volatility. The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.
Interest Rate Changes. Interest rate increases can cause the price of a debt security to decrease.
Prepayment. The ability of an issuer of a debt security to repay principal prior to a securitys maturity can cause greater price volatility if interest rates change.
Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. A decline in the credit quality of an issuer or a provider of credit support or a maturity-shortening structure for a
Fund Summary continued
security can cause the price of a security to decrease. 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 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 can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can be difficult to resell.
Leverage Risk. Leverage can increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly.
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
Performance history will be available for the fund after the fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
Investment Adviser
FMR (the Adviser) is the funds manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Cormac Cullen (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Michael Maka (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Elizah McLaughlin (co-manager) has managed the fund since February 2023.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a retirement account or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
institutional.fidelity.com
Phone
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-877-208-0098
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770002 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0081 |
Overnight Express:
Fidelity Investments 100 Crosby Parkway Covington, KY 41015 |
Class I and Class Z eligibility requirements are listed in the Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares section of the prospectus.
The price to buy one share of Class A or Class M is its offering price, if you pay a front-end sales charge, or its net asset value per share (NAV), if you qualify for a front-end sales charge waiver. The price to buy one share of Class C, Class I, or Class Z is its NAV. Shares will be bought at the offering price or NAV, as applicable, next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share of Class A, Class M, or Class C is its NAV, minus any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). The price to sell one share of Class I or Class Z is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form, minus any applicable CDSC.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
The fund seeks to earn income and pay dividends exempt from federal income tax. Income exempt from federal income tax may be subject to state or local tax, or to the federal alternative minimum tax. A portion of the dividends you receive may be subject to federal and state income taxes. You may also receive taxable distributions attributable to the funds sale of bonds.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, 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 intermediarys web site for more information.
Fund Basics
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the funds assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax. While the majority of the municipal securities in which the fund invests are investment-grade (those of medium and high quality), the Adviser may invest up to 30% of the funds assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds).
The Adviser may invest up to 20% of the funds assets in securities that are not municipal securities exempt from federal income tax, including, but not limited to, taxable municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government agency issues, and investment grade corporate bonds. The Adviser may invest all of the funds assets in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The Adviser uses a customized index as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. This index, a blended market value-weighted index of investment-grade and high yield fixed-rate municipal bonds, is designed to represent the Advisers view of how the funds competitive universe will perform over time. The Adviser
manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index. The Adviser may, from time to time, change the index or the characteristics of the index in response to changes in the market or the funds peer group, for example, when the observed interest rate sensitivity or credit composition of the funds competitive universe deviates from that of the index.
The Adviser considers other factors when selecting the funds 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 funds exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the markets overall risk characteristics, the markets current pricing of those risks, information on the funds competitive universe and internal views of potential future market conditions.
The Adviser allocates the funds assets among different market sectors (for example, general obligation bonds of a state or bonds financing a specific project) and different maturities based on its view of the relative value of each sector or maturity.
The Adviser may invest more than 25% of the funds total assets in municipal securities that finance similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities.
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 funds 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 funds 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 Advisers outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the funds 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.
If the Advisers strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
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 general obligation bonds of municipalities, local or state governments, project or revenue-specific bonds, pre-refunded or escrowed bonds, municipal money market securities, corporate bonds, government securities (including Treasury securities), repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities (including collateralized loan obligations), loans and loan participations, and other securities believed to have debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
Municipal securities are issued to raise money for a variety of public and private purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, or financing for a specific project or public facility. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed by the local government, by the credit of a private issuer, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees, or insurance.
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
Fund Basics continued
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. Payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the funds performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a funds performance. The funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds performance:
Municipal Market Volatility. Municipal securities can be significantly affected by political changes as well as uncertainties in the municipal market related to taxation, legislative changes, or the rights of municipal security holders. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. Budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the issuers may be relying for funding may also impact municipal securities. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal insurer can affect the overall municipal market, and market conditions may directly impact the liquidity and valuation of municipal securities.
Prepayment. Many types of debt securities are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the securitys 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.
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 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 securitys 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. In market environments where interest rates are rising, issuers may be less willing or able to make principal and/or interest payments on securities when due. The discontinuation and replacement of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (an indicative measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks could borrow from one another) and other benchmark rates may have a significant impact on the financial markets and may adversely impact a funds performance.
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 securitys or instruments 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. Municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the project or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable and the security could decline significantly in value.
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. Lower-quality debt securities can be thinly traded or have restrictions on resale, making them difficult to sell at an acceptable price,
Fund Basics continued
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.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither the Adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsels opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax-free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass-through of tax-free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
Leverage Risk. Derivatives and forward-settling securities 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. Forward-settling securities also involve the risk that a security will not be issued,
delivered, or paid for when anticipated. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a funds ability to pursue its investment strategies.
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 could distribute income subject to federal income tax.
Other Investment Strategies
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Adviser may invest the funds assets in municipal debt securities by investing in other funds.
Fundamental Investment Policies
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
The NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The funds assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV. Fidelity calculates NAV
separately for each class of shares of a multiple class fund.
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).
To the extent that the funds assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the funds assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the funds assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
NAV is calculated using the values of other open-end funds, if any, in which the fund invests (referred to as underlying funds). Shares of underlying funds are valued at their respective NAVs. Other assets 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 Advisers 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 Advisers opinion, a securitys value has been materially affected by events occurring before
a funds 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.
Arbitrage opportunities may exist when trading in a portfolio security or securities is halted and does not resume before a fund calculates its NAV. These arbitrage opportunities may enable short-term traders to dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of a funds portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of NAV by short-term traders.
Policies regarding excessive trading may not be effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts.
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.
Shareholder Information
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares
As used in this prospectus, the term shares generally refers to the shares offered through this prospectus.
General Information
Ways to Invest
You may buy or sell shares through a retirement account or an investment professional. When you invest through a retirement account or an investment professional, the procedures for buying, selling, and exchanging shares and the account features, policies, and fees may differ. Additional fees may apply to your investment in shares, including a transaction fee if you buy or sell shares through a broker or other investment professional. Your broker may also require you to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of certain share classes of the fund.
Information on Placing Orders
You should include the following information with any order:
Your name
Your account number
Type of transaction requested
Name(s) of fund(s) and class(es)
Dollar amount or number of shares
Certain methods of contacting Fidelity may be unavailable or delayed (for example, during periods of unusual market activity). In addition, the level and type of service available may be restricted.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
The fund may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law, any purchase or exchange, including transactions deemed to represent excessive trading, at any time.
Excessive trading of fund shares can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to the fund (such as brokerage commissions or spreads paid to dealers who sell money market instruments), disrupting portfolio management strategies, and diluting the value of the shares in cases in which fluctuations in markets are not fully priced into the funds NAV.
The fund reserves the right at any time to restrict purchases or exchanges or impose conditions that are more restrictive on excessive trading than those stated in this prospectus.
Excessive Trading Policy
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies designed to discourage excessive trading of fund shares. Excessive trading activity in a fund is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in a shareholders account and each class of a multiple class fund is treated separately. A roundtrip transaction occurs when a shareholder sells fund shares (including exchanges) within 30 days of the purchase date.
Shareholders with two or more roundtrip transactions in a single fund within a rolling 90-day period will be
blocked from making additional purchases or exchange purchases of the fund for 85 days. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip transactions across all Fidelity® funds within any rolling 12-month period will be blocked for at least 85 days from additional purchases or exchange purchases across all Fidelity® funds. Any roundtrip within 12 months of the expiration of a multi-fund block will initiate another multi-fund block. Repeat offenders may be subject to long-term or permanent blocks on purchase or exchange purchase transactions in any account under the shareholders control at any time. In addition to enforcing these roundtrip limitations, the fund may in its discretion restrict, reject, or cancel any purchases or exchanges that, in the Advisers opinion, may be disruptive to the management of the fund or otherwise not be in the funds interests.
Exceptions
The following transactions are exempt from the funds excessive trading policy described above: (i) systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, (ii) mandatory retirement distributions, (iii) transactions initiated by a plan sponsor or sponsors of certain employee benefit plans or other related accounts, (iv) transactions within a qualified advisory program, and (v) transactions initiated by the trustee or adviser to a donor-advised charitable gift fund, qualified fund of fund(s), or other strategy funds.
A qualified advisory program is one that demonstrates to Fidelity that the
program has investment strategies and trading policies designed to protect the interests of long-term investors and meets specific criteria outlined by Fidelity.
A qualified fund of fund(s) is a mutual fund, qualified tuition program, or other strategy fund consisting of qualified plan assets that either applies the funds excessive trading policies to shareholders at the fund of fund(s) level, or demonstrates that the fund of fund(s) has an investment strategy coupled with policies designed to control frequent trading that are reasonably likely to be effective as determined by the funds Treasurer.
Fidelity may choose not to monitor transactions below certain dollar value thresholds.
Omnibus Accounts
Omnibus accounts, in which shares are held in the name of an intermediary on behalf of multiple investors, are a common form of holding shares among retirement plans and financial intermediaries such as brokers, advisers, and third-party administrators. Individual trades in omnibus accounts are often not disclosed to the fund, making it difficult to determine whether a particular shareholder is engaging in excessive trading. Excessive trading in omnibus accounts is likely to go undetected by the fund and may increase costs to the fund and disrupt its portfolio management.
Under policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, intermediaries will be permitted to apply the funds excessive trading
Shareholder Information continued
policy (described above), or their own excessive trading policy if approved by the Adviser. In these cases, the fund will typically not request or receive individual account data but will rely on the intermediary to monitor trading activity in good faith in accordance with its or the funds policies. Reliance on intermediaries increases the risk that excessive trading may go undetected. For other intermediaries, the fund will generally monitor trading activity at the omnibus account level to attempt to identify disruptive trades. The fund may request transaction information, as frequently as daily, from any intermediary at any time, and may apply the funds policy to transactions that exceed thresholds established by the Board of Trustees. The fund may prohibit purchases of fund shares by an intermediary or by some or all of any intermediarys clients. There is no assurance that the Adviser will request data with sufficient frequency to detect or deter excessive trading in omnibus accounts effectively.
If you purchase or sell fund shares through a financial intermediary, you may wish to contact the intermediary to determine the policies applicable to your account.
Retirement Plans
For employer-sponsored retirement plans, only participant directed exchanges count toward the roundtrip limits. Employer-sponsored retirement plan participants whose activity triggers a purchase or exchange block will be permitted one trade every calendar quarter. In the event of a block,
employer and participant contributions and loan repayments by the participant may still be invested in the fund.
Other Information about the Excessive Trading Policy
The funds Treasurer is authorized to suspend the funds policies during periods of severe market turbulence or national emergency. The fund reserves the right to modify its policies at any time without prior notice.
The fund does not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors, except to the extent permitted by the policies described above.
As described in Valuing Shares, the fund also uses fair value pricing to help reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance that the funds excessive trading policy will be effective, or will successfully detect or deter excessive or disruptive trading.
Buying Shares
Eligibility
Shares are generally available only to investors residing in the United States.
Each class of the fund has different expenses and features, as described in the applicable prospectus. Investors eligible to purchase one class of shares may also be eligible to purchase other classes of shares of the fund. Your investment professional, as applicable, can help you choose the class of shares that best suits your investment needs. However, plan participants may purchase only the classes of shares that
are eligible for sale and available through their plan. Certain classes may have higher expenses than those offered by the plan.
Additional Information Regarding Class I Eligibility
Class I shares generally are offered to:
1. Certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans generally include profit sharing, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), defined benefit, retiree health savings plans, and similar plans, but generally do not include: retail retirement or non-retirement accounts; Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) (such as traditional, Roth, SEP, SARSEP, and SIMPLE IRAs); Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; individual 403(b) accounts that are not part of an employers 403(b) plan; plans investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program; plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans); health savings accounts; or qualified tuition programs;
2. Insurance company separate accounts;
3. Broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, insurance company, trust institution and bank trust department managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee;
4. Current or former Trustees or officers of a Fidelity® fund or current or retired officers, directors, or regular employees of FMR LLC or FIL Limited or their direct or indirect subsidiaries (Fidelity Trustee or employee), spouses of Fidelity Trustees or employees, Fidelity Trustees or employees acting as a
custodian for a minor child, persons acting as trustee of a trust for the sole benefit of the minor child of a Fidelity Trustee or employee, or employee benefit plans sponsored by FMR LLC or an affiliate;
5. Any state, county, or city, or any governmental instrumentality, department, authority or agency;
6. Charitable organizations (as defined for purposes of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) or charitable remainder trusts or life income pools established for the benefit of a charitable organization;
7. Qualified tuition programs for which Fidelity serves as investment manager, or mutual funds managed by Fidelity or other parties;
8. Employer-sponsored health savings accounts investing through an intermediary;
9. Former Destiny® Planholders who exchange, or have exchanged, from Class O to Class I of Fidelity Advisor® funds;
10. Investors who purchase shares through brokerage programs of certain brokers acting solely as agents for their customers and that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer Class I shares through such programs. An investor transacting in such programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker; and
11. Investors whose account is no longer associated with a financial intermediary and whose shares were exchanged by
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Fidelity from Class A, Class M, or Class C of the fund to Class I shares of the same fund; only in certain employee benefit plan accounts may such investors add to their position in Class I.
Investors may be able to purchase Class I in other circumstances. Please contact Fidelity or your investment professional for more information about Class I shares.
Additional Information Regarding Class Z Eligibility
Class Z shares generally are offered to:
1. Certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans generally include profit sharing, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), defined benefit, retiree health savings plans, and similar plans, but generally do not include: retail retirement or non-retirement accounts; Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) (such as traditional, Roth, SEP, SARSEP, and SIMPLE IRAs); Coverdell Education Savings Accounts; individual 403(b) accounts that are not part of an employers 403(b) plan; plans investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program; plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans); health savings accounts; or qualified tuition programs;
2. Broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, insurance company, trust institution and bank trust department managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee;
3. Investors who purchase shares through brokerage programs of certain brokers acting solely as agents for their customers and that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer Class Z shares through such programs. An investor transacting in such programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker;
4. Mutual funds dedicated for use in Fidelitys managed account programs, and investment vehicles dedicated for use by the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund, for which Fidelity serves as investment manager; and
5. Employee benefit plans sponsored by FMR LLC or an affiliate.
Investors may be able to purchase Class Z in other circumstances. Please contact Fidelity or your investment professional for more information about Class Z shares.
There is no minimum balance or purchase minimum for fund shares.
Price to Buy
The price to buy one share of Class A or Class M is its offering price or its NAV, depending on whether you pay a front-end sales charge.
The price to buy one share of Class C, Class I, or Class Z is its NAV. Class C shares are sold without a front-end sales charge, but may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. Class I and Class Z shares are sold without a sales charge.
If you pay a front-end sales charge, your price will be Class As or Class Ms offering price. When you buy Class A or Class M shares at the offering price, Fidelity deducts the appropriate sales charge and invests the rest in Class A or Class M shares of the fund. If you qualify for a front-end sales charge waiver, your price will be Class As or Class Ms NAV.
The offering price of Class A or Class M is its NAV plus the sales charge. The offering price is calculated by dividing Class As or Class Ms NAV by the difference between one and the applicable front-end sales charge percentage and rounding to the nearest cent.
The dollar amount of the sales charge for Class A or Class M is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased and the NAV of those shares. Since the offering price per share is calculated to the nearest cent using standard rounding criteria, the percentage sales charge you actually pay may be higher or lower than the sales charge percentages shown in this prospectus due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
Shares will be bought at the offering price or NAV, as applicable, next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
It is the responsibility of your investment professional to transmit your order to buy shares to Fidelity before the close of business on the day you place your order.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to buy shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be bought at the offering price or NAV, as applicable, next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
The fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or Fidelity has incurred.
Shares can be bought or sold through investment professionals using an automated order placement and settlement system that guarantees payment for orders on a specified date.
Certain financial institutions that meet creditworthiness criteria established by FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone, with payment to follow no later than close of business on the next business day. If payment is not received by that time, the order will be canceled and the financial institution will be liable for any losses.
Shareholder Information continued
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Selling Shares
The price to sell one share of Class A, Class M, or Class C is its NAV, minus any applicable CDSC. The price to sell one share of Class I or Class Z is its NAV.
Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form, minus any applicable CDSC. Normally, redemptions will be processed by the next business day, but it may take up to seven days to pay the redemption proceeds if making immediate payment would adversely affect the fund.
It is the responsibility of your investment professional to transmit your order to sell shares to Fidelity before the close of business on the day you place your order.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to sell shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary, minus any applicable CDSC. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
See Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares below for additional redemption information.
A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Fidelity may require that your request be made in writing and include a signature guarantee in certain circumstances, such as:
When you wish to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares.
When the address on your account (record address) has changed within the last 15 days or you are requesting that a check be mailed to an address different than the record address.
When you are requesting that redemption proceeds be paid to someone other than the account owner.
In certain situations when the redemption proceeds are being transferred to a Fidelity® account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker-dealer, credit union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
When you place an order to sell shares, note the following:
Redemption proceeds (other than exchanges) may be delayed until money from prior purchases sufficient to cover your redemption has been received and collected.
Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed when the
NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
Redemption proceeds may be paid in securities or other property rather than in cash if the Adviser determines it is in the best interests of the fund.
You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed redemption checks.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, redemption requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.
Class Z:
When your relationship with your managed account provider is terminated, your shares may be sold at the NAV next calculated, in which case the redemption proceeds will remain in your account pending your instruction.
Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares
If your account is held directly with a fund, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends on the method you have elected to receive such proceeds. A fund typically expects to make payment of redemption proceeds by wire, automated clearing house (ACH) or by issuing a check by the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form. Proceeds from the periodic and automatic sale of shares of a Fidelity® money market
fund that are used to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund are settled simultaneously.
If your account is held through an intermediary, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends, in part, on the terms of the agreement in place between the intermediary and a fund. For redemption proceeds that are paid either directly to you from a fund or to your intermediary for transmittal to you, a fund typically expects to make payments by wire, by ACH or by issuing a check on the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form from the intermediary by a fund. Redemption orders that are processed through investment professionals that utilize the National Securities Clearing Corporation will generally settle one to three business days following receipt of a redemption order in proper form.
As noted elsewhere, payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time a fund typically expects and may take up to seven days from the date of receipt of the redemption order as permitted by applicable law.
Redemption Methods Available. Generally a fund expects to pay redemption proceeds in cash. To do so, a fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests either by using available cash (or cash equivalents) or by selling portfolio securities. On a less regular basis, a fund may also satisfy redemption requests by utilizing one or more of the following sources, if permitted: borrowing from another
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Fidelity® fund; drawing on an available line or lines of credit from a bank or banks; or using reverse repurchase agreements. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, a fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash (redemption in-kind). Redemption in-kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering the selected securities to the redeeming shareholder within seven days after the receipt of the redemption order in proper form by a fund.
The fund will automatically convert your class of shares of the fund to Class Z shares, if Class Z of the fund is available under your plan.
The fund may convert your Class Z shares to another class of shares of the fund, including classes of shares not offered in this prospectus that are available under your plan, if your plan is no longer eligible to offer Class Z. Information on the other classes of shares of the fund can be found in that classs prospectus. Investors will be notified in writing before any such conversion to another class.
A conversion will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes, without the imposition of any fees, on the trade date of the conversion. A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a non-taxable event.
Conversion Feature. After a maximum of eight years from the initial date of purchase, Class C shares convert automatically to Class A shares of a fund. Conversion to Class A shares will be made at NAV. At the time of conversion, a portion of the Class C shares bought through the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains (Dividend Shares) will also convert to Class A shares. The portion of Dividend Shares that will convert is determined by the ratio of your converting Class C non-Dividend Shares to your total Class C non-Dividend Shares. A fund may convert shares sooner in certain circumstances. A shorter holding period may also apply depending on your intermediary. Please see Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries in the Appendix section of this prospectus.
An exchange involves the redemption of all or a portion of the shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund.
As a Class A shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class A shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares at NAV or for Daily Money Class shares of Fidelity® funds that offer Daily Money Class shares.
As a Class M shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class M shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares at NAV or for Advisor M Class shares of Fidelity®
Government Money Market Fund. If you purchased your Class M shares through certain investment professionals that have signed an agreement with FDC, you also have the privilege of exchanging your Class M shares for shares of Fidelity® Capital Appreciation Fund.
As a Class C shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class C shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares or for Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund.
As a Class I shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class I shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares or for shares of Fidelity® funds.
As a Class Z shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class Z shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares or Class Z shares of other Fidelity® funds available through your employee benefit plan, or if the Fidelity® fund does not offer Class Z shares, then other classes of the Fidelity® fund that are available through your plan.
Through your investment professional, you may also move between certain share classes of the same fund. For more information, see the statement of additional information (SAI) or consult your investment professional.
However, you should note the following policies and restrictions governing exchanges:
The exchange limit may be modified for accounts held by certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits and Department of Labor regulations. See your retirement plan materials for further information.
The fund may refuse any exchange purchase for any reason. For example, the fund may refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Advisers judgment, the fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
An exchange of shares is not subject to any applicable CDSCs.
Before any exchange, read the prospectus for the shares you are purchasing, including any purchase and sale requirements.
The shares you are acquiring by exchange must be available for sale in your state.
Exchanges may have tax consequences for you if you own shares in a taxable account.
If you are exchanging between accounts that are not registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN), there may be additional requirements.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, exchange requests may be suspended,
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restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.
The fund may terminate or modify exchange privileges in the future.
Other funds may have different exchange restrictions and minimums. Check each funds prospectus for details.
Class Z shares generally are not available to IRA rollover accounts. Assets from retirement plans may be invested in other class(es) of shares of the fund through an IRA rollover, including class(es) of shares not offered in this prospectus. Each class of the fund has
different expenses and features and may have higher expenses than Class Z shares. Information on the other class(es) of shares of the fund, including any class expenses and features, can be found in the applicable classs prospectus. Please contact your investment professional for more information.
Features
The following features may be available to buy and sell shares of the fund. Visit institutional.fidelity.com or contact your investment professional for more information.
Electronic Funds Transfer (Fidelity Advisor Money Line®): electronic money movement through the Automated Clearing House
| To transfer money between a bank account and your fund account. |
| You can use electronic funds transfer to: |
| Make periodic (automatic) purchases of shares. |
| Make periodic (automatic) redemptions of shares. |
Wire: electronic money movement through the Federal Reserve wire system
| To transfer money between a bank account and your fund account. |
Automatic Transactions: periodic (automatic) transactions
| To make contributions from your fund account to your Fidelity Advisor® IRA. |
| To sell shares of a Fidelity® money market fund and simultaneously to buy shares of a Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares. |
Policies
The following apply to you as a shareholder.
Statements that Fidelity sends to you, if applicable, include the following:
Confirmation statements (after transactions affecting your fund balance
except, to the extent applicable, reinvestment of distributions in the fund or another fund and certain transactions through automatic investment or withdrawal programs).
Monthly or quarterly account statements (detailing fund balances and all transactions completed during the prior month or quarter).
Current regulations allow Fidelity to send a single copy of shareholder documents for Fidelity® funds, such as prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and proxy materials, to certain mutual fund customers whom we believe are members of the same family who share the same address. For certain types of accounts, we will not send multiple copies of these documents to you and members of your family who share the same address. Instead, we will send only a single copy of these documents. This will continue for as long as you are a shareholder, unless you notify us otherwise. If at any time you choose to receive individual copies of any documents, please call 1-877-208-0098. We will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days of receiving your call.
You may initiate many transactions by telephone or electronically. Fidelity will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense, or other liability resulting from unauthorized transactions if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and may also record calls. For transactions conducted through
the Internet, Fidelity recommends the use of an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements upon receipt and notify Fidelity immediately of any discrepancies in your account activity. If you do not want the ability to sell and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for instructions. Additional documentation may be required from corporations, associations, and certain fiduciaries.
You may also be asked to provide additional information in order for Fidelity to verify your identity in accordance with requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations. In addition, the fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an account in the case of: (i) actual or suspected threatening conduct or actual or suspected fraudulent, illegal or suspicious activity by the account owner or any other individual associated with the account; or (ii) the failure of the account owner to provide information to the fund related to opening the accounts. Your shares will be sold at the NAV, minus any applicable shareholder fees, calculated on the day Fidelity closes your fund position.
Fidelity may charge a fee for certain services, such as providing historical account documents.
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Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
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) to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
The fund normally declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. The fund normally pays capital gain distributions in March and December.
Earning Dividends
The fund processes purchase and redemption requests only on days it is open for business.
When you buy shares, your method of payment will determine when dividends begin to accrue. For example, shares purchased through an investment professional using the National Securities Clearing Corporation generally begin to earn dividends on the day the fund receives payment for those shares. Shares purchased through an investment professional by any other method generally begin to earn dividends on the first business day following the day the fund receives payment. If you purchase your shares directly from the fund by check or wire, those shares generally begin to earn dividends on the first business day following the day you placed your purchase order.
Shares sold through an investment professional using the National Securities Clearing Corporation generally
earn dividends until, but not including, the day redemption proceeds are processed. Shares sold through an investment professional by any other method generally earn dividends until, but not including, the first business day following the day redemption proceeds are processed. Shares sold other than through an investment professional generally earn dividends until, but not including, the first business day following the day of redemption.
Exchange requests will be processed only when both funds are open for business.
Distribution Options
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to receive your distributions. The following distribution options are available:
1. Reinvestment Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. If you do not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. Any dividends will be paid in cash.
3. Cash Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
4. Directed Dividends® Option. Any dividends will be automatically invested in the same class of shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically
invested in the same class of shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund, automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund, or paid in cash.
Not all distribution options may be available for every account and certain restrictions may apply. If the option you prefer is not listed on your account application, or if you want to change your current option, contact your investment professional directly or call Fidelity.
If you elect to receive distributions paid in cash by check and the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver your checks, your distribution option may be converted to the Reinvestment Option. You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks.
Any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan participants will be automatically reinvested.
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
The fund seeks to earn income and pay dividends exempt from federal income tax.
Income exempt from federal income tax may be subject to state or local tax or to the federal alternative minimum tax.
A portion of the dividends you receive may be subject to federal and state income taxes. You may also receive taxable distributions attributable to the funds sale of bonds.
For federal tax purposes, certain of the funds distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as market discount, are taxable to you as ordinary income, while the funds distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you generally as capital gains.
If you buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you 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 potentially taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions you receive from the fund will normally be taxable to you when you receive them, regardless of your distribution option. If you elect to receive distributions in cash or to invest distributions automatically in the same class of shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares or shares of Fidelity® funds, you will receive certain December distributions in January, but those distributions will be taxable as if you received them on December 31.
Distributions by the fund to tax-advantaged retirement plan accounts are not taxable currently (but you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Shareholder Information continued
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive when you sell them.
Exchanges within a tax-advantaged retirement plan account will not result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of distributions from a tax-advantaged retirement plan account.
Fund Services
The fund is a mutual fund, an investment that pools shareholders money and invests it toward a specified goal.
Adviser
FMR. The Adviser is the funds manager. The address of the Adviser is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of December 31, 2021, the Adviser had approximately $3.6 trillion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $4.5 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing the funds investments and handling its business affairs.
Sub-Adviser(s)
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK), at 1 St. Martins Le Grand, London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of December 31, 2021, FMR UK had approximately $30.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. FMR UK may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR UK is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), at Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of December 31, 2021, FMR H.K. had approximately $19.0 billion in
discretionary assets under management. FMR H.K. may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR H.K. is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan), at Kamiyacho Prime Place, 1-17, Toranomon-4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, serves as a sub-adviser for the fund. As of March 31, 2022, FMR Japan had approximately $6.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. FMR Japan may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for the fund. FMR Japan is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Cormac Cullen is co-manager of the fund, which he has managed since February 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2007, Mr. Cullen has worked as a research analyst, structured analyst, senior legal counsel, and portfolio manager.
Michael Maka is co-manager of the fund, which he has managed since February 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2000, Mr. Maka has worked as the head of municipal trading and a portfolio manager.
Elizah McLaughlin is co-manager of the fund, which she has managed since February 2023. She also manages other
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funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1997, Ms. McLaughlin has worked as an analyst and portfolio manager.
The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager(s).
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.
Advisory Fee(s)
The fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month. The fee is calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, dividing by twelve, and multiplying the result by the funds average net assets throughout the month.
The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of a group of mutual
funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above 0.37%, and it drops as total assets under management increase.
For September 2022, the group fee rate was 0.10%. The individual fund fee rate is 0.25%.
The Adviser pays FMR UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the fund will be included in the funds semi-annual report for the fiscal period ending July 31, 2023, when available.
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.
The fund is composed of multiple classes of shares. All classes of the fund have a common investment objective and investment portfolio.
FDC distributes each classs shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for their services intended to result in the sale of class shares, including compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other
retirement plan expenses for Class Z shares. This compensation may take the form of (as applicable):
Sales charges and concessions (not applicable to Class I and Class Z shares).
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees (not applicable to Class I and Class Z shares).
Finders fees (not applicable to Class C, Class I, and Class Z shares).
Payments for additional distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services.
Payments for educational seminars and training, including seminars sponsored by Fidelity, or by an intermediary.
These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI. Please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from the Adviser, 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.
You may pay a sales charge when you buy or sell your Class A, Class M, and Class C shares.
FDC collects the sales charge.
As described in detail in this section, you may be entitled to a waiver of your sales charge, or to pay a reduced sales charge, when you buy or sell Class A,
Class M, and Class C shares. In the event of changes in sales charges, sales charges, if any, in effect at the time of purchase generally will apply.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a fund or through an intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC (back-end) waivers. Please see Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries in the Appendix section of the prospectus. In all instances, it is the purchasers responsibility to notify a fund or the purchasers intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from a fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
The front-end sales charge will be reduced for purchases of Class A and Class M shares according to the sales charge schedules below.
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Sales Charges and Concessions Class A
Sales Charge | ||||||
As a % offering price(a) |
As an approximate % of net amount invested(a) |
Investment professional concession price | ||||
Less than $50,000(b) | 4.00% | 4.17% | 3.75% | |||
$50,000 but less than $100,000 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.50% | |||
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.00% | 3.09% | 2.75% | |||
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.25% | 2.30% | 2.00% | |||
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 1.75% | 1.78% | 1.50% | |||
$1,000,000 but less than $4,000,000 | None | None | 0.75%(c) | |||
$4,000,000 but less than $25,000,000 | None | None | 0.50%(c) | |||
$25,000,000 or more | None | None | 0.25%(c) |
(a) The actual sales charge you pay may be higher or lower than those calculated using these percentages due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
(b) Purchases of $10.00 or less will not pay a sales charge.
(c) Certain conditions and exceptions apply. See Fund Services Fund Distribution Finders Fees.
Investments in Class A shares of $1 million or more may, upon redemption less than 18 months after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a CDSC of 0.75%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
When exchanging Class A shares of one fund for Class A shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares or Daily Money Class shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Daily Money Class shares, your Class A shares retain the CDSC schedule in effect when they were originally bought.
Sales Charges and Concessions Class M
Sales Charge | ||||||
As a % offering price(a) |
As an approximate % of net amount invested(a) |
Investment professional concession price | ||||
Less than $50,000(b) | 4.00% | 4.17% | 3.75% | |||
$50,000 but less than $100,000 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.50% | |||
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.00% | 3.09% | 2.75% | |||
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.25% | 2.30% | 2.00% | |||
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 1.75% | 1.78% | 1.50% | |||
$1,000,000 or more | None | None | 0.25%(c) |
(a) The actual sales charge you pay may be higher or lower than those calculated using these percentages due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
(b) Purchases of $10.00 or less will not pay a sales charge.
(c) Certain conditions and exceptions apply. See Fund Services Fund Distribution Finders Fees.
Investments in Class M shares of $1 million or more may, upon redemption less than one year after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a
CDSC of 0.25%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
When exchanging Class M shares of one fund for Class M shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares or Advisor M Class shares of Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund, your Class M shares retain the CDSC schedule in effect when they were originally bought.
Class A or Class M shares purchased by an individual or company through the Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, or Letter of Intent program may receive a reduced front-end sales charge according to the sales charge schedules above. To qualify for a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction under one of these programs, you must notify Fidelity in advance of your purchase.
Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, and Letter of Intent Programs. The following qualify as an individual or company for the purposes of determining eligibility for the Combined Purchase and Rights of Accumulation program: an individual, spouse, and their children under age 21 purchasing for his/her or their own account; a trustee, administrator, or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account or for a single or parent-subsidiary group of employee benefit plans (except SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering
self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)) and 403(b) programs; and tax-exempt organizations (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). The following qualify as an individual or company for the purposes of determining eligibility for the Letter of Intent program: an individual, spouse, and their children under age 21 purchasing for his/her or their own account; a trustee, administrator, or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account (except SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)); an IRA or plans covering sole-proprietors (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans); plans investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program; and tax-exempt organizations (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code).
Combined Purchase. To receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction, if you are a new shareholder, you may combine your purchase of Class A or Class M shares with purchases of: (i) Class A, Class M, and Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (ii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, and (iii) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. Purchases may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries on the same day for the purpose of qualifying for the Combined Purchase program.
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Rights of Accumulation. To receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction, if you are an existing shareholder, you may add to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares the current value of your holdings in: (i) Class A, Class M, and Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (ii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, (iii) Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares acquired by exchange from any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (iv) Class O shares of Fidelity Advisor® Diversified Stock Fund and Fidelity Advisor® Capital Development Fund, and (v) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. The current value of your holdings is determined at the NAV at the close of business on the day prior to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares. The current value of your holdings will be added to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares for the purpose of qualifying for the Rights of Accumulation program. Purchases and holdings may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries for the purpose of qualifying for the Rights of Accumulation program.
Letter of Intent. You may receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction on your purchases of Class A and Class M shares made during a 13-month period by signing a Letter of Intent (Letter). File your Letter with Fidelity no later than the date of the initial purchase toward
completing your Letter. Each Class A or Class M purchase you make toward completing your Letter will be entitled to the reduced front-end sales charge applicable to the total investment indicated in the Letter. Purchases of the following may be aggregated for the purpose of completing your Letter: (i) Class A and Class M shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares (except those acquired by exchange from Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares that had been previously exchanged from a Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares), (ii) Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (iii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, and (iv) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. Reinvested income and capital gain distributions will not be considered purchases for the purpose of completing your Letter. Purchases may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries for the purpose of qualifying for the Letter of Intent program. Your initial purchase toward completing your Letter must be at least 5% of the total investment specified in your Letter. Fidelity will register Class A or Class M shares equal to 5% of the total investment specified in your Letter in your name and will hold those shares in escrow. You will earn income, dividends and capital gain distributions on escrowed Class A and Class M shares. The escrow will be released when you complete
your Letter. You are not obligated to complete your Letter. If you do not complete your Letter, you must pay the increased front-end sales charges due in accordance with the sales charge schedule in effect when your shares were originally bought. Fidelity may redeem sufficient escrowed Class A or Class M shares to pay any applicable front-end sales charges. If you purchase more than the amount specified in your Letter and qualify for additional Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reductions, the front-end sales charge will be adjusted to reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months and the surplus amount will be applied to your purchase of additional Class A or Class M shares at the then-current offering price applicable to the total investment.
Detailed information about these programs also is available on institutional.fidelity.com. In order to obtain the benefit of a front-end sales charge reduction for which you may be eligible, you may need to inform your investment professional of other accounts you, your spouse, or your children maintain with your investment professional or other investment professionals from the same intermediary.
Class C shares may, upon redemption less than one year after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a CDSC of 1.00%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the classs NAV.
Investment professionals will receive as compensation from FDC, at the time of the sale, a concession equal to 1.00% of your purchase of Class C shares. A concession will not apply to Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
The CDSC for Class A, Class M, and Class C shares will be calculated based on the lesser of the cost of each classs shares, as applicable, at the initial date of purchase or the value of those shares, as applicable, at redemption, not including any reinvested dividends or capital gains. Class A, Class M, and Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions will not be subject to a CDSC. In determining the applicability and rate of any CDSC at redemption, shares representing reinvested dividends and capital gains will be redeemed first, followed by those shares that have been held for the longest period of time.
A front-end sales charge will not apply to the following Class A or Class M shares:
1. Purchased for an employee benefit plan other than a plan investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program. For this purpose, employee benefit plans generally include 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) governmental plans, but do not include: IRAs, SIMPLE, SEP, or SARSEP plans; or health savings accounts.
2. Purchased for an insurance company separate account.
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3. Purchased for managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee by a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, insurance company, trust institution or bank trust department.
4. Purchased with the proceeds of a redemption of Fidelity® or Fidelity Advisor® fund shares held in (i) an insurance company separate account, or (ii) an employee benefit plan (as described in waiver number 1 above, including the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program), the proceeds of which must be reinvested directly into Fidelity Advisor® fund shares held in an account for which Fidelity Management Trust Company or an affiliate serves as custodian.
5. Purchased with any proceeds of a distribution from a Fidelity® recordkept employee benefit plan (as described in waiver number 1 above, including the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program) that is rolled directly into a Fidelity Advisor® IRA for which Fidelity Management Trust Company or an affiliate serves as custodian.
6. Purchased by a bank trust officer, registered representative, or other employee (or a member of one of their immediate families) of intermediaries having agreements with FDC. A member of the immediate family of a bank trust officer, a registered representative, or other employee of intermediaries having agreements with FDC, is a spouse of one of those individuals, an account for which one of those individuals is acting as custodian for a minor child, and a trust
account that is registered for the sole benefit of a minor child of one of those individuals.
7. Purchased to repay a loan against Class A or Class M shares held in the investors Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program.
8. Purchased for an employer-sponsored health savings account.
9. (Applicable only to Class A) Purchased by a former Destiny® Planholder in a Fidelity Advisor® account that was converted directly from a Destiny® Plan account after September 30, 2008. This waiver shall apply as long as the ownership of the Fidelity Advisor® account does not change. If the Fidelity Advisor® account is no longer directly held at Fidelity, your intermediary may be able to apply the waiver, assuming the stated conditions are met. Please contact your investment professional for more information.
10. Purchased for a mutual fund only brokerage platform that charges a platform entrance fee and where the distributor has agreed with the broker to participate in such platform.
Pursuant to Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act), FDC exercises its right to waive Class As and Class Ms front-end sales charge on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions or in connection with a funds merger with or acquisition of any investment company or trust. FDC also exercises its right to waive Class As and Class Ms front-end
sales charge on purchases of $10.00 or less.
The CDSC may be waived on the redemption of shares (applies to Class A, Class M, and Class C, unless otherwise noted):
1. For disability or death.
2. From employer-sponsored retirement plans (except SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and SARSEPs) in accordance with required minimum distributions as mandated by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
3. For required minimum distributions from Traditional IRAs, Rollover IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and SARSEPs (excludes Roth accounts) as mandated by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
4. Through the Fidelity Advisor® Systematic Withdrawal Program, if the amount does not exceed 12% of the account balance in a rolling 12-month period.
5. (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) Held by insurance company separate accounts.
6. (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) From an employee benefit plan (except SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, SARSEPs, and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees) or 403(b) programs (except Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) programs for which Fidelity or an affiliate serves as custodian).
7. (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) On which a finders fee was eligible to be paid to an investment pro-
fessional at the time of purchase, but was not paid because payment was declined (to determine your eligibility for this CDSC waiver, please ask your investment professional if he or she received a finders fee at the time of purchase).
8. (Applicable to Class C only) On which investment professionals did not receive a concession at the time of purchase.
To qualify for a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction or waiver, you must notify Fidelity in advance of your purchase.
You may be required to notify Fidelity in advance of your redemption to qualify for a Class A, Class M, or Class C CDSC waiver.
Information on sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge on institutional.fidelity.com.
Finders Fees. Finders fees may be paid to investment professionals who sell Class A and Class M shares in purchase amounts of $1 million or more. For Class A share purchases, investment professionals may be compensated at the time of purchase with a finders fee at the rate of 0.75% of the purchase amount for purchases of $1 million up to $4 million, 0.50% of the purchase amount for purchases of $4 million up to $25 million, and 0.25% of the purchase amount for purchases of $25 million or more. For Class M share purchases, investment professionals may be compensated at the time of purchase with a finders fee at the rate of 0.25% of the purchase amount.
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Investment professionals may be eligible for a finders fee on the following purchases of Class A and Class M shares made through broker-dealers and banks: a trade that brings the value of the accumulated account(s) of an investor, including a 403(b) program or an employee benefit plan (except a SEP or SARSEP plan or a plan covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly a Keogh/H.R. 10 plan)), over $1 million; a trade for an investor with an accumulated account value of $1 million or more; and an incremental trade toward an investors $1 million Letter. Accumulated account value for purposes of finders fees eligibility is determined the same as it is for Rights of Accumulation. Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares are not counted for this purpose unless acquired by exchange from any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares. For information, see Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, and Letter of Intent Programs above.
Finders fees are not paid in connection with purchases of Class A or Class M shares by insurance company separate accounts or managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee, or purchases of Class A or Class M shares made with the proceeds from the redemption of shares of any Fidelity® fund or any retirement plan recordkept at Fidelity.
Investment professionals should contact Fidelity in advance to determine if they qualify to receive a finders fee. Finders fees will be paid in connection
with shares recordkept in a Fidelity Advisor® 401(k) Retirement Plan only at the time of the initial conversion of assets. Investment professionals should contact Fidelity for more information.
Reinstatement Privilege. If you have sold all or part of your Class A, Class M, or Class C shares of the fund, you may reinvest an amount equal to all or a portion of the redemption proceeds in the same class of the fund or another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, at the NAV next determined after receipt in proper form of your investment order, provided that such reinvestment is made within 90 days of redemption. Under these circumstances, the dollar amount of the CDSC you paid, if any, on shares will be reimbursed to you by reinvesting that amount in Class A, Class M, or Class C shares, as applicable.
You must reinstate your shares into an account with the same registration. This privilege may be exercised only once by a shareholder with respect to the fund and certain restrictions may apply. For purposes of the CDSC schedule, the holding period will continue as if the Class A, Class M, or Class C shares had not been redeemed. To qualify for the reinstatement privilege, you must notify Fidelity in writing in advance of your reinvestment.
Distribution and Service Plan(s)
Class A has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan,
Class A is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A shares. Class A may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of Class As average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class A shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class A plan, Class A pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class As average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Except as provided below, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services. For purchases of Class A shares on which a finders fee was paid to intermediaries, after the first year of investment, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (service) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
Class M has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class M is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as
compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class M shares. Class M may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of Class Ms average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class M shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class M plan, Class M pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class Ms average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
Class C has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class C is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares. Class C currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average net assets throughout the month.
In addition, pursuant to the Class C plan, Class C pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class Cs average net assets through-
Fund Services continued
out the month for providing shareholder support services.
Normally, after the first year of investment, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (distribution) fees to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares and may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
For purchases of Class C shares made through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, during the first year of investment and thereafter, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (distribution) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares and may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
Any fees paid out of Class As, Class Ms, and Class Cs assets on an ongoing basis pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
In addition to the above payments, each Class A, Class M, and Class C plan specifically recognizes that the Adviser may make payments from its management fee revenue, past profits, or other resources to FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale
of Class A, Class M, and Class C shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC or one or more affiliates, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for Class A, Class M, and Class C.
Each of Class I and Class Z has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that recognizes that the Adviser 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 Class I and Class Z shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, 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 Class I and Class Z.
If payments made by the Adviser to FDC or to intermediaries under the Class Is and Class Zs Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of Class Is and Class Zs 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.
Appendix
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index is a market value-weighted index of investment-grade municipal bonds with maturities of one year or more.
Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Composite Index is a customized blend of unmanaged indices: Bloomberg 1-10 Year Municipal Bond Index 60%, Bloomberg 10+ Year Municipal Bond Index 30% and Bloomberg Municipal High Yield Index 10%.
Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries
Ameriprise
The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI.
Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase
pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisors spouse, advisors lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisors lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any
spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
D.A. Davidson & Co. (D.A. Davidson)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares including existing fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or a funds SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
Employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
A shareholder in the funds Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidsons policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at D.A. Davidson
Death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in a funds prospectus.
Return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Appendix continued
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchasers household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones)
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:
The following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as shareholders) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as breakpoints) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers
described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or statement of additional information (SAI) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholders responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the fund family, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Breakpoints
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA):
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of the mutual fund family held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (pricing groups). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only
if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI):
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge
previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers:
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associates life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones policies and procedures.
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
Appendix continued
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
CDSC Waivers:
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
The death or disability of the shareholder.
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the
transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts:
Initial purchase minimum: $250
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
Minimum Balances:
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI
Exchanging Share Classes:
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholders holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (Janney)
If you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in a funds prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney:
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Class C shares that are no longer subject to a CDSC and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janneys policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney:
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the funds prospectus.
Shares sold in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent:
Breakpoints as described in the funds prospectus.
Appendix continued
Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchasers household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an initial sales charge.
Merrill Lynch
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC, or back-end, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Merrill Lynch:
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based
brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynchs policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynchs platform
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e., level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynchs policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the funds investment
adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynchs account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
CDSC Waivers on A, B, and C Shares Available at Merrill Lynch:
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the funds prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a
lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynchs policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Front-end Load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the funds prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchasers household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
Appendix continued
Morgan Stanley
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanleys account linking rules
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley
Wealth Managements share class conversion program
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge
Your financial intermediary, on your behalf, can also convert Class M shares to Class A shares of the same fund, without a sales charge and on a tax free basis, if they are held in a brokerage account.
E*TRADE Front-End Sales Charge Waiver
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an E*TRADE self-directed brokerage account will be eligible for a waiver of the front-end sales charge with respect to Class A shares (or the equivalent). This includes shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions
Oppenheimer & Co. (OPCO)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in a funds prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO:
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as rights of reinstatement).
A shareholder in the funds Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the funds investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO:
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the funds prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-end Load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent:
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchasers household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be
Appendix continued
included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
PFS Investments Inc. (PFSI)
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases Held on the PSS Platform
The following information supersedes all prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares purchased through PFSI and held on the mutual fund platform of its affiliate, Primerica Shareholder Services (PSS). Clients of PFSI (also referred to as shareholders) purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes, sales charge discounts (also referred to as breakpoints) and waivers, which can differ from share classes, discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this prospectus or the related SAI or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholders responsibility to inform PFSI at the time of a purchase of all holdings of Fidelity Advisor® funds on the PSS platform, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. PFSI may request reasonable documentation of such facts and condition the granting of any discount or waiver on the timely receipt of such documents. Shareholders should contact PSS if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Share Classes
Class A shares are available to non-retirement accounts, individual
retirement accounts (IRA), SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Keogh Plans, and all other account types.
Class C shares are available only to accounts with existing Class C share holdings.
Breakpoints
Breakpoint pricing at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus of the fund you are purchasing.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any assets held in group retirement plans) of Fidelity Advisor® funds held by the shareholder on the PSS platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying PFSI of such assets at the time of calculation. Shares of money market funds are included only if such shares were acquired in exchange for shares of another Fidelity Advisor® fund purchased with a sales charge. No shares of Fidelity Advisor® funds held by the shareholder away from the PSS platform will be granted ROA with shares of any Fidelity Advisor® fund purchased on the PSS platform.
Any SEP IRA plan, any SIMPLE IRA plan or any Payroll Deduction plan (PDP) on the PSS platform will be defaulted to plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, which allows each participating employee ROA with all other eligible shares held in plan
accounts on the PSS platform. At any time, a participating employee may elect to exercise a one-time option to change grouping for purposes of ROA to shareholder-level grouping, which allows the plan account of the electing employee ROA with his/her other eligible holdings on the PSS platform, but not with all other eligible participant holdings in the plan. Eligible shares held in plan accounts electing shareholder-level grouping will not be available for purposes of ROA to plan accounts electing plan-level grouping.
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or current market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
By executing a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make on the PSS platform over a 13-month period, beginning from the date PSS receives the LOI. The purchase price of the LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the dollar amount the shareholder intends to invest over a 13-month period to arrive at total investment for purposes of determining any breakpoint discount and the applicable front-end sales charge. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the projected total investment.
Only holdings of Fidelity Advisor® funds on the PSS platform are eligible
for inclusion in the LOI calculation and the shareholder must notify PFSI of all eligible assets at the time of calculation.
Purchases made before the LOI is received by PSS are not adjusted under the LOI, and the LOI will not reduce any sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be automatically adjusted if the total purchases required by the LOI are not met.
If an employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan, SIMPLE IRA plan or non-IRA PDP on the PSS platform has elected to establish or change ROA for the accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer. LOIs are not available to PDP IRA plans on the PSS platform with plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA but are available to any participating employee that elects shareholder-level grouping for purposes of ROA.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations on the PSS platform:
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
Shares purchased with the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 90 days of the purchase, 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase
Appendix continued
is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account, and 3) the redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load. Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals), full or partial transfers or rollovers of retirement accounts, and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay account maintenance fees are not eligible for this sales charge waiver.
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of PFSI. PFSI is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and Each Entitys Affiliates (Raymond James)
Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies:
The availability of certain initial or deferred sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold fund shares. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchasers responsibility to notify the fund or the
purchasers financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in a funds prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James:
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund
family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
A shareholder in the funds Class C shares will have their shares converted at NAV to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
CDSC Waivers on Classes A, B and C shares available at Raymond James:
Death or disability of the shareholder.
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the funds prospectus.
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the funds prospectus.
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent:
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchasers household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird)
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Appendix continued
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on A-shares Available at Baird:
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from a fund of the fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
A shareholder in a funds C Shares will have their shares converted at NAV to A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
CDSC Waivers on A and C shares Available at Baird:
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in a funds prospectus
Shares sold due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations:
Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Fidelity Advisor® funds held by accounts within the purchasers household at Baird. Eligible Fidelity Advisor® funds not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of Fidelity Advisor® funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (Stifel)
Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares:
Shareholders who purchase fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record and who are invested in Class C shares will have their shares converted at NAV to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Stifel.
US Bancorp Investments, Inc. (USBI)
Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares:
Shareholders who purchase fund shares through a USBI platform or account or who own shares for which USBI or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record, including shares in an omnibus account, and who are invested in Class C shares will have their shares converted at NAV to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of USBI.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT), requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account.
For individual investors opening an account: When you open an account, you will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow Fidelity to identify you. You may also be asked to provide documents that may help to establish your identity, such as your drivers license.
For investors other than individuals: When you open an account, you will be asked for the name of the entity, its principal place of business and taxpayer identification number (TIN). You will be asked to provide information about the entitys control person and beneficial owners, and person(s) with authority over the account, including name, address, date of birth and social security number. You may also be asked to provide documents, such as drivers licenses, articles of incorporation, trust instruments or partnership agreements and other information that will help Fidelity identify the entity.
You can obtain additional information about the fund. A description of the funds policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelitys 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 funds annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. The funds annual report includes a discussion of the funds holdings and recent market conditions and the funds 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 1-877-208-0098. In addition, you may visit Fidelitys web site at institutional.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAI, the funds annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SECs 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 funds SAI, at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room.
Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number(s), 811-02105
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, Fidelity Advisor, Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design, Destiny, Fidelity Advisor Money Line, and Directed Dividends are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2022 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
1.9907255.100 | AMUC-RED-1122 |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2022. 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.
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Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund/Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | [ | ] |
Fund of Fidelity Salem Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[ , 2023]
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.
To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI, dated [_____, 2023], please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 or visit Fidelitys web site at www.fidelity.com.
MUC-REDB-1122
1.9907249.100
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
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 funds 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 funds 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 funds investment policies and limitations.
The funds 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 funds fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the funds 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 funds 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.
For purposes of the funds diversification limitation discussed above, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the funds diversification limitation discussed above, FMR does not consider traditional bond insurance to be a separate security or the insurer to be a separate issuer. Therefore, the diversification limitation does not limit the percentage of fund assets that may be invested in securities insured by a single bond insurer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except as 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 331⁄3% 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 331⁄3% 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, or tax-exempt obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. territory or possession or a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing) if, as a result, more than 25% of the funds total assets would be invested in securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the funds concentration limitation discussed above, FMR identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the funds concentration limitation discussed above, FMR 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 FMR 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 FMR 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 funds 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 engage in repurchase agreements or make loans, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities.
In addition to the funds fundamental and non-fundamental investment limitations discussed above:
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the fund currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the funds adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the funds investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (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 purchase contracts, financing leases, or sales agreements entered into by municipalities. 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.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO) are a type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CLOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses. For CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the equity tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CLO trust typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities, however an active dealer market may exist allowing them to qualify for Rule 144A transactions.
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. A municipal funds uninvested cash may earn credits that reduce fund expenses.
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® funds 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 Adviser, 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 funds 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 funds 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.
Disruption to Financial Markets and Related Government Intervention. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of events such as the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of then-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. 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 funds 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 in unpredictable ways.
Similarly, widespread disease including pandemics and epidemics, and natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and climate-related phenomena generally, have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and
inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of a funds investments. Economies and financial markets throughout the world have become increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or country will adversely affect markets or issuers in other regions or countries, including the United States. Additionally, market disruptions may result in increased market volatility; regulatory trading halts; closure of domestic or foreign exchanges, markets, or governments; or market participants operating pursuant to business continuity plans for indeterminate periods of time. Further, market disruptions can (i) prevent a fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner, (ii) negatively impact a funds ability to achieve its investment objective, and (iii) may exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in a funds registration statement, including political, social, and economic risks.
The value of a funds portfolio is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic or natural 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 remains uncertain that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to current or future market disturbances and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each security by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a funds portfolio. An obligations 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. When a municipal bond issuer has committed to call an issue of bonds and has established an independent escrow account that is sufficient to, and is pledged to, refund that issue, the number of days to maturity for the prerefunded bond is considered to be the number of days to the announced call date of the bonds.
Duration is a measure of a bonds price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bonds 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 funds 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 funds performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond funds actual performance will likely differ from the example.
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 funds 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 funds brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a funds portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying funds shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying funds current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying funds 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 funds 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.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an advisers analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a funds 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 funds 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.
The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a fund may enter into futures, options on futures, and forward contracts.
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 funds 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, when the contract is entered into. If the value of either partys 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 funds net asset value per share (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 funds investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the futures commission merchant of the amount one would owe the other if the funds contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a futures commission merchant 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 futures commission merchants other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund.
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 contracts 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. 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 funds 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 funds other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 options 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 over-the-counter (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 instruments price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instruments 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 options 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 instruments price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instruments 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 options purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the options 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 a futures commission merchant as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instruments 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 instruments 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 instruments 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 options 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 price increases and, if a call writer does not hold the underlying instrument, a call writers loss is theoretically unlimited.
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 instruments current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a contracts 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.
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 funds use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the advisers 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 funds 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 funds other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a funds 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 funds 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 futures commission merchants 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 funds 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 participants 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 futures commission merchant may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. However, regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on certain uncleared swaps 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.
If the creditworthiness of a funds 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. 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. 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. 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 funds 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.
Illiquid Investments means any investment that cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Difficulty in selling or disposing of illiquid investments may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund. Illiquid securities may include (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days without demand/redemption features, (2) OTC options and certain other derivatives, (3) private placements, (4) securities traded on markets and exchanges with structural constraints, and (5) loan participations.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity® funds adviser classifies the liquidity of the funds investments and monitors the extent of funds illiquid investments.
Various market, trading and investment-specific factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a funds investments including, but not limited to (1) the existence of an active trading market, (2) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades, (3) the number, diversity, and quality of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (4) the
frequency, volume, and volatility of trade and price quotations, (5) bid-ask spreads, (6) dates of issuance and maturity, (7) demand, put or tender features, and (8) restrictions on trading or transferring the investment.
Fidelity classifies certain investments as illiquid based upon these criteria. Fidelity also monitors for certain market, trading and investment-specific events that may cause Fidelity to re-evaluate an investments liquidity status and may lead to an investment being classified as illiquid. In addition, Fidelity uses a third-party to assist with the liquidity classifications of the funds investments, which includes calculating the time to sell and settle a specified size position in a particular investment without the sale significantly changing the market value of the investment.
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 & Poors Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to AA+ from AAA. While Standard & Poors Ratings Services affirmed the United States short-term sovereign credit rating as A-1+, there is no guarantee that Standard & Poors Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in the future. Standard & Poors 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 & Poors 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.
Indexed securities may have principal payments as well as coupon payments that depend on the performance of one or more interest rates. Their coupon rates or principal payments may change by several percentage points for every 1% interest rate change.
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 issuers 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 issuers 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. 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. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a funds ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. 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. Municipal funds currently intend to
participate in this program only as borrowers. A Fidelity® fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. Interfund borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one days 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.
Inverse Floaters have variable interest rates that typically move in the opposite direction from movements in prevailing short-term interest rate levels rising when prevailing short-term interest rates fall, and falling when short-term interest rates rise. The prices of inverse floaters can be considerably more volatile than the prices of other investments with comparable maturities and/or credit quality.
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, Moodys Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a funds adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
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 issuers 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.
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 funds shareholders.
Low or Negative Yielding Securities. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Interest rates in the U.S. and many parts of the world, including Japan and some European countries, are at or near historically low levels. Japan and those European countries have, from time to time, experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk for the markets as a whole and for the funds. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from fund performance to the extent a fund is exposed to such interest rates.
Municipal Insurance. A municipal bond may be covered by insurance that guarantees the bonds scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal. This type of insurance may be obtained by either (i) the issuer at the time the bond is issued (primary market insurance), or (ii) another party after the bond has been issued (secondary market insurance).
Both primary and secondary market insurance guarantee timely and scheduled repayment of all principal and payment of all interest on a municipal bond in the event of default by the issuer, and cover a municipal bond to its maturity, typically enhancing its credit quality and value.
Municipal bond insurance does not insure against market fluctuations or fluctuations in a funds share price. In addition, a municipal bond insurance policy will not cover: (i) repayment of a municipal bond before maturity (redemption), (ii) prepayment or payment of an acceleration premium (except for a mandatory sinking fund redemption) or any other provision of a bond indenture that advances the maturity of the bond, or (iii) nonpayment of principal or interest caused by negligence or bankruptcy of the paying agent. A mandatory sinking fund redemption may be a provision of a municipal bond issue whereby part of the municipal bond issue may be retired before maturity.
Because a significant portion of the municipal securities issued and outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, not all of which have the highest credit rating, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the securities insured by that insurance company and on the municipal markets as a whole. Ratings of insured bonds reflect the credit rating of the insurer, based on the rating agencys assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurer and its ability to pay claims on its insurance policies at the time of the assessment. While the obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of an insured bond, there is no assurance that municipal bond insurers will meet their claims. A higher-than-anticipated default rate on municipal bonds or in connection with other insurance the insurer provides could strain the insurers loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders.
FMR may decide to retain an insured municipal bond that is in default, or, in FMRs view, in significant risk of default. While a fund holds a defaulted, insured municipal bond, the fund collects interest payments from the insurer and retains the right to collect principal from the insurer when the municipal bond matures, or in connection with a mandatory sinking fund redemption.
Municipal Leases and participation interests therein may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract and are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land or a wide variety of equipment and facilities. Generally, a fund will not hold these obligations directly as a lessor of the property, but will purchase a participation interest in a municipal obligation from a bank or other third party. A participation interest gives the purchaser a specified, undivided interest in the obligation in proportion to its purchased interest in the total amount of the issue.
Municipal leases frequently have risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet to incur debt. These may include voter referenda, interest rate limits, or public sale requirements. Leases, installment purchases, or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting their constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Many leases and contracts include non-appropriation clauses providing that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Non-appropriation clauses free the issuer from debt issuance limitations. If a municipality stops making payments or transfers its obligations to a private entity, the obligation could lose value or become taxable.
Municipal Market Disruption Risk. The value of municipal securities may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal funds distributions. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and the value of a municipal funds holdings would be affected, and the Trustees would reevaluate the funds investment objectives and policies. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers within a state. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. Any of these effects could have a significant impact on the prices of some or all of the municipal securities held by a fund.
Municipal securities may be susceptible to downgrade, default, and bankruptcy, particularly during economic downturns. Factors affecting municipal securities include the budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the municipalities issuing municipal securities may be relying for funding, as well as lower tax collections, fluctuations in interest rates, and increasing construction costs. Municipal securities are also subject to the risk that the perceived likelihood of difficulties in the municipal securities markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility, and credit risk. Certain municipal issuers may be unable to obtain additional financing through, or be required to pay higher interest rates on, new issues, which may reduce revenues available for these municipal issuers to pay existing obligations. In addition, certain municipal issuers may be unable to issue or market securities, resulting in fewer investment opportunities for funds investing in municipal securities.
Education. In general, there are two types of education-related bonds: those issued to finance projects for public and private colleges and universities, and those representing pooled interests in student loans. Bonds issued to supply educational institutions with funds are subject to the risk of unanticipated revenue decline, primarily the result of decreasing student enrollment or decreasing state and federal funding. Among the factors that may lead to declining or insufficient revenues are restrictions on students ability to pay tuition, availability of state and federal funding, and general economic conditions. Student loan revenue bonds are generally offered by state (or substate) authorities or commissions and are backed by pools of student loans. Underlying student loans may be guaranteed by state guarantee agencies and may be subject to reimbursement by the United States Department of Education through its guaranteed student loan program. Others may be private, uninsured loans made to parents or students which are supported by reserves or other forms of credit enhancement. Recoveries of principal due to loan defaults may be applied to redemption of bonds or may be used to re-lend, depending on program latitude and demand for loans. Cash flows supporting student loan revenue bonds are impacted by numerous factors, including the rate of student loan defaults, seasoning of the loan portfolio, and student repayment deferral periods of forbearance. Other risks associated with student loan revenue bonds include potential changes in federal legislation regarding student loan revenue bonds, state guarantee agency reimbursement and continued federal interest and other program subsidies currently in effect.
Electric Utilities. The electric utilities industry has been experiencing, and will continue to experience, increased competitive pressures. Federal legislation in the last two years will open transmission access to any electricity supplier, although it is not presently known to what extent competition will evolve. Other risks include: (a) the availability and cost of fuel, (b) the availability and cost of capital, (c) the effects of conservation on energy demand, (d) the effects of rapidly changing environmental, safety, and licensing requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulations, (e) timely and sufficient rate increases, and (f) opposition to nuclear power.
Health Care. The health care industry is subject to regulatory action by a number of private and governmental agencies, including federal, state, and local governmental agencies. A major source of revenues for the health care industry is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a result, the industry is sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Numerous other factors may affect the industry, such as general and local economic conditions; demand for services; expenses (including malpractice insurance premiums); and competition among health care providers. In the future, the following elements may adversely affect health care facility operations: adoption of legislation proposing a national health insurance program; other state or local health care reform measures; medical and technological advances which dramatically alter the need for health services or the way in which such services are delivered; changes in medical coverage which alter the traditional fee-for-service revenue stream; and efforts by employers, insurers, and governmental agencies to reduce the costs of health insurance and health care services.
Housing. Housing revenue bonds are generally issued by a state, county, city, local housing authority, or other public agency. They generally are secured by the revenues derived from mortgages purchased with the proceeds of the bond issue. It is extremely difficult to predict the supply of available mortgages to be purchased with the proceeds of an issue or the future cash flow from the underlying mortgages. Consequently, there are risks that proceeds will exceed supply, resulting in early retirement of bonds, or that homeowner repayments will create an irregular cash flow. Many factors may affect the financing of multi-family housing projects, including acceptable completion of construction, proper management, occupancy and rent levels, economic conditions, and changes to current laws and regulations.
Transportation. Transportation debt may be issued to finance the construction of airports, toll roads, highways, or other transit facilities. Airport bonds are dependent on the general stability of the airline industry and on the stability of a specific carrier who uses the airport as a hub. Air traffic generally follows broader economic trends and is also affected by the price and availability of fuel. Toll road bonds are also affected by the cost and availability of fuel as well as toll levels, the presence of competing roads and the general economic health of an area. Fuel costs and availability also affect other transportation-related securities, as do the presence of alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation.
Water and Sewer. Water and sewer revenue bonds are often considered to have relatively secure credit as a result of their issuers importance, monopoly status, and generally unimpeded ability to raise rates. Despite this, lack of water supply due to insufficient rain, run-off, or snow pack is a concern that has led to past defaults. Further, public resistance to rate increases, costly environmental litigation, and Federal environmental mandates are challenges faced by issuers of water and sewer bonds.
Put Features entitle the holder to sell a security back to the issuer at any time or at specified intervals. In exchange for this benefit, a fund may accept a lower interest rate. Securities with put features are subject to the risk that the put provider is unable to honor the put feature (purchase the security). Demand features and standby commitments are types of put features.
Refunding Contracts. Securities may be purchased on a when-issued basis in connection with the refinancing of an issuers outstanding indebtedness. Refunding contracts require the issuer to sell and a purchaser to buy refunded municipal obligations at a stated price and yield on a settlement date that may be several months or several years in the future. A purchaser generally will not be obligated to pay the full purchase price if the issuer fails to perform under a refunding contract. Instead, refunding contracts generally provide for payment of liquidated damages to the issuer. A purchaser may secure its obligations under a refunding contract by depositing collateral or a letter of credit equal to the liquidated damages provisions of the refunding contract.
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 funds adviser.
Restricted Securities (including Private Placements) 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, including private placements of private and public companies, 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 funds adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a funds assets and, if
applicable, a funds yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage. Under SEC requirements, a fund needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with its reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the funds asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions.
SEC Rule 18f-4. In October 2020, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies (the rule). Subject to certain exceptions, the rule requires the funds to trade derivatives and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk (VaR) leverage limit and to certain derivatives risk management program, reporting and board oversight requirements. Generally, these requirements apply to any fund engaging in derivatives transactions unless a fund satisfies a limited derivatives users exception, which requires the fund to limit its gross notional derivatives exposure (with certain exceptions) to 10% of its net assets and to adopt derivatives risk management procedures. Under the rule, when a fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the funds asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the final rule regarding the use of securities lending collateral that may limit securities lending activities. In addition, under the rule, a fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security (as defined under Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act), provided that (i) the fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision). A fund may otherwise engage in when-issued, forward-settling and non-standard settlement cycle securities transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the fund treats any such transaction as a derivatives transaction for purposes of compliance with the rule. Furthermore, under the rule, a fund will be permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due. These requirements may limit the ability of the funds to use derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, and the other relevant transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements also may increase the cost of the funds investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
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 funds 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 funds long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
A funds ability to invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws. To the extent a fund acquires securities issued by unaffiliated investment companies, the Advisers access to information regarding such underlying funds portfolio may be limited and subject to such funds policies regarding disclosure of fund holdings.
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 funds share price.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). A fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities that pool money to seek potential acquisition opportunities. SPACs are collective investment structures formed to raise money in an initial public offering for the purpose of merging with or acquiring one or more operating companies (the de-SPAC Transaction). Until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets in US government securities, money market securities and cash. In connection with a de-SPAC Transaction, the SPAC may
complete a PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering with certain investors. A fund may enter into a contingent commitment with a SPAC to purchase PIPE shares if and when the SPAC completes its de-SPAC Transaction.
Because SPACs do not have an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPACs management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. An investment in a SPAC is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (ii) an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; (iii) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time; (iv) no or only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, leaving a fund unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the fund believes is the SPAC interests intrinsic value; (v) any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of shareholders; (vi) an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (vii) the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by a fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (viii) a fund may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; and (ix) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction.
Purchased PIPE shares will be restricted from trading until the registration statement for the shares is declared effective. Upon registration, the shares can be freely sold, but only pursuant to an effective registration statement or other exemption from registration. The securities issued by a SPAC, which are typically traded either in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange, may be considered illiquid, more difficult to value, and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
Standby Commitments are puts that entitle holders to same-day settlement at an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. A fund may acquire standby commitments to enhance the liquidity of portfolio securities.
Ordinarily a fund will not transfer a standby commitment to a third party, although it could sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. A fund may purchase standby commitments separate from or in conjunction with the purchase of securities subject to such commitments. In the latter case, the fund would pay a higher price for the securities acquired, thus reducing their yield to maturity.
Issuers or financial intermediaries may obtain letters of credit or other guarantees to support their ability to buy securities on demand. An adviser may rely upon its evaluation of a banks credit in determining whether to purchase an instrument supported by a letter of credit. In evaluating a foreign banks credit, an adviser will consider whether adequate public information about the bank is available and whether the bank may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other governmental restrictions that might affect the banks ability to honor its credit commitment.
Standby commitments are subject to certain risks, including the ability of issuers of standby commitments to pay for securities at the time the commitments are exercised; the fact that standby commitments are not generally marketable; and the possibility that the maturities of the underlying securities may be different from those of the commitments.
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 counterpartys creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund reserves the right to invest without limitation in short-term instruments, to hold a substantial amount of uninvested cash, or to invest more than normally permitted in federally taxable obligations for temporary, defensive purposes.
Tender Option Bonds are created by depositing intermediate- or long-term, fixed-rate or variable rate, municipal bonds into a trust and issuing two classes of trust interests (or certificates) with varying economic interests to investors. Holders of the first class of trust interests, or floating rate certificates, receive tax-exempt interest based on short-term rates and may tender the certificate to the trust at par. As consideration for providing the tender option, the trust sponsor (typically a bank, broker-dealer, or other financial institution) receives periodic fees. The trust pays the holders of the floating rate certificates from proceeds of a remarketing of the certificates or from a draw on a liquidity facility provided by the sponsor. A fund
investing in a floating rate certificate effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate. The floating rate certificate is typically an eligible security for money market funds. Holders of the second class of interests, sometimes called the residual income certificates, are entitled to any tax-exempt interest received by the trust that is not payable to floating rate certificate holders, and bear the risk that the underlying municipal bonds decline in value. In selecting tender option bonds, FMR will consider the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the experience of the custodian, and the quality of the sponsor providing the tender option. In certain instances, the tender option may be terminated if, for example, the issuer of the underlying bond defaults on interest payments.
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 funds 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 issuers 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 funds adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
In addition to other interbank offered rates (IBORs), the most common benchmark rate for floating rate securities is LIBOR, which is the rate of interest offered on short-term interbank deposits, as determined by trading between major international banks. After the global financial crisis, regulators globally determined that existing interest rate benchmarks should be reformed based on concerns that LIBOR and other IBORs were susceptible to manipulation. Replacement rates that have been identified include the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR, which is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR and measures the cost of U.S. dollar overnight borrowings) and the Sterling Overnight Index Average rate (SONIA, which is intended to replace pound sterling LIBOR and measures the overnight interest rate paid by banks in the sterling market). In March 2021, the United Kingdoms Financial Conduct Authority and ICE Benchmark Authority formally announced the dates after which the LIBORs will no longer be representative and subsequently cease publication. Certain LIBOR settings will cease publication after the end of 2021. However, the publication of certain other LIBOR settings will continue through at least mid-2023. While various regulators and industry bodies are working globally on transitioning to alternative rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of the IBORs and the transition to, and the nature of, replacement rates. As such, the effect of a transition away from the IBORs on a fund and the financial instruments in which it invests cannot yet be determined, and may depend on factors that include, but are not limited to: (i) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts; (ii) the effect of new legislation relating to the discontinuation of LIBOR and the use of replacement rates, and (iii) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. Such transition may result in a reduction in the value of IBOR-based instruments held by a fund, a reduction in the effectiveness of certain hedging transactions and increased illiquidity and volatility in markets that currently rely on an IBOR to determine interest rates, any of which could adversely impact the funds performance.
In many instances bonds and participation interests have tender options or demand features that permit the holder to tender (or put) the bonds to an institution at periodic intervals and to receive the principal amount thereof. Variable rate instruments structured in this fashion are considered to be essentially equivalent to other variable rate securities. The IRS has not ruled whether the interest on these instruments is tax-exempt. Fixed-rate bonds that are subject to third-party puts and participation interests in such bonds held by a bank in trust or otherwise may have similar features.
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 funds 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 funds dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bonds purchase price and its face value is considered income.
In addition to the investment policies and limitations discussed above, a fund is subject to the additional operational risk discussed below.
Considerations Regarding Cybersecurity. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a funds service providers are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events and may arise from external or internal sources. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through hacking or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information; corrupting data, equipment or systems; or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a funds manager, any sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a funds ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of fund shareholders to transact business, destruction to equipment and systems, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
While a funds service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, a fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect a fund or its shareholders. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR or the Adviser) pursuant to authority contained in the management contract. To the extent that the Adviser 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-advisers trading and associated policies, which may differ from the Advisers policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
The Adviser 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 mutual funds (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 the Advisers 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.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
The Adviser or its affiliates generally have authority to select brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the funds portfolio securities transactions. In selecting brokers, including affiliates of the Adviser, to execute the funds portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to the Advisers or its affiliates overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the funds portfolio manager, which may emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. Based on the factors considered, the Adviser or its affiliates may choose to execute an order using ECNs, including broker-sponsored algorithms, internal crossing, or by verbally working an order with one or more brokers. Other possibly relevant factors include, but are not limited to, the following: price; costs; the size, nature and type of the order; the speed of execution; financial condition and reputation of the broker; broker specific considerations (e.g., not all brokers are able to execute all types of trades); broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets in which the security is traded; the traders assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the traders instructions to the broker; confidentiality and the potential for information leakage; the nature or existence of post-trade clearing, settlement, custody and currency convertibility mechanisms; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable and where allowed by law.
In seeking best execution for portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates may from time to time select a broker that uses a trading method, including algorithmic trading, for which the broker charges a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. The Adviser or its affiliates also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest commission rate available from another broker. Occasionally the Adviser or its affiliates 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 the Adviser 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 a futures commission merchant is generally based on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the futures commission merchant. The Adviser or its affiliates execute futures transactions verbally and electronically.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) that execute transactions for a fund managed outside of the European Union 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 the Adviser or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, but are not limited to: 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 video and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. The Adviser 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 the Advisers or its affiliates own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, when permissible under applicable law, brokerage and research products and services include 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 the Adviser 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 or eligible external research under MiFID II and FCA regulations (as defined below), where allowed by applicable law, they, at times, will use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in the Advisers or its affiliates investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, the Adviser 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 or eligible external research with their own resources (referred to as hard dollars).
Benefit to the Adviser. The Advisers 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. Therefore, an economic incentive exists for the Adviser or its affiliates to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving the brokerage and research products and services, rather than on the Advisers or its affiliates funds interest in receiving most favorable execution. The Adviser and its affiliates manage the receipt of brokerage and research products and services and the potential for conflicts through its Commission
Uses Program. The Commission Uses Program effectively unbundles commissions paid to brokers who provide brokerage and research products and services, i.e., commissions consist of an execution commission, which covers the execution of the trade (including clearance and settlement), and a research charge, which is used to cover brokerage and research products and services. Those brokers have client commission arrangements (each a CCA) in place with the Adviser and its affiliates (each of those brokers referred to as CCA brokers). In selecting brokers for executing transactions on behalf of the fund, the trading desks through which the Adviser 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 CCA broker provides. Commissions paid to a CCA broker include both an execution commission and a research charge, and while the CCA broker receives the entire commission, it retains the execution commission and either credits or transmits the research portion (also known as soft dollars,) to a CCA pool maintained by each CCA broker. Soft dollar credits (credits) accumulated in CCA pools are used to pay research expenses. In some cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker that is not a party to any particular transaction provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, which would be paid with credits from the CCA pool. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, and traders have no responsibility for administering the research program, including the payment for research. The Adviser or its affiliates, at times, will use a third-party aggregator to facilitate payments to research providers. Where an aggregator is involved, the aggregator would maintain credits in an account that is segregated from the aggregators proprietary assets and the assets of its other clients and use those credits to pay research providers as instructed by the Adviser or its affiliates. Furthermore, where permissible under applicable law, certain of the brokerage and research products and services that the Adviser 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 the Adviser or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, the Adviser 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 brokers overall services.
The Advisers Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, the Adviser 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 the Adviser or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or the Advisers or its affiliates overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the funds brokerage does not benefit all funds and certain funds will receive the benefit of the brokerage and research product or services obtained with other funds commissions. As required under applicable laws or fund policy, commissions generated by certain funds may only be used to obtain certain brokerage and research products and services. As a result, certain funds will pay more proportionately of certain types of brokerage and research products and services than others, while the overall amount of brokerage and research products and services paid by each fund continues to be allocated equitably. While the Adviser or its affiliates 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 the Adviser, 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, for funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates outside of the European Union or the United Kingdom, these brokerage and research products and services assist the Adviser or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates may have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that also benefit other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, and not every fund or investment account uses the brokerage and research products and services that may have been acquired through that funds commissions.
Research Contracts. The Adviser or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom the Adviser or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby the Adviser 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, the Adviser or its affiliates, at times, will cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to the Adviser or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. The Advisers or its affiliates determination to pay for research products and services separately is wholly voluntary on the Advisers or its affiliates part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Funds Managed within the European Union. The Adviser and its affiliates have established policies and procedures relating to brokerage commission uses in compliance with the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive in the European Union, commonly referred to as MiFID II, as implemented in the United Kingdom through the Conduct of Business Sourcebook Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA), where applicable.
Funds, or portions thereof, that are managed within the United Kingdom by FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) use research payment accounts (RPAs) to cover costs associated with equity and high income external research that is consumed by those funds or investment accounts in accordance with MiFID II and FCA regulations. With RPAs, funds pay for external research through a separate research charge that is generally assessed and collected alongside the execution commission1. For funds that use an RPA, FMR UK establishes a research budget. The budget is set by first grouping funds or
investment accounts by strategy (e.g., asset allocation, blend, growth, etc.), and then determining what external research is consumed to support the strategies and portfolio management services provided within the European Union or the United Kingdom. In this regard, research budgets are set by research needs and are not otherwise linked to the volume or value of transactions executed on behalf of the fund or investment account. For funds where portions are managed both within and outside of the United Kingdom, external research may be paid using both a CCA and an RPA. Determinations of what is eligible research and how costs are allocated are made in accordance with the Advisers and its affiliates policies and procedures. Costs for research consumed by funds that use an RPA will be allocated among the funds or investment accounts within defined strategies pro rata based on the assets under management for each fund or investment account. While the research charge paid on behalf of any one fund that uses an RPA varies over time, the overall research charge determined at the fund level on an annual basis will not be exceeded.
FMR UK is responsible for managing the RPA and may delegate its administration to a third-party administrator for the facilitation of the purchase of external research and payments to research providers. RPA assets will be maintained in accounts at a third-party depository institution, held in the name of FMR UK. FMR UK provides on request, a summary of: (i) the providers paid from the RPA; (ii) the total amount they were paid over a defined period; (iii) the benefits and services received by FMR UK; and (iv) how the total amount spent from the RPA compares to the research budget set for that period, noting any rebate or carryover if residual funds remain in the RPA.
Impacted funds, like those funds that participate in CCA pools, at times, will make payments to a broker that include both an execution commission and a research charge, but unlike CCAs (for which research charges may be retained by the CCA broker and credited to the CCA, as described above), the broker will receive separate payments for the execution commission and the research charge and will promptly remit the research charge to the RPA. Assets in the RPA are used to satisfy external research costs consumed by the funds.
If the costs of paying for external research exceed the amount initially agreed in relation to funds in a given strategy, the Adviser or its affiliates may continue to charge those funds or investment accounts beyond the initially agreed amount in accordance with MiFID II, continue to acquire external research for the funds or investment accounts using its own resources, or cease to purchase external research for those funds or investment accounts until the next annual research budget. If assets for specific funds remain in the RPA at the end of a period, they may be rolled over to the next period to offset next years research charges for those funds or rebated to those funds.
Funds managed by FMR UK that trade only fixed income securities will not participate in RPAs because fixed income securities trade based on spreads rather than commissions, and thus unbundling the execution commission and research charge is impractical. Therefore, FMR UK and its affiliates have established policies and procedures to ensure that external research that is paid for through RPAs is not made available to FMR UK portfolio managers that manage fixed income funds or investment accounts in any manner inconsistent with MiFID II and FCA regulations.
1 The staff of the SEC addressed concerns that reliance on an RPA mechanism to pay for research would be permissible under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by indicating that they would not recommend enforcement against investment advisers who used an RPA to pay for research and brokerage products and services so long as certain conditions were met. Therefore, references to research charges as part of the RPA mechanism to satisfy MiFID II requirements can be considered commissions for Section 28(e) purposes.
Commission Recapture
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates engages in brokerage transactions with brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) who have entered into arrangements with the Adviser or its affiliates under which the broker will, at times, rebate a portion of the compensation paid by a fund (commission recapture). Not all brokers with whom the fund trades have been asked to participate in brokerage commission recapture.
Affiliated Transactions
The Adviser or its affiliates place trades with certain brokers, including National Financial Services LLC (NFS), through its Fidelity Capital Markets (FCM) division, and Luminex Trading & Analytics LLC (Luminex), with whom they are under common control or otherwise affiliated, provided the Adviser 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 and subject to other applicable law. In addition, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates place trades with brokers that use NFS or Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (FCC) as a clearing agent and/or use Level ATS, an alternative trading system that is deemed to be affiliated with the Adviser, for execution services.
In certain circumstances, trades are executed through alternative trading systems or national securities exchanges in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest. Any decision to execute a trade through an alternative trading system or exchange in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest would be made in accordance with applicable law, including best execution obligations. For trades placed on such a system or exchange, not limited to ones in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an ownership interest, the Adviser or its affiliates derive benefit in the form of increased valuation(s) of its equity interest, where it has an ownership interest, or other remuneration, including rebates.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund is permitted to 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-U.S. securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers. In certain circumstances, due to local law and regulation, logistical or operational challenges, or the process for settling securities transactions in certain markets (e.g., short settlement periods), spot currency transactions are effected on behalf of funds by parties other than the Adviser or its affiliates, including funds custodian banks (working through sub-custodians or agents in the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction) or broker-dealers that executed the related securities transaction.
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 the Adviser 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.
The NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding a classs pro rata share of the value of a funds investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting the classs pro rata share of the funds liabilities, subtracting the liabilities allocated to the class, and dividing the result by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has designated the funds investment adviser as the valuation designee responsible for the fair valuation function and performing fair value determinations as needed. The adviser has established a Fair Value Committee (the Committee) to carry out the day-to-day fair valuation responsibilities and has adopted policies and procedures to govern the fair valuation process and the activities of the Committee.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs.
Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying central fund, are valued as follows:
If quotations are not available, debt securities are usually 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.
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 Committee. A number of pricing services are available and a fund may use more than one of these services. A fund may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. A funds adviser through the Committee engages in oversight activities with respect to the funds pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a funds NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
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 Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the Committee, a
securitys value has been materially affected by events occurring before a funds 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 Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the Committee may consider factors including, but not limited to, price movements in futures contracts and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading. The frequency that portfolio securities or assets are fair valued cannot be predicted and may be significant.
In determining the fair value of a private placement security for which market quotations are not available, the Committee generally applies one or more valuation methods including the market approach, income approach and cost approach. The market approach considers factors including the price of recent investments in the same or a similar security or financial metrics of comparable securities. The income approach considers factors including expected future cash flows, security specific risks and corresponding discount rates. The cost approach considers factors including the value of the securitys underlying assets and liabilities.
The funds adviser reports to the Board information regarding the fair valuation process and related material matters.
BUYING, SELLING, AND EXCHANGING INFORMATION
The fund may make redemption payments in whole or in part in readily marketable securities or other property pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees if FMR determines it is in the best interests of the fund. Such securities or other property will be valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the classs NAV. Shareholders that receive securities or other property will realize, upon receipt, a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur additional costs and be exposed to market risk prior to and upon the sale of such securities or other property.
The fund, in its discretion, may determine to issue its shares in kind in exchange for securities held by the purchaser having a value, determined in accordance with the funds policies for valuation of portfolio securities, equal to the purchase price of the fund shares issued. The fund will accept for in-kind purchases only securities or other instruments that are appropriate under its investment objective and policies. In addition, the fund generally will not accept securities of any issuer unless they are liquid, have a readily ascertainable market value, and are not subject to restrictions on resale. All dividends, distributions, and subscription or other rights associated with the securities become the property of the fund, along with the securities. Shares purchased in exchange for securities in kind generally cannot be redeemed for fifteen days following the exchange to allow time for the transfer to settle.
Dividends. To the extent that the funds income is reported in a written statement to shareholders as federally tax-exempt interest, the dividends declared by the fund will be federally tax-exempt, provided that the fund qualifies to pay tax-exempt dividends. In order to qualify to pay tax-exempt dividends, at least 50% of the value of the funds total assets (including uninvested assets) must consist of tax-exempt municipal securities at the close of each quarter of the funds taxable year.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither FMR nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsels opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax-free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued and you may need to file an amended income tax return. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass-through of tax-free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
Interest on certain private activity securities is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individuals, although the interest continues to be excludable from gross income for other tax purposes. Interest from private activity securities is a tax preference item for the purposes of determining whether an individual is subject to the AMT and the amount of AMT to be paid, if any.
You may also receive distributions attributable to interest payments on taxable securities. Such distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income at the federal, state, and local levels.
A portion of the gain on municipal or taxable bonds purchased at market discount is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, not as capital gains. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates.
Capital Gain Distributions. Unless your shares of the fund are held in a tax-advantaged retirement plan, the funds long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the funds 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 shareholders 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 in taxable accounts.
Foreign Taxation. 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.
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.
The Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), 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 funds 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 funds performance. Except for Jonathan Chiel, each of the Trustees oversees 293 funds. Mr. Chiel oversees 184 funds.
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 is referred to herein as an Independent Trustee. Each Independent Trustee shall retire not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. Officers and Advisory Board Members hold office without limit in time, except that any officer or Advisory Board Member 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 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 Boards 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 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. Michael E. Kenneally 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 funds Board oversees Fidelitys investment-grade bond, money market, asset allocation and certain equity funds, and other Boards oversee Fidelitys high income and other equity funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity® funds that are overseen by such other Boards. 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Boards committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the funds 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 Boards 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 funds Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMRs internal auditor, the independent accountants, the funds Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Boards committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of Fidelitys 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 Trustees.
Interested Trustees*:
Correspondence intended for a 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+
Jonathan Chiel (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr. Chiel also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Chiel is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2012-present). Previously, Mr. Chiel served as general counsel (2004-2012) and senior vice president and deputy general counsel (2000-2004) for John Hancock Financial Services; a partner with Choate, Hall & Stewart (1996-2000) (law firm); and an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorneys Office of the District of Massachusetts (1986-95), including Chief of the Criminal Division (1993-1995). Mr. Chiel is a director on the boards of the Boston Bar Foundation and the Maimonides School.
Abigail P. Johnson (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2009
Trustee
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Ms. Johnson serves as Chairman (2016-present), Chief Executive Officer (2014-present), and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2011-present). Previously, Ms. Johnson served as Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2011-2019), Vice Chairman (2007-2016) and President (2013-2016) of FMR LLC, President and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firm), 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.
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe (1959)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Ms. McAuliffe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and as Trustee of Fidelity Charitable (2020-present). Previously, Ms. McAuliffe served as Co-Head of Fixed Income of Fidelity Investments Limited (now known as FIL Limited (FIL)) (diversified financial services company), Director of Research for FILs credit and quantitative teams in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and Director of Research for taxable and municipal bonds at Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. Ms. McAuliffe previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016). Ms. McAuliffe was previously a lawyer at Ropes & Gray LLP and currently serves as director or trustee of several not-for-profit entities.
* | Determined to be an Interested Trustee by virtue of, among other things, his or her affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR. |
+ | The information includes the Trustees principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustees qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund. |
Independent Trustees:
Correspondence intended for an Independent Trustee 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)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Trustee
Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Acton served as 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 and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-present). Ms. Acton previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2013-2016).
Ann E. Dunwoody (1953)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Trustee
General Dunwoody also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. General Dunwoody (United States Army, Retired) was the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star general and prior to her retirement in 2012 held a variety of positions within the U.S. Army, including Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command (2008-2012). General Dunwoody currently serves as President of First to Four LLC (leadership and mentoring services, 2012-present), a member of the Board and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committees of Kforce Inc. (professional staffing services, 2016-present) and a member of the Board of Automattic Inc. (software engineering, 2018-present). Previously, General Dunwoody served as a member of the Advisory Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of L3 Technologies, Inc. (communication, electronic, sensor and aerospace systems, 2013-2019) and a member of the Board and Audit and Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committees of Republic Services, Inc. (waste collection, disposal and recycling, 2013-2016). Ms. Dunwoody also serves on several boards for non-profit organizations, including as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee of Logistics Management Institute (consulting non-profit, 2012-present), a member of the Council of Trustees for the Association of the United States Army (advocacy non-profit, 2013-present), a member of the Board of Florida Institute of Technology (2015-present) and a member of the Board of ThanksUSA (military family education non-profit, 2014-present). General Dunwoody previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2018).
John Engler (1948)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014
Trustee
Mr. Engler also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Engler served as Governor of Michigan (1991-2003), President of the Business Roundtable (2011-2017) and interim President of Michigan State University (2018-2019). Mr. Engler currently serves as a member of the Board of Stride, Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.) (technology-based education company, 2012-present). Previously, Mr. Engler served as a member of the Board of Universal Forest Products (manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products, 2003-2019) and Trustee of The Munder Funds (2003-2014). Mr. Engler previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2014-2016).
Robert F. Gartland (1951)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2010
Trustee
Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007), including Managing Director (1987-2007) and Chase Manhattan Bank (1975-1978). Mr. Gartland previously served as Chairman and an investor in Gartland & Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-2019), as a member of the Board of National Securities Clearing Corporation (1993-1996) and as Chairman of TradeWeb (2003-2004).
Arthur E. Johnson (1947)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2008
Trustee
Mr. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development of Lockheed Martin Corporation (defense contractor, 1999-2009). Mr. Johnson currently serves as a member of the Board of Booz Allen Hamilton (management consulting, 2011-present). Mr. Johnson previously served as a member of the Board of Eaton Corporation plc (diversified power management, 2009-2019) and a member of the Board of AGL Resources, Inc. (holding company, 2002-2016). Mr. Johnson previously served as Chairman (2018-2021) and Vice Chairman (2015-2018) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds. Mr. Arthur E. Johnson is not related to Ms. Abigail P. Johnson.
Michael E. Kenneally (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2009
Trustee
Chairman of the Independent Trustees
Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and was Vice Chairman (2018-2021) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds. Prior to retirement in 2005, he was Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management, the worldwide fund management and institutional investment business of Credit Suisse Group. Previously, Mr. Kenneally was an Executive Vice President and the Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America. In this role, he was responsible for the investment management, strategy and products delivered to the banks institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients. Earlier, Mr. Kenneally directed the organizations equity and quantitative research groups. He began his career as a research analyst and then spent more than a dozen years as a portfolio manager for endowments, pension plans and mutual funds. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991.
Marie L. Knowles (1946)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001
Trustee
Ms. Knowles also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Knowles held several positions at Atlantic Richfield Company (diversified energy), including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1996-2000), Senior Vice President (1993-1996) and President of ARCO Transportation Company (pipeline and tanker operations, 1993-1996). Ms. Knowles currently serves as a member of the Board of the Santa Catalina Island Company (real estate, 2009-present), a member of the Investment Company Institute Board of Governors and a member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (2014-present). Ms. Knowles also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. Ms. Knowles previously served as a member of the Board of McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, since 2002-2021). In addition, Ms. Knowles previously served as Chairman (2015-2018) and Vice Chairman (2012-2015) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds.
Mark A. Murray (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr. Murray also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Murray served as Co-Chief Executive Officer (2013-2016), President (2006-2013) and Vice Chairman (2013-2020) of Meijer, Inc. Mr. Murray serves as a member of the Board (2009-present) and Public Policy and Responsibility Committee (2009-present) and Chair of the Nuclear Review Committee (2019-present) of DTE Energy Company (diversified energy company). Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Board of Spectrum Health (not-for-profit health system, 2015-2019) and as a member of the Board and Audit Committee and Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products, 2004-2016). Mr. Murray also serves as a member of the Board of many community and professional organizations. Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016).
+ | The information includes the Trustees principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustees qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund. |
Advisory Board Members and Officers:
Correspondence intended for an officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Officers appear below in alphabetical order.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupation
Laura M. Bishop (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2022
Member of the Advisory Board
Ms. Bishop also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Bishop held a variety of positions at United Services Automobile Association (2001-2020), including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2014-2020) and Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (2012-2014). Ms. Bishop currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Personnel Committee (2021-present) of the Board of Directors of Korn Ferry (global organizational consulting).
Robert W. Helm (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Member of the Advisory Board
Mr. Helm also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Helm was formerly Deputy Chairman (2003-2020), partner (1991-2020) and an associate (1984-1991) of Dechert LLP (formerly Dechert Price & Rhoads). Mr. Helm currently serves on boards and committees of several not-for-profit organizations.
Craig S. Brown (1977)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Brown also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2013-present).
John J. Burke III (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Burke also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Burke serves as Head of Investment Operations for Fidelity Fund and Investment Operations (2018-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1998-present). Previously Mr. Burke served as head of Asset Management Investment Operations (2012-2018).
David J. Carter (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Assistant Secretary
Mr. Carter also serves as Assistant Secretary of other funds. Mr. Carter serves as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2005-present).
Jonathan Davis (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2010
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Davis also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Davis serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present), FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), FD Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC (2021-present), and FD Funds Management LLC (2021-present); and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2003-2010).
Laura M. Del Prato (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
President and Treasurer
Ms. Del Prato also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Del Prato serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2017-present). Previously, Ms. Del Prato served as President and Treasurer of The North Carolina Capital Management Trust: Cash Portfolio and Term Portfolio (2018-2020). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Del Prato served as a Managing Director and Treasurer of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds (2014-2017). Prior to JPMorgan, Ms. Del Prato served as a partner at Cohen Fund Audit Services (accounting firm, 2012-2013) and KPMG LLP (accounting firm, 2004-2012).
Colm A. Hogan (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Hogan also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Hogan serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2005-present). Previously, Mr. Hogan served as Deputy Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2020) and Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2018).
Cynthia Lo Bessette (1969)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Ms. Lo Bessette also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Lo Bessette serves as CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2019-present); CLO of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (investment adviser firms, 2019-present); Secretary of FD Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC (2021-present), and FD Funds Management LLC (2021-present); and Assistant Secretary of FIMM, LLC (2019-present). She is a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2019-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Lo Bessette served as CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2019); Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firms, 2019). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Lo Bessette was Executive Vice President, General Counsel (2016-2019) and Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2015-2016) of OppenheimerFunds (investment management company) and Deputy Chief Legal Officer (2013-2015) of Jennison Associates LLC (investment adviser firm).
Chris Maher (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Maher also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Maher served as Assistant Treasurer of certain funds (2013-2020); Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice President of the Program Management Group of FMR (investment adviser firm, 2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010).
Jamie Pagliocco (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Vice President
Mr. Pagliocco also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Pagliocco serves as President of Fixed Income (2020-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2001-present). Previously, Mr. Pagliocco served as Co-Chief Investment Officer Bond (2017-2020), Global Head of Bond Trading (2016-2019), and as a portfolio manager.
Kenneth B. Robins (1969)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Robins also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Robins serves as Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2016-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2004-present). Previously, Mr. Robins served as Compliance Officer of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2016-2019), as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2013-2016) and served in other fund officer roles.
Brett Segaloff (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer
Mr. Segaloff also serves as an AML Officer of other funds and other related entities. He is Director, Anti-Money Laundering (2007-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1996-present).
Stacie M. Smith (1974)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Smith serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), 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 (accounting firm, 1996-2009). Previously, Ms. Smith served as Assistant Treasurer (2013-2019) and Deputy Treasurer (2013-2016) of certain Fidelity® funds.
Jim Wegmann (1979)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Deputy Treasurer
Mr. Wegmann also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Wegmann serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2011-present). Previously, Mr. Wegmann served as Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2019-2021).
Standing Committees of the 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 four standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Kenneally 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, including matters involving potential claims of one or more funds (e.g., for reimbursements of expenses or losses) against FMR, 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 Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The committee (i) serves as a primary point of contact (generally after the Independent Trustee who serves as a liaison for the CCO) for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCOs compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, the committee held 11 meeting(s).
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Ms. Acton 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 CCO. 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 funds 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. 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 funds internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the funds 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 January 31, 2022, the committee held four meeting(s).
The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Murray currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee oversees the valuation of securities held by the funds, including the fair valuation of securities by the funds valuation designee. The Committee receives and reviews related reports and information consistent with its oversight obligations. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, the committee held four meeting(s).
The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Kenneally (Chair) and Gartland (Vice Chair), and Ms. Acton. 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 monitors the performance of legal counsel employed by both the funds and the Independent Trustees. The committee will engage and oversee any counsel utilized by the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee also approves Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee oversees compliance with the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee reviews 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 committees responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning recommended 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 committees 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 January 31, 2022, the committee held 12 meeting(s).
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, 2021.
Interested Trustees
Independent Trustees
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board (if any) for his or her services for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, or calendar year ended December 31, 2021, as applicable
Compensation Table(1)
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Elizabeth S. |
Ann E. |
JohnEngler |
Robert F. |
||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 517,500 | $ | 472,500 | $ | 472,500 | $ | 502,500 | ||||||||
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Robert W. |
Arthur E. |
Michael
E. |
Marie L. |
||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 275,333 | $ | 560,000 | $ | 552,500 | $ | 490,500 | ||||||||
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Mark A. |
|||||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 7 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 472,500 |
(1) | Jonathan Chiel, Abigail P. Johnson and Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity. |
(2) | Estimated for the funds first full fiscal year. |
(3) | Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021 for 286 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts elected to be deferred. Certain individuals elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Elizabeth S. Acton, $108,000; Ann E. Dunwoody, $260,875; Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; Robert. W. Helm, $149,126; and Mark A. Murray, $260,875. |
(4) | Mr. Helm serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Salem Street Trust effective June 1, 2021. |
[As of the public offering of shares of the fund, 100% of the funds total outstanding shares was held by FMR and/or another entity or entities of which FMR LLC is the ultimate parent. By virtue of her ownership interest in FMR LLC, as described in the Control of Investment Advisers section, Ms. Abigail P. Johnson may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of these shares.]
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR UK, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan). The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, 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.
FMR, FMR UK, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (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 FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FMR 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. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the funds investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FMR, and compensates all personnel of the fund or FMR performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FMR 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 funds 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 funds records and the registration of the funds 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.
Management-Related Expenses. In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to the transfer agent and pricing and bookkeeping agent, the fund or each class thereof, as applicable, pays all of its expenses that are not assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian, auditor, and Independent Trustees. The funds management contract further provides that the fund will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses associated with the funds securities lending program, if applicable, the funds 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 is also liable for 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.
Management Fee.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of a group of registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES | |||||||||||
Average Group Assets |
Annualized |
Group Net |
Effective Annual Fee | |||||||||
0 - $3 billion |
.3700 | % | $ | 1 | billion | .3700% | ||||||
3 - 6 | .3400 | 50 | .2188 | |||||||||
6 - 9 | .3100 | 100 | .1869 | |||||||||
9 - 12 | .2800 | 150 | .1736 | |||||||||
12 - 15 | .2500 | 200 | .1652 | |||||||||
15 - 18 | .2200 | 250 | .1587 | |||||||||
18 - 21 | .2000 | 300 | .1536 | |||||||||
21 - 24 | .1900 | 350 | .1494 | |||||||||
24 - 30 | .1800 | 400 | .1459 | |||||||||
30 - 36 | .1750 | 450 | .1427 | |||||||||
36 - 42 | .1700 | 500 | .1399 | |||||||||
42 - 48 | .1650 | 550 | .1372 | |||||||||
48 - 66 | .1600 | 600 | .1349 | |||||||||
66 - 84 | .1550 | 650 | .1328 | |||||||||
84 - 120 | .1500 | 700 | .1309 | |||||||||
120 - 156 | .1450 | 750 | .1291 | |||||||||
156 - 192 | .1400 | 800 | .1275 | |||||||||
192 - 228 | .1350 | 850 | .1260 | |||||||||
228 - 264 | .1300 | 900 | .1246 | |||||||||
264 - 300 | .1275 | 950 | .1233 | |||||||||
300 - 336 | .1250 | 1,000 | .1220 | |||||||||
336 - 372 | .1225 | 1,050 | .1209 | |||||||||
372 - 408 | .1200 | 1,100 | .1197 |
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES | |||||||||||
Average Group Assets |
Annualized |
Group Net |
Effective Annual Fee | |||||||||
408 - 444 | .1175 | 1,150 | .1187 | |||||||||
444 - 480 | .1150 | 1,200 | .1177 | |||||||||
480 - 516 | .1125 | 1,250 | .1167 | |||||||||
516 - 587 | .1100 | 1,300 | .1158 | |||||||||
587 - 646 | .1080 | 1,350 | .1149 | |||||||||
646 - 711 | .1060 | 1,400 | .1141 | |||||||||
711 - 782 | .1040 | 1,450 | .1132 | |||||||||
782 - 860 | .1020 | 1,500 | .1125 | |||||||||
860 - 946 | .1000 | 1,550 | .1117 | |||||||||
946 - 1,041 | .0980 | 1,600 | .1110 | |||||||||
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960 | 1,650 | .1103 | |||||||||
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940 | 1,700 | .1096 | |||||||||
1,260 - 1,386 | .0920 | 1,750 | .1089 | |||||||||
1,386 - 1,525 | .0900 | 1,800 | .1083 | |||||||||
1,525 - 1,677 | .0880 | 1,850 | .1077 | |||||||||
1,677 - 1,845 | .0860 | 1,900 | .1070 | |||||||||
1,845 - 2,030 | .0840 | 1,950 | .1065 | |||||||||
Over 2,030 | .0820 | 2,000 | .1059 |
The group fee rate is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate schedule shown above on the left. The schedule above on the right shows the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For example, the effective annual fee rate at $2,884 billion of group net assets the approximate level for September 2022 was 0.0986%, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up to $2,884 billion.
The individual fund fee rate for the fund is set forth in the following table. Based on the average group net assets for September 2022, the funds annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
Fund | Group Fee Rate | Individual Fund Fee Rate |
Management Fee Rate |
|||||||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | 0.0986% | + | 0.2500% | = | 0.3486% |
One-twelfth of the management fee rate is applied to the funds average net assets for the month, giving a dollar amount which is the fee for that month.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of a funds or, in the case of a multiple class fund, a classs operating expenses. FMR 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 UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR H.K. and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FMR UK. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FMR may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FMR, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
[Portfolio Manager holdings and compensation information to be filed by subsequent amendment.]
Fidelity® Funds Proxy Voting Guidelines
I. Introduction
These guidelines are intended to help Fidelitys customers and the companies in which Fidelity invests understand how Fidelity votes proxies to further the values that have sustained Fidelity for over 70 years. In particular, these guidelines are animated by two fundamental principles: 1) putting first the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. Fidelity generally adheres to these guidelines in voting proxies and our Stewardship Principles serve as the foundation for these guidelines. Our evaluation of proxies reflects information from many sources, including management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal and proxy voting advisory firms. Fidelity maintains the flexibility to vote individual proxies based on our assessment of each situation.
In evaluating proxies, we recognize that companies can conduct themselves in ways that have important environmental and social consequences. While Fidelity always remains focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value, we also consider potential environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts that we believe are material to individual companies and investing funds investment objectives and strategies.
Fidelity will vote on proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposals likelihood to enhance the long-term economic returns or profitability of the company or to maximize long-term shareholder value. Fidelity will not be influenced by business relationships or outside perspectives that may conflict with the interests of the funds and their shareholders.
II. Board of Directors and Corporate Governance
Directors of public companies play a critical role in ensuring that a company and its management team serve the interests of its shareholders. Fidelity believes that through proxy voting, it can help ensure accountability of management teams and boards of directors, align management and shareholder interests, and monitor and assess the degree of transparency and disclosure with respect to executive compensation and board actions affecting shareholders rights. The following general guidelines are intended to reflect these proxy voting principles.
A. Election of Directors
Fidelity will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where board composition raises concerns, and/or where a director clearly appears to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity will evaluate board composition and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a majority of independent directors.
2. There are no women on the board or if a board of ten or more members has fewer than two women directors.
3. The director is a public company CEO who sits on more than two unaffiliated public company boards.
Fidelity will evaluate board actions and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. The director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the board and its committees on which the director served during the companys prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
2. The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment.
3. For reasons described below under the sections entitled Compensation and Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections.
B. Contested Director Elections
On occasion, directors are forced to compete for election against outside director nominees (contested elections). Fidelity believes that strong management creates long-term shareholder value. As a result, Fidelity generally will vote in support of management of companies in which the funds assets are invested. Fidelity will vote its proxy on a case-by-case basis in a contested election, taking into consideration a number of factors, amongst others:
1. Managements track record and strategic plan for enhancing shareholder value;
2. The long-term performance of the company compared to its industry peers; and
3. The qualifications of the shareholders and managements nominees.
Fidelity will vote for the outcome it believes has the best prospects for maximizing shareholder value over the long-term.
C. Cumulative Voting Rights
Under cumulative voting, each shareholder may exercise the number of votes equal to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors up for election. Shareholders may cast all of their votes for a single nominee (or multiple nominees in varying amounts). With regular (non-cumulative) voting, by contrast, shareholders cannot allocate more than one vote per share to any one director nominee. Fidelity believes that cumulative voting can be detrimental to the overall strength of a board. Generally, therefore, Fidelity will oppose the introduction of, and support the elimination of, cumulative voting rights.
D. Classified Boards
A classified board is one that elects only a percentage of its members each year (usually one-third of directors are elected to serve a three-year term). This means that at each annual meeting only a subset of directors is up for re-election. Fidelity believes that, in general, classified boards are not as accountable to shareholders as declassified boards. For this and other reasons, Fidelity generally will oppose a boards adoption of a classified board structure and support declassification of existing boards.
E. Independent Chairperson
In general, Fidelity believes that boards should have a process and criteria for selecting the board chair, and will oppose shareholder proposals calling for, or recommending the appointment of, a non-executive or independent chairperson. If, however, based on particular facts and circumstances, Fidelity believes that appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors, Fidelity will consider voting to support a proposal for an independent chairperson under such circumstances.
F. Majority Voting in Director Elections
In general, Fidelity supports proposals calling for directors to be elected by a majority of votes cast if the proposal permits election by a plurality in the case of contested elections (where, for example, there are more nominees than board seats). Fidelity may oppose a majority voting shareholder proposal where a companys board has adopted a policy requiring the resignation of an incumbent director who fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
G. Proxy Access
Proxy access proposals generally require a company to amend its by-laws to allow a qualifying shareholder or group of shareholders to nominate directors on a companys proxy ballot. Fidelity believes that certain safeguards as to ownership threshold and duration of ownership are important to assure that proxy access is not misused by those without a significant economic interest in the company or those driven by short term goals. Fidelity will evaluate proxy access proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally will support proposals that include ownership of at least 3% (5% in the case of small-cap companies) of the companys shares outstanding for at least three years; limit the number of directors that eligible shareholders may nominate to 20% of the board; and limit to 20 the number of shareholders that may form a nominating group.
H. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
In many instances there are sound reasons to indemnify officers and directors, so that they may perform their duties without the distraction of unwarranted litigation or other legal process. Fidelity generally supports charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of officers or directors, or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless Fidelity is dissatisfied with their performance or the proposal is accompanied by anti-takeover provisions (see Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans below).
III. Compensation
Incentive compensation plans can be complicated and many factors are considered when evaluating such plans. Fidelity evaluates such plans based on protecting shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its management.
A. Equity Compensation Plans
Fidelity encourages the use of reasonably designed equity compensation plans that align the interest of management with those of shareholders by providing officers and employees with incentives to increase long-term shareholder value. Fidelity considers whether such plans are too dilutive to existing shareholders because dilution reduces the voting power or economic interest of existing shareholders as a result of an increase in shares available for distribution to employees in lieu of cash compensation. Fidelity will generally oppose equity compensation plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. The company grants stock options and equity awards in a given year at a rate higher than a benchmark rate (burn rate) considered appropriate by Fidelity and there were no circumstances specific to the company or the compensation plans that leads Fidelity to conclude that the rate of awards is otherwise acceptable.
2. The plan includes an evergreen provision, which is a feature that provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity compensation plan on a regular basis.
3. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity compensation even though an actual change in control may not occur.
As to stock option plans, considerations include the following:
1. Pricing: We believe that options should be priced at 100% of fair market value on the date they are granted. We generally oppose options priced at a discount to the market, although the price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus.
2. Re-pricing: An out-of-the-money (or underwater) option has an exercise price that is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally oppose the re-pricing of underwater options because it is not consistent with a policy of offering options as a form of long-term compensation. Fidelity also generally opposes a stock option plan if the board or compensation committee has re-priced options outstanding in the past two years without shareholder approval.
Fidelity generally will support a management proposal to exchange, re-price or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, re-pricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account a variety of factors such as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or re-pricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The companys 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 re-pricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
B. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
These plans are designed to allow employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price and receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is sold. Fidelity generally will support employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% (or at least 75% in the case of non-U.S. companies where a lower minimum stock purchase price is equal to the prevailing best practices in that market) of the stocks fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the companys stock.
IV. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay Vote
Current law requires companies to allow shareholders to cast non-binding votes on the compensation for named executive officers, as well as the frequency of such votes. Fidelity generally will support proposals to ratify executive compensation unless the compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or is otherwise problematic, taking into account:
The actions taken by the board or compensation committee in the previous year, including whether the company re-priced or exchanged outstanding stock options without shareholder approval; adopted or extended a golden parachute without shareholder approval; or adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation;
The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative to peers; and
The structure of the compensation program, including factors such as whether incentive plan metrics are appropriate, rigorous and transparent; whether the long-term element of the compensation program is evaluated over at least a three-year period; the sensitivity of pay to below median performance; the amount and nature of non-performance-based compensation; the justification and rationale behind paying discretionary bonuses; the use of stock ownership guidelines and amount of executive stock ownership; and how well elements of compensation are disclosed.
When presented with a frequency of Say on Pay vote, Fidelity generally will support holding an annual advisory vote on Say on Pay.
A. Compensation Committee
Directors serving on the compensation committee of the Board have a special responsibility to ensure that management is appropriately compensated and that compensation, among other things, fairly reflects the performance of the company. Fidelity believes that compensation should align with company performance as measured by key business metrics. Compensation policies should align the interests of executives with those of shareholders. Further, the compensation program should be disclosed in a transparent and timely manner.
Fidelity will oppose the election of directors on the compensation committees if:
1. The company has not adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation.
2. Within the last year, and without shareholder approval, a companys board of directors or compensation committee has either:
a) Re-priced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options; or
b) Adopted or extended a golden parachute.
B. Executive Severance Agreements
Executive severance compensation and benefit arrangements resulting from a termination following a change in control are known as golden parachutes. Fidelity generally will oppose proposals to ratify golden parachutes where the arrangement includes 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.
V. Environmental and Social Issues
Grounded in our Stewardship Principles, these guidelines outline our views on corporate governance. As part of our efforts to maximize long-term shareholder value, we incorporate environmental and social issues into our evaluation of a company, particularly if we believe an issue is material to that company and the investing funds investment objective and strategies.
Fidelity generally considers managements recommendation and current practice when voting on shareholder proposals concerning environmental or social issues because it generally believes that management and the board are in the best position to determine how to address these matters. Fidelity, however, also believes that transparency is critical to sound corporate governance. Therefore, Fidelity may support shareholder proposals that request additional disclosures from companies regarding environmental or social issues, including where it believes that the proposed disclosures could provide meaningful information to the investment management process without unduly burdening the company. This means that Fidelity may support shareholder proposals calling for reports on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental impact issues. Fidelity also may support proposals on issues in other areas, including but not limited to equal employment, board diversity and workforce diversity.
VI. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans
Fidelity generally will oppose a proposal to adopt an anti-takeover provision.
Anti-takeover provisions include:
classified boards;
blank check preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly determined by the companys board, for example, with differential voting rights);
golden parachutes;
supermajority provisions (that require a large majority (generally between 67-90%) of shareholders to approve corporate changes as compared to a majority provision that simply requires more than 50% of shareholders to approve those changes);
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.
A. Shareholders Rights Plans (poison pills)
Poison pills allow shareholders opposed to a takeover offer to purchase stock at discounted prices under certain circumstances and effectively give boards veto power over any takeover offer. While there are advantages and disadvantages to poison pills, they can be detrimental to the creation of shareholder value and can help entrench management by deterring acquisition offers not favored by the board, but that may, in fact, be beneficial to shareholders.
Fidelity generally will support a proposal to adopt or extend a poison pill if the proposal:
1. Includes a condition in the charter or plan that specifies an expiration date (sunset provision) of no greater than five years;
2. Is integral 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 mechanism to allow shareholders to consider a bona fide takeover offer for all outstanding shares without triggering the poison pill; and
5. Allows the Fidelity funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a companys total voting securities, where permissible.
Fidelity generally also will support a proposal that is crafted only for the purpose of protecting a specific tax benefit if it also believes the proposal is likely to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
B. Shareholder Ability to Call a Special Meeting
Fidelity generally will support shareholder proposals regarding shareholders right to call special meetings if the threshold required to call the special meeting is no less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
C. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding shareholders right to act by written consent if the proposals include appropriate mechanisms for implementation. This means that proposals must include record date requests from at least 25% of the outstanding stockholders and consents must be solicited from all shareholders.
D. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding supermajority provisions if Fidelity believes that the provisions protect minority shareholder interests in companies where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder.
VII. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections
Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if the board adopted or extended an anti-takeover provision without shareholder approval.
Fidelity will consider supporting the election of directors with respect to poison pills if:
All of the poison pills features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights section above are met when a poison pill is adopted or extended.
A board is willing to consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding the features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans section above to, an existing poison pill. If, however, the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors at that meeting.
It determines that the poison pill was narrowly tailored to protect a specific tax benefit, and subject to an evaluation of its likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
VIII. Capital Structure and Incorporation
These guidelines are designed to protect shareholders value in the companies in which the Fidelity funds invest. To the extent a companys management is committed and incentivized to maximize shareholder value, Fidelity generally votes in favor of management proposals; Fidelity may vote contrary to management where a proposal is overly dilutive to shareholders and/or compromises shareholder value or other interests. The guidelines that follow are meant to protect shareholders in these respects.
A. Increases in Common Stock
Fidelity may support reasonable increases in authorized shares for a specific purpose (a stock split or re-capitalization, for example). Fidelity generally will oppose a provision to increase a companys authorized 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.
In the case of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), however, Fidelity will oppose a provision to increase the REITs authorized common stock if the increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
B. Multi-Class Share Structures
Fidelity generally will support proposals to recapitalize multi-class share structures into structures that provide equal voting rights for all shareholders, and generally will oppose proposals to introduce or increase classes of stock with differential voting rights. However, Fidelity will evaluate all such proposals in the context of their likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
C. Incorporation or Reincorporation in another State or Country
Fidelity generally will support management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a 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 companys current and proposed governing documents. Fidelity will consider supporting these shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
IX. Shares of Fidelity Funds, ETFs, or other non-Fidelity Mutual Funds and ETFs
When a Fidelity fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or fund that is not affiliated, Fidelity will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of the underlying fund (this is known as echo voting). Fidelity may not vote if echo voting is not operationally practical or not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. For Fidelity fund investments in a Fidelity Series Fund, Fidelity generally will vote in a manner consistent with the recommendation of the Fidelity Series Funds Board of Trustees on all proposals.
X. Foreign Markets
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, Fidelity generally will evaluate proposals under these 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.
In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because these trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, Fidelity generally will 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, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
XI. Securities on Loan
Securities on loan as of a record date cannot be voted. In certain circumstances, Fidelity may recall a security on loan before record date (for example, in a particular contested director election or a noteworthy merger or acquisition). Generally, however, securities out on loan remain on loan and are not voted because, for example, the income a fund derives from the loan outweighs the benefit the fund receives from voting the security. In addition, Fidelity may not be able to recall and vote loaned securities if Fidelity is unaware of relevant information before record date, or is otherwise unable to timely recall securities on loan.
XII. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Voting of shares is conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fidelity funds. In other words, securities of a company generally will be voted in a manner consistent with these guidelines and without regard to any other Fidelity companies business relationships.
Fidelity takes its responsibility to vote shares in the best interests of the funds seriously and has implemented policies and procedures to address actual and potential conflicts of interest.
XIII. Conclusion
Since its founding more than 70 years ago, Fidelity has been driven by two fundamental values: 1) putting the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders first; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. With these fundamental principles as guideposts, the funds are managed to provide the greatest possible return to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment guidelines and objectives of each fund.
Fidelity believes that there is a strong correlation between sound corporate governance and enhancing shareholder value. Fidelity, through the implementation of these guidelines, puts this belief into action through consistent engagement with portfolio companies on matters contained in these guidelines, and, ultimately, through the exercise of voting rights by the funds.
Glossary
Burn rate means the total number of stock option and full value equity awards granted as compensation in a given year divided by the weighted average common stock outstanding for that same year.
For a large-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 1.5%.
For a small-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 2.5%.
For a micro-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 3.5%.
Golden parachute means 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.
Large-capitalization company means a company included in the Russell 1000® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
Micro-capitalization company means a company with market capitalization under US $300 million.
Poison pill refers to a strategy employed by a potential takeover / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirers ownership and value in the event of a takeover.
Small-capitalization company means 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.
To view a funds proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SECs web site at www.sec.gov.
For purposes of the following Distribution Services discussion, the term shares (as it relates to the fund) means the one class of shares of the fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates.
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 900 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 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 and/or FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
The Plan adopted for the class of the fund is described in the prospectus.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR 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 FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its 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 FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
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 or class, as applicable, 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 FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares, additional sales of shares 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.
The funds transfer agent or an affiliate may also make payments and reimbursements from its own resources to certain intermediaries (who may be affiliated with the transfer agent) for providing recordkeeping and administrative services to plan participants or for providing other services to retirement plans. Please see Transfer and Service Agent Agreements in this statement of additional information (SAI) for more information.
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 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.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
For purposes of the following Transfer and Service Agent Agreements discussion, the term shares (as it relates to the fund) means the one class of shares of the fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates.
The fund has entered into a transfer agent agreement with Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC (FIIOC), an affiliate of FMR, which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Under the terms of the agreement, FIIOC (or an agent, including an affiliate) performs transfer agency services.
For providing transfer agency services, FIIOC receives a position fee and an asset-based fee with respect to each position in the fund. For retail accounts, these fees are based on fund type. For certain institutional accounts, these fees are based on size of position and fund type. For institutional retirement accounts, these fees are based on account type and fund type. The position fee is billed monthly on a pro rata basis at one-twelfth of the applicable annual rate as of the end of each calendar month. The asset-based fee is calculated and paid monthly on the basis of average daily net assets of a fund or class, as applicable.
FIIOC may collect fees charged in connection with providing certain types of services such as exchanges, closing out fund balances, maintaining fund positions with low balances, checkwriting, wire transactions, and providing historical account research, as applicable.
In addition, FIIOC receives the pro rata portion of the transfer agency fees applicable to shareholder accounts in a qualified tuition program (QTP), as defined under the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, managed by FMR or an affiliate and in certain funds of funds managed by FMR, according to the percentage of the QTPs, or a fund of funds assets that is invested in the fund.
FIIOC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other reports, notices, and statements to existing shareholders, with the exception of proxy statements.
Fund shares may be owned by intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. In those instances, a fund may not maintain an account for shareholders, and some or all of the recordkeeping services for these accounts may be performed by third parties. FIIOC or an affiliate may make payments to intermediaries (including affiliates of FIIOC) for recordkeeping and other services.
Retirement plans may also hold fund shares in the name of the plan or its trustee, rather than the plan participant. In situations where FIIOC or an affiliate does not provide recordkeeping services, plan recordkeepers, who may have affiliated financial intermediaries who sell shares of the fund, may, upon direction, be paid for providing recordkeeping services to plan participants. Payments may also be made, upon direction, for other plan expenses. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
In certain situations where FIIOC or an affiliate provides recordkeeping services to a retirement plan, payments may be made to pay for plan expenses. The amount of such payments may be based on investments in particular Fidelity® funds, or may be fixed for a given period of time. Upon direction, payments may be made to plan sponsors, or at the direction of plan sponsors, third parties, for expenses incurred in connection with the plan. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with FSC, an affiliate of FMR (or an agent, including an affiliate). Under the terms of the agreement, FSC calculates the NAV and dividends for shares, maintains the funds portfolio and general accounting records, and administers the funds securities lending program.
For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a monthly fee based on the funds average daily net assets throughout the month.
The annual rates for pricing and bookkeeping services for the fund are 0.0259% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.0156% of average net assets between $500 million and $3.5 billion, 0.0041% of average net assets between $3.5 billion and $25 billion, and 0.0019% of average net assets in excess of $25 billion.
Trust Organization. Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund is a fund of Fidelity Salem Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated September 5, 1984. 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, except that liabilities and expenses may be allocated to a particular class. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds or classes.
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 a funds 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 a 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. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote. Claims asserted against one class of shares may subject holders of another class of shares to certain liabilities.
Voting Rights. Each funds 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 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.
Custodian. The Bank of New York Mellon, 1 Wall Street, New York, New York, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the funds assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. From time to time, subject to approval by a funds Treasurer, a Fidelity® fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), 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 FMR or an affiliate. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the funds adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. [ ], independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FMR to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMRs Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the funds best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the funds portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the funds chief compliance officer periodically.
The fund will provide a full list of holdings monthly on www.fidelity.com 30 days after the month-end (excluding high income security holdings, which generally will be presented collectively monthly and included in a list of full holdings 60 days after month-end).
Unless otherwise indicated, this information will be available on the web site until updated for the next applicable period.
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. Nonexclusive examples of performance attribution information and statistics may include (i) the allocation of the funds portfolio holdings and other investment positions among various asset classes, sectors, industries, and countries, (ii) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of the funds portfolio holdings and other investment positions, (iii) the attribution of fund returns by asset class, sector, industry, and country and (iv) the volatility characteristics of the fund.
FMRs Disclosure Policy Committee may approve a request for fund level performance attribution and statistics as long as (i) such disclosure does not enable the receiving party to recreate the complete or partial portfolio holdings of any Fidelity fund prior to such funds public disclosure of its portfolio holdings and (ii) Fidelity has made a good faith determination that the requested information is not material given the particular facts and circumstances. Fidelity may deny any request for
performance attribution information and other statistical information about a fund made by any person, and may do so for any reason or for no reason.
Disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information for a Fidelity funds portfolio may only be provided pursuant to the guidelines below.
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 FMR believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the funds trustees; the funds 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 funds auditors; the funds 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 FMR, a sub-adviser, or their 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. FMR 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 & Poors Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Bloomberg, L.P. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FMR, 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 funds SAI.
There can be no assurance that the funds 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 and Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2022 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2022. 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.
Fund/Class |
Class A |
Class M |
Class C |
Class I |
Class Z |
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Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund/ Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund |
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Fund of Fidelity Salem Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[ , 2023]
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.
To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI, dated [ , 2023], please call Fidelity at 1-877-208-0098 or visit Fidelitys web site at institutional.fidelity.com.
AMUC-REDB-1122
1.9907256.100
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
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 funds 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 funds 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 funds investment policies and limitations.
The funds 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 funds fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the funds 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 funds 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.
For purposes of the funds diversification limitation discussed above, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the funds diversification limitation discussed above, FMR does not consider traditional bond insurance to be a separate security or the insurer to be a separate issuer. Therefore, the diversification limitation does not limit the percentage of fund assets that may be invested in securities insured by a single bond insurer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except as 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, or tax-exempt obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. territory or possession or a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing) if, as a result, more than 25% of the funds total assets would be invested in securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the funds concentration limitation discussed above, FMR identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the funds concentration limitation discussed above, FMR 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 FMR 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 FMR 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 funds 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 engage in repurchase agreements or make loans, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities.
In addition to the funds fundamental and non-fundamental investment limitations discussed above:
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the fund currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the funds adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the funds investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (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 purchase contracts, financing leases, or sales agreements entered into by municipalities. 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.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO) are a type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CLOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses. For CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the equity tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CLO trust typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities, however an active dealer market may exist allowing them to qualify for Rule 144A transactions.
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. A municipal funds uninvested cash may earn credits that reduce fund expenses.
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® funds 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 Adviser, 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 funds 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 funds 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.
Disruption to Financial Markets and Related Government Intervention. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of events such as the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of then-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. 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 funds 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 in unpredictable ways.
Similarly, widespread disease including pandemics and epidemics, and natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and climate-related phenomena generally, have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of a funds investments. Economies and financial markets throughout the world have become increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or country will adversely affect markets or issuers in other regions or countries, including the United States. Additionally, market disruptions may result in increased market volatility; regulatory trading halts; closure of domestic or foreign exchanges, markets, or governments; or market participants operating pursuant to business continuity plans for indeterminate periods of time. Further, market disruptions can (i) prevent a fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner, (ii) negatively impact a funds ability to achieve its investment objective, and
(iii) may exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in a funds registration statement, including political, social, and economic risks.
The value of a funds portfolio is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic or natural 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 remains uncertain that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to current or future market disturbances and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each security by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a funds portfolio. An obligations 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. When a municipal bond issuer has committed to call an issue of bonds and has established an independent escrow account that is sufficient to, and is pledged to, refund that issue, the number of days to maturity for the prerefunded bond is considered to be the number of days to the announced call date of the bonds.
Duration is a measure of a bonds price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bonds 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 funds 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 funds performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond funds actual performance will likely differ from the example.
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 funds 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 funds brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a funds portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying funds shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying funds current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying funds 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 funds 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.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an advisers analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a funds 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 funds 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.
The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a fund may enter into futures, options on futures, and forward contracts.
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 funds 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, when the contract is entered into. If the value of either partys 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 funds net asset value per share (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 funds investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the futures commission merchant of the amount one would owe the other if the funds contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a futures commission merchant 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 futures commission merchants other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund.
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 contracts 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. 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 funds 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 funds other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a funds 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 funds 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 funds 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 options 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 over-the-counter (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 instruments price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instruments 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 options 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 instruments price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instruments 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 options purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the options 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 a futures commission merchant as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instruments 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 instruments 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 instruments 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 options 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 price increases and, if a call writer does not hold the underlying instrument, a call writers loss is theoretically unlimited.
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 instruments current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a contracts 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.
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 funds use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the advisers 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 funds 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 funds other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a funds 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 funds 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 futures commission merchants 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 funds 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 participants 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 futures commission merchant may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. However, regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on certain uncleared swaps 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.
If the creditworthiness of a funds 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. 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. 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. 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 funds 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.
Illiquid Investments means any investment that cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Difficulty in selling or disposing of illiquid investments may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund. Illiquid securities may include (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days without demand/redemption features, (2) OTC options and certain other derivatives, (3) private placements, (4) securities traded on markets and exchanges with structural constraints, and (5) loan participations.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity® funds adviser classifies the liquidity of the funds investments and monitors the extent of funds illiquid investments.
Various market, trading and investment-specific factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a funds investments including, but not limited to (1) the existence of an active trading market, (2) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades, (3) the number, diversity, and quality of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (4) the frequency, volume, and volatility of trade and price quotations, (5) bid-ask spreads, (6) dates of issuance and maturity, (7) demand, put or tender features, and (8) restrictions on trading or transferring the investment.
Fidelity classifies certain investments as illiquid based upon these criteria. Fidelity also monitors for certain market, trading and investment-specific events that may cause Fidelity to re-evaluate an investments liquidity status and may lead to an investment being classified as illiquid. In addition, Fidelity uses a third-party to assist with the liquidity classifications of the funds investments, which includes calculating the time to sell and settle a specified size position in a particular investment without the sale significantly changing the market value of the investment.
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 & Poors Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to AA+ from AAA. While Standard & Poors Ratings Services affirmed the United States short-term sovereign credit rating as A-1+, there is no guarantee that Standard & Poors Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in the future. Standard & Poors 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 & Poors 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.
Indexed securities may have principal payments as well as coupon payments that depend on the performance of one or more interest rates. Their coupon rates or principal payments may change by several percentage points for every 1% interest rate change.
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 issuers 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 issuers 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. 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. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a funds ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. 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. Municipal funds currently intend to participate in this program only as borrowers. A Fidelity® fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. Interfund borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one days 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.
Inverse Floaters have variable interest rates that typically move in the opposite direction from movements in prevailing short-term interest rate levels - rising when prevailing short-term interest rates fall, and falling when short-term interest rates rise. The prices of inverse floaters can be considerably more volatile than the prices of other investments with comparable maturities and/or credit quality.
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, Moodys Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a funds adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
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 issuers 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.
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 funds shareholders.
Low or Negative Yielding Securities. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Interest rates in the U.S. and many parts of the world, including Japan and some European countries, are at or near historically low levels. Japan and those European countries have, from time to time, experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk for the markets as a whole and for the funds. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from fund performance to the extent a fund is exposed to such interest rates.
Municipal Insurance. A municipal bond may be covered by insurance that guarantees the bonds scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal. This type of insurance may be obtained by either (i) the issuer at the time the bond is issued (primary market insurance), or (ii) another party after the bond has been issued (secondary market insurance).
Both primary and secondary market insurance guarantee timely and scheduled repayment of all principal and payment of all interest on a municipal bond in the event of default by the issuer, and cover a municipal bond to its maturity, typically enhancing its credit quality and value.
Municipal bond insurance does not insure against market fluctuations or fluctuations in a funds share price. In addition, a municipal bond insurance policy will not cover: (i) repayment of a municipal bond before maturity (redemption), (ii) prepayment or payment of an acceleration premium (except for a mandatory sinking fund redemption) or any other provision of a bond indenture that advances the maturity of the bond, or (iii) nonpayment of principal or interest caused by negligence or bankruptcy of the paying agent. A mandatory sinking fund redemption may be a provision of a municipal bond issue whereby part of the municipal bond issue may be retired before maturity.
Because a significant portion of the municipal securities issued and outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, not all of which have the highest credit rating, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the securities insured by that insurance company and on the municipal markets as a whole. Ratings of insured bonds reflect the credit rating of the insurer, based on the rating agencys assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurer and its ability to pay claims on its insurance policies at the time of the assessment. While the obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of an insured bond, there is no assurance that municipal bond insurers will meet their claims. A higher-than-anticipated default rate on municipal bonds or in connection with other insurance the insurer provides could strain the insurers loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders.
FMR may decide to retain an insured municipal bond that is in default, or, in FMRs view, in significant risk of default. While a fund holds a defaulted, insured municipal bond, the fund collects interest payments from the insurer and retains the right to collect principal from the insurer when the municipal bond matures, or in connection with a mandatory sinking fund redemption.
Municipal Leases and participation interests therein may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract and are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land or a wide variety of equipment and facilities. Generally, a fund will not hold these obligations directly as a lessor of the property, but will purchase a participation
interest in a municipal obligation from a bank or other third party. A participation interest gives the purchaser a specified, undivided interest in the obligation in proportion to its purchased interest in the total amount of the issue.
Municipal leases frequently have risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet to incur debt. These may include voter referenda, interest rate limits, or public sale requirements. Leases, installment purchases, or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting their constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Many leases and contracts include non-appropriation clauses providing that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Non-appropriation clauses free the issuer from debt issuance limitations. If a municipality stops making payments or transfers its obligations to a private entity, the obligation could lose value or become taxable.
Municipal Market Disruption Risk. The value of municipal securities may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal funds distributions. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and the value of a municipal funds holdings would be affected, and the Trustees would reevaluate the funds investment objectives and policies. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers within a state. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. Any of these effects could have a significant impact on the prices of some or all of the municipal securities held by a fund.
Municipal securities may be susceptible to downgrade, default, and bankruptcy, particularly during economic downturns. Factors affecting municipal securities include the budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the municipalities issuing municipal securities may be relying for funding, as well as lower tax collections, fluctuations in interest rates, and increasing construction costs. Municipal securities are also subject to the risk that the perceived likelihood of difficulties in the municipal securities markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility, and credit risk. Certain municipal issuers may be unable to obtain additional financing through, or be required to pay higher interest rates on, new issues, which may reduce revenues available for these municipal issuers to pay existing obligations. In addition, certain municipal issuers may be unable to issue or market securities, resulting in fewer investment opportunities for funds investing in municipal securities.
Education. In general, there are two types of education-related bonds: those issued to finance projects for public and private colleges and universities, and those representing pooled interests in student loans. Bonds issued to supply educational institutions with funds are subject to the risk of unanticipated revenue decline, primarily the result of decreasing student enrollment or decreasing state and federal funding. Among the factors that may lead to declining or insufficient revenues are restrictions on students ability to pay tuition, availability of state and federal funding, and general economic conditions. Student loan revenue bonds are generally offered by state (or substate) authorities or commissions and are backed by pools of student loans. Underlying student loans may be guaranteed by state guarantee agencies and may be subject to reimbursement by the United States Department of Education through its guaranteed student loan program. Others may be private, uninsured loans made to parents or students which are supported by reserves or other forms of credit enhancement. Recoveries of principal due to loan defaults may be applied to redemption of bonds or may be used to re-lend, depending on program latitude and demand for loans. Cash flows supporting student loan revenue bonds are impacted by numerous factors, including the rate of student loan defaults, seasoning of the loan portfolio, and student repayment deferral periods of forbearance. Other risks associated with student loan revenue bonds include potential changes in federal legislation regarding student loan revenue bonds, state guarantee agency reimbursement and continued federal interest and other program subsidies currently in effect.
Electric Utilities. The electric utilities industry has been experiencing, and will continue to experience, increased competitive pressures. Federal legislation in the last two years will open transmission access to any electricity supplier, although it is not presently known to what extent competition will evolve. Other risks include: (a) the availability and cost of fuel, (b) the availability and cost of capital, (c) the effects of conservation on energy demand, (d) the effects of rapidly changing environmental, safety, and licensing requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulations, (e) timely and sufficient rate increases, and (f) opposition to nuclear power.
Health Care. The health care industry is subject to regulatory action by a number of private and governmental agencies, including federal, state, and local governmental agencies. A major source of revenues for the health care industry is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a result, the industry is sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Numerous other factors may affect the industry, such as general and local economic conditions; demand for services; expenses (including malpractice insurance premiums); and competition among health care providers. In the future, the following elements may adversely affect health care facility operations: adoption of legislation proposing a national health insurance program; other state or local health care reform measures; medical and technological
advances which dramatically alter the need for health services or the way in which such services are delivered; changes in medical coverage which alter the traditional fee-for-service revenue stream; and efforts by employers, insurers, and governmental agencies to reduce the costs of health insurance and health care services.
Housing. Housing revenue bonds are generally issued by a state, county, city, local housing authority, or other public agency. They generally are secured by the revenues derived from mortgages purchased with the proceeds of the bond issue. It is extremely difficult to predict the supply of available mortgages to be purchased with the proceeds of an issue or the future cash flow from the underlying mortgages. Consequently, there are risks that proceeds will exceed supply, resulting in early retirement of bonds, or that homeowner repayments will create an irregular cash flow. Many factors may affect the financing of multi-family housing projects, including acceptable completion of construction, proper management, occupancy and rent levels, economic conditions, and changes to current laws and regulations.
Transportation. Transportation debt may be issued to finance the construction of airports, toll roads, highways, or other transit facilities. Airport bonds are dependent on the general stability of the airline industry and on the stability of a specific carrier who uses the airport as a hub. Air traffic generally follows broader economic trends and is also affected by the price and availability of fuel. Toll road bonds are also affected by the cost and availability of fuel as well as toll levels, the presence of competing roads and the general economic health of an area. Fuel costs and availability also affect other transportation-related securities, as do the presence of alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation.
Water and Sewer. Water and sewer revenue bonds are often considered to have relatively secure credit as a result of their issuers importance, monopoly status, and generally unimpeded ability to raise rates. Despite this, lack of water supply due to insufficient rain, run-off, or snow pack is a concern that has led to past defaults. Further, public resistance to rate increases, costly environmental litigation, and Federal environmental mandates are challenges faced by issuers of water and sewer bonds.
Put Features entitle the holder to sell a security back to the issuer at any time or at specified intervals. In exchange for this benefit, a fund may accept a lower interest rate. Securities with put features are subject to the risk that the put provider is unable to honor the put feature (purchase the security). Demand features and standby commitments are types of put features.
Refunding Contracts. Securities may be purchased on a when-issued basis in connection with the refinancing of an issuers outstanding indebtedness. Refunding contracts require the issuer to sell and a purchaser to buy refunded municipal obligations at a stated price and yield on a settlement date that may be several months or several years in the future. A purchaser generally will not be obligated to pay the full purchase price if the issuer fails to perform under a refunding contract. Instead, refunding contracts generally provide for payment of liquidated damages to the issuer. A purchaser may secure its obligations under a refunding contract by depositing collateral or a letter of credit equal to the liquidated damages provisions of the refunding contract.
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 funds adviser.
Restricted Securities (including Private Placements) 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, including private placements of private and public companies, 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 funds adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a funds assets and, if applicable, a funds yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage. Under SEC requirements, a fund needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with its reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the funds asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions.
SEC Rule 18f-4. In October 2020, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies (the rule). Subject to certain exceptions, the rule requires the funds to trade derivatives and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk (VaR) leverage limit and to certain derivatives risk management program, reporting and
board oversight requirements. Generally, these requirements apply to any fund engaging in derivatives transactions unless a fund satisfies a limited derivatives users exception, which requires the fund to limit its gross notional derivatives exposure (with certain exceptions) to 10% of its net assets and to adopt derivatives risk management procedures. Under the rule, when a fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the funds asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the final rule regarding the use of securities lending collateral that may limit securities lending activities. In addition, under the rule, a fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security (as defined under Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act), provided that (i) the fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision). A fund may otherwise engage in when-issued, forward-settling and non-standard settlement cycle securities transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the fund treats any such transaction as a derivatives transaction for purposes of compliance with the rule. Furthermore, under the rule, a fund will be permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due. These requirements may limit the ability of the funds to use derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, and the other relevant transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements also may increase the cost of the funds investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
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 funds 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 funds long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
A funds ability to invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws. To the extent a fund acquires securities issued by unaffiliated investment companies, the Advisers access to information regarding such underlying funds portfolio may be limited and subject to such funds policies regarding disclosure of fund holdings.
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 funds share price.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). A fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities that pool money to seek potential acquisition opportunities. SPACs are collective investment structures formed to raise money in an initial public offering for the purpose of merging with or acquiring one or more operating companies (the de-SPAC Transaction). Until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets in US government securities, money market securities and cash. In connection with a de-SPAC Transaction, the SPAC may complete a PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering with certain investors. A fund may enter into a contingent commitment with a SPAC to purchase PIPE shares if and when the SPAC completes its de-SPAC Transaction.
Because SPACs do not have an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPACs management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. An investment in a SPAC is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (ii) an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; (iii) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time; (iv) no or only a thinly traded market for shares of
or interests in a SPAC may develop, leaving a fund unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the fund believes is the SPAC interests intrinsic value; (v) any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of shareholders; (vi) an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (vii) the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by a fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (viii) a fund may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; and (ix) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction.
Purchased PIPE shares will be restricted from trading until the registration statement for the shares is declared effective. Upon registration, the shares can be freely sold, but only pursuant to an effective registration statement or other exemption from registration. The securities issued by a SPAC, which are typically traded either in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange, may be considered illiquid, more difficult to value, and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
Standby Commitments are puts that entitle holders to same-day settlement at an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. A fund may acquire standby commitments to enhance the liquidity of portfolio securities.
Ordinarily a fund will not transfer a standby commitment to a third party, although it could sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. A fund may purchase standby commitments separate from or in conjunction with the purchase of securities subject to such commitments. In the latter case, the fund would pay a higher price for the securities acquired, thus reducing their yield to maturity.
Issuers or financial intermediaries may obtain letters of credit or other guarantees to support their ability to buy securities on demand. An adviser may rely upon its evaluation of a banks credit in determining whether to purchase an instrument supported by a letter of credit. In evaluating a foreign banks credit, an adviser will consider whether adequate public information about the bank is available and whether the bank may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other governmental restrictions that might affect the banks ability to honor its credit commitment.
Standby commitments are subject to certain risks, including the ability of issuers of standby commitments to pay for securities at the time the commitments are exercised; the fact that standby commitments are not generally marketable; and the possibility that the maturities of the underlying securities may be different from those of the commitments.
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 counterpartys creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund reserves the right to invest without limitation in short-term instruments, to hold a substantial amount of uninvested cash, or to invest more than normally permitted in federally taxable obligations for temporary, defensive purposes.
Tender Option Bonds are created by depositing intermediate- or long-term, fixed-rate or variable rate, municipal bonds into a trust and issuing two classes of trust interests (or certificates) with varying economic interests to investors. Holders of the first class of trust interests, or floating rate certificates, receive tax-exempt interest based on short-term rates and may tender the certificate to the trust at par. As consideration for providing the tender option, the trust sponsor (typically a bank, broker-dealer, or other financial institution) receives periodic fees. The trust pays the holders of the floating rate certificates from proceeds of a remarketing of the certificates or from a draw on a liquidity facility provided by the sponsor. A fund investing in a floating rate certificate effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate. The floating rate certificate is typically an eligible security for money market funds. Holders of the second class of interests, sometimes called the residual income certificates, are entitled to any tax-exempt interest received by the trust that is not payable to floating rate certificate holders, and bear the risk that the underlying municipal bonds decline in value. In selecting tender option bonds, FMR will consider the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the experience of the custodian, and the quality of the sponsor providing the tender option. In certain instances, the tender option may be terminated if, for example, the issuer of the underlying bond defaults on interest payments.
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 funds 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 issuers 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 funds adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
In addition to other interbank offered rates (IBORs), the most common benchmark rate for floating rate securities is LIBOR, which is the rate of interest offered on short-term interbank deposits, as determined by trading between major international banks. After the global financial crisis, regulators globally determined that existing interest rate benchmarks should be reformed based on concerns that LIBOR and other IBORs were susceptible to manipulation. Replacement rates that have been identified include the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR, which is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR and measures the cost of U.S. dollar overnight borrowings) and the Sterling Overnight Index Average rate (SONIA, which is intended to replace pound sterling LIBOR and measures the overnight interest rate paid by banks in the sterling market). In March 2021, the United Kingdoms Financial Conduct Authority and ICE Benchmark Authority formally announced the dates after which the LIBORs will no longer be representative and subsequently cease publication. Certain LIBOR settings will cease publication after the end of 2021. However, the publication of certain other LIBOR settings will continue through at least mid-2023. While various regulators and industry bodies are working globally on transitioning to alternative rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of the IBORs and the transition to, and the nature of, replacement rates. As such, the effect of a transition away from the IBORs on a fund and the financial instruments in which it invests cannot yet be determined, and may depend on factors that include, but are not limited to: (i) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts; (ii) the effect of new legislation relating to the discontinuation of LIBOR and the use of replacement rates, and (iii) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. Such transition may result in a reduction in the value of IBOR-based instruments held by a fund, a reduction in the effectiveness of certain hedging transactions and increased illiquidity and volatility in markets that currently rely on an IBOR to determine interest rates, any of which could adversely impact the funds performance.
In many instances bonds and participation interests have tender options or demand features that permit the holder to tender (or put) the bonds to an institution at periodic intervals and to receive the principal amount thereof. Variable rate instruments structured in this fashion are considered to be essentially equivalent to other variable rate securities. The IRS has not ruled whether the interest on these instruments is tax-exempt. Fixed-rate bonds that are subject to third-party puts and participation interests in such bonds held by a bank in trust or otherwise may have similar features.
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 funds 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 funds dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bonds purchase price and its face value is considered income.
In addition to the investment policies and limitations discussed above, a fund is subject to the additional operational risk discussed below.
Considerations Regarding Cybersecurity. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a funds service providers are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events and may arise from external or internal sources. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through hacking or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information; corrupting data, equipment or systems; or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a funds manager, any sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a funds ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of fund shareholders to transact business, destruction to equipment and systems, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
While a funds service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, a fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect a fund or its shareholders. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR or the Adviser) pursuant to authority contained in the management contract. To the extent that the Adviser 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-advisers trading and associated policies, which may differ from the Advisers policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
The Adviser 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 mutual funds (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 the Advisers 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.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
The Adviser or its affiliates generally have authority to select brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the funds portfolio securities transactions. In selecting brokers, including affiliates of the Adviser, to execute the funds portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to the Advisers or its affiliates overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the funds portfolio manager, which may emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. Based on the factors considered, the Adviser or its affiliates may choose to execute an order using ECNs, including broker-sponsored algorithms, internal crossing, or by verbally working an order with one or more brokers. Other possibly relevant factors include, but are not limited to, the following: price; costs; the size, nature and type of
the order; the speed of execution; financial condition and reputation of the broker; broker specific considerations (e.g., not all brokers are able to execute all types of trades); broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets in which the security is traded; the traders assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the traders instructions to the broker; confidentiality and the potential for information leakage; the nature or existence of post-trade clearing, settlement, custody and currency convertibility mechanisms; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable and where allowed by law.
In seeking best execution for portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates may from time to time select a broker that uses a trading method, including algorithmic trading, for which the broker charges a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. The Adviser or its affiliates also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest commission rate available from another broker. Occasionally the Adviser or its affiliates 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 the Adviser 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 a futures commission merchant is generally based on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the futures commission merchant. The Adviser or its affiliates execute futures transactions verbally and electronically.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) that execute transactions for a fund managed outside of the European Union 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 the Adviser or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, but are not limited to: 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 video and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. The Adviser 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 the Advisers or its affiliates own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, when permissible under applicable law, brokerage and research products and services include 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 the Adviser 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 or eligible external research under MiFID II and FCA regulations (as defined below), where allowed by applicable law, they, at times, will use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in the Advisers or its affiliates investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, the Adviser 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 or eligible external research with their own resources (referred to as hard dollars).
Benefit to the Adviser. The Advisers 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. Therefore, an economic incentive exists for the Adviser or its affiliates to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving the brokerage and research products and services, rather than on the Advisers or its affiliates funds interest in receiving most favorable execution. The Adviser and its affiliates manage the receipt of brokerage and research products and services and the potential for conflicts through its Commission Uses Program. The Commission Uses Program effectively unbundles commissions paid to brokers who provide brokerage and research products and services, i.e., commissions consist of an execution commission, which covers the execution of the trade (including clearance and settlement), and a research charge, which is used to cover brokerage and research products and services. Those brokers have client commission arrangements (each a CCA) in place with the Adviser and its affiliates (each of those brokers referred to as CCA brokers). In selecting brokers for executing transactions on behalf of the fund, the trading desks through which the Adviser 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 CCA broker provides. Commissions paid to a CCA broker include both an execution commission and a research charge, and while the CCA broker receives the entire commission, it retains the execution commission and either credits or transmits the research portion (also known as soft dollars,) to a CCA pool maintained by each CCA broker. Soft dollar credits (credits) accumulated in CCA pools are used to pay research expenses. In some cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may request that a
broker that is not a party to any particular transaction provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, which would be paid with credits from the CCA pool. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, and traders have no responsibility for administering the research program, including the payment for research. The Adviser or its affiliates, at times, will use a third-party aggregator to facilitate payments to research providers. Where an aggregator is involved, the aggregator would maintain credits in an account that is segregated from the aggregators proprietary assets and the assets of its other clients and use those credits to pay research providers as instructed by the Adviser or its affiliates. Furthermore, where permissible under applicable law, certain of the brokerage and research products and services that the Adviser 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 the Adviser or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, the Adviser 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 brokers overall services.
The Advisers Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, the Adviser 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 the Adviser or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or the Advisers or its affiliates overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the funds brokerage does not benefit all funds and certain funds will receive the benefit of the brokerage and research product or services obtained with other funds commissions. As required under applicable laws or fund policy, commissions generated by certain funds may only be used to obtain certain brokerage and research products and services. As a result, certain funds will pay more proportionately of certain types of brokerage and research products and services than others, while the overall amount of brokerage and research products and services paid by each fund continues to be allocated equitably. While the Adviser or its affiliates 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 the Adviser, 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, for funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates outside of the European Union or the United Kingdom, these brokerage and research products and services assist the Adviser or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates may have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that also benefit other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, and not every fund or investment account uses the brokerage and research products and services that may have been acquired through that funds commissions.
Research Contracts. The Adviser or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom the Adviser or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby the Adviser 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, the Adviser or its affiliates, at times, will cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to the Adviser or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. The Advisers or its affiliates determination to pay for research products and services separately is wholly voluntary on the Advisers or its affiliates part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Funds Managed within the European Union. The Adviser and its affiliates have established policies and procedures relating to brokerage commission uses in compliance with the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive in the European Union, commonly referred to as MiFID II, as implemented in the United Kingdom through the Conduct of Business Sourcebook Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA), where applicable.
Funds, or portions thereof, that are managed within the United Kingdom by FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) use research payment accounts (RPAs) to cover costs associated with equity and high income external research that is consumed by those funds or investment accounts in accordance with MiFID II and FCA regulations. With RPAs, funds pay for external research through a separate research charge that is generally assessed and collected alongside the execution commission1. For funds that use an RPA, FMR UK establishes a research budget. The budget is set by first grouping funds or investment accounts by strategy (e.g., asset allocation, blend, growth, etc.), and then determining what external research is consumed to support the strategies and portfolio management services provided within the European Union or the United Kingdom. In this regard, research budgets are set by research needs and are not otherwise linked to the volume or value of transactions executed on behalf of the fund or investment account. For funds where portions are managed both within and outside of the United Kingdom, external research may be paid using both a CCA and an RPA. Determinations of what is eligible research and how costs are allocated are made in accordance with the Advisers and its affiliates policies and procedures. Costs for research consumed by funds that use an RPA will be allocated among the funds or investment accounts within defined strategies pro rata based on the assets under management for each fund or investment account. While the research charge paid on behalf of any one fund that uses an RPA varies over time, the overall research charge determined at the fund level on an annual basis will not be exceeded.
FMR UK is responsible for managing the RPA and may delegate its administration to a third-party administrator for the facilitation of the purchase of external research and payments to research providers. RPA assets will be maintained in accounts
at a third-party depository institution, held in the name of FMR UK. FMR UK provides on request, a summary of: (i) the providers paid from the RPA; (ii) the total amount they were paid over a defined period; (iii) the benefits and services received by FMR UK; and (iv) how the total amount spent from the RPA compares to the research budget set for that period, noting any rebate or carryover if residual funds remain in the RPA.
Impacted funds, like those funds that participate in CCA pools, at times, will make payments to a broker that include both an execution commission and a research charge, but unlike CCAs (for which research charges may be retained by the CCA broker and credited to the CCA, as described above), the broker will receive separate payments for the execution commission and the research charge and will promptly remit the research charge to the RPA. Assets in the RPA are used to satisfy external research costs consumed by the funds.
If the costs of paying for external research exceed the amount initially agreed in relation to funds in a given strategy, the Adviser or its affiliates may continue to charge those funds or investment accounts beyond the initially agreed amount in accordance with MiFID II, continue to acquire external research for the funds or investment accounts using its own resources, or cease to purchase external research for those funds or investment accounts until the next annual research budget. If assets for specific funds remain in the RPA at the end of a period, they may be rolled over to the next period to offset next years research charges for those funds or rebated to those funds.
Funds managed by FMR UK that trade only fixed income securities will not participate in RPAs because fixed income securities trade based on spreads rather than commissions, and thus unbundling the execution commission and research charge is impractical. Therefore, FMR UK and its affiliates have established policies and procedures to ensure that external research that is paid for through RPAs is not made available to FMR UK portfolio managers that manage fixed income funds or investment accounts in any manner inconsistent with MiFID II and FCA regulations.
1 | The staff of the SEC addressed concerns that reliance on an RPA mechanism to pay for research would be permissible under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by indicating that they would not recommend enforcement against investment advisers who used an RPA to pay for research and brokerage products and services so long as certain conditions were met. Therefore, references to research charges as part of the RPA mechanism to satisfy MiFID II requirements can be considered commissions for Section 28(e) purposes. |
Commission Recapture
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates engages in brokerage transactions with brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) who have entered into arrangements with the Adviser or its affiliates under which the broker will, at times, rebate a portion of the compensation paid by a fund (commission recapture). Not all brokers with whom the fund trades have been asked to participate in brokerage commission recapture.
Affiliated Transactions
The Adviser or its affiliates place trades with certain brokers, including National Financial Services LLC (NFS), through its Fidelity Capital Markets (FCM) division, and Luminex Trading & Analytics LLC (Luminex), with whom they are under common control or otherwise affiliated, provided the Adviser 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 and subject to other applicable law. In addition, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates place trades with brokers that use NFS or Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (FCC) as a clearing agent and/or use Level ATS, an alternative trading system that is deemed to be affiliated with the Adviser, for execution services.
In certain circumstances, trades are executed through alternative trading systems or national securities exchanges in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest. Any decision to execute a trade through an alternative trading system or exchange in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest would be made in accordance with applicable law, including best execution obligations. For trades placed on such a system or exchange, not limited to ones in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an ownership interest, the Adviser or its affiliates derive benefit in the form of increased valuation(s) of its equity interest, where it has an ownership interest, or other remuneration, including rebates.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund is permitted to 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-U.S. securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers. In certain circumstances, due to local law and regulation, logistical or operational challenges, or the process for settling securities transactions in certain markets (e.g., short settlement periods), spot currency transactions are effected on behalf of funds by parties other than the Adviser or its affiliates, including funds custodian banks (working through sub-custodians or agents in the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction) or broker-dealers that executed the related securities transaction.
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 the Adviser 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.
The NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding a classs pro rata share of the value of a funds investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting the classs pro rata share of the funds liabilities, subtracting the liabilities allocated to the class, and dividing the result by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has designated the funds investment adviser as the valuation designee responsible for the fair valuation function and performing fair value determinations as needed. The adviser has established a Fair Value Committee (the Committee) to carry out the day-to-day fair valuation responsibilities and has adopted policies and procedures to govern the fair valuation process and the activities of the Committee.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs.
Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying central fund, are valued as follows:
If quotations are not available, debt securities are usually 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.
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 Committee. A number of pricing services are available and a fund may use more than one of these services. A fund may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. A funds adviser through the Committee engages in oversight activities with respect to the funds pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a funds NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
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 Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the Committee, a securitys value has been materially affected by events occurring before a funds 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 Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the Committee may consider factors including, but not limited to, price movements in futures contracts and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading. The frequency that portfolio securities or assets are fair valued cannot be predicted and may be significant.
In determining the fair value of a private placement security for which market quotations are not available, the Committee generally applies one or more valuation methods including the market approach, income approach and cost approach. The market approach considers factors including the price of recent investments in the same or a similar security or financial metrics of comparable securities. The income approach considers factors including expected future cash flows, security specific risks and corresponding discount rates. The cost approach considers factors including the value of the securitys underlying assets and liabilities.
The funds adviser reports to the Board information regarding the fair valuation process and related material matters.
BUYING, SELLING, AND EXCHANGING INFORMATION
The fund may make redemption payments in whole or in part in readily marketable securities or other property pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees if FMR determines it is in the best interests of the fund. Such securities or other property will be valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing each classs NAV. Shareholders that receive securities or other property will realize, upon receipt, a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur additional costs and be exposed to market risk prior to and upon the sale of such securities or other property.
The fund, in its discretion, may determine to issue its shares in kind in exchange for securities held by the purchaser having a value, determined in accordance with the funds policies for valuation of portfolio securities, equal to the purchase price of the fund shares issued. The fund will accept for in-kind purchases only securities or other instruments that are appropriate under its investment objective and policies. In addition, the fund generally will not accept securities of any issuer unless they are liquid, have a readily ascertainable market value, and are not subject to restrictions on resale. All dividends, distributions, and subscription or other rights associated with the securities become the property of the fund, along with the securities. Shares purchased in exchange for securities in kind generally cannot be redeemed for fifteen days following the exchange to allow time for the transfer to settle.
In addition to the exchange privileges listed in the funds prospectus, the fund offers the privilege of moving between certain share classes of the same fund, as detailed below. Such transactions are subject to eligibility requirements of the applicable class of shares of a fund, and may be subject to applicable sales loads. An exchange between share classes of the same fund generally is a non-taxable event.
Class A: Shares of Class A may be exchanged for Class Z or Class I shares of the same fund.
Class M: Shares of Class M may be exchanged for Class A (on a load-waived basis), Class Z, or Class I shares of the same fund.
Class C: Shares of Class C may be exchanged for Class A, Class M, Class Z, or Class I shares of the same fund.
Class I: Shares of Class I may be exchanged for Class A, if you are no longer eligible for Class I, or Class Z shares of the same fund.
Class Z: Shares of Class Z may be exchanged for Class A or Class I shares of the same fund if you are no longer eligible for Class Z.
The fund may terminate or modify its exchange privileges in the future.
Dividends. To the extent that the funds income is reported in a written statement to shareholders as federally tax-exempt interest, the dividends declared by the fund will be federally tax-exempt, provided that the fund qualifies to pay tax-exempt dividends. In order to qualify to pay tax-exempt dividends, at least 50% of the value of the funds total assets (including uninvested assets) must consist of tax-exempt municipal securities at the close of each quarter of the funds taxable year.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither FMR nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsels opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax-free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued and you may need to file an amended income tax return. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass-through of tax-free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
Interest on certain private activity securities is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individuals, although the interest continues to be excludable from gross income for other tax purposes. Interest from private activity securities is a tax preference item for the purposes of determining whether an individual is subject to the AMT and the amount of AMT to be paid, if any.
You may also receive distributions attributable to interest payments on taxable securities. Such distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income at the federal, state, and local levels.
A portion of the gain on municipal or taxable bonds purchased at market discount is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, not as capital gains. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates.
Capital Gain Distributions. Unless your shares of the fund are held in a tax-advantaged retirement plan, the funds long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the funds 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 shareholders 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 in taxable accounts.
Foreign Taxation. 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.
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. Some of the information may not apply to certain shareholders, including tax-advantaged retirement plan shareholders. 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.
The Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), 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 funds 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 funds performance. Except for Jonathan Chiel, each of the Trustees oversees 293 funds. Mr. Chiel oversees 184 funds.
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 is referred to herein as an Independent Trustee. Each Independent Trustee shall retire not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. Officers and Advisory Board Members hold office without limit in time, except that any officer or Advisory Board Member 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 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 Boards 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 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. Michael E. Kenneally 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 funds Board oversees Fidelitys investment-grade bond, money market, asset allocation and certain equity funds, and other Boards oversee Fidelitys high income and other equity funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity® funds that are overseen by such other Boards. 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 funds 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 funds 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 funds exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Boards committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the funds 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 Boards 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 funds Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMRs internal auditor, the independent accountants, the funds Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Boards committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of Fidelitys 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 Trustees.
Interested Trustees*:
Correspondence intended for a 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+
Jonathan Chiel (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr. Chiel also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Chiel is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2012-present). Previously, Mr. Chiel served as general counsel (2004-2012) and senior vice president and deputy general counsel (2000-2004) for John Hancock Financial Services; a partner with Choate, Hall & Stewart (1996-2000) (law firm); and an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorneys Office of the District of Massachusetts (1986-95), including Chief of the Criminal Division (1993-1995). Mr. Chiel is a director on the boards of the Boston Bar Foundation and the Maimonides School.
Abigail P. Johnson (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2009
Trustee
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Ms. Johnson serves as Chairman (2016-present), Chief Executive Officer (2014-present), and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2011-present). Previously, Ms. Johnson served as Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2011-2019), Vice Chairman (2007-2016) and President (2013-2016) of FMR LLC, President and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firm), 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.
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe (1959)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Ms. McAuliffe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and as Trustee of Fidelity Charitable (2020-present). Previously, Ms. McAuliffe served as Co-Head of Fixed Income of Fidelity Investments Limited (now known as FIL Limited (FIL)) (diversified financial services company), Director of Research for FILs credit and quantitative teams in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and Director of Research for taxable and municipal bonds at Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. Ms. McAuliffe previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016). Ms. McAuliffe was previously a lawyer at Ropes & Gray LLP and currently serves as director or trustee of several not-for-profit entities.
* | Determined to be an Interested Trustee by virtue of, among other things, his or her affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR. |
+ | The information includes the Trustees principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustees qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund. |
Independent Trustees:
Correspondence intended for an Independent Trustee 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)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Trustee
Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Acton served as 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 and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-present). Ms. Acton previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2013-2016).
Ann E. Dunwoody (1953)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Trustee
General Dunwoody also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. General Dunwoody (United States Army, Retired) was the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star general and prior to her retirement in 2012 held a variety of positions within the U.S. Army, including Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command (2008-2012). General Dunwoody currently serves as President of First to Four LLC (leadership and mentoring services, 2012-present), a member of the Board and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committees of Kforce Inc. (professional staffing services, 2016-present) and a member of the Board of Automattic Inc. (software engineering, 2018-present). Previously, General Dunwoody served as a member of the Advisory Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of L3 Technologies, Inc. (communication, electronic, sensor and aerospace systems, 2013-2019) and a member of the Board and Audit and Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committees of Republic Services, Inc. (waste collection, disposal and recycling, 2013-2016). Ms. Dunwoody also serves on several boards for non-profit organizations, including as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee of Logistics Management Institute (consulting non-profit, 2012-present), a member of the Council of Trustees for the Association of the United States Army (advocacy non-profit, 2013-present), a member of the Board of Florida Institute of Technology (2015-present) and a member of the Board of ThanksUSA (military family education non-profit, 2014-present). General Dunwoody previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2018).
John Engler (1948)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2014
Trustee
Mr. Engler also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Engler served as Governor of Michigan (1991-2003), President of the Business Roundtable (2011-2017) and interim President of Michigan State University (2018-2019). Mr. Engler currently serves as a member of the Board of Stride, Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.) (technology-based education company, 2012-present). Previously, Mr. Engler served as a member of the Board of Universal Forest Products (manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products, 2003-2019) and Trustee of The Munder Funds (2003-2014). Mr. Engler previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2014-2016).
Robert F. Gartland (1951)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2010
Trustee
Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007), including Managing Director (1987-2007) and Chase Manhattan Bank (1975-1978). Mr. Gartland previously served as Chairman and an investor in Gartland & Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-2019), as a member of the Board of National Securities Clearing Corporation (1993-1996) and as Chairman of TradeWeb (2003-2004).
Arthur E. Johnson (1947)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2008
Trustee
Mr. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Johnson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development of Lockheed Martin Corporation (defense contractor, 1999-2009). Mr. Johnson currently serves as a member of the Board of Booz Allen Hamilton (management consulting, 2011-present). Mr. Johnson previously served as a member of the Board of Eaton Corporation plc (diversified power management, 2009-2019) and a member of the Board of AGL Resources, Inc. (holding company, 2002-2016). Mr. Johnson previously served as Chairman (2018-2021) and Vice Chairman (2015-2018) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds. Mr. Arthur E. Johnson is not related to Ms. Abigail P. Johnson.
Michael E. Kenneally (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2009
Trustee
Chairman of the Independent Trustees
Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and was Vice Chairman (2018-2021) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds. Prior to retirement in 2005, he was Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management, the worldwide fund management and institutional investment business of Credit Suisse Group. Previously, Mr. Kenneally was an Executive Vice President and the Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America. In this role, he was responsible for the investment management, strategy and products delivered to the banks institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients. Earlier, Mr. Kenneally directed the organizations equity and quantitative research groups. He began his career as a research analyst and then spent more than a dozen years as a portfolio manager for endowments, pension plans and mutual funds. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991.
Marie L. Knowles (1946)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001
Trustee
Ms. Knowles also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Knowles held several positions at Atlantic Richfield Company (diversified energy), including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1996-2000), Senior Vice President (1993-1996) and President of ARCO Transportation Company (pipeline and tanker operations, 1993-1996). Ms. Knowles currently serves as a member of the Board of the Santa Catalina Island Company (real estate, 2009-present), a member of the Investment Company Institute Board of Governors and a member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (2014-present). Ms. Knowles also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. Ms. Knowles previously served as a member of the Board of McKesson Corporation (healthcare service, since 2002-2021). In addition, Ms. Knowles previously served as Chairman (2015-2018) and Vice Chairman (2012-2015) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds.
Mark A. Murray (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr. Murray also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Murray served as Co-Chief Executive Officer (2013-2016), President (2006-2013) and Vice Chairman (2013-2020) of Meijer, Inc. Mr. Murray serves as a member of the Board (2009-present) and Public Policy and Responsibility Committee (2009-present) and Chair of the Nuclear Review Committee (2019-present) of DTE Energy Company (diversified energy company). Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Board of Spectrum Health (not-for-profit health system, 2015-2019) and as a member of the Board and Audit Committee and Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products, 2004-2016). Mr. Murray also serves as a member of the Board of many community and professional organizations. Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016).
+ | The information includes the Trustees principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustees qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund. |
Advisory Board Members and Officers:
Correspondence intended for an officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Officers appear below in alphabetical order.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupation
Laura M. Bishop (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2022
Member of the Advisory Board
Ms. Bishop also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Bishop held a variety of positions at United Services Automobile Association (2001-2020), including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2014-2020) and Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (2012-2014). Ms. Bishop currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Personnel Committee (2021-present) of the Board of Directors of Korn Ferry (global organizational consulting).
Robert W. Helm (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Member of the Advisory Board
Mr. Helm also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Helm was formerly Deputy Chairman (2003-2020), partner (1991-2020) and an associate (1984-1991) of Dechert LLP (formerly Dechert Price & Rhoads). Mr. Helm currently serves on boards and committees of several not-for-profit organizations.
Craig S. Brown (1977)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Brown also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2013-present).
John J. Burke III (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Burke also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Burke serves as Head of Investment Operations for Fidelity Fund and Investment Operations (2018-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1998-present). Previously Mr. Burke served as head of Asset Management Investment Operations (2012-2018).
David J. Carter (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Assistant Secretary
Mr. Carter also serves as Assistant Secretary of other funds. Mr. Carter serves as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2005-present).
Jonathan Davis (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2010
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Davis also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Davis serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present), FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), FD Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC (2021-present), and FD Funds Management LLC (2021-present); and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2003-2010).
Laura M. Del Prato (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
President and Treasurer
Ms. Del Prato also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Del Prato serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2017-present). Previously, Ms. Del Prato served as President and Treasurer of The North Carolina Capital Management Trust: Cash Portfolio and Term Portfolio (2018-2020). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Del Prato served as a Managing Director and Treasurer of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds (2014-2017). Prior to JPMorgan, Ms. Del Prato served as a partner at Cohen Fund Audit Services (accounting firm, 2012-2013) and KPMG LLP (accounting firm, 2004-2012).
Colm A. Hogan (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Hogan also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Hogan serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2005-present). Previously, Mr. Hogan served as Deputy Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2020) and Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2018).
Cynthia Lo Bessette (1969)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Ms. Lo Bessette also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Lo Bessette serves as CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2019-present); CLO of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (investment adviser firms, 2019-present); Secretary of FD Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC (2021-present), and FD Funds Management LLC (2021-present); and Assistant Secretary of FIMM, LLC (2019-present). She is a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2019-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Lo Bessette served as CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2019); Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firms, 2019). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Lo Bessette was Executive Vice President, General Counsel (2016-2019) and Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2015-2016) of OppenheimerFunds (investment management company) and Deputy Chief Legal Officer (2013-2015) of Jennison Associates LLC (investment adviser firm).
Chris Maher (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Maher also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Maher served as Assistant Treasurer of certain funds (2013-2020); Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice President of the Program Management Group of FMR (investment adviser firm, 2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010).
Jamie Pagliocco (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Vice President
Mr. Pagliocco also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Pagliocco serves as President of Fixed Income (2020-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2001-present). Previously, Mr. Pagliocco served as Co-Chief Investment Officer Bond (2017-2020), Global Head of Bond Trading (2016-2019), and as a portfolio manager.
Kenneth B. Robins (1969)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Robins also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Robins serves as Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2016-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2004-present). Previously, Mr. Robins served as Compliance Officer of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2016-2019), as Executive Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2013-2016) and served in other fund officer roles.
Brett Segaloff (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer
Mr. Segaloff also serves as an AML Officer of other funds and other related entities. He is Director, Anti-Money Laundering (2007-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1996-present).
Stacie M. Smith (1974)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Smith serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), 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 (accounting firm, 1996-2009). Previously, Ms. Smith served as Assistant Treasurer (2013-2019) and Deputy Treasurer (2013-2016) of certain Fidelity® funds.
Jim Wegmann (1979)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Deputy Treasurer
Mr. Wegmann also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Wegmann serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2011-present). Previously, Mr. Wegmann served as Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2019-2021).
Standing Committees of the 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 four standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Kenneally 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, including matters involving potential claims of one or more funds (e.g., for reimbursements of expenses or losses) against FMR, 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 Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The committee (i) serves as a primary point of contact (generally after the Independent Trustee who serves as a liaison for the CCO) for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCOs compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, the committee held 11 meeting(s).
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Ms. Acton 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 CCO. 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 audi-
tor 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 funds 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. 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 funds internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the funds 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 January 31, 2022, the committee held four meeting(s).
The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Murray currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee oversees the valuation of securities held by the funds, including the fair valuation of securities by the funds valuation designee. The Committee receives and reviews related reports and information consistent with its oversight obligations. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, the committee held four meeting(s).
The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Kenneally (Chair) and Gartland (Vice Chair), and Ms. Acton. 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 monitors the performance of legal counsel employed by both the funds and the Independent Trustees. The committee will engage and oversee any counsel utilized by the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee also approves Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee oversees compliance with the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee reviews 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 committees responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning recommended 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 committees 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 January 31, 2022, the committee held 12 meeting(s).
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, 2021.
Interested Trustees
Independent Trustees
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES |
Elizabeth S. Acton |
Ann E. Dunwoody |
John Engler |
Robert F. Gartland | ||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | none | none | none | none | ||||
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | ||||
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES |
Arthur E. Johnson |
Michael E. Kenneally |
Marie L. Knowles |
Mark A. Murray | ||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | none | none | none | none | ||||
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 |
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board (if any) for his or her services for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, or calendar year ended December 31, 2021, as applicable.
Compensation Table(1)
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Elizabeth S. Acton |
Ann E. Dunwoody |
John Engler |
Robert F. Gartland |
||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 517,500 | $ | 472,500 | $ | 472,500 | $ | 502,500 | ||||||||
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Robert W. Helm(4) |
Arthur E. Johnson |
Michael E. Kenneally |
Marie L. Knowles |
||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 275,333 | $ | 560,000 | $ | 552,500 | $ | 490,500 | ||||||||
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND |
Mark A. Murray |
|||||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund(2) | $ | 7 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(3) |
$ | 472,500 |
(1) | Jonathan Chiel, Abigail P. Johnson and Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity. |
(2) | Estimated for the funds first full fiscal year. |
(3) | Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021 for 286 funds of 31 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios II LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts elected to be deferred. Certain individuals elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: Elizabeth S. Acton, $108,000; Ann E. Dunwoody, $260,875; Robert F. Gartland, $180,000; Robert. W. Helm, $149,126; and Mark A. Murray, $260,875. |
(4) | Mr. Helm serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Salem Street Trust effective June 1, 2021. |
[As of the public offering of shares of the fund, 100% of the funds total outstanding shares was held by FMR and/or another entity or entities of which FMR LLC is the ultimate parent. By virtue of her ownership interest in FMR LLC, as described in the Control of Investment Advisers section, Ms. Abigail P. Johnson may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of these shares.]
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR UK, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan). The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, 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.
FMR, FMR UK, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (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 FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FMR 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. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the funds investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FMR, and compensates all personnel of the fund or FMR performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FMR 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 funds 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 funds records and the registration of the funds 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.
Management-Related Expenses. In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to the transfer agent and pricing and bookkeeping agent, the fund or each class thereof, as applicable, pays all of its expenses that are not assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian, auditor, and Independent Trustees. The funds management contract further provides that the fund will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses associated with the funds securities lending program, if applicable, the funds 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 is also liable for such nonrecurring 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.
Management Fee.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of a group of registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES | |||||||||||
Average Group |
Annualized |
Group Net |
Effective Annual Fee | |||||||||
0 $3 billion |
.3700 | % | $ | 1 | billion | .3700% | ||||||
3 6 | .3400 | 50 | .2188 | |||||||||
6 9 | .3100 | 100 | .1869 | |||||||||
9 12 | .2800 | 150 | .1736 | |||||||||
12 15 | .2500 | 200 | .1652 | |||||||||
15 18 | .2200 | 250 | .1587 | |||||||||
18 21 | .2000 | 300 | .1536 | |||||||||
21 24 | .1900 | 350 | .1494 | |||||||||
24 30 | .1800 | 400 | .1459 | |||||||||
30 36 | .1750 | 450 | .1427 | |||||||||
36 42 | .1700 | 500 | .1399 | |||||||||
42 48 | .1650 | 550 | .1372 | |||||||||
48 66 | .1600 | 600 | .1349 | |||||||||
66 84 | .1550 | 650 | .1328 | |||||||||
84 120 | .1500 | 700 | .1309 | |||||||||
120 156 | .1450 | 750 | .1291 | |||||||||
156 192 | .1400 | 800 | .1275 | |||||||||
192 228 | .1350 | 850 | .1260 | |||||||||
228 264 | .1300 | 900 | .1246 | |||||||||
264 300 | .1275 | 950 | .1233 | |||||||||
300 336 | .1250 | 1,000 | .1220 | |||||||||
336 372 | .1225 | 1,050 | .1209 | |||||||||
372 408 | .1200 | 1,100 | .1197 |
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES | |||||||||||
Average Group |
Annualized |
Group Net |
Effective Annual Fee | |||||||||
408 444 | .1175 | 1,150 | .1187 | |||||||||
444 480 | .1150 | 1,200 | .1177 | |||||||||
480 516 | .1125 | 1,250 | .1167 | |||||||||
516 587 | .1100 | 1,300 | .1158 | |||||||||
587 646 | .1080 | 1,350 | .1149 | |||||||||
646 711 | .1060 | 1,400 | .1141 | |||||||||
711 782 | .1040 | 1,450 | .1132 | |||||||||
782 860 | .1020 | 1,500 | .1125 | |||||||||
860 946 | .1000 | 1,550 | .1117 | |||||||||
946 1,041 | .0980 | 1,600 | .1110 | |||||||||
1,041 1,145 | .0960 | 1,650 | .1103 | |||||||||
1,145 1,260 | .0940 | 1,700 | .1096 | |||||||||
1,260 1,386 | .0920 | 1,750 | .1089 | |||||||||
1,386 1,525 | .0900 | 1,800 | .1083 | |||||||||
1,525 1,677 | .0880 | 1,850 | .1077 | |||||||||
1,677 1,845 | .0860 | 1,900 | .1070 | |||||||||
1,845 2,030 | .0840 | 1,950 | .1065 | |||||||||
Over 2,030 | .0820 | 2,000 | .1059 |
The group fee rate is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate schedule shown above on the left. The schedule above on the right shows the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For example, the effective annual fee rate at $2,884 billion of group net assets the approximate level for September 2022 was 0.0986%, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up to $2,884 billion.
The individual fund fee rate for the fund is set forth in the following table. Based on the average group net assets for September 2022, the funds annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
Fund | Group Fee Rate | Individual Fund Fee Rate |
Management Fee Rate |
|||||||||||||||||
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund | 0.0986% | + | 0.2500% | = | 0.3486% |
One-twelfth of the management fee rate is applied to the funds average net assets for the month, giving a dollar amount which is the fee for that month.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of a funds or, in the case of a multiple class fund, a classs operating expenses. FMR 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 UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR H.K. and FMR Japan. On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FMR UK. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FMR may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FMR, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
[Portfolio Manager holdings and compensation information to be filed by subsequent amendment.]
Fidelity® Funds Proxy Voting Guidelines
I. Introduction
These guidelines are intended to help Fidelitys customers and the companies in which Fidelity invests understand how Fidelity votes proxies to further the values that have sustained Fidelity for over 70 years. In particular, these guidelines are animated by two fundamental principles: 1) putting first the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. Fidelity generally adheres to these guidelines in voting proxies and our Stewardship Principles serve as the foundation for these guidelines. Our evaluation of proxies reflects information from many sources, including management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal and proxy voting advisory firms. Fidelity maintains the flexibility to vote individual proxies based on our assessment of each situation.
In evaluating proxies, we recognize that companies can conduct themselves in ways that have important environmental and social consequences. While Fidelity always remains focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value, we also consider potential environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts that we believe are material to individual companies and investing funds investment objectives and strategies.
Fidelity will vote on proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposals likelihood to enhance the long-term economic returns or profitability of the company or to maximize long-term shareholder value. Fidelity will not be influenced by business relationships or outside perspectives that may conflict with the interests of the funds and their shareholders.
II. Board of Directors and Corporate Governance
Directors of public companies play a critical role in ensuring that a company and its management team serve the interests of its shareholders. Fidelity believes that through proxy voting, it can help ensure accountability of management teams and boards of directors, align management and shareholder interests, and monitor and assess the degree of transparency and disclosure with respect to executive compensation and board actions affecting shareholders rights. The following general guidelines are intended to reflect these proxy voting principles.
A. Election of Directors
Fidelity will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where board composition raises concerns, and/or where a director clearly appears to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity will evaluate board composition and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a majority of independent directors.
2. There are no women on the board or if a board of ten or more members has fewer than two women directors.
3. The director is a public company CEO who sits on more than two unaffiliated public company boards.
Fidelity will evaluate board actions and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1. The director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the board and its committees on which the director served during the companys prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
2. The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment.
3. For reasons described below under the sections entitled Compensation and Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections.
B. Contested Director Elections
On occasion, directors are forced to compete for election against outside director nominees (contested elections). Fidelity believes that strong management creates long-term shareholder value. As a result, Fidelity generally will vote in support of management of companies in which the funds assets are invested. Fidelity will vote its proxy on a case-by-case basis in a contested election, taking into consideration a number of factors, amongst others:
1. Managements track record and strategic plan for enhancing shareholder value;
2. The long-term performance of the company compared to its industry peers; and
3. The qualifications of the shareholders and managements nominees.
Fidelity will vote for the outcome it believes has the best prospects for maximizing shareholder value over the long-term.
C. Cumulative Voting Rights
Under cumulative voting, each shareholder may exercise the number of votes equal to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors up for election. Shareholders may cast all of their votes for a single nominee (or multiple nominees in varying amounts). With regular (non-cumulative) voting, by contrast, shareholders cannot allocate more than one vote per share to any one director nominee. Fidelity believes that cumulative voting can be detrimental to the overall strength of a board. Generally, therefore, Fidelity will oppose the introduction of, and support the elimination of, cumulative voting rights.
D. Classified Boards
A classified board is one that elects only a percentage of its members each year (usually one-third of directors are elected to serve a three-year term). This means that at each annual meeting only a subset of directors is up for re-election. Fidelity
believes that, in general, classified boards are not as accountable to shareholders as declassified boards. For this and other reasons, Fidelity generally will oppose a boards adoption of a classified board structure and support declassification of existing boards.
E. Independent Chairperson
In general, Fidelity believes that boards should have a process and criteria for selecting the board chair, and will oppose shareholder proposals calling for, or recommending the appointment of, a non-executive or independent chairperson. If, however, based on particular facts and circumstances, Fidelity believes that appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and promote effective oversight of management by the board of directors, Fidelity will consider voting to support a proposal for an independent chairperson under such circumstances.
F. Majority Voting in Director Elections
In general, Fidelity supports proposals calling for directors to be elected by a majority of votes cast if the proposal permits election by a plurality in the case of contested elections (where, for example, there are more nominees than board seats). Fidelity may oppose a majority voting shareholder proposal where a companys board has adopted a policy requiring the resignation of an incumbent director who fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
G. Proxy Access
Proxy access proposals generally require a company to amend its by-laws to allow a qualifying shareholder or group of shareholders to nominate directors on a companys proxy ballot. Fidelity believes that certain safeguards as to ownership threshold and duration of ownership are important to assure that proxy access is not misused by those without a significant economic interest in the company or those driven by short term goals. Fidelity will evaluate proxy access proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally will support proposals that include ownership of at least 3% (5% in the case of small-cap companies) of the companys shares outstanding for at least three years; limit the number of directors that eligible shareholders may nominate to 20% of the board; and limit to 20 the number of shareholders that may form a nominating group.
H. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
In many instances there are sound reasons to indemnify officers and directors, so that they may perform their duties without the distraction of unwarranted litigation or other legal process. Fidelity generally supports charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of officers or directors, or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless Fidelity is dissatisfied with their performance or the proposal is accompanied by anti-takeover provisions (see Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans below).
III. Compensation
Incentive compensation plans can be complicated and many factors are considered when evaluating such plans. Fidelity evaluates such plans based on protecting shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its management.
A. Equity Compensation Plans
Fidelity encourages the use of reasonably designed equity compensation plans that align the interest of management with those of shareholders by providing officers and employees with incentives to increase long-term shareholder value. Fidelity considers whether such plans are too dilutive to existing shareholders because dilution reduces the voting power or economic interest of existing shareholders as a result of an increase in shares available for distribution to employees in lieu of cash compensation. Fidelity will generally oppose equity compensation plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1. The company grants stock options and equity awards in a given year at a rate higher than a benchmark rate (burn rate) considered appropriate by Fidelity and there were no circumstances specific to the company or the compensation plans that leads Fidelity to conclude that the rate of awards is otherwise acceptable.
2. The plan includes an evergreen provision, which is a feature that provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity compensation plan on a regular basis.
3. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity compensation even though an actual change in control may not occur.
As to stock option plans, considerations include the following:
1. Pricing: We believe that options should be priced at 100% of fair market value on the date they are granted. We generally oppose options priced at a discount to the market, although the price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus.
2. Re-pricing: An out-of-the-money (or underwater) option has an exercise price that is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally oppose the re-pricing of underwater options because it is not consistent with a policy of offering
options as a form of long-term compensation. Fidelity also generally opposes a stock option plan if the board or compensation committee has re-priced options outstanding in the past two years without shareholder approval.
Fidelity generally will support a management proposal to exchange, re-price or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, re-pricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account a variety of factors such as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or re-pricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The companys 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 re-pricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
B. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
These plans are designed to allow employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price and receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is sold. Fidelity generally will support employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% (or at least 75% in the case of non-U.S. companies where a lower minimum stock purchase price is equal to the prevailing best practices in that market) of the stocks fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the companys stock.
IV. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay Vote
Current law requires companies to allow shareholders to cast non-binding votes on the compensation for named executive officers, as well as the frequency of such votes. Fidelity generally will support proposals to ratify executive compensation unless the compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or is otherwise problematic, taking into account:
The actions taken by the board or compensation committee in the previous year, including whether the company re-priced or exchanged outstanding stock options without shareholder approval; adopted or extended a golden parachute without shareholder approval; or adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation;
The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative to peers; and
The structure of the compensation program, including factors such as whether incentive plan metrics are appropriate, rigorous and transparent; whether the long-term element of the compensation program is evaluated over at least a three-year period; the sensitivity of pay to below median performance; the amount and nature of non-performance-based compensation; the justification and rationale behind paying discretionary bonuses; the use of stock ownership guidelines and amount of executive stock ownership; and how well elements of compensation are disclosed.
When presented with a frequency of Say on Pay vote, Fidelity generally will support holding an annual advisory vote on Say on Pay.
A. Compensation Committee
Directors serving on the compensation committee of the Board have a special responsibility to ensure that management is appropriately compensated and that compensation, among other things, fairly reflects the performance of the company. Fidelity believes that compensation should align with company performance as measured by key business metrics. Compensation policies should align the interests of executives with those of shareholders. Further, the compensation program should be disclosed in a transparent and timely manner.
Fidelity will oppose the election of directors on the compensation committees if:
1. The company has not adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation.
2. Within the last year, and without shareholder approval, a companys board of directors or compensation committee has either:
a) Re-priced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options; or
b) Adopted or extended a golden parachute.
B. Executive Severance Agreements
Executive severance compensation and benefit arrangements resulting from a termination following a change in control are known as golden parachutes. Fidelity generally will oppose proposals to ratify golden parachutes where the arrangement
includes 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.
V. Environmental and Social Issues
Grounded in our Stewardship Principles, these guidelines outline our views on corporate governance. As part of our efforts to maximize long-term shareholder value, we incorporate environmental and social issues into our evaluation of a company, particularly if we believe an issue is material to that company and the investing funds investment objective and strategies.
Fidelity generally considers managements recommendation and current practice when voting on shareholder proposals concerning environmental or social issues because it generally believes that management and the board are in the best position to determine how to address these matters. Fidelity, however, also believes that transparency is critical to sound corporate governance. Therefore, Fidelity may support shareholder proposals that request additional disclosures from companies regarding environmental or social issues, including where it believes that the proposed disclosures could provide meaningful information to the investment management process without unduly burdening the company. This means that Fidelity may support shareholder proposals calling for reports on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental impact issues. Fidelity also may support proposals on issues in other areas, including but not limited to equal employment, board diversity and workforce diversity.
VI. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans
Fidelity generally will oppose a proposal to adopt an anti-takeover provision.
Anti-takeover provisions include:
classified boards;
blank check preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly determined by the companys board, for example, with differential voting rights);
golden parachutes;
supermajority provisions (that require a large majority (generally between 67-90%) of shareholders to approve corporate changes as compared to a majority provision that simply requires more than 50% of shareholders to approve those changes);
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.
A. Shareholders Rights Plans (poison pills)
Poison pills allow shareholders opposed to a takeover offer to purchase stock at discounted prices under certain circumstances and effectively give boards veto power over any takeover offer. While there are advantages and disadvantages to poison pills, they can be detrimental to the creation of shareholder value and can help entrench management by deterring acquisition offers not favored by the board, but that may, in fact, be beneficial to shareholders.
Fidelity generally will support a proposal to adopt or extend a poison pill if the proposal:
1. Includes a condition in the charter or plan that specifies an expiration date (sunset provision) of no greater than five years;
2. Is integral 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 mechanism to allow shareholders to consider a bona fide takeover offer for all outstanding shares without triggering the poison pill; and
5. Allows the Fidelity funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a companys total voting securities, where permissible.
Fidelity generally also will support a proposal that is crafted only for the purpose of protecting a specific tax benefit if it also believes the proposal is likely to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
B. Shareholder Ability to Call a Special Meeting
Fidelity generally will support shareholder proposals regarding shareholders right to call special meetings if the threshold required to call the special meeting is no less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
C. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding shareholders right to act by written consent if the proposals include appropriate mechanisms for implementation. This means that proposals must include record date requests from at least 25% of the outstanding stockholders and consents must be solicited from all shareholders.
D. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement
Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding supermajority provisions if Fidelity believes that the provisions protect minority shareholder interests in companies where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder.
VII. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections
Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if the board adopted or extended an anti-takeover provision without shareholder approval.
Fidelity will consider supporting the election of directors with respect to poison pills if:
All of the poison pills features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights section above are met when a poison pill is adopted or extended.
A board is willing to consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding the features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans section above to, an existing poison pill. If, however, the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors at that meeting.
It determines that the poison pill was narrowly tailored to protect a specific tax benefit, and subject to an evaluation of its likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
VIII. Capital Structure and Incorporation
These guidelines are designed to protect shareholders value in the companies in which the Fidelity funds invest. To the extent a companys management is committed and incentivized to maximize shareholder value, Fidelity generally votes in favor of management proposals; Fidelity may vote contrary to management where a proposal is overly dilutive to shareholders and/or compromises shareholder value or other interests. The guidelines that follow are meant to protect shareholders in these respects.
A. Increases in Common Stock
Fidelity may support reasonable increases in authorized shares for a specific purpose (a stock split or re-capitalization, for example). Fidelity generally will oppose a provision to increase a companys authorized 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.
In the case of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), however, Fidelity will oppose a provision to increase the REITs authorized common stock if the increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares.
B. Multi-Class Share Structures
Fidelity generally will support proposals to recapitalize multi-class share structures into structures that provide equal voting rights for all shareholders, and generally will oppose proposals to introduce or increase classes of stock with differential voting rights.
However, Fidelity will evaluate all such proposals in the context of their likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
C. Incorporation or Reincorporation in another State or Country
Fidelity generally will support management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a 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 companys current and proposed governing documents. Fidelity will consider supporting these shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests.
IX. Shares of Fidelity Funds, ETFs, or other non-Fidelity Mutual Funds and ETFs
When a Fidelity fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or fund that is not affiliated, Fidelity will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of the underlying fund (this
is known as echo voting). Fidelity may not vote if echo voting is not operationally practical or not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. For Fidelity fund investments in a Fidelity Series Fund, Fidelity generally will vote in a manner consistent with the recommendation of the Fidelity Series Funds Board of Trustees on all proposals.
X. Foreign Markets
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, Fidelity generally will evaluate proposals under these 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.
In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because these trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, Fidelity generally will 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, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
XI. Securities on Loan
Securities on loan as of a record date cannot be voted. In certain circumstances, Fidelity may recall a security on loan before record date (for example, in a particular contested director election or a noteworthy merger or acquisition). Generally, however, securities out on loan remain on loan and are not voted because, for example, the income a fund derives from the loan outweighs the benefit the fund receives from voting the security. In addition, Fidelity may not be able to recall and vote loaned securities if Fidelity is unaware of relevant information before record date, or is otherwise unable to timely recall securities on loan.
XII. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Voting of shares is conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fidelity funds. In other words, securities of a company generally will be voted in a manner consistent with these guidelines and without regard to any other Fidelity companies business relationships.
Fidelity takes its responsibility to vote shares in the best interests of the funds seriously and has implemented policies and procedures to address actual and potential conflicts of interest.
XIII. Conclusion
Since its founding more than 70 years ago, Fidelity has been driven by two fundamental values: 1) putting the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders first; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. With these fundamental principles as guideposts, the funds are managed to provide the greatest possible return to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment guidelines and objectives of each fund.
Fidelity believes that there is a strong correlation between sound corporate governance and enhancing shareholder value. Fidelity, through the implementation of these guidelines, puts this belief into action through consistent engagement with portfolio companies on matters contained in these guidelines, and, ultimately, through the exercise of voting rights by the funds.
Glossary
Burn rate means the total number of stock option and full value equity awards granted as compensation in a given year divided by the weighted average common stock outstanding for that same year.
For a large-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 1.5%.
For a small-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 2.5%.
For a micro-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 3.5%.
Golden parachute means 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.
Large-capitalization company means a company included in the Russell 1000® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
Micro-capitalization company means a company with market capitalization under US $300 million.
Poison pill refers to a strategy employed by a potential takeover / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirers ownership and value in the event of a takeover.
Small-capitalization company means 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.
To view a funds proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SECs web site at www.sec.gov.
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 900 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. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
The Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans on behalf of Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I and Class Z of the fund (the Plans) 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 Plans, as approved by the Trustees, allow shares of the fund and/or FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute direct or indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
The Plan adopted for each class of the fund is described in the prospectus.
Under each Class I and Class Z Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. Each Class I and Class Z Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class I and Class Z shares and/or shareholder support services. In addition, each Class I and Class Z Plan provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for Class I and Class Z shares.
Under each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by each Plan. Each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class M, and Class C shares and/or shareholder support services, including payments of significant amounts made to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for Class A, Class M, and Class C shares.
Prior to approving each 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 applicable class of the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that each Class I and Class Z Plan does not authorize payments by Class I and Class Z of the fund other than those made to FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares, additional sales of shares or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
Each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan does not provide for specific payments by Class A, Class M, and Class C of any of the expenses of FDC, or obligate FDC or FMR to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or incur any specific level of expense in connection with distribution activities.
In addition to the distribution and/or service fees paid by FDC to intermediaries, shown in the table above, FDC or an affiliate may compensate intermediaries that distribute and/or service the Advisor funds and the Advisor classes of shares, or upon directions, 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, the placing of the fund on a preferred or recommended fund list, access to an intermediarys personnel, and other factors. The total amount paid to all intermediaries in the aggregate currently will not exceed 0.05% of the total assets of the Advisor funds and the Advisor classes of shares on an annual basis. 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, assistance in training and educating the intermediaries personnel, 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. FDC anticipates that payments will be made to over a hundred intermediaries, including some of the largest broker-dealers and other financial
firms, and 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.
The funds transfer agent or an affiliate may also make payments and reimbursements from its own resources to certain intermediaries (who may be affiliated with the transfer agent) for performing recordkeeping and other services. Please see Transfer and Service Agent Agreements in this statement of additional information (SAI) for more information.
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 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 or a share class 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.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
The fund has entered into a transfer agent agreement with Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC (FIIOC), an affiliate of FMR, which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Under the terms of the agreement, FIIOC (or an agent, including an affiliate) performs transfer agency services.
For providing transfer agency services, FIIOC receives a position fee and/or an asset-based fee with respect to each position in the fund. For retail accounts, these fees are based on fund type. For certain institutional accounts, these fees are based on size of position and fund type. For institutional retirement accounts, these fees are based on account type and fund type. For employee benefit plan accounts, FIIOC receives an asset-based fee. The position fee is billed monthly on a pro rata basis at one-twelfth of the applicable annual rate as of the end of each calendar month. The asset-based fee is calculated and paid monthly on the basis of average daily net assets of a fund or class, as applicable.
FIIOC may collect fees charged in connection with providing certain types of services such as exchanges, closing out fund balances, maintaining fund positions with low balances, checkwriting, wire transactions, and providing historical account research, as applicable.
In addition, FIIOC receives the pro rata portion of the transfer agency fees applicable to shareholder accounts in a qualified tuition program (QTP), as defined under the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, managed by FMR or an affiliate, and in each Fidelity Advisor Freedom® Fund, a fund of funds managed by FMR, according to the percentage of the QTPs or Fidelity Advisor Freedom® Funds assets that is invested in the fund.
FIIOC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other reports, notices, and statements to existing shareholders, with the exception of proxy statements.
Fund shares may be owned by intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. In those instances, a fund may not maintain an account for shareholders, and some or all of the recordkeeping and/or administrative services for these accounts may be performed by intermediaries.
FIIOC or an affiliate may make payments out of its own resources to intermediaries (including affiliates of FIIOC) for recordkeeping services.
Retirement plans may also hold fund shares in the name of the plan or its trustee, rather than the plan participant. In situations where FIIOC or an affiliate does not provide recordkeeping services, plan recordkeepers, who may have affiliated financial intermediaries who sell shares of the fund, may, upon direction, be paid for providing recordkeeping services to plan participants. Payments may also be made, upon direction, for other plan expenses. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
FIIOC or an affiliate may make networking payments out of its own resources to intermediaries who perform transactions for the fund through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). NSCC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, provides centralized clearance, settlement, and information services for mutual funds and other financial services companies.
The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with FSC, an affiliate of FMR (or an agent, including an affiliate). Under the terms of the agreement, FSC calculates the NAV and dividends for shares, maintains the funds portfolio and general accounting records, and administers the funds securities lending program.
For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a monthly fee based on the funds average daily net assets throughout the month.
The annual rates for pricing and bookkeeping services for the fund are 0.0259% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.0156% of average net assets between $500 million and $3.5 billion, 0.0041% of average net assets between $3.5 billion and $25 billion, and 0.0019% of average net assets in excess of $25 billion.
Trust Organization. Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund is a fund of Fidelity Salem Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated September 5, 1984. 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, except that liabilities and expenses may be allocated to a particular class. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds or classes.
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 a funds 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 a 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. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote. Claims asserted against one class of shares may subject holders of another class of shares to certain liabilities.
Voting Rights. Each funds 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 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.
Custodian. The Bank of New York Mellon, 1 Wall Street, New York, New York, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the funds assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. From time to time, subject to approval by a funds Treasurer, a Fidelity® fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), 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 FMR or an affiliate. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the funds adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. [ ], independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FMR to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMRs Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the funds best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the funds portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the funds chief compliance officer periodically.
The fund will provide a full list of holdings monthly on institutional.fidelity.com 30 days after the month-end (excluding high income security holdings, which generally will be presented collectively monthly and included in a list of full holdings 60 days after month-end).
Unless otherwise indicated, this information will be available on the web site until updated for the next applicable period.
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. Nonexclusive examples of performance attribution information and statistics may include (i) the allocation of the funds portfolio holdings and other investment positions among various asset classes, sectors, industries, and countries, (ii) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of the funds portfolio holdings and other investment positions, (iii) the attribution of fund returns by asset class, sector, industry, and country and (iv) the volatility characteristics of the fund.
FMRs Disclosure Policy Committee may approve a request for fund level performance attribution and statistics as long as (i) such disclosure does not enable the receiving party to recreate the complete or partial portfolio holdings of any Fidelity fund prior to such funds public disclosure of its portfolio holdings and (ii) Fidelity has made a good faith determination that the requested information is not material given the particular facts and circumstances. Fidelity may deny any request for performance attribution information and other statistical information about a fund made by any person, and may do so for any reason or for no reason.
Disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information for a Fidelity funds portfolio may only be provided pursuant to the guidelines below.
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 FMR believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the funds trustees; the funds 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 funds auditors; the funds 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 FMR, a sub-adviser, or their 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. FMR 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 & Poors Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Bloomberg, L.P. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FMR, 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 funds SAI.
There can be no assurance that the funds 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, Fidelity Advisor, Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design, and Fidelity Advisor Freedom are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2022 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
Post-Effective Amendment No. 545
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
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 LLC, 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.
Pursuant to the agreement by which Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC (FIIOC) is appointed transfer agent, the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold FIIOC harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from:
(1) any claim, demand, action, or suit brought by any person other than the Registrant, including by a shareholder, which names FIIOC and/or the Registrant as a party and is not based on and does not result from FIIOCs willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and arises out of or in connection with FIIOCs performance under the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2) any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to by FIIOCs willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties) which results from the negligence of the Registrant, or from FIIOCs acting upon any instruction(s) reasonably believed by it to have been executed or communicated by any person duly authorized by the Registrant, or as
a result of FIIOCs acting in reliance upon advice reasonably believed by FIIOC to have been given by counsel for the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOCs acting in reliance upon any instrument or stock certificate reasonably believed by it to have been genuine and signed, countersigned or executed by the proper person.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser(s) |
(1) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY LLC (FMR)
FMR 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.
Abigail P. Johnson | Chairman of the Board of certain Trusts; Chairman of the Board and Director of FMR LLC; Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. Previously served as Chairman of the Board and Director FMRC. | |
Peter S. Lynch | Vice Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and a member of the Advisory Board of funds advised by FMR. Previously served as Vice Chairman and Director of FMRC. | |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020); Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. | |
Christopher Rimmer | Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, and Strategic Advisers LLC; President and Director FMR Capital Inc.; Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2021). Previously served as Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC; Chief Accounting Officer FMR LLC. | |
Eric C. Green | Assistant Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Strategic Advisers LLC, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, and FMR Capital Inc; Executive Vice President, Tax and Assistant Treasurer of FMR LLC. Previously served as Assistant Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, SelectCo, LLC, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation. | |
Lisa D. Krieser | Assistant Secretary Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (2020), Secretary FMR Capital, Inc (2020) and Strategic Advisers LLC (2022). | |
Kevin M. Meagher | Chief Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, FIAM, and Strategic Advisers LLC. Previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of FMRC, FIMM, SelectCo, LLC. | |
Kenneth B. Robins | Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (2020). | |
Bart Grenier | President of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. | |
Margaret Serravalli | Chief Financial Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (2020). |
(2) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (HONG KONG) LIMITED (FMR H.K.)
FMR H.K. provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Sharon Yau Lecornu | Chief Executive Officer of FMR H.K., Executive Director of FMR H.K., Director of Investment Services Asia, and Director of FMR H.K. | |
William Francis Shanley III | Director of FMR Japan and FMR H.K. |
Christopher J. Seabolt | Director of FMR H.K. and FMR UK. | |
Adrian James Tyerman | Compliance Officer FMR H.K. and FMR UK, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. | |
Kevin M. Meagher | Chief Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, FIAM, and Strategic Advisers LLC. Previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of FMRC, FIMM, SelectCo, LLC. | |
Christopher Rimmer | Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, and Strategic Advisers LLC; President and Director FMR Capital Inc.; Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2021). Previously served as Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC; Chief Accounting Officer FMR LLC. | |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020); Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. |
(3) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (JAPAN) LIMITED (FMR JAPAN)
FMR Japan provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Timothy M. Cohen | Director of FMR Japan; Executive Vice President SelectCo, LLC. | |
Risteard Hogan | Director of FMR Japan (2020). | |
Rieko Hirai | Director of FMR Japan. | |
Kan Man Wong | Director of FMR Japan. | |
Kirk Roland Neureiter | Director of FMR Japan. | |
William Francis Shanley III | Director of FMR Japan and FMR H.K. | |
Koichi Iwabuchi | Statutory Auditor of FMR Japan (2020); Previously served as Compliance Officer of FMR Japan (2020). | |
Ryo Sato | Compliance Officer of FMR Japan (2020). | |
Kevin M. Meagher | Chief Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, FIAM, and Strategic Advisers LLC. Previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of FMRC, FIMM, SelectCo, LLC. | |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020); Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. | |
Christopher Rimmer | Treasurer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, and Strategic Advisers LLC; President and Director FMR Capital Inc.; Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2021). Previously served as Treasurer of FMRC, FIMM, and SelectCo, LLC; Chief Accounting Officer FMR LLC. |
(4) FMR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED (FMR UK)
FMR UK provides investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Mark D. Flaherty | Director FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. | |
Niamh Brodie-Machura | Director FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020). | |
Christopher J. Seabolt | Director of FMR H.K. and FMR UK. | |
Adrian James Tyerman | Compliance Officer FMR H.K. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited. |
Kevin M. Meagher | Chief Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, FIAM, and Strategic Advisers LLC. Previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of FMRC, FIMM, SelectCo, LLC. | |
Cynthia Lo Bessette | Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC; Chief Legal Officer FMR H.K, FMR Japan and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020); Secretary Fidelity Diversifying Solutions LLC (2022); Previously served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer FMRC; Secretary SelectCo, LLC and FIMM. |
(5) GEODE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (Geode)
Geode serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment companies AND OTHER ACCOUNTS. Geode may also provide investment advisory services to other investment advisers. The directors and officers have held the following positions of a substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Robert Minicus | President and Chief Executive Officer (2021); Director (2020); Previously served as Director of FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (2020). | |
Jeffrey S. Miller | Chief Operating Officer. | |
Joseph Ciardi | Chief Compliance Officer. | |
Sorin Codreanu | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. | |
Matt Nevins | General Counsel. | |
Lionel Harris | Director (2021). | |
Franklin Corning Kenly | Director. | |
Arlene Rockefeller | Director. | |
Eric Roiter | Director. | |
Jennifer Uhrig | Director. | |
Philip L. Bullen | Director. | |
Thomas Sprague | Director. | |
Michael Even | Director. | |
Alok Kapoor | Director (2022). |
Principal business addresses of the investment adviser, sub-advisers and affiliates.
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR)
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) Limited (FMR Japan)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FIL Investment Advisors (FIA)
Pembroke Hall
42 Crow Lane
Pembroke HM19, Bermuda
FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK))
Beech Gate Millfield Lane
Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey
KT20 6RP, United Kingdom
FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ)
Tri Seven Roppongi
7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 106-0032
Strategic Advisers LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC)
900 Salem Street
Smithfield, RI 02917
Geode Capital Management, LLC (Geode)
100 Summer Street
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Fidelity Management Trust Company
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Investors Management LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Item 32. | Principal Underwriters |
(a) | Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (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)
Name and Principal Business Address* |
Positions and Offices with Underwriter |
Positions and Offices with Fund | ||
Robert Adams |
Chief Operating Officer (2021) |
None | ||
Robert F. Bachman |
Executive Vice President |
None | ||
Eric C. Green |
Assistant Treasurer |
None | ||
Dalton Gustafson |
President (2021) |
None | ||
Natalie Kavanaugh |
Chief Legal Officer |
None | ||
Robert Litle |
Executive Vice President (2021) |
None | ||
Michael Lyons |
Chief Financial Officer |
None | ||
John McGinty |
Chief Compliance Officer (2021) |
None | ||
Timothy Mulcahy |
Director |
None | ||
Matthew DePiero |
Director |
None | ||
Michael Kearney |
Treasurer |
None | ||
Natalie Kavanaugh |
Secretary |
None | ||
Lisa D. Krieser |
Assistant Secretary |
None |
* | 900 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 LLC or Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC, 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, or the funds respective custodians, or special purpose custodian, as applicable, The Bank of New York Mellon, 1 Wall Street, New York, NY; Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA; Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY, 10013; State Street Bank & Trust Company, 1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA; and The Northern Trust Company, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60675.
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 Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 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 November 2022.
Fidelity Salem Street Trust | ||
By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato | |
Laura M. Del Prato, President |
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) |
(Title) |
(Date) | ||||||
/s/ Laura M. Del Prato |
President and Treasurer | November 25, 2022 | ||||||
Laura M. Del Prato | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||
/s/ John J. Burke III |
Chief Financial Officer | November 25, 2022 | ||||||
John J. Burke III | (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||
/s/ Abigail P. Johnson |
| Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Abigail P. Johnson | ||||||||
/s/ Elizabeth S. Acton |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Elizabeth S. Acton | ||||||||
/s/ Ann E. Dunwoody |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Ann E. Dunwoody | ||||||||
/s/ Jonathan Chiel |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Jonathan Chiel | ||||||||
/s/ John Engler |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
John Engler | ||||||||
/s/ Robert F. Gartland |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Robert F. Gartland | ||||||||
/s/ Arthur E. Johnson |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Arthur E. Johnson | ||||||||
/s/ Michael E. Kenneally |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Michael E. Kenneally | ||||||||
/s/ Marie L. Knowles |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Marie L. Knowles | ||||||||
/s/ Mark A. Murray |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Mark A. Murray | ||||||||
/s/ Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe |
* | Trustee | November 25, 2022 | |||||
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe |
| By: | /s/ Kevin M. Meagher | ||
Kevin M. Meagher, pursuant to a power of attorney dated September 30, 2018 and filed herewith. | ||||
* | By: | /s/ Megan C. Johnson | ||
Megan C. Johnson, pursuant to powers of attorney dated October 5, 2016 and January 1, 2019 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, John V. OHanlon, Robert W. Helm, Megan C. Johnson, 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 January 1, 2019.
WITNESS our hands on this first day of January 2019.
/s/ Elizabeth S. Acton |
/s/ Michael E. Kenneally | |||
Elizabeth S. Acton | Michael E. Kenneally | |||
/s/ Ann E. Dunwoody |
/s/ Marie L. Knowles | |||
Ann E. Dunwoody | Marie L. Knowles | |||
/s/ John Engler |
/s/ Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe | |||
John Engler | Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe | |||
/s/ Robert F. Gartland |
/s/ Mark A. Murray | |||
Robert F. Gartland | Mark A. Murray | |||
/s/ Arthur E. Johnson |
||||
Arthur E. Johnson |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Trustee 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 individual serves as Trustee (collectively, the Funds), hereby constitute and appoint Kevin M. Meagher, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, 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 attorney-in-fact deems 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 attorney-in-fact or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect only for such time as Kevin M. Meagher shall continue to be an officer of Fidelity Management & Research Company, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, this Power of Attorney may be revoked at any time by the undersigned in writing.
This Power of Attorney has been executed as of September 30, 2018.
/s/ Abigail P. Johnson |
Abigail P. Johnson |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Trustee of the following investment company:
Fidelity Salem Street Trust
in addition to any other Fidelity Fund for which the undersigned individual serves as Director or Trustee (collectively, the Funds), hereby constitute and appoint Thomas C. Bogle, Marc R. Bryant, John V. OHanlon, Robert W. Helm, Megan C. Johnson, 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 capacity, 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 October 5, 2016.
WITNESS my hand on this 5th day of October, 2016.
/s/ Jonathan Chiel |
Jonathan Chiel |
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement between
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited
Name of Trust |
Name of Portfolio |
Type of Fund |
Effective Date |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Limited Term Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Mortgage Securities Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series IV |
Fidelity Limited Term Government Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Limited Term Tax- Free Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity California Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 20% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 30% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 40% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 50% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 60% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 70% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 85% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Government Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Money Market Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Tax-Exempt Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Only Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Government Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Treasury Only Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Environmental Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/11/2021 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity GNMA Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Government Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Low Duration Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
05/14/2020 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Municipal Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/07/2019 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/08/2018 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
08/29/2017 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Short-Term Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
05/14/2020 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Sustainable Conservative Income Municipal Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Sustainable Low Duration Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Sustainable Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Tax-Free Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/08/2018 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI Total Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/08/2018 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity SAI U.S. Treasury Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
11/19/2015 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
07/20/2017 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Short-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Strategic Dividend and Income Fund |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainability Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
01/18/2018 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainable Intermediate Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Tactical Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
11/18/2021 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity Tax-Free Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Salem Street Trust |
Fidelity U.S. Bond Index Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity School Street Trust |
Fidelity Advisor Multi-Asset Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
05/14/2015 |
Fidelity School Street Trust |
Fidelity Global Credit Fund |
Fixed Income |
04/19/2012 |
Fidelity School Street Trust |
Fidelity Intermediate Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Union Street Trust |
Fidelity Arizona Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Union Street Trust |
Fidelity Maryland Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Union Street Trust II |
Fidelity Arizona Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Union Street Trust II |
Fidelity Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Asset Manager Portfolio |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Bond Index Portfolio |
Fixed Income |
04/16/2018 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Government Money Market Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Investment Grade Bond Portfolio |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Strategic Income Portfolio |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Variable Insurance Products Fund V |
Investment Grade Bond II Portfolio |
Fixed Income |
01/20/2022 |
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC
By: /s/Christopher J. Rimmer
Name: Christopher J. Rimmer
Title: Treasurer
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited
By: /s/Sharon LeCornu
Name: Sharon LeCornu
Title: Director
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement between
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited
Name of Trust |
Name of Portfolio |
Type of Fund |
Effective Date |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Limited Term Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Mortgage Securities Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series IV |
Fidelity Limited Term Government Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Limited Term Tax-Free Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity California Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 20% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 30% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 40% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 50% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 60% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 70% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 85% |
Asset Allocation |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Government Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Money Market Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Tax-Exempt Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Only Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Portfolio |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Government Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Treasury Only Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Environmental Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/11/2021 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity GNMA Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Government Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
09/09/2008 |
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC
By: /s/Christopher J. Rimmer
Name: Christopher J. Rimmer
Title: Treasurer
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited
By: /s/Kirk Roland Neureiter
Name: Kirk Roland Neureiter
Title: Director
Schedule A
Trusts and Portfolios Covered by the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement between
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited
Name of Trust |
Name of Portfolio |
Type of Fund |
Effective Date |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Limited Term Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Mortgage Securities Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series II |
Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Advisor Series IV |
Fidelity Limited Term Government Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Limited Term Tax-Free Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust |
Fidelity California Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity California Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 20% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 30% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 40% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 50% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 60% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 70% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Charles Street Trust |
Fidelity Asset Manager 85% |
Asset Allocation |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Government Portfolio |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Money Market Portfolio |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Tax-Exempt Portfolio |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Only Portfolio |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Colchester Street Trust |
Treasury Portfolio |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Court Street Trust II |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust |
Fidelity Education Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
11/19/2020 |
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 Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Government Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Hereford Street Trust |
Fidelity Treasury Only Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Environmental Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
03/11/2021 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity GNMA Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Government Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Intermediate Government Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Income Fund |
Fidelity Total Bond Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity MA Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity MA Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
11/19/2020 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF |
Fixed Income |
11/19/2020 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Limited Term ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF |
Fixed Income |
03/08/2018 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
03/10/2022 |
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
Fidelity Total Bond ETF |
Fixed Income |
09/18/2014 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Limited Term Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Michigan Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Minnesota Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Ohio Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust |
Fidelity Pennsylvania Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity Michigan Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity Ohio Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity New York Municipal Trust |
Fidelity New York Municipal Income Fund |
Fixed Income |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II |
Fidelity New York Municipal Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Newbury Street Trust |
Fidelity Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Newbury Street Trust |
Fidelity Treasury Money Market Fund |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
Fidelity Phillips Street Trust |
Fidelity Government Cash Reserves |
Money Market |
06/19/2008 |
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 |
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC
By: /s/Christopher J. Rimmer
Name: Christopher J. Rimmer
Title: Treasurer
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited
By: /s/Mark D. Flaherty
Name: Mark D. Flaherty
Title: Director
FIXED INCOME
SCHEDULE I, DATED OCTOBER 11, 2022, TO MULTIPLE CLASS OF SHARES PLAN FOR FIDELITY FUNDS WITH RETAIL, RETIREMENT AND/OR ADVISOR CLASSES
FIDELITY ABERDEEN STREET TRUST
FIDELITY ADVISOR SERIES II
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Advisor Limited Term Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Limited Term Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M+++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Advisor Mortgage Securities Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Mortgage Securities Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Advisor Strategic Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Strategic Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity California Municipal |
|
|
|
Fidelity California Municipal |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY CHARLES STREET TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Asset Manager 20%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 20%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 30%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 30%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 40%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 40%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 50%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 50%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 60%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 60%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 70%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 70%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Asset Manager 85%: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Asset Manager 85%* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Health Savings Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Health Savings Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Sustainable Multi-Asset Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Sustainable Multi-Asset Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY INCOME FUND
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Environmental Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Environmental Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Government Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Government Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement Income Fund * |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2005 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2005 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2010 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2010 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2015 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2015 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2020 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2020 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2025 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2025 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2030 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2030 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2035 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Managed Retirement 2035 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class K |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Total Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Total Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY MUNICIPAL TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Limited Term Municipal Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Limited Term Municipal Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M+++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Municipal Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Municipal Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY NEW YORK MUNICIPAL TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity New York Municipal |
|
|
|
Fidelity New York Municipal |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Municipal Income 2021 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Municipal Income 2021 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Municipal Income 2023 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Municipal Income 2023 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Municipal Income 2025 Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Municipal Income 2025 Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A++ |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.15 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.15 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Class K6 |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Sustainable Intermediate Municipal Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Sustainable Intermediate Municipal Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.15 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.15 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Tactical Bond Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Tactical Bond Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.25 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
FIDELITY SCHOOL STREET TRUST
FUND/CLASSES OFFERED |
SALES CHARGE |
DISTRIBUTION FEE |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEE (as a percentage of |
Fidelity Advisor Multi-Asset Income Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Global Credit Fund: |
|
|
|
Fidelity Global Credit Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Fidelity Intermediate Municipal |
|
|
|
Fidelity Intermediate Municipal Income Fund* |
none |
none |
none |
Class A*** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class M**** |
front-end |
0.00 |
0.25 |
Class C |
contingent deferred |
0.75 |
0.25 |
Class I |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
Class Z |
none |
none |
none |
_____________________________________________________________
* A retail class.
** Class A purchases of $1 million or more may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% if redeemed less than 18 months after purchase.
*** Class A purchases of $1 million or more may be subject, upon redemption, to a CDSC of 0.75% if redeemed less than 18 months after purchase.
**** Class M purchases of $1 million or more may be subject, upon redemption, to a CDSC of 0.25% if redeemed less than one year after purchase.
++ Class A purchases of $250,000 or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge, but may be subject to a 0.50% CDSC if the intermediary has elected an upfront finders fee at the time the shares are purchased, or a 0.75% CDSC if the shares purchased are recordkept in a Fidelity Advisor 401(k) Retirement Plan.
+++ Class M purchases of $250,000 or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge but may be subject to a 0.25% CDSC if a finders fee is paid at the time the shares are purchased.