Stephen D. Fisher, Esq. |
With copies to: |
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Joseph R. Fleming, Esq. |
82 Devonshire Street |
Dechert LLP |
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
200 Clarendon Street, 27th Floor |
(Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
Boston, MA 02116-5021 |
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It is proposed that this filing will become effective |
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immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b). |
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on (April 30, 2008) pursuant to paragraph (b) at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. |
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. |
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on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. |
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. |
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on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. |
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If appropriate, check the following box: |
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this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
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.
Fidelity
®
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 1829, trading symbol FLGEX)
Fidelity
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 1828, trading symbol FLVEX)
Fidelity
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 1827, trading symbol FLCEX)
Fidelity
Mid Cap Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 2012, trading symbol FMEIX)
Fidelity
Small Cap Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 2011, trading symbol FCPEX)
Fidelity
International Enhanced Index
Fund
(fund number 2010, trading symbol FIENX)
Prospectus
April 29, 2008
(fidelity_logo_graphic)
82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109
Fund Summary |
Investment Summary |
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Performance |
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Fee Table |
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Fund Basics |
Investment Details |
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Valuing Shares |
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Shareholder Information |
Buying and Selling Shares |
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Exchanging Shares |
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Features and Policies |
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Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions |
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Tax Consequences |
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Fund Services |
Fund Management |
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Fund Distribution |
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Appendix |
Financial Highlights |
Prospectus
Investment Objective
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Risks
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.
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.
Investment Objective
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Risks
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.
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.
Investment Objective
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
Principal Investment Risks
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.
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.
Investment Objective
Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Risks
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.
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.
Investment Objective
Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Risks
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.
Prospectus
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.
Investment Objective
International Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Risks
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.
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.
Performance history will be available for each fund after each fund has been in operation for one calendar year.
Prospectus
Fund Summary - continued
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy, hold, or sell shares of a fund.
Shareholder fees (paid by the investor directly)
Sales charge (load) on purchases and reinvested distributions |
None |
Deferred sales charge (load) on redemptions |
None |
Redemption fee on shares held less than 30 days (as a % of amount redeemed) |
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for Mid Cap Enhanced Index only A |
0.75% |
for International Enhanced Index only A |
1.00% |
Redemption fee on shares held less than 90 days (as a % of amount redeemed) |
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for Small Cap Enhanced Index only A |
1.50% |
Annual index fund fee (for fund balances under $10,000) |
$10.00 |
A A redemption fee may be charged when you sell your shares or if your shares are redeemed because your fund balance falls below the balance minimum for any reason, including solely due to declines in net asset value per share.
Annual operating expenses (paid from fund assets)
A Differs from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights section because the total annual operating expenses shown above include acquired fund fees and expenses.
B Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Prospectus
This example helps you compare the cost of investing in the funds with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
Let's say, hypothetically, that each fund's annual return is 5% and that your shareholder fees and each fund's annual operating expenses 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, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 47 |
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3 years |
$ 148 |
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5 years |
$ 258 |
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10 years |
$ 579 |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 46 |
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3 years |
$ 144 |
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5 years |
$ 252 |
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10 years |
$ 567 |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 46 |
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3 years |
$ 144 |
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5 years |
$ 252 |
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10 years |
$ 567 |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 61 |
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3 years |
$ 192 |
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 68 |
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3 years |
$ 214 |
International Enhanced Index |
1 year |
$ 63 |
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3 years |
$ 199 |
Prospectus
Investment Objective
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode ® Capital Management, LLC (Geode) normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the Russell 1000 Growth Index. The Russell 1000 Growth Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of those stocks of the 1,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies that exhibit growth-oriented characteristics.
Companies with growth characteristics tend to be companies with higher than average price/earnings (P/E) or price/book (P/B) ratios. Companies with strong growth potential often have new products, technologies, distribution channels, or other opportunities, or have a strong industry or market position. The stocks of these companies are often called "growth" stocks.
A company's market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund's investment. Companies whose capitalization falls below this level after purchase continue to be considered to have a large market capitalization. The size of the companies in an index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index.
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the Russell 1000 Growth Index by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
Geode may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the Russell 1000 Value Index. The Russell 1000 Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of those stocks of the 1,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies that exhibit value-oriented characteristics.
Companies with value characteristics tend to be companies with lower than average price/book (P/B), price/sales (P/S), or price/earnings (P/E) ratios. The stocks of these companies are often called "value" stocks.
A company's market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund's investment. Companies whose capitalization falls below this level after purchase continue to be considered to have a large market capitalization. The size of the companies in an index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index.
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the Russell 1000 Value Index. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the Russell 1000 Value Index by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
Geode may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the S&P 500. The S&P 500 is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance.
A company's market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund's investment. Companies whose capitalization falls below this level after purchase continue to be considered to have a large market capitalization. The size of the companies in an index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the S&P 500. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the S&P 500 by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
Geode may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the Russell Midcap Index. The Russell Midcap Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of medium-capitalization U.S. company stocks.
A company's market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund's investment. The size of the companies in an index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index.
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the Russell Midcap Index. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the Russell Midcap Index by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
Geode may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the stocks of the 2,000 smallest companies included in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 Index comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies.
A company's market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund's investment. The size of the companies in an index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index.
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the Russell 2000 Index. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the Russell 2000 Index by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
Geode may invest the fund's assets in securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
International Enhanced Index Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
Geode normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in common stocks included in the MSCI EAFE Index. The MSCI EAFE Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that currently includes stocks of companies located in 16 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. The MSCI EAFE Index broadly represents the performance of foreign stock markets.
Prospectus
Geode will also invest in securities of issuers that are not part of the MSCI EAFE Index. Geode considers the fund's security, industry, region, and market capitalization weightings relative to the index. In buying and selling securities for the fund, Geode seeks to outperform the MSCI EAFE Index by, in general, quantitatively evaluating factors such as historical valuation, growth, profitability, and other factors. The portfolio managers incorporate these analyses using a proprietary program to construct the optimal portfolio holdings and further manage benchmark relative risks. The portfolio managers will generally attempt to overweight securities with positive characteristics identified in the evaluation process and underweight securities with negative characteristics.
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the fund may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income.
Geode may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts, swaps, foreign exchange forward and spot transactions, and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund's exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If Geode's strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Description of Principal Security Types
Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy of the issuer. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect each fund's performance. A fund's share price changes daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. A fund's reaction to these developments will be affected by the types of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund's level of investment in the securities of that issuer. 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.
The following factors can significantly affect a fund's performance:
Stock Market Volatility. The value of equity securities fluctuates in response to issuer, political, market, and economic developments. In the short term, equity prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to these developments. Different parts of the market and different types of equity securities can react differently to these developments. For example, large cap stocks can react differently from small cap stocks, and "growth" stocks can react differently from "value" stocks. Issuer, political, or economic developments can affect a single issuer, issuers within an industry or economic sector or geographic region, or the market as a whole. Terrorism and related geo-political risks have led, and may in the future lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
Foreign Exposure. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign currencies; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All these factors can make foreign investments, especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
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 affect a security's or instrument's value. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
"Growth" Investing. "Growth" stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. "Growth" stocks tend to be more expensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stocks. As a result, "growth" stocks tend to be sensitive to changes in their earnings and more volatile than other types of stocks.
"Value" Investing. "Value" stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. "Value" stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stocks. However, "value" stocks can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time and may not ever realize their full value.
Mid Cap Investing. The value of securities of medium size, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of relatively larger issuers and can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks.
Small Cap Investing. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers and can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. Smaller issuers can have more limited product lines, markets, and financial resources.
Quantitative Investing. The value of securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis. The factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security's value. In addition, factors that affect a security's value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model.
Prospectus
Fund Basics - continued
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, Geode may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If Geode does so, different factors could affect a fund's performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Shareholder Notice
The following policies are subject to change only upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders:
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the Russell 1000 Value Index.
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the S&P 500.
Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the Russell Midcap Index.
Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the Russell 2000 Index.
International Enhanced Index Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks included in the MSCI EAFE Index.
Each fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
A fund's net asset value per share (NAV) is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates each fund's NAV as of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Each fund's assets are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing the fund's NAV.
NAV is not calculated and a 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 each fund's assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund's assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of a fund's assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
Each fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations or official closing prices. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available or do not accurately reflect fair value for a security or if a security's value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, that security will be valued by another method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value in accordance with the Board's fair value pricing policies. For example, 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. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio security values occur after the close of the overseas market but prior to the close of the U.S. market. To the extent a fund invests in other open-end funds, the fund will calculate its NAV using the NAV of the underlying funds in which it invests as described in the underlying funds' prospectuses. A fund may invest in other Fidelity funds that use the same fair value pricing policies as the fund or in Fidelity money market funds. A security's valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Fair valuation of a fund's 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 the fund's NAV by short-term traders. While each fund has policies regarding excessive trading, these too may not be effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts.
Prospectus
General Information
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of America's leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
You may buy or sell shares of a fund through a Fidelity brokerage account or a Fidelity mutual fund account. If you buy or sell shares of a fund (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 Fidelity's 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 of the funds through a retirement account (such as an IRA or an account funded through salary deductions) or an investment professional. Retirement specialists are available at 1-800-544-4774 to answer your questions about Fidelity retirement products. If you buy or sell shares of a fund through a retirement account or an investment professional, the procedures for buying, selling, and exchanging shares of the fund and the account features, policies, and fees 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 of a fund through a non-Fidelity broker or other investment professional.
Buying and Selling Information |
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:
Redemptions:
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TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired 1-800-544-0118 (9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Eastern time) |
You should include the following information with any order to buy, sell, or exchange shares:
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Certain methods of contacting Fidelity, such as by telephone or electronically, 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 based on criteria established by Fidelity.
Minimums |
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Initial Purchase |
$10,000 |
Subsequent Purchase |
$1,000 |
Through regular investment plans |
$500 |
Minimum Balance |
$10,000 |
There is no minimum balance or initial or subsequent purchase minimum for investments through Portfolio Advisory Services SM , a mutual fund or a qualified tuition program for which Strategic Advisers ® , Inc. (Strategic Advisers) or an affiliate serves as investment manager, certain Fidelity retirement accounts funded through salary deduction, or fund positions opened with the proceeds of distributions from such retirement accounts.
In addition, each fund may waive or lower purchase minimums in other circumstances.
A fund may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law, any purchase orders, including exchanges.
For example, a fund may reject any purchase orders, including exchanges, from market timers or investors that, in Strategic Advisers' opinion, may be disruptive to that fund.
Frequent purchases and sales of fund shares can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to a fund (such as brokerage commissions), disrupting portfolio management strategies, and diluting the value of the shares of long-term shareholders in cases in which fluctuations in markets are not fully priced into a fund's NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of fund shares. However, there is the risk that the funds' policies and procedures will prove ineffective in whole or in part to detect or prevent frequent trading. A fund may alter its policies at any time without prior notice to shareholders.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
There is no minimum holding period and shareholders can sell their shares at any time. Shareholders will ordinarily comply with the funds' policies regarding excessive trading by allowing 90 days to pass after each investment before they sell or exchange from a fund. A fund may take action if shares are held longer than 90 days if the trading is disruptive for other reasons such as unusually large trade size. Each fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase or exchange transaction at any time. In addition, each fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on purchases or exchanges at any time or conditions that are more restrictive on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading than those that are otherwise stated in this prospectus.
Excessive trading activity is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in a shareholder's account. A roundtrip transaction occurs when a shareholder buys and then sells shares of a fund within 30 days. Shareholders are limited to two roundtrip transactions per fund within any rolling 90-day period, subject to an overall limit of four roundtrip transactions across all Fidelity funds over a rolling 12-month period. Transactions of $1,000 or less, systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor will not count toward the roundtrip limits. For employer-sponsored retirement plans, only participant directed exchanges will count toward the roundtrip limits.
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 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 for an 85-day period. For repeat offenders, Strategic Advisers may, but does not have the obligation to, impose long-term or permanent blocks on purchase or exchange purchase transactions in any account under the shareholder's common control at any time, other than a participant's account held through an employer-sponsored retirement plan. 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.
Qualified wrap programs will be monitored by matching the adviser's orders for purchase, exchange, or sale transactions in fund shares to determine if the adviser's orders comply with the fund's frequent trading policies. Additions to and withdrawals from a qualified wrap program by the adviser's client will not be matched with transactions initiated by the adviser. Therefore if the adviser buys shares of a fund and an individual client subsequently sells shares of the same fund within 30 days, the client's transaction is not matched with the adviser's and therefore does not count as a roundtrip. However, client initiated transactions are subject to a fund's policies on frequent trading and individual clients will be subject to restrictions due to their frequent trading in a wrap account. Excessive trading by an adviser will lead to fund blocks and the wrap program will cease to be a qualified wrap program. If the wrap program is blocked from making additional purchases or exchange purchases of a fund because of excessive trading by the adviser the wrap program will no longer be considered qualified and any transaction whether initiated by the adviser or the client will be matched when counting roundtrips. Wrap account client purchases and sale transactions will be monitored under a fund's monitoring policy as though the wrap clients were fund shareholders. A qualified wrap program is: (i) a program whose adviser certifies that it has investment discretion over $100 million or more in client assets invested in mutual funds at the time of the certification, (ii) a program in which the adviser directs transactions in the accounts participating in the program in concert with changes in a model portfolio, and (iii) managed by an adviser who agrees to provide Strategic Advisers or an affiliate sufficient information to permit the individual accounts in the wrap program to be identified.
Each fund's excessive trade monitoring policy described above does not apply to transactions initiated by the trustee or adviser to a donor-advised charitable gift fund, qualified funds of funds or other strategy funds, or omnibus accounts. Trustees or advisers of donor-advised charitable gift funds must certify to the funds' satisfaction that they either work from an asset allocation model or direct transactions in their accounts in concert with changes in a model portfolio and that participants are limited in their ability to influence investments by the trust. A qualified fund of funds is a mutual fund, qualified tuition program, or other strategy fund consisting of qualified plan assets that either applies the Fidelity funds' policies on frequent trading to shareholders at the fund of funds level, or demonstrates that the fund of funds has policies designed to control frequent trading and that they are reasonably likely to be effective as determined by the funds' Treasurer. The adviser to the fund of funds must also demonstrate to the funds' Treasurer that its investment strategy will not lead to excessive trading.
Omnibus accounts are maintained by intermediaries acting on behalf of multiple investors whose individual trades are not ordinarily disclosed to a fund. Short-term trading by these investors is likely to go undetected by a fund and may increase costs and disrupt portfolio management. The funds will monitor aggregate trading in qualified funds of funds and known omnibus accounts to attempt to identify disruptive trades, focusing on transactions in excess of $250,000. There is no assurance that these policies will be effective, or will successfully detect or deter market timing.
The funds' Treasurer is authorized to suspend the funds' policies during periods of severe market turbulence or national emergency.
Prospectus
The funds do not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors, except as provided under the funds' policies with respect to known omnibus accounts, qualified funds of funds, qualified wrap accounts, donor-advised charitable gift funds, and 30 day roundtrips.
The price to buy one share of each fund is the fund's NAV. Each fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Your shares will be bought at the next NAV calculated after your investment is received in proper form.
Each 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 next NAV calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. Orders by funds of funds for which Strategic Advisers or an affiliate 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.
Each fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
If you place an order to buy shares and your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees a fund or Fidelity has incurred.
Certain financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone, with payment to follow no later than the time when a fund is 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 regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
The price to sell one share of each fund is the fund's NAV, minus the short-term redemption fee, if applicable.
For Mid Cap Enhanced Index, if you sell your shares after holding them less than 30 days, a 0.75% short-term redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For Small Cap Enhanced Index, if you sell your shares after holding them less than 90 days, a 1.50% short-term redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For International Enhanced Index, if you sell your shares after holding them less than 30 days, a 1.00% short-term redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For this purpose, shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last. The fees are paid to the funds, not Fidelity, and are designed to help offset the brokerage commissions, market impact, and other costs associated with short-term shareholder trading.
The short-term redemption fee does not apply to: (i) redemptions of shares acquired by reinvesting dividends and distributions; (ii) rollovers, transfers, and changes of account registration within a fund as long as the money never leaves the fund; and (iii) redemptions in kind.
Each of Mid Cap Enhanced Index, Small Cap Enhanced Index, and International Enhanced Index also permits waivers of the short-term redemption fee for the following transactions:
The application of short-term redemption fees and waivers may vary among intermediaries and certain intermediaries may not apply the waivers listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the short-term redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
Each of Mid Cap Enhanced Index, Small Cap Enhanced Index, and International Enhanced Index reserves the right to modify or eliminate the short-term redemption fee or waivers at any time. Investment advisers or their affiliates may pay short-term redemption fees on behalf of investors in managed accounts. Unitized group accounts consisting of qualified plan assets may be treated as a single account for redemption fee purposes.
Fidelity seeks to identify intermediaries that hold fund shares in omnibus accounts and will refuse their purchase orders if they do not agree to track and remit short-term redemption fees based on the transactions of underlying investors. There are no assurances that Fidelity will successfully identify all intermediaries or that the intermediaries will properly assess short-term redemption fees.
Your shares will be sold at the next NAV calculated after your order is received in proper form, minus the short-term redemption fee, if applicable. 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 a fund.
Each 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 next NAV calculated, minus the short-term redemption fee, if applicable, after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. Orders by funds of funds for which Strategic Advisers or an affiliate 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.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
Certain requests must include a signature guarantee. It 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, your request must be made in writing and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
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:
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 of a fund for shares of other Fidelity funds.
However, you should note the following policies and restrictions governing exchanges:
The funds may terminate or modify the exchange privilege in the future.
Other funds may have different exchange restrictions and minimums, and may impose redemption fees of up to 2.00% of the amount exchanged. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
The following features may be available to buy and sell shares of the funds 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 Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com or call 1-800-544-6666 for more information.
Prospectus
Electronic Funds Transfer: electronic money movement through the Automated Clearing House
- 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. |
Wire: electronic money movement through the Federal Reserve wire system
|
Automatic Transactions: periodic (automatic) transactions
|
The following policies apply to you as a shareholder.
Statements that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and prospectuses may be mailed to households, even if more than one person in a household holds shares of a fund. Call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 if you need additional copies of financial reports or prospectuses. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, contact Fidelity in writing at P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002.
Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available at Fidelity's web site. To participate in Fidelity's electronic delivery program, call Fidelity or visit Fidelity's 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 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.
Each fund charges an annual index fund fee of $10.00 per fund position to offset shareholder service costs if your balance falls below $10,000 at the time of the December distribution. The index fund fee does not apply to assets held in employee benefit plans (including Fidelity-sponsored 403(b) arrangements but otherwise as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, excluding SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and the Fidelity Retirement Plan) having more than 50 eligible employees or a minimum of $1,000,000 in plan assets that have at least some portion of their assets invested in mutual funds advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) or Strategic Advisers and which are marketed and distributed directly to plan sponsors and participants without any assistance or intervention from any intermediary distribution channel. In addition, this fee does not apply to assets held in a Fidelity Traditional IRA or Fidelity Rollover IRA purchased with proceeds of a distribution or transfer from an employee benefit plan as described above, provided that at the time of the distribution or transfer the employee benefit plan satisfies the requirements described above.
Fidelity deducts $10.00 from each fund position at the time the December distribution is credited to each fund position. If the amount of the distribution is not sufficient to pay the fee, the index fund fee may be deducted directly from your balance.
You will be given 30 days' notice to reestablish the minimum balance if your fund balance falls below the stated minimum, for any reason, including solely due to declines in NAV. If you do not increase your balance, Fidelity may sell all of your shares and send the proceeds to you. Your shares will be sold at the NAV, minus the short-term redemption fee, if applicable, on the day Fidelity closes your fund position. Certain fund positions are not subject to these balance requirements and will not be closed for failure to maintain a minimum balance.
Prospectus
Shareholder Information - continued
Fidelity may charge a fee for certain services, such as providing historical account documents.
Each fund earns dividends, interest, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. Each fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
Each fund normally pays dividends and capital gain distributions in April and December.
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to receive your distributions. The following distribution options are available for each fund:
1. Reinvestment Option. Your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Your capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. Your dividends will be paid in cash.
3. Cash Option. Your dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
4. Directed Dividends ® Option. Your dividends will be automatically invested in shares of another identically registered Fidelity fund. Your 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.
If the distribution option you prefer is not listed on your account application, or if you want to change your current distribution option, visit Fidelity's 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 more than six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares of the fund at the next NAV calculated on the day of the investment.
As with any investment, your investment in a fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
Taxes on distributions. Distributions you receive from each fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain of each fund's distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income, while certain of each fund's distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to you generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met).
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 taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions you receive from a fund will normally be taxable to you when you receive them, regardless of your distribution option.
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 a fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive when you sell them.
Prospectus
Each fund is a mutual fund, an investment that pools shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal.
Strategic Advisers is each fund's manager. The address of Strategic Advisers and its affiliates, unless otherwise indicated below, is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
As of December 31, 2007, Strategic Advisers had approximately $166.9 billion in discretionary assets under management.
Pursuant to an SEC exemptive order, Strategic Advisers intends to act as a manager of managers, meaning that Strategic Advisers has the responsibility to oversee sub-advisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees but without shareholder approval, Strategic Advisers may replace or hire unaffiliated sub-advisers or amend the terms of their existing sub-advisory agreements, if any. In the event of approval of a new unaffiliated sub-adviser, you will be provided with information about the new sub-adviser and sub-advisory agreement within ninety days of appointment.
As the manager, Strategic Advisers is responsible for handling each fund's business affairs.
Geode, at One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as sub-adviser for each fund. Geode chooses each fund's investments and places orders to buy and sell each fund's investments.
As of February 29, 2008, Geode had approximately $72.7 billion in discretionary assets under management.
Each fund is managed by Geode, a sub-adviser to the funds. Jeffrey Adams is the lead portfolio manager of the funds. Bobe Simon and Patrick Waddell are the portfolio managers of the funds.
Jeffrey Adams has been a Senior Portfolio Manager with Geode since September 2003. He acts as lead portfolio manager for other registered investment companies. Mr. Adams has oversight responsibility for all index funds managed by Geode and is responsible for quantitative research and new product development. Mr. Adams was employed by State Street Global Advisors from June 1989 to June 2003 where he served as a Portfolio Manager for over seven years before joining Geode.
Bobe Simon has been a Portfolio Manager with Geode since April 2005. He has served as a portfolio manager for other registered investment companies since May 2005. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Mr. Simon is responsible for quantitative research and new product development. Prior to joining Geode, Mr. Simon worked as a quantitative analyst at Putnam Investments from July 1995 to April 2005.
Patrick Waddell has been a Portfolio Manager with Geode since July 2006. He has served as a portfolio manager for other registered investment companies since July 2006. Prior to July 2006, Mr. Waddell was an Assistant Portfolio Manager with Geode since 2004. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Mr. Waddell is responsible for quantitative research and new product development. Prior to joining Geode, Mr. Waddell was employed by Fidelity from December 1997 to February 2004 where he worked as a Senior Portfolio Assistant for over two years.
The statement of additional information (SAI) provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by Messrs. Adams, Simon, and Waddell.
Each fund pays a management fee to Strategic Advisers. The management fee is calculated and paid to Strategic Advisers every month. Strategic Advisers pays all of the other expenses of each fund with limited exceptions. The management fee paid to Strategic Advisers by each fund is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid by that fund to the Independent Trustees.
Each fund's annual management fee rate as a percentage of its average net assets is shown in the following table:
Fund |
Management Fee
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
0.30% |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
0.30% |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
0.30% |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
0.45% |
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
0.52% |
International Enhanced Index |
0.47% |
Strategic Advisers pays Geode for providing investment management services.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreement for a fund is available in each of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index's, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index's, and Large Cap Core Enhanced Index's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2007 and each of Mid Cap Enhanced Index's, Small Cap Enhanced Index's, and International Enhanced Index's annual report for the fiscal period ended February 29, 2008.
Strategic Advisers may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a fund for management fees and other expenses above a specified limit. Strategic Advisers retains the ability to be repaid by a fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be discontinued by Strategic Advisers at any time, can decrease a fund's expenses and boost its performance.
As of February 29, 2008, approximately 77.18% of Mid Cap Enhanced Index's, 71.53% of Small Cap Enhanced Index's, and 64.86% of International Enhanced Index's total outstanding shares was held by Strategic Advisers affiliates.
FDC distributes each fund's shares.
Intermediaries, including retirement plan sponsors, administrators, and service-providers (who may be affiliated with Strategic Advisers or FDC), may receive from Strategic Advisers, 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 shares of the funds. These payments are described in more detail in the SAI.
Prospectus
Fund Services - continued
Each fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) that recognizes that Strategic Advisers 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 fund shares and/or shareholder support services. Strategic Advisers, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of each fund has authorized such payments.
If payments made by Strategic Advisers to FDC or to intermediaries under a Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of a fund's assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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 funds or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the funds or by FDC to sell shares of the funds to or to buy shares of a fund from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
Prospectus
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the financial history of each fund's shares for the period of the fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of a fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in shares of a fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each fund's financial highlights and financial statements, is included in each fund's annual report. A free copy of the annual report is available upon request.
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 G |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) D |
.08 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(.78 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(.70 ) |
Distributions from net investment income |
(.05 ) |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 9.25 |
Total Return B, C |
(7.05)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets E, H |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.45% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.45% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.45% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
.89% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 34,942 |
Portfolio turnover rate F |
36% A |
A Annualized.
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the periods shown.
D Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
E Fees and expenses of the underlying Fidelity Central Funds are not included in the Fund's expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
F Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
G For the period April 19, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
H Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
Prospectus
Appendix - continued
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 G |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) D |
.18 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(1.37 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(1.19 ) |
Distributions from net investment income |
(.13 ) |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 8.68 |
Total Return B, C |
(12.00)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets E, H |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.45% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.45% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.45% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
2.12% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 24,379 |
Portfolio turnover rate F |
65% A |
A Annualized.
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the periods shown.
D Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
E Fees and expenses of the underlying Fidelity Central Funds are not included in the Fund's expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
F Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
G For the period April 19, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
H Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 G |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) D |
.15 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(.90 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(.75 ) |
Distributions from net investment income |
(.05 ) |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 9.20 |
Total Return B, C |
(7.59)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets E, H |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.45% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.45% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.45% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
1.83% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 834,523 |
Portfolio turnover rate F |
5% A |
A Annualized.
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the periods shown.
D Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
E Fees and expenses of the underlying Fidelity Central Funds are not included in the Fund's expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
F Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying Fidelity Central Funds.
G For the period April 19, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
H Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
Prospectus
Mid Cap Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 D |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) C |
.02 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(.86 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(.84 ) |
Redemption fees added to paid in capital C |
-- F |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 9.16 |
Total Return B |
(8.40)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets E |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.60% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.60% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.60% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
1.25% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 5,967 |
Portfolio turnover rate |
16% |
A Annualized.
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
D For the period December 20, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
E Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
F Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
Small Cap Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 E |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) D |
.02 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(.99 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(.97 ) |
Redemption fees added to paid in capital D |
-- C |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 9.03 |
Total Return B |
(9.70)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets F |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.67% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.67% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.67% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
1.19% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 6,343 |
Portfolio turnover rate |
16% |
A Annualized
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
D Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
E For the period December 20, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
F Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
Prospectus
Appendix - continued
International Enhanced Index - Financial Highlights
Year ended February 29, |
2008 D |
Selected Per-Share Data |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 10.00 |
Income from Investment Operations |
|
Net investment income (loss) C |
.03 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(.68 ) |
Total from investment operations |
(.65 ) |
Redemption fees added to paid in capital C |
-- F |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 9.35 |
Total Return B |
(6.50)% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets E |
|
Expenses before reductions |
.62% A |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any |
.62% A |
Expenses net of all reductions |
.62% A |
Net investment income (loss) |
1.58% A |
Supplemental Data |
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ 7,273 |
Portfolio turnover rate |
15% |
A Annualized.
B Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
C Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
D For the period December 20, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
E Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the Fund. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed by the investment adviser or expense offset arrangements and do not represent the amount paid by the Fund during periods when reimbursements or reductions occur. Expenses net of fee waivers reflect expenses after reimbursement by the investment adviser but prior to reductions from expense offset arrangements. Expenses net of all reductions represent the net expenses paid by the Fund.
F Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
Prospectus
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 driver's 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) and may be requested to provide information on persons with authority or control over the account such as name, residential 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 funds. A description of each fund's policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in the funds' SAI and on Fidelity's web sites. The SAI also includes more detailed information about each fund and its investments. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). Each fund's annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. Each fund's annual report includes a discussion of the fund's holdings and recent market conditions and the fund's investment strategies that affected performance.
For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information or ask questions about a fund, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544. In addition, you may visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAI, the funds' annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You can also review and copy information about the funds, including the funds' SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room. Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number, 811-21990 |
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, Strategic Advisers, FAST, and Directed Dividends are registered trademarks of FMR LLC.
Portfolio Advisory Services is a service mark of FMR LLC.
Geode is a registered trademark of Geode Capital Management, LLC.
The third party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
1.846870.101 GEI-pro-0408
Fidelity
®
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund,
Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund,
Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund
Funds of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
April 29, 2008
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. Portions of each fund's annual report are incorporated herein. The annual report is supplied with this SAI.
To obtain a free additional copy of the prospectus or SAI dated April 29, 2008, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 or visit Fidelity's web site at www.fidelity.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
PAGE |
Investment Policies and Limitations |
|
Special Considerations Regarding Europe |
|
Special Considerations Regarding Japan |
|
Special Considerations Regarding Asia Pacific Region (ex Japan) |
|
Portfolio Transactions |
|
Valuation |
|
Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Information |
|
Distributions and Taxes |
|
Trustees and Officers |
|
Control of Investment Advisers |
|
Management Contracts |
|
Proxy Voting Guidelines |
|
Distribution Services |
|
Transfer and Service Agent Agreements |
|
Description of the Trust |
|
Financial Statements |
|
Fund Holdings Information |
|
Appendix |
GEI-ptb-0408
1.846871.101
(fidelity_logo_graphic)
82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109
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 a fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of a fund's acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and limitations.
A fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act)) of the fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The following are each fund's fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
For each fund:
The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
Senior Securities
For each fund:
The fund may not issue senior securities, except in connection with the insurance program established by the fund pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Borrowing
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of each fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to any investment in a Fidelity ® Money Market Central Fund and/or any non-money market central fund, Strategic Advisers ® , Inc. (Strategic Advisers) or an affiliate looks through to the holdings of the central fund.
For purposes of each fund's concentration limitation discussed above, Strategic Advisers or an affiliate 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 Strategic Advisers does not assign a classification.
Real Estate
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
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 and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
Margin Purchases
For each fund:
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
For each fund:
The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered investment company or portfolio for which Strategic Advisers 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
For each fund:
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 each fund's illiquid securities limitation discussed above, if through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Loans
For each fund:
The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for which Strategic Advisers or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) assuming any unfunded commitments in connection with the acquisition of loans, loan participations, or other forms of debt instruments. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities, to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.)
In addition to each fund's fundamental and non-fundamental limitations discussed above:
For each fund's limitations on futures, options, and swap transactions, see the section entitled "Futures, Options, and Swaps" on page <Click Here> .
Each fund intends to comply with the requirements of Section 12(d)(1)(G)(i)(IV) of the 1940 Act.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which a fund may invest, strategies Geode Capital Management, LLC (Geode ® ) may employ in pursuit of a fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks. Geode may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help a fund achieve its goal.
Borrowing . Each fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by Strategic Advisers or its affiliates, or through reverse repurchase agreements. 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 can hold uninvested cash or can invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of money market or short-term bond funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees to Fidelity. The investment results of the portions of a fund's assets invested in the central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Common Stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.
Convertible Securities are bonds, debentures, notes, or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a fund is called for redemption or conversion, the fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at prices above their "conversion value," which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.
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 interest but are sold at a deep discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities, repurchase agreements, and mortgage and other asset-backed securities.
Exchange Traded Funds are shares of other investment companies which are traded on an exchange, but whose underlying assets are stocks selected to track a particular index. Therefore, an exchange traded fund (ETF) can track the performance of an index in much the same way as a traditional indexed mutual fund. However, unlike many traditional investment companies, which are only bought and sold at closing net asset values (NAVs), ETFs are tradable in the secondary market on an intra-day basis. Shares of an ETF are only redeemable in large blocks (typically, 50,000 shares) called "creation units" by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at each day's next calculated NAV.
ETFs, like other investment companies, typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund's purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF's operating expenses. Further, while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are traded in the secondary market ( e.g., on a stock exchange) at prices above or below the value of their underlying portfolios.
Some of the risks of investing in an ETF are similar to those of investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of errors in matching the ETF's underlying assets to the index); and the risk that because an ETF is not actively managed, it cannot sell poorly performing stocks as long as they are represented in the index. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs may not be liquid.
Exposure to Foreign Markets. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Foreign investments involve risks relating to local political, economic, regulatory, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments, and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There is no assurance that Geode will be able to anticipate these potential events or counter their effects. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in increased risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign subcustodian. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Adequate public information on foreign issuers may not be available, and it may be difficult to secure dividends and information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. OTC markets tend to be less regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in foreign countries.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer's country.
The risks of foreign investing may be magnified for investments in emerging markets. Security prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than those in more developed markets, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Foreign Currency Transactions. A fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) or forward basis (i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be used by a fund. A fund may also use swap agreements, indexed securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign currencies for the same purposes.
A "settlement hedge" or "transaction hedge" is designed to protect a fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars "locks in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. Forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency may also be used by a fund in anticipation of future purchases or sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific investments have not yet been selected by Geode.
A fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example, if a fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A fund could also hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased, much as if a fund had sold a security denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another. A fund may cross-hedge its U.S. dollar exposure in order to achieve a representative weighted mix of the major currencies in its benchmark index and/or to cover an underweight country or region exposure in its portfolio. Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause a fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on Geode's skill in analyzing currency values. Currency management strategies may substantially change a fund's investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to a fund if currencies do not perform as Geode anticipates. For example, if a currency's value rose at a time when Geode had hedged a fund by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, a fund would not participate in the currency's appreciation. If Geode hedges currency exposure through proxy hedges, a fund could realize currency losses from both the hedge and the security position if the two currencies do not move in tandem. Similarly, if Geode increases a fund's exposure to a foreign currency and that currency's value declines, a fund will realize a loss. A fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. There is no assurance that Geode's use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate times.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed below. A fund may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
Foreign Repurchase Agreements. Foreign repurchase agreements involve an agreement to purchase a foreign security and to sell that security back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price in either U.S. dollars or foreign currency. Unlike typical U.S. repurchase agreements, foreign repurchase agreements may not be fully collateralized at all times. The value of a security purchased by a fund may be more or less than the price at which the counterparty has agreed to repurchase the security. In the event of default by the counterparty, the fund may suffer a loss if the value of the security purchased is less than the agreed-upon repurchase price, or if the fund is unable to successfully assert a claim to the collateral under foreign laws. As a result, foreign repurchase agreements may involve higher credit risks than repurchase agreements in U.S. markets, as well as risks associated with currency fluctuations. In addition, as with other emerging market investments, repurchase agreements with counterparties located in emerging markets or relating to emerging markets may involve issuers or counterparties with lower credit ratings than typical U.S. repurchase agreements.
Funds' Rights as Investors. The funds do not intend to direct or administer the day-to-day operations of any company. A fund, however, may exercise its rights as a shareholder or lender and may communicate its views on important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, shareholders of a company, and holders of other securities of the company when Geode determines that such matters could have a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company. The activities in which a fund may engage, either individually or in conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities; seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of the company or a portion of its assets; supporting or opposing third-party takeover efforts; supporting the filing of a bankruptcy petition; or foreclosing on collateral securing a security. This area of corporate activity is increasingly prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be involved in lawsuits related to such activities. Geode will monitor such activities with a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred. The funds' proxy voting guidelines are included in this SAI.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an adviser's analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund's return may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to exist.
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 future date. 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, such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 SM Index (S&P 500 ® ). Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before then if a liquid market is available.
Futures may be based on foreign indexes such as the Compagnie des Agents de Change 40 Index (CAC 40 ® ) in France, the Deutscher Aktienindex (DAX ® 30) in Germany, the Financial Times Stock Exchange Eurotop 100 ® Index (FTSE ® Eurotop 100) in Europe, the IBEX35 ® Index (IBEX 35) in Spain, the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index (FTSE 100) in the United Kingdom, the Australian Stock Exchange All Ordinaries Index(TM) (ASX ® All Ordinaries ® ) in Australia, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong, and the Nikkei Stock Average ® (Nikkei 225 ® ), the Nikkei ® Stock Index 300 (Nikkei 300 ® ), and the Tokyo Stock Exchange Stock Price Index (TOPIX) in Japan.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market. 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 unless the contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered into. If the value of either party's position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. This process of "marking to market" will be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund's NAV. The party that has a gain is entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund. A fund is required to segregate liquid assets equivalent to the fund's outstanding obligations under the contract in excess of the initial margin and variation margin, if any.
Although futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad, foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the United States may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
Geode intends to follow certain limitations on the funds' futures and option activities. Each fund will not purchase any option if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in option premiums. Under normal conditions, each fund will not enter into any futures contract, option, or swap agreement if, as a result, the sum of (i) the current value of assets hedged in the case of strategies involving the sale of securities, and (ii) the current value of the indices or other instruments underlying the fund's other futures, options, or swaps positions, would exceed 35% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to options attached to, or acquired or traded together with their underlying securities, and do not apply to Structured Notes.
The above limitations on the funds' investments in futures contracts, options, and swaps, and the funds' policies regarding futures contracts, options, and swaps discussed elsewhere herein this SAI are not fundamental policies and may be changed as regulatory agencies permit.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. 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. 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 security prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer may seek to terminate a position in a put option before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for a put option, however, the writer must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If security prices remain 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 security prices fall, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the writer to sell or deliver the option's underlying instrument, 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 mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
Geode intends to follow certain limitations on the funds' futures and option activities. Each fund will not purchase any option if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in option premiums. Under normal conditions, each fund will not enter into any futures contract, option, or swap agreement if, as a result, the sum of (i) the current value of assets hedged in the case of strategies involving the sale of securities, and (ii) the current value of the indices or other instruments underlying the fund's other futures, options, or swaps positions, would exceed 35% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to options attached to, or acquired or traded together with their underlying securities, and do not apply to Structured Notes.
The above limitations on the funds' investments in futures contracts, options, and swaps, and the funds' policies regarding futures contracts, options, and swaps discussed elsewhere herein this SAI are not fundamental policies and may be changed as regulatory agencies permit.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options contract at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for options contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund's access to other assets held to cover its options positions could also be impaired.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps. Options on interest rate swaps are known as swaptions. An option on a swap gives a party the right to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an existing swap contract at a specific date in the future in exchange for a premium.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the options position will not track the performance of the fund's other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Options prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell options contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund's options positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
Swap Agreements. Under a typical equity swap agreement, a counterparty such as a bank or broker-dealer agrees to pay the fund a return equal to the dividend payments and increase in value, if any, of an index or group of stocks, or of a stock, and the fund agrees in return to pay a fixed or floating rate of interest, plus any declines in value of the index. Swap agreements can also have features providing for maximum or minimum exposure to a designated index. In order to hedge its exposure effectively, the funds would generally have to own other assets returning approximately the same amount as the interest rate payable by the fund under the swap agreement.
Swap agreements allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset, or basket of assets. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in value of the specific index, security or currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from a fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If the creditworthiness of the fund's swap counterparty declines, the risk that the counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to the fund and impairing the fund's correlation with its applicable index. Although there can be no assurance that the fund will be able to do so, the 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 more creditworthy party.
Geode also intends to follow certain other limitations on the funds' futures and option activities. Each fund will not purchase any option if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in option premiums. Under normal conditions, each fund will not enter into any futures contract, option, or swap agreement if, as a result, the sum of (i) the current value of assets hedged in the case of strategies involving the sale of securities, and (ii) the current value of the indices or other instruments underlying the fund's other futures, options, or swaps positions, would exceed 35% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to options attached to, or acquired or traded together with their underlying securities, and do not apply to Structured Notes.
Illiquid Securities cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees and Strategic Advisers, Geode manages the funds to comply with certain restrictions on illiquid investments and, through reports from Strategic Advisers and/or Geode, the Board monitors investments in illiquid securities. In determining the liquidity of a fund's investments, various factors may be considered, including (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).
Indexed Securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic. Indexed securities 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 the Russell 1000 ® Growth Index, the Russell 1000 Value Index, the S&P 500 Index, the Russell Midcap ® Index, the Russell 2000 ® Index, the Morgan Stanley Capital International SM Europe, Australasia, Far East (MSCI ® EAFE ® ) Index, or comparable stock indices. 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.
Currency-indexed securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S. dollar-denominated securities. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the security, currency, or other instrument 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. Indexed securities are also subject to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S. Government agencies.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a fund may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) or its affiliates (which includes Strategic Advisers). A fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the cost of bank loans, and will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Investment-grade debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody's ® Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by Geode.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the purchaser in the event of fraud or misrepresentation, or there may be a requirement that a fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the purchaser could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a purchaser could be held liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the purchaser has direct recourse against the borrower, the purchaser may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a purchaser were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the purchaser might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments that obligate purchasers to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a purchaser to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
Each fund limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one issuer or in issuers within the same industry (see each fund's investment limitations). For purposes of these limitations, a fund generally will treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as financial intermediary between a fund and the borrower, if the participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require a fund, in appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a fund's ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
A fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
Preferred Stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
Real Estate Investment Trusts. Equity real estate investment trusts own real estate properties, while mortgage real estate investment trusts make construction, development, and long-term mortgage loans. Their value may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property of the trusts, the creditworthiness of the issuer, property taxes, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment. Both types of trusts are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Internal Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
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. The funds will engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by Geode or, under certain circumstances, by Strategic Advisers or a Strategic Advisers affiliate.
Restricted Securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. The funds will enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by Geode or, under certain circumstances, by Strategic Advisers or a Strategic Advisers affiliate. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of fund assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Securities Lending. A fund may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions, including Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (FBS LLC). FBS LLC is a member of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and an indirect subsidiary of FMR LLC. The funds will not lend securities to Geode or its affiliates.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides the fund with collateral in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. The fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, a fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. Loans will be made only to parties deemed by Strategic Advisers or an affiliate to be in good standing and when, in Strategic Advisers' or an affiliates' judgment, the income earned would justify the risks.
Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market appreciation or depreciation.
Securities of Other Investment Companies , including shares of closed-end investment companies, 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 investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. 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 net asset value per share (NAV). Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market.
The extent to which a fund can invest in securities of other investment companies is limited by federal securities laws.
Each fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the performance of indexes other than the index that the fund seeks to track.
Short Sales "Against the Box" are short sales of securities that a fund owns or has the right to obtain (equivalent in kind or amount to the securities sold short). If a fund enters into a short sale against the box, it will be required to set aside securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short (or securities convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to hold such securities while the short sale is outstanding. A fund will incur transaction costs, including interest expenses, in connection with opening, maintaining, and closing short sales against the box.
Structured Notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. A structured note 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 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 note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s). Structured or indexed securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Each fund reserves the right to invest without limitation in preferred stocks and investment-grade debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
Warrants. Warrants are instruments which entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss.
Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.
Zero Coupon Bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can be more volatile than other types of fixed-income securities when interest rates change. In calculating a fund's dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and its face value is considered income.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING EUROPE
The European Union (EU) is an intergovernmental and supranational union of most Western European countries and a growing number of Eastern European countries, each known as a member state. One of the key activities of the EU is the establishment and administration of a common single market, consisting of, among other things, a single currency and a common trade policy. In order to pursue this goal, member states established, among other things, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) which sets out different stages and commitments that member states need to follow to achieve greater economic policy coordination and monetary cooperation, including the adoption of a single currency, the euro. Many member states have adopted, and other member states are generally expected to eventually adopt, the euro as their single currency. When a member state adopts the euro as its currency, the member state no longer controls its own monetary policies. Instead, the authority to direct monetary policy is exercised by the European Central Bank. However, certain countries do not qualify for the euro and thus risk being left behind.
While economic and monetary convergence in the EU may offer new opportunities for those investing in the region, investors should be aware that the success of the EU is not wholly assured. European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes on its members or requires candidates for EMU membership to comply with. Europe must grapple with a number of challenges, any one of which could threaten the survival of this monumental undertaking. The countries adopting the euro must adjust to a unified monetary system, the absence of exchange rate flexibility, and the loss of economic sovereignty. Europe's economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures differ widely. Unemployment in some European countries has historically been higher than in the United States and could pose political risk. One or more member states might exit the EU, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy. Major issues currently facing the EU cover its membership, structure, procedures and policies; they include the adoption, abandonment or adjustment of the new constitutional treaty, the EU's enlargement to the south and east, and resolving the EU's problematic fiscal and democratic accountability. Efforts of the member states to continue to unify their economic and monetary policies may increase the potential for similarities in the movements of European markets and reduce the benefit of diversification within the region.
Political. The EU has been extending its influence to the east. It has accepted several Eastern European countries as new members, and has plans to accept several more in the medium-term. It is hoped that membership for these states will help cement economic and political stability. For these countries, membership serves as a strong political impetus to employ tight fiscal and monetary policies. Nevertheless, new member states which were former Soviet satellites remain burdened to various extents by the inherited inefficiencies of centrally planned economies similar to what existed under the old Soviet Union. Further expansion of the EU has long-term economic benefits, but certain European countries are not viewed as currently suitable for membership, especially the troubled economies of countries further east. Also, as the EU continues to enlarge, the candidate countries' accessions may grow more controversial. Some member states may repudiate certain candidate countries joining the EU upon concerns about the possible economic, immigration, and cultural implications that may result from such enlargement. The current and future status of the EU therefore continues to be the subject of political controversy, with widely differing views both within and between member states. For example, a large segment of the population in the United Kingdom may be indifferent or opposed to the EU, while other countries are generally more in favor of European integration.
It is possible that the gap between rich and poor within the EU's member countries, and particularly among new members that have not met the requirements for joining the EMU may increase, and that realigning traditional alliances could alter trading relationships and potentially provoke divisive socioeconomic splits.
In the transition to the single economic system, significant political decisions will be made which may affect the market regulation, subsidization, and privatization across all industries, from agricultural products to telecommunications.
Economic. The EU economy is expected to grow further over the next decade as more countries join the EU - especially considering that the new member states are usually poorer than the EU average, and hence the expected fast GDP growth will help achieve the dynamic of the united Europe. The EU's economic growth has been below that of the United States most years since 1990, although recent performance has been strong, and the economic performance of certain of its members continues to be a matter of serious concern to policy makers.
As economic conditions across member states may vary widely, there is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. According to the Maastricht treaty, member countries must maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit in order to qualify for participation in the euro. These requirements severely limit EMU member countries' ability to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.
Currency. Investing in euro-denominated securities entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. Many European countries rely heavily upon export-dependent businesses and any strength in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar can have either a positive or a negative effect upon corporate profits. Recently, the euro has been at historic highs.
Nordic Countries. Faced with stronger global competition, the Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden - have had to scale down their historically generous welfare programs, resulting in drops in domestic demand and increased unemployment. Major industries in the region, such as forestry, agriculture, and oil, are heavily resource-dependent and face pressure as a result of high labor costs. Pension reform, union regulation, and further cuts in liberal social programs will likely need to be addressed as the Nordic countries face increased international competition.
Eastern Europe. Investing in the securities of Eastern European issuers is highly speculative and involves risks not usually associated with investing in the more developed markets of Western Europe. Political and economic reforms are too recent to establish a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and state-owned industries.
Many Eastern European countries continue to move towards market economies at different paces with appropriately different characteristics. Most Eastern European markets suffer from thin trading activity, dubious investor protections, and often a dearth of reliable corporate information. Information and transaction costs, differential taxes, and sometimes political or transfer risk give a comparative advantage to the domestic investor rather than the foreign investor. In addition, these markets are particularly sensitive to social, political, economic, and currency events in Russia and may suffer heavy losses as a result of their trading and investment links to the Russian economy and currency. Eastern European economies may also be particularly susceptible to the international credit market due to their reliance on bank related inflows of capital.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING JAPAN
Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, emphasis on education, and a comparatively small defense allocation have helped Japan advance with extraordinary speed to become one of the largest economic powers along with the United States and the EU. Despite its impressive history, investors face special risks when investing in Japan.
Economic. For three decades from the 1960s through the 1980s, Japan's overall real economic growth had been spectacular. However, growth slowed markedly in the 1990s and Japan's economy fell into a long recession. At present, the Japanese economy could be recovering from this long recession, although uncertainties about its recovery remain. Japan's huge government debt, the aging and shrinking of the population, an unstable financial sector, low domestic consumption, and certain corporate structural weaknesses are some of the major long-term problems.
Overseas trade is important to Japan's economy. Japan has few natural resources and must export to pay for its imports of these basic requirements. Japan's economic growth is significantly driven by its exports. Domestic or foreign trade sanctions or other protectionist measures could adversely impact Japan's economy. Japan has experienced earthquakes and tidal waves of varying degrees of severity, and the risks of such phenomena and the resulting damage continue to exist.
A pressing need to sustain Japan's economic recovery and improve its economic growth is the task of overhauling the nation's financial institutions. Banks, in particular, may have to reform themselves to become more competitive. Successful financial sector reform would contribute to Japan's economic recovery at home and would benefit other economies in Asia. Internal conflict over the proper way to reform the banking system exists.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING ASIA PACIFIC REGION (EX JAPAN)
Many countries in the region have historically faced political uncertainty, corruption, military intervention, and social unrest. Examples include the ethnic, sectarian, and separatist violence found in Indonesia, and the nuclear arms threats between India and Pakistan. To the extent that such events continue in the future, they can be expected to have a negative effect on economic and securities market conditions in the region.
Economic. The economies of many countries in the region are heavily dependent on international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally, the U.S., Japan, China, and the European Union.
China Region. As with all transition economies, China's ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory, monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of outside investment. Hong Kong is closely tied to China, economically and through China's 1997 acquisition of the country as a Special Autonomous Region (SAR). Hong Kong's success depends, in large part, on its ability to retain the legal, financial, and monetary systems that allow economic freedom and market expansion. Although many Taiwanese companies heavily invest in China, a state of hostility continues to exist between China and Taiwan, which Beijing has long deemed a part of China and has made a nationalist cause of recovering it. Taiwan's political stability and ability to sustain its economic growth could be significantly affected by its political and economic relationship with China.
Southeast Asia. In addition to the risks inherent in investing in the emerging markets, the risks of investing in Southeast Asia merit special consideration. The region is heavily dependent on exports and is thus particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products.
Indonesia has restored financial stability and pursued sober fiscal policies since the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, but many economic development problems remain, including high unemployment, a fragile banking sector, endemic corruption, inadequate infrastructure, a poor investment climate, and unequal resource distribution among regions. In addition, Indonesia continues to be at risk of ethnic, sectarian, and separatist violence. Keys to future growth remain internal reform, peaceful resolution of internal conflicts, building up the confidence of international and domestic investors, and strong global economic growth. In late December 2004, a major tsunami took nearly 127,000 lives, left more than 93,000 people missing and nearly 441,000 people displaced, and destroyed $4.5 to $5.0 billion worth of property. The negative effects of the tsunami are still felt today, and similar natural disasters could happen again.
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of each fund by Geode pursuant to authority contained in the management contract and sub-advisory agreement. Geode may also be responsible for the placement of portfolio transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
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.
The Trustees of each fund periodically review Geode's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio 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 Brokers
In selecting brokers or dealers (including affiliates of Strategic Advisers) to execute each fund's portfolio transactions, Geode considers factors deemed relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to Geode's overall responsibilities with respect to each fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from each fund's portfolio manager, which may emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. The factors considered will influence whether it is appropriate to execute an order using ECNs, electronic channels including algorithmic trading, or by actively working an order. Other factors deemed relevant may include, but are not limited to: price; the size and type of the transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity and depth afforded by a market center or market-maker; the reliability of a market center or broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker or market can provide; the potential for avoiding market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the firm; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable. In seeking best execution, Geode may select a broker using a trading method for which the broker may charge a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. Geode also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest available commission rate available from another broker. For futures transactions, the selection of an FCM is generally based on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the FCM.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of Strategic Advisers) that execute transactions for each fund may receive higher compensation from each fund than other brokers might have charged each fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to Geode.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; and investment recommendations. Geode may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these products and services supplement Geode's own research activities in providing investment advice to the funds.
Execution Services. In addition, products and services may 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. 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 personal meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. Geode may use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in Geode's investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, Geode will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services with their own resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit to Geode. Geode's expenses would likely be increased if it attempted to generate these additional products and services through its own efforts, or if it paid for these products or services itself. Certain of the brokerage and research products and services Geode receives from brokers 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 products or services may not have an explicit cost associated with such product or service.
Geode's Decision-Making Process. Before causing a fund to pay a particular level of compensation, Geode will make a good faith determination that the compensation is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to Geode, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for a fund or Geode's overall responsibilities to a fund or other investment companies and investment accounts. While Geode may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither Geode nor the funds incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, these products and services assist Geode in terms of its overall investment responsibilities to a fund and other investment companies and investment accounts; however, each product or service received may not benefit the fund. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that may also benefit other funds or accounts managed by Geode.
Affiliated Transactions
Geode may place trades with certain brokers, including National Financial Services LLC (NFS), with whom Strategic Advisers is under common control, provided it determines that these affiliates' trade execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms.
The Trustees of each fund have approved procedures whereby a fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the fund, its officers or Trustees, Strategic Advisers or Geode participates. In addition, for underwritings where a Strategic Advisers affiliate or Geode affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the funds could purchase in the underwritings.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of each fund are substantially the same as those of other funds managed by Strategic Advisers or its affiliates, investment decisions for each fund are made by Geode and are independent from those of other funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts) managed by Strategic Advisers or Geode or their affiliates. 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, 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, including a futures contract, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security as far as each fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability of the funds to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions and prices for the funds.
Orders for funds and investment accounts are not typically combined or blocked. However, Geode may, when feasible and when consistent with the fair and equitable treatment of all funds and investment accounts and best execution, block orders of various funds and investment accounts for order entry and execution.
Geode has established allocation policies for its various funds and investment accounts to ensure allocations are appropriate given its clients differing investment objectives and other considerations. When the supply/demand is insufficient to satisfy all outstanding trade orders, generally the amount executed is distributed among participating funds and investment accounts based on account asset size (for purchases and naked short sales), and security position size (for sales), or otherwise according to the allocation policies. These policies also apply to initial public and secondary offerings. Generally, allocations are determined by traders, independent of portfolio managers, in accordance with these policies. Allocations are determined and documented on trade date.
Geode's trade allocation policies identify circumstances under which it is appropriate to deviate from the general allocation criteria and describe the alternative procedures. For example, if a standard allocation would result in a fund or investment account receiving a very small allocation (e.g. because of its small asset size), the fund or investment account may receive an increased allocation to achieve a more meaningful allocation, or it may receive no allocation. Generally, any exceptions to Geode's policies (i.e. special allocations) must be approved by senior investment or trading personnel, reviewed by the compliance department and documented.
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.
For the fiscal period ended February 29, 2008, the portfolio turnover rates for each fund are presented in the table below.
Turnover Rates |
2008 |
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index B |
36% A |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index B |
65% A |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index B |
5% A |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index C |
16% |
Small Cap Enhanced Index C |
16% |
International Enhanced Index C |
15% |
A Annualized
B For the period April 19, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
C For the period December 20, 2007 (commencement of operations) to February 29, 2008.
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, each of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index, and Large Cap Core Enhanced Index held securities issued by one or more of its regular brokers or dealers or a parent company of its regular brokers or dealers. The following table shows the aggregate value of the securities of the regular broker or dealer or parent company held by a fund as of the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008.
Fund |
Regular Broker or Dealer |
Aggregate Value of
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
$ 149,953 |
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
$ 106,503 |
|
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. |
$ 62,941 |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
Bank of America Corporation |
$ 677,726 |
|
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
$ 196,262 |
|
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. |
$ 121,224 |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
Bank of America Corporation |
$ 12,462,385 |
|
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
$ 6,904,450 |
|
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. |
$ 2,893,263 |
The following table shows the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by each fund, comprising commissions paid on securities and/or futures transactions, as applicable, for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008. The total amount of brokerage commissions paid is stated as a dollar amount and a percentage of the fund's average net assets.
Fund |
Fiscal Year
|
Dollar
|
Percentage of
Average
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 3,580 |
0.01% |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 3,548 |
0.02% |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 56,239 |
0.02% |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 499 |
0.01% |
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 1,028 |
0.02% |
International Enhanced Index |
February 29, 2008 |
$ 2,214 |
0.04% |
For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, each fund paid no brokerage commissions to firms for providing research services.
Each fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV of each fund is computed by adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
Portfolio securities are valued by various methods depending on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. Most equity securities for which the primary market is the United States are valued at the official closing price, last sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the closing bid price. Most equity securities for which the primary market is outside the United States are valued using the official closing price or the last sale price in the principal market in which they are traded. If the last sale price (on the local exchange) is unavailable, the last evaluated quote or closing bid price normally is used. Securities of other open-end investment companies are valued at their respective NAVs.
Debt securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available may be valued at market values determined by such securities' most recent bid prices (sales prices if the principal market is an exchange) in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Or, debt securities and convertible securities may be valued on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Use of pricing services has been approved by the Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available, and the funds may use various pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing service.
Futures contracts and options are valued on the basis of market quotations, if available.
Independent brokers or quotation services provide prices of foreign securities in their local currency. Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC) gathers all exchange rates daily at the close of the NYSE using the last quoted price on the local currency and then translates the value of foreign securities from their local currencies into U.S. dollars. Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to exchange rate fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the calculation of NAV. If an event that is expected to materially affect the value of a portfolio security occurs after the close of an exchange or market on which that security is traded, then that security will be valued in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market quotations and information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available are valued either at amortized cost or at original cost plus accrued interest, both of which approximate current value.
The procedures set forth above need not be used to determine the value of the securities owned by a fund if, in the opinion of a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees, some other method would more accurately reflect the fair value of such securities. For example, securities and other assets for which there is no readily available market value may be valued in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. In making a good faith determination of the value of a security, the committee may review price movements in futures contracts and ADRs, market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers and off-exchange institutional trading.
BUYING, SELLING, AND EXCHANGING INFORMATION
A 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 Strategic Advisers 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 fund's 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 sale of such securities or other property.
Each 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 fund's policies for valuation of portfolio securities, equal to the purchase price of the fund shares issued. A fund will accept for in-kind purchases only securities or other instruments that are appropriate under its investment objective and policies. In addition, a 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. A portion of each of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index's, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index's, Large Cap Core Enhanced Index's, Mid Cap Enhanced Index's, and Small Cap Growth Enhanced Index's income may qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders. Because International Enhanced Index invests significantly in foreign securities, corporate shareholders should not expect dividends from this fund to qualify for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of the fund's dividends, when distributed to individual shareholders, may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met), or may be exempt from state and local taxation to the extent that they are derived from certain U.S. Government securities and meet certain requirements.
Capital Gain Distributions. Each fund's long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
As of February 29, 2008, Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $298,456. This loss carryforward, all of which will expire on February 29, 2016, is available to offset future capital gains. As of February 29, 2008, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $514,035. This loss carryforward, all of which will expire on February 29, 2016, is available to offset future capital gains. As of February 29, 2008, Large Cap Core Enhanced Index had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $391,157. This loss carryforward, all of which will expire on February 29, 2016, is available to offset future capital gains. Under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations, a fund's ability to utilize its capital loss carryforwards in a given year or in total may be limited.
Returns of Capital. If a fund's distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in the fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.
Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and interest earned by a fund with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of a fund's total assets is invested in securities of foreign issuers, the fund may elect to pass through eligible foreign taxes paid and thereby allow shareholders to take a deduction or, if they meet certain holding period requirements with respect to fund shares, a credit on their individual tax returns. Special rules may apply to the credit for individuals who receive dividends qualifying for the long-term capital gains tax rate.
Tax Status of Each Fund. Each 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, each 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, 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 each 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 a 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 a fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
The Trustees, Member of the Advisory Board, and executive officers of the trust and funds are listed below. The Board of Trustees governs each fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee each fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to each fund, and review each fund's performance. Except for Mr. Howard E. Cox, Jr. and Ms. Karen Kaplan, each of the Trustees oversees 15 funds advised by Strategic Advisers or an affiliate. Mr. Cox and Ms. Kaplan oversee eight funds advised by Strategic Advisers or an affiliate.
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. The executive officers and Advisory Board Member 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.
Interested Trustees *:
Correspondence intended for each Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation |
|
Roger T. Servison (62) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 Mr. Servison is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Servison serves as President of Strategic New Business Development for Fidelity Investments (1995-present), and oversees Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company (FILI) and Strategic Advisers (May 2005-present). He also serves as President and a Director of Fidelity Brokerages Services (Japan), LLC (1996-present), a Director of Fidelity Investments Asia Funding Corp. (2000-present), and a Director of Strategic Advisers (1999-present). Previously, he served as President of Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing Company and Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1991-1995), President of Monarch Capital (1990-1991), Senior Vice President of Fidelity Capital (1989-1990), Senior Vice President of Fidelity's New Business Development Group (1987-1989), and Senior Vice President of Fidelity Brokerage Services (1980-1987); and he served as a Director of FBSI Investments, Inc. (1993-2003), FMR Brokerage Holdings, Inc. (1999-2003), and Fidelity Partners Management Corp. (1997-2003). |
Abigail P. Johnson (46) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 Ms. Johnson serves as President of Fidelity Employer Services Company (FESCO) (2005-present). She is President and a Director of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2001-present), FMR Co., Inc. (2001-present), and a Director of FMR LLC. Previously, Ms. Johnson served as President and a Director of FMR (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by FMR (2001-2005), Senior Vice President of the Fidelity funds (2001-2005), and managed a number of Fidelity funds. |
* Trustees have been determined to be "Interested Trustees" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with Strategic Advisers. FMR Corp. merged with and into FMR LLC on October 1, 2007. Any references to FMR LLC for prior periods are deemed to be references to the prior entity.
Independent Trustees :
Correspondence intended for each Independent Trustee (that is, the Trustees other than the Interested Trustees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation |
|
Peter C. Aldrich (63) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 From January 1997 through December 2004, Mr. Aldrich was Chairman and Managing Member of AEGIS, LLC. (foreign private investment). From 1999 through December 2004, he was Faculty Chairman of The Research Council on Global Investment of The Conference Board (business and professional education non-profit). From 1998 through December 2004, Mr. Aldrich was Managing Member of Poseidon, LLC (foreign private investment). Previously, he was Co-Chairman of AEW Capital Management, L.P., a real estate investment advisor (1997-1998), and a founder and Managing Partner of Aldrich, Eastman & Waltch, Inc., a real estate investment advisor (1981-1996). Mr. Aldrich serves as a Member of the Board of the National Bureau of Economic Research (1994), a Member of the Board of Zipcar, Inc. (car sharing, 2002), and a Member of the Board of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (2003). |
Howard E. Cox, Jr. (64) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 Mr. Howard Cox is as a Partner of Greylock, a national venture capital firm, with which he has been associated since 1971. Prior to joining Greylock, Mr. Cox served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (1968-1971). He is currently a Director of Stryker Corporation (medical products and services). He has previously served on the boards of numerous public and private companies, including: The Boston Globe, American Medical Systems (acquired by Pfizer), AMISYS (acquired by McKessonHBOC), APPEX (acquired by EDS), Arbor (acquired by Extendicare), BMR Financial Group, Centene, Checkfree, Cogito Data Systems, Compdent (acquired by APPS), Execucom, HPR (acquired by McKessonHBOC), ISSCO (acquired by Computer Associates), Landacorp, Lunar (acquired by GE), Multimate, Rehab Systems (acquired by Novacare), Share Development (acquired by United Healthcare), United Publishers (acquired by NYNEX), VHA Long Term Care (acquired by ServiceMaster), and Vincam (acquired by ADP). Mr. Cox is a Director and former Chairman of the National Venture Capital Association. Mr. Howard Cox and Mr. Ralph Cox are not related. |
Ralph F. Cox (75) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 Mr. Cox is President of RABAR Enterprises (management consulting for the petroleum industry, 1998-present). Previously, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of CH2M Hill Companies (engineering), and Abraxas Petroleum (petroleum exploration and production, 1999). In addition, he is a member of advisory boards of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Ralph Cox and Mr. Howard Cox are not related. |
Karen Kaplan (48) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2006 Ms. Kaplan is President of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc., a subsidiary of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (group of advertising and specialized marketing and communication services companies). She has been with Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc. since 1982. Ms. Kaplan is Vice President of the Massachusetts Women's Forum and Vice Chair of the Board of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She serves as a Director of the Executive Committee of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, a Member of the President's Council of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, serves on the Advisory Council of the Urban Improv, and a Member of the Board of Mentors of Community Servings. Ms. Kaplan also serves as a Director of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group and Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts. |
Advisory Board Member and Executive Officers **:
Correspondence intended for each executive officer and Mr. Murphy may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation |
|
David L. Murphy (60) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2008 Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II. Mr. Murphy serves as President of Strategic Advisers (2008-present). Previously, Mr. Murphy served as Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2002-2008) and Fixed-Income Funds (2005-2008), Senior Vice President (2000-2008) and Head (2004-2008) of the Fidelity Investments Fixed Income Division, Senior Vice President of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2003-2008), and as Executive Vice President of FMR (2005-2008). Mr. Murphy also served as Money Market Group Leader (2002-2004), Bond Group Leader (2000-2002), and Vice President of certain Asset Allocation Funds (2003-2008), Balanced Funds (2005-2008), Fidelity's Taxable Bond Funds (2000-2002) and Fidelity's Municipal Bond Funds (2001-2002). |
Stephen D. Fisher (45) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of each fund. Mr. Fisher previously served as Vice President and Director of Fidfunds Mutual Limited (1998-2003) and is a Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel of Fidelity Investments. |
Mark Osterheld (52) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 President and Treasurer of each fund. Mr. Osterheld is an employee of Strategic Advisers and also serves as President and Treasurer of other Strategic Advisers funds (2006-present). Before joining Strategic Advisers, Mr. Osterheld served as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2002-2007) and was an employee of FMR. |
Charles V. Senatore (53) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Chief Compliance Officer of each fund. He also serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for the Fidelity Risk Oversight Group (2003-present). Before joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Senatore served as Co-Head of Global Compliance (2002-2003), Head of Private Client Compliance (2000-2002), and Head of Regulatory Affairs (1999-2000) at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Senatore serves as a Member of the SIFMA Compliance and Legal Division Executive Committee (2004-present), a Member of the SIFMA Self Regulation and Supervisory Practices Committee (2004-present), and a Member of the New York Stock Exchange Compliance Advisory Committee (2000-2003; 2005-present). He previously served as a Member (2001-2003) and Chair (2003) of the NASD's District 10 Business Committee in New York. |
R. Stephen Ganis (41) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer of each fund. Mr. Ganis also serves as AML Officer of other Fidelity funds (2006-present) and FMR LLC (2003-present). Before joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Ganis practiced law at Goodwin Proctor, LLP (2000-2002). |
Kathleen Tucker (49) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Chief Financial Officer of each fund. She also serves as Senior Vice President for Fidelity Pricing & Cash Management Services (1999-present). Previously, Ms. Tucker worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (1981-1999), where she was most recently a partner in the investment management practice. |
Peter L. Lydecker (54) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Assistant Treasurer of each fund. Mr. Lydecker also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2004) and is an employee of FMR. |
James R. Rooney (49) |
|
|
Year of Election or Appointment: 2007 Assistant Treasurer of each fund. Mr. Rooney is an employee of Strategic Advisers and also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Strategic Advisers funds (2007-present). Before joining Strategic Advisers, Mr. Rooney was a Vice President with Wellington Management Company, LLP (2001-2007). |
** FMR Corp. merged with and into FMR LLC on October 1, 2007. Any references to FMR LLC for prior periods are deemed to be references to the prior entity.
Standing Committees of the Funds' Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established two committees to supplement the work of the Board as a whole.
The Audit Committee is composed of Mr. Aldrich (Chair), Messrs. Howard Cox and Ralph Cox, and Ms. Kaplan. All committee members must be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company's balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The committee normally meets in conjunction with in person meetings of the Board of Trustees, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The committee meets separately periodically with the funds' Treasurer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR LLC, and with the funds' outside auditors. 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, (ii) the financial reporting processes of the funds, (iii) the independence, objectivity and qualification of the auditors to the funds, (iv) the annual audits of the funds' financial statements, 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. In furtherance of the foregoing, the committee has adopted (and may from time to time amend or supplement) and provides oversight of policies and procedures for non-audit engagements by outside auditors of the funds. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds, resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund's financial reporting, and has sole authority to hire and fire any auditor. 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 Independent Standards Board Standard No. 1. The committee will receive reports of compliance with provisions of the Auditor Independence Regulations relating to the hiring of employees or former employees of the outside auditors. It oversees and receives reports on the funds' service providers' internal controls and reviews with management, internal auditors, and outside counsel 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 review with counsel any legal matters that may have a material impact on the funds' financial statements and any material reports or inquiries received from regulators or governmental agencies. The committee reviews at least annually a report from the 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, will discuss with Strategic Advisers, 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, and will review with Strategic Advisers, the funds' Treasurer, outside auditor, and internal auditor personnel of FMR LLC (to the extent relevant) the results of audits of the funds' financial statements. The committee will review periodically each fund's major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. The committee also plays an oversight role in respect of each fund's compliance with its names test and investment restrictions, the code of ethics relating to personal securities transactions, the code of ethics applicable to certain senior officers of the funds and anti-money laundering requirements. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, the Audit Committee held five meetings.
The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mr. Ralph Cox (Chair), Messrs. Aldrich and Howard Cox and Ms. Kaplan. 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 the 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 reviews the performance of legal counsel employed by the funds and the Independent Trustees. On behalf of the Independent Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee monitors the functioning of each Board committee and makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee 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 for membership on committees. The committee shall have authority to retain and terminate any third-party advisers, including authority to approve fees and other retention terms. Such advisers may include search firms to identify Independent Trustee candidates and board compensation consultants. The committee may conduct or authorize investigations into or studies of matters within the committee's scope of responsibilities, and may retain, at the funds' expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, the Governance and Nominating Committee held three meetings.
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in each fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the Trustee for the calendar year ended December 31, 2007.
Interested Trustees |
||
DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
Abigail P. Johnson |
Roger T. Servison |
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
International Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
none |
none |
Independent Trustees |
||||
DOLLAR RANGE OF
|
Peter C. Aldrich |
Howard E. Cox, Jr. |
Ralph F. Cox |
Karen Kaplan |
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
International Enhanced Index |
none |
none |
none |
none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
none |
none |
$50,001 - $100,000 |
none |
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee for his or her services for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2008, or calendar year ended December 31, 2007, as applicable.
Compensation Table 1 |
|||||
AGGREGATE
|
Peter C.
|
Howard E.
|
Ralph F.
|
Karen
|
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index + |
$ 7,100 |
$ 7,100 |
$ 7,100 |
$ 6,271 |
|
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index + |
$ 6,596 |
$ 6,596 |
$ 6,596 |
$ 5,768 |
|
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index + |
$ 16,827 |
$ 16,827 |
$ 16,827 |
$ 15,983 |
|
Mid Cap Enhanced Index + |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
|
Small Cap Enhanced Index + |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
$ 131 |
|
International Enhanced Index + |
$ 148 |
$ 148 |
$ 148 |
$ 148 |
|
TOTAL COMPENSATION
|
$ 80,000 |
$ 80,000 |
$ 80,000 |
$ 70,000 |
|
1 Roger T. Servison and Abigail P. Johnson are interested persons and are compensated by Strategic Advisers or an affiliate (including FMR). In addition, effective March 6, 2008, David L. Murphy serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II and is not compensated for such service. Mr. Murphy is an interested person of the Trust by virtue of, among other things, his position with Strategic Advisers.
+ Estimated for the fund's first full year.
A Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2007 for 15 funds of three trusts.
As of February 29, 2008, approximately13.34% of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index's, 18.16% of Large Cap Value Enhanced Index's, 77.18% of Mid Cap Enhanced Index's, 71.53% of Small Cap Enhanced Index's, and 64.86% of International Enhanced Index's total outstanding shares were held by a Strategic Advisers affiliate. FMR LLC is the ultimate parent company of this Strategic Advisers affiliate. By virtue of her ownership interest in FMR LLC, as described in the "Control of Investment Advisers" section on page <Click Here> , Ms. Abigail P. Johnson, Trustee, may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of these shares. As of the above date, with the exception of Ms. Johnson's deemed ownership of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index's, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index's, Mid Cap Enhanced Index's, Small Cap Enhanced Index's, and International Enhanced Index's shares, the Trustees and officers of the funds owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of each fund's total outstanding shares.
As of February 29, 2008 , the following owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of each fund's outstanding shares:
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index - FIMM LLC, Seed Account, Merrimack, NH, 13.34%; Dore, Lake Charles, LA, 12.75%.
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index - FIMM LLC, Seed Account, Merrimack, NH, 18.16%.
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index - New Hampshire Higher Education Savings Plan Portfolio 2018, Boston, MA, 8.38%; New Hampshire Higher Education Savings Plan Portfolio 2015, Boston, MA, 6.68%; New Hampshire Higher Education Savings Plan 100% Equity Portfolio, Boston, MA, 6.62%; New Hampshire Higher Education Savings Plan Portfolio 2021, Boston, MA, 6.12%.
Mid Cap Enhanced Index - FIMM LLC, Seed Account, Merrimack, NH, 77.18%.
Small Cap Enhanced Index - FIMM LLC, Seed Account, Merrimack, NH, 71.53%.
International Enhanced Index - FIMM LLC, Seed Account, Merrimack, NH, 64.86%.
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of Strategic Advisers and FMR. The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family, directly or through trust and limited liability companies, 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.
Geode, a registered investment adviser, has principal offices at One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geode Capital Holdings, LLC. Geode was founded in January 2001 to develop and manage quantitative and investment strategies and to provide advisory and sub-advisory services.
Strategic Advisers, Geode, (the Investment Advisers), FDC, and the funds have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that set forth employees' fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establish procedures for personal investing, and restrict certain transactions. Employees subject to the codes of ethics, including Fidelity and Geode investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the funds.
Each fund has entered into a management contract with Strategic Advisers, pursuant to which Strategic Advisers furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Pursuant to an SEC exemptive order, Strategic Advisers intends to act as a manager of managers, meaning that Strategic Advisers has the responsibility to oversee sub-advisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees but without shareholder approval, Strategic Advisers may replace or hire unaffiliated sub-advisers or amend the terms of their existing sub-advisory agreements, if any. In the event of approval of a new unaffiliated sub-adviser, you will be provided with information about the new sub-adviser and sub-advisory agreement within ninety days of appointment.
Management and Sub-Advisory Services. Strategic Advisers provides each fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing such fund's investments, compensates all officers of each fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of Strategic Advisers, and all personnel of each fund or Strategic Advisers performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, Strategic Advisers or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of each fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining each fund's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining each fund's records and the registration of each fund's shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
Geode serves as sub-adviser of each fund. Under its management contract with each fund, Strategic Advisers acts as investment adviser. Under the sub-advisory agreement with each fund, and subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, Geode directs the investments of each fund in accordance with that fund's investment objective, policies, and limitations.
Management-Related Expenses. Under the terms of each fund's management contract, Strategic Advisers is responsible for payment of all operating expenses of each fund, with the exception of the following: interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, transfer agent fees and other expenses, and such nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
Strategic Advisers and each fund have entered into expense contracts, which oblige Strategic Advisers to pay all class-level expenses of each fund's current share class to limit total annual operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, and such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation) to 0.45% for each of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index, and Large Cap Core Enhanced Index, 0.60% for Mid Cap Enhanced Index, 0.67% for Small Cap Enhanced Index, and 0.62% for International Enhanced Index. These expense contracts may not be amended to increase the fees or expenses payable by each fund's current share class except by a vote of a majority of the Board and by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such class. Each fund may offer other share classes in the future that may be subject to higher fees and expenses.
Management Fee. For the services of Strategic Advisers under the management contract, each fund pays a monthly management fee as a percentage of its average net assets throughout the month at the annual rate of 0.30% for each of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index, Large Cap Core Enhanced Index; 0.45% for Mid Cap Enhanced Index; 0.52% for Small Cap Enhanced Index; and 0.47% for International Enhanced Index. The management fee paid to Strategic Advisers by each fund is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and expenses paid by that fund to the Independent Trustees.
Sub-Adviser - Geode. Each fund and Strategic Advisers have entered into sub-advisory agreements with Geode. Pursuant to each sub-advisory agreement, Strategic Advisers has granted Geode investment management authority as well as the authority to buy and sell securities.
Under the terms of the sub-advisory agreements, for providing investment management services to each fund, the sub-adviser is compensated as follows:
The following table shows the amount of management fees paid by each fund to Strategic Advisers and sub-advisory fees paid by Strategic Advisers, on behalf of each fund, to Geode for the past fiscal year.
* After reduction of fees and expenses paid by the fund to the Independent Trustees.
A Fund commenced operations on April 19, 2007.
B Fund commenced operations on December 20, 2007.
Strategic Advisers may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of a fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, certain securities lending costs, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, and extraordinary expenses), which is subject to revision or discontinuance. Strategic Advisers 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 by Strategic Advisers will increase a fund's returns, and repayment of the reimbursement by a fund will lower its returns.
Each fund is managed by Geode, a sub-adviser to each fund. Jeffrey Adams is the lead manager of each fund and receives compensation for his services. Bobe Simon is a portfolio manager of each fund and receives compensation for his services. Patrick Waddell is a portfolio manager of each fund and receives compensation for his services. As of February 29, 2008, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary, a bonus that is based on both objective and subjective criteria, and, in certain cases, participation in a profit-based compensation plan. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by Geode or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Each portfolio manager's base salary is determined annually by level of responsibility and tenure at Geode. The primary component for determining each portfolio manager's bonus is the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) relative to a custom peer group, if applicable, and relative to a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account. Performance is measured over multiple measurement periods that eventually encompass periods of up to five years. A portion of each portfolio manager's bonus is linked to the fund's relative pre-tax investment performance measured against the index identified below for the fund. A subjective component of each portfolio manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to the management of Geode, including recruiting, monitoring, and mentoring within the investment management teams, as well as time spent assisting in firm promotion. Each portfolio manager may also be compensated under a profit-based compensation plan, which is primarily based on the profits of Geode.
Fund |
Benchmark Index |
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund |
Russell 1000 Growth Index |
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund |
Russell 1000 Value Index |
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund |
S&P 500 |
Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
Russell Midcap Index |
Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
Russell 2000 Index |
International Enhanced Index Fund |
MSCI EAFE Index |
A portfolio manager's compensation plan can give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to firm promotion efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. Managing and providing research to multiple accounts (including proprietary accounts) can give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his/her time and investment ideas across multiple accounts. Securities selected for accounts other than the funds may outperform the securities selected for each fund.
In addition to managing each fund's investment portfolio, each portfolio manager also manages other investment portfolios and accounts on behalf of Geode or its affiliates.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Adams as of February 29, 2008:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
|
Other
|
Number of Accounts Managed |
17 |
1 |
20 |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none |
Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 72,421 |
$ 7,922 |
$ 297 |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none |
As of February 29, 2008, the dollar range of shares of each fund beneficially owned by Mr. Adams was as follows:
Fund |
Dollar Range of
|
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
International Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Simon as of February 29, 2008:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
|
Other
|
Number of Accounts Managed |
17 |
1 |
20 |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none |
Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 72,421 |
$ 7,922 |
$ 297 |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none |
As of February 29, 2008, the dollar range of shares of each fund beneficially owned by Mr. Simon was as follows:
Fund |
Dollar Range of
|
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
International Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Waddell as of February 29, 2008:
|
Registered
|
Other Pooled
|
Other
|
Number of Accounts Managed |
17 |
1 |
20 |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none |
none |
none |
Assets Managed (in millions) |
$ 72,421 |
$ 7,922 |
$ 297 |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) |
none |
none |
none |
As of February 29, 2008, the dollar range of shares of each fund beneficially owned by Mr. Waddell was as follows:
Fund |
Dollar Range of
|
|
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
Large Cap Value Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
Large Cap Core Enhanced Index |
$1 - $10,000 |
|
Mid Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
|
Small Cap Enhanced Index |
none |
|
International Enhanced Index |
none |
As an investment adviser, Geode holds voting authority for securities in many of the client accounts that it manages. Geode takes seriously its responsibility to monitor corporate events affecting securities in those client accounts and to exercise its voting authority with respect to those securities in the best interests of its clients (including shareholders of mutual funds for which it serves as advisor or sub-advisor). The purposes of these proxy voting policies are (1) to establish a framework for Geode's analysis and decision-making with respect to proxy voting and (2) to set forth operational procedures for Geode's exercise of proxy voting authority.
Overview
Geode applies the same voting decision for all accounts in which it exercises voting authority, and seeks in all cases to vote in a manner that Geode believes represents the best interests of its clients (including shareholders of mutual funds for which it serves as advisor or sub-advisor). Geode anticipates that, based on its current business model, it will manage the vast majority of assets under its management using passive investment management techniques, such as indexing. Geode also manages private funds and separate accounts using active investment management techniques, primarily employing quantitative investment strategies.
Geode has established an Operations Committee, consisting of senior officers and investment professionals, including, but not limited to Geode's President, Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), Chief Legal Officer ("CLO"), Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") and Compliance Manager. Members of the Operations Committee oversee the exercise of voting authority under these proxy voting policies, consulting with Geode's legal counsel with respect to controversial matters and for interpretive and other guidance. Geode will engage an established commercial proxy advisory service (the "Agent") for comprehensive analysis, research and voting recommendations, particularly for matters that may be controversial, present potential conflicts of interest or require case-by-case analysis under these guidelines. Geode has directed the Agent to employ the policies set forth below, together with more specific guidelines and instructions set forth in a detailed, customized questionnaire developed jointly by Geode and the Agent, to formulate recommended votes on each matter. Geode may determine to accept or reject any recommendation based on the research and analysis provided by the Agent or on any independent research and analysis obtained or generated by Geode; however, because the recommended votes are determined solely based on the customized policies established by Geode, Geode expects that the recommendations will be followed in most cases. The Agent also acts as a proxy voting agent to effect the votes and maintain records of all of Geode's proxy votes. In all cases, the ultimate voting decision and responsibility rests with the members of the Operations Committee, which are accountable to Geode's clients (including shareholders of mutual funds for which it serves as advisor or sub-advisor).
Due to its focused business model and the number of investments that Geode will make for its clients (particularly pursuant to its indexing strategy), Geode does not anticipate that actual or potential conflicts of interest are likely to occur in the ordinary course of its business; however, Geode believes it is essential to avoid having conflicts of interest affect its objective of voting in the best interest of its clients. Therefore, in the event that members of the Operations Committee, the Agent or any other person involved in the analysis or voting of proxies has knowledge of, or has reason to believe there may exist, any potential relationship, business or otherwise, between the portfolio company subject to the proxy vote and Geode (and any subsidiary of Geode) or their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, such person shall notify other members of the Operations Committee and may consult with outside counsel to Geode to analyze and address such potential conflict of interest. In the case of an actual conflict of interest, on the advice of counsel, Geode expects that the independent directors of Geode will consider the matter and may (1) determine that there is no conflict of interest (or that reasonable measures have been taken to remedy or avoid any conflict of interest) that would prevent Geode from voting the applicable proxy, (2) acting as independent directors, using such information as is available from the Agent, vote the applicable proxy, or (3) cause authority to delegated to the Agent or a similar special fiduciary to vote the applicable proxy.
Geode has established the specific proxy voting policies that are summarized below to maximize the value of investments in the clients' accounts, which it believes will be furthered through (1) accountability of a company's management and directors to its shareholders, (2) alignment of the interests of management with those of shareholders (including through compensation, benefit and equity ownership programs), and (3) increased disclosure of a company's business and operations. Geode reserves the right to override any of its proxy voting policies with respect to a particular shareholder vote when such an override is, in Geode's best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of Geode's clients.
Policies
All proxy votes shall be considered and made in a manner consistent with the best interest of Geode's clients (including shareholders of mutual fund clients) without regard to any other relationship, business or otherwise, between the portfolio company subject to the proxy vote and Geode or its affiliates. As a general matter, (1) proxies will be voted FOR incumbent members of a board of directors and FOR routine management proposals, except as otherwise addressed under these policies; (2) shareholder and non-routine management proposals addressed by these policies will be voted as provided in these policies; and (3) shareholder and non-routine management proposals not addressed by these policies will be evaluated by members of Geode's Operations Committee based on fundamental analysis and/or research and recommendations provided by the Agent, and members of the Operations Committee, which shall make the voting decision.
When voting the securities on non-US issuers, Geode will evaluate proposals in accordance with these policies but will also take local market standards of best practices into consideration. Geode may also limit or modify its voting at certain non-US meetings (e.g., if shares are required to be blocked or reregistered in connection with voting). Geode's specific policies are as follows:
I. Election of Directors
Geode will generally vote FOR incumbent members of a board of directors except:
II. Majority Election. Unless a company has a policy achieving a similar result, Geode will generally vote in favor of a proposal calling for directors to be elected by a majority of votes cast in a board election provided that the plurality vote applies when there are more nominees than board seats.
III. Vote AGAINST Anti-Takeover Proposals, including:
IV. Vote FOR proposed amendments to a company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws that enable the company to Opt Out of the Control Shares Acquisition Statutes.
V. Vote AGAINST the introduction of new classes of Stock with Differential Voting Rights.
VI. Vote FOR introduction and AGAINST elimination of Cumulative Voting Rights, except on a CASE-BY-CASE basis where this is determined not to enhance clients' interests as minority shareholders.
VII. Vote FOR elimination of Preemptive Rights.
VIII. Vote FOR Anti-Greenmail proposals so long as they are not part of anti-takeover provisions (in which case the vote will be AGAINST).
IX. Vote FOR charter and by-law amendments expanding the Indemnification of Directors to the maximum extent permitted under Delaware law (regardless of the state of incorporation) and vote AGAINST charter and by-law amendments completely Eliminating Directors' Liability for Breaches of Care, with all other situations addressed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
X. Vote FOR proposals to adopt Confidential Voting and Independent Vote Tabulation practices.
XI. Vote FOR Open-Market Stock Repurchase Programs, provided that the repurchase price to be paid would not exceed 105% of the market price as of the date of purchase.
XII. Vote FOR management proposals to implement a Reverse Stock Split when the number of shares will be proportionately reduced to avoid de-listing.
XIII. Vote FOR management proposals to Reduce the Par Value of common stock.
XIV. Vote FOR the Issuance of Large Blocks of Stock if such proposals have a legitimate business purpose and do not result in dilution of greater than 10%.
XV. Vote AGAINST Unusual Increases in Common Stock, which means any increase in excess of three times for U.S. securities or one time for non-U.S. securities. For these purposes, an increase is measure by adding to the requested increased authorization any stock authorized to be issued under Poison Pill, divided by the current stock outstanding plus any stock scheduled to be issued (not including Poison Pill authority).
XVI. Vote AGAINST the adoption of or amendment to authorize additional shares under a Stock Option Plan if:
XVII. Vote AGAINST the election of incumbents or a management slate in an election of directors if, within the last year and without shareholder approval, the company's board of directors or compensation committee has repriced outstanding options held by officers or directors which, together with all other options repriced under the same stock option plan (whether held by officers, directors or other employees) exceed 5% (for a large capitalization company) or 10% (for a small capitalization company) of the shares authorized for grant under the plan, unless such company seeks authorization of at least that amount at the very next shareholders' meeting and a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors has determined that (1) options need to be granted to employees other than the company's executive officers, (2) no shares are currently available for such options under the company's existing plans, and (3) such options need to be granted before the company's next shareholder meeting.
XVIII. Evaluate proposals to Reprice Outstanding Stock Options on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account such factors as: (1) whether the repricing proposal excludes senior management and directors; (2) whether the options proposed to be repriced exceeded the dilution thresholds described in these current proxy voting policies when initially granted; (3) whether the repricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable options pricing model; (4) the company's relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries; (5) economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and (6) other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether a repricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
XIX. Vote AGAINST adoption of or amendments to authorize additional shares for Restricted Stock Awards ("RSA") if:
XX. Vote AGAINST Omnibus Stock Plans if one or more component violates any of the criteria applicable to Stock Option Plans or RSAs under these proxy voting policies, unless such component is de minimis. In the case of an omnibus stock plan, the dilution limits applicable to Stock Option Plans or RSAs under these proxy voting policies will be measured against the total number of shares under all components of such plan.
XXI. Vote AGAINST Employee Stock Purchase Plans if the plan violates any of the relevant criteria applicable to Stock Option Plans or RSAs under these proxy voting policies, except that (1) the minimum stock purchase price may be equal to or greater than 85% of the stock's fair market value if the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company's equity, and (2) in the case of non-U.S. company stock purchase plans, the minimum stock purchase price may be equal to the prevailing "best practices," as articulated by the Agent, provided that the minimum stock purchase price must be at least 75% of the stock's fair market value.
XXII. Vote AGAINST Stock Awards (other than stock options and RSAs) unless on a CASE-BY-CASE basis it is determined they are identified as being granted to officers/directors in lieu of salary or cash bonus, subject to number of shares being reasonable.
XXIII. Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOPs") will be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally voting FOR non-leveraged ESOPs, and in the case of leveraged ESOPs, giving consideration to the company's state of incorporation, existence of supermajority vote rules in the charter, number of shares authorized for the ESOP, and number of shares held by insiders. Geode may also examine where the ESOP shares are purchased and the dilution effect of the purchase. Geode will vote AGAINST a leveraged ESOP if all outstanding loans are due immediately upon a change in control.
XXIV. Vote AGAINST management proposals on stock-based compensation plans or other Compensation Plans if the proposals are Inconsistent with the Interests of Shareholders of a company whose securities are held in client accounts, taking into account such factors as: (1) whether the company has an independent compensation committee; and (2) whether the compensation committee has authority to engage independent compensation consultants. In addition, Geode may vote AGAINST the election of incumbents or a management slate in the concurrent or next following vote on the election of directors based on such factors or if Geode believes a board has approved executive compensation arrangements inconsistent with the interests of shareholders of a company whose securities are held in client accounts.
XXV. ABSTAIN with respect to shareholder proposals addressing Social/Political Responsibility Issues, which Geode believes generally address ordinary business matters that are primarily the responsibility of a company's management and board, except:
To view a fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
Each fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of Strategic Advisers. The principal business address of FDC is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreements call for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the funds, which are continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by Strategic Advisers.
The Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans on behalf of each fund (the Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual 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 Strategic Advisers to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the funds of distribution expenses.
Under each Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to Strategic Advisers is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. Each Plan specifically recognizes that Strategic Advisers 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, each Plan provides that Strategic Advisers, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries, including retirement plan sponsors, administrators, and service-providers (who may be affiliated with Strategic Advisers or FDC), that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares of Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index, Large Cap Core Enhanced Index, Mid Cap Enhanced Index, Small Cap Enhanced Index, and International Enhanced Index.
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 each fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that each Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those made to Strategic Advisers under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan gives Strategic Advisers and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of shares of the fund or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plans 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, including retirement plan sponsors, administrators, and service-providers (including affiliates of FDC). 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 the National Association of Securities Dealers rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
A fund's 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 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 a fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from Strategic Advisers, 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
Each fund has entered into a transfer agent agreement with Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc. (FIIOC), an affiliate of Strategic Advisers, which is located at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Under the terms of the agreements, FIIOC (or an agent, including an affiliate) performs transfer agency services for shares of each fund.
For providing transfer agency services, FIIOC receives an asset-based fee, calculated and paid monthly on the basis of each fund's average daily net assets.
FIIOC also 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.
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.
Many fund shares are owned by intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. Since a fund often does not maintain an account for shareholders in those instances, 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 funds, 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.
Each fund has entered into a service agent agreement with FSC (or an agent, including an affiliate). Each fund has also entered into a securities lending administration agreement with FSC. Under the terms of the agreements, FSC calculates the NAV and dividends for shares of each fund, maintains each fund's portfolio and general accounting records, and administers each fund's securities lending program.
For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a monthly fee based on each fund's average daily net assets throughout the month.
The annual rates for pricing and bookkeeping services for the funds are 0.0389% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.0207% 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.
For administering each fund's securities lending program, FSC is paid based on the number and duration of individual securities loans.
Strategic Advisers may bear all, or a portion, of the costs of transfer agency, dividend disbursing, and shareholder services, pricing and bookkeeping services, and administration of the securities lending program under the terms of its management contract and expense contract with each fund.
Trust Organization. Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund are funds of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, an open-end management investment company created under an initial trust instrument dated September 25, 2006. Currently, there are six funds offered in Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II: Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund. The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of the funds.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each of its funds and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law. Delaware law provides that, except to the extent otherwise provided in the Trust Instrument, shareholders shall be entitled to the same limitations of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the general corporation law of Delaware. The courts of some states, however, may decline to apply Delaware law on this point. The Trust Instrument contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust. The Trust Instrument 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 Trust Instrument further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Trust Instrument provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Trust Instrument also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which Delaware law does not apply, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect, and a fund is unable to meet its obligations. Strategic Advisers believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is extremely remote.
Voting Rights. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value you own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of the trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
Custodians. Mellon Bank, N.A., One Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is custodian of the assets of each fund. The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The Bank of New York and JPMorgan Chase Bank, each headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodians of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions.
Strategic Advisers, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, Member of the Advisory Board, 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 Strategic Advisers. Transactions that may have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of Strategic Advisers, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, examines financial statements for each fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
Each fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, and report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the fund's annual report and are incorporated herein by reference. Total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table may differ from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the financial highlights because total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table include any acquired fund fees and expenses, whereas the ratios of expenses in the financial highlights do not. Acquired funds include other investment companies (such as central funds or other underlying funds) in which a fund has invested, if and to the extent it is permitted to do so. Total annual operating expenses in the prospectus fee table and the financial highlights do not include any expenses associated with investments in certain structured or synthetic products that may rely on the exception from the definition of "investment company" provided by section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.
Each fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized Strategic Advisers, in consultation with FMR, to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. The funds' disclosure policy will be evaluated with the goal of serving a fund's best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about a fund's portfolio and protecting a 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.
Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index, Large Cap Value Enhanced Index, Large Cap Core Enhanced Index, Mid Cap Enhanced Index, and International Enhanced Index 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 its fiscal quarter-end).
Small Cap Enhanced Index will provide a full list of holdings as of the end of the fund's fiscal quarter on www.fidelity.com 60 days after its fiscal quarter-end.
Each fund will provide its top ten holdings (excluding cash and futures) as of the end of the calendar quarter on Fidelity's web site 15 or more days after the calendar quarter-end.
This information will be available on the web site until updated for the next applicable period.
Each fund may also from time to time provide specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics to the Board or third parties, such as fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the investment activities of each fund 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 Strategic Advisers believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include: a fund's trustees; a fund's manager, its sub-advisers and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics; contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; a fund's auditors; a fund's custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to a fund or their Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; and third-parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by a fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, each fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third-parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by Strategic Advisers or its affiliates, (ii) third parties that supply their analyses of holdings (but not the holdings themselves) to their clients (including sponsors of retirement plans or their consultants), (iii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iv) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving a fund. Each individual request is reviewed and a determination is made that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to a 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. Strategic Advisers relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to a fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are Factset Research Systems Inc. (full holdings daily, on the next business day) and Anacomp Inc. (full or partial holdings daily, on the next business day).
Strategic Advisers, its affiliates, or the funds 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, Strategic Advisers desired to make such an arrangement, it would seek prior Board approval 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.
About the S&P 500. The S&P 500 is a well-known stock market index that includes common stocks of companies representing a significant portion of the market value of all common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The composition of the S&P 500 is determined by Standard & Poor's and is based on such factors as the market capitalization and trading activity of each stock and its adequacy as a representation of stocks in a particular industry group. Standard & Poor's may change the index's composition from time to time.
The performance of the S&P 500 is a hypothetical number that does not take into account brokerage commissions and other costs of investing, which the funds bear.
Although Standard & Poor's obtains information for inclusion in or for use in the calculation of the S&P 500 from sources which it considers reliable, Standard & Poor's does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the S&P 500 or any data included therein. Standard & Poor's makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the licensee, owners of the funds, or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed hereunder or for any other use. Standard & Poor's makes no express or implied warranties, and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the S&P 500 and any data included therein.
About the Russell 1000. The Russell 1000 is an unmanaged market-capitalization-weighted index measuring the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.
The Russell 1000 Growth Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of those stocks of the 1,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies that exhibit growth-oriented characteristics.
The Russell 1000 Value Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of those stocks of the 1,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies that exhibit value-oriented characteristics.
About the Russell Midcap Index. The Russell Midcap Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of medium-capitalization U.S. company stocks.
About the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the stocks of the 2,000 smallest companies included in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 Index comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. domiciled companies.
MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to represent the daily price and total return performance of common or ordinary shares in developed markets in Europe, Australia and the Far East. Securities in the index are selected by MSCI. To achieve a proper balance between a high level of tracking, liquidity and restricted float considerations, MSCI aims to capture 60% of each country's market capitalization, and to assure that the index reflects the industry characteristics of each country's overall market, MSCI aims to capture 60% of the capitalization of each industry group, as defined by local practice. From the universe of available stocks in each industry group, stocks are selected up to approximately the 60% level, subject to liquidity, float, and cross-ownership considerations. In addition to market capitalization, a stock's importance may be assessed by such measures as sales, net income, and industry output. Maximization of liquidity is balanced by the consideration of other factors such as overall industry representation. Liquidity, measured by trading value as reported by the local exchange, is assessed over time based on an absolute as well as relative basis. While a hard-and-fast liquidity yardstick is not utilized, trading values are monitored to establish a "normal" level across short-term market peaks and troughs. Maximum float, or the percentage of a company's shares that are freely tradable, is an important optimization parameter but not a hard-and-fast rule for stock selection. While some exceptions are made, index constituents are included at 100% of market capitalization. A representative sample of large, medium, and small companies is included in the index.
Structural changes due to industry composition or regulations generally take place every one year to 18 months. These are implemented on the first business day in March, June, September, and December of each year and are announced at least two weeks in advance. Companies may be deleted because they have diversified away from their industry classification, because the industry has evolved in a different direction from the company's thrust, or because a better industry representative exists in the form of a new issue or existing company. New issues generally undergo a "seasoning" period of one year to 18 months prior to eligibility for inclusion in the index. New issues due to an initial public offering of significant size that change a country's market and industry profiles, and generate strong investor interest likely to assure a high level of liquidity, may be included in the index immediately. The market capitalization of constituent companies is weighted on the basis of their full market value, i.e., without adjustments for "long term holdings" or partial foreign investment restrictions. To address the issue of restriction on foreign ownership, an additional series of "Free" indices are calculated for countries and markets with restrictions on foreign ownership of shares. While some exceptions apply, the index is computed using the last transaction price recorded on the dominant stock exchange in each market. WM/Reuters Closing Spot Rates as of 4:00 p.m. London Time are used for currency conversions. MSCI calculates the MSCI EAFE Index with and without giving effect to dividends paid by index companies. To reflect the performance impact of dividends paid by index companies, MSCI also estimates the total return of the MSCI EAFE Index by reinvesting one twelfth of the month end dividend yield at every month end for periods after January 1, 1997, the MSCI EAFE Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S.-based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts. Dividends are deemed to be received on the payment date while the reinvestment of dividends occurs at the end of the month in which the payment date falls.
Fidelity, Fidelity Investments & (Pyramid) Design, and Strategic Advisers are registered trademarks of FMR LLC.
Geode is a registered trademark of Geode Capital Management, LLC.
The third party marks appearing above are the marks of their respective owners.
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
(a) Trust Instrument, dated September 25, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a) of the Initial Registration Statement on N-1A.
(b) Bylaws of the Trust, dated September 25, 2006, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of the Initial Registration Statement on N-1A.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) (1) Management Contract, dated April 12, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Management Contract, dated April 12, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(3) Management Contract, dated April 12, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(4) Management Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund is filed herein as Exhibit (d)(4).
(5) Management Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund is filed herein as Exhibit (d)(5).
(6) Management Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Strategic Advisers, Inc. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund is filed herein as Exhibit (d)(6).
(7) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(8) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(9) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(10) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(11) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(12) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement among Strategic Advisers, Inc., Geode Capital Management, LLC and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(12) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(e) (1) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(3) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(4) General Distribution Agreement, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit (e)(4).
(5) General Distribution Agreement, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit (e)(5).
(6) General Distribution Agreement, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit (e)(6).
(f) None.
(g) (1) Custodian Agreement and Appendix B, C, D, and E, dated April 12, 2007, between Mellon Bank, N.A. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of the Registrant is filed herein as Exhibit (g)(1).
(2) Appendix A, dated December 16, 2007, to the Custodian Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, between Mellon Bank, N.A. and Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II on behalf of the Registrant is filed herein as Exhibit (g)(2).
(h) (1) 62 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit (h)(1).
(2) 67 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit (h)(2).
(3) 60 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated December 11, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Strategic Advisers, Inc. is filed herein as Exhibit (h)(3).
(i) Legal Opinion of Dechert LLP for Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index fund, Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund, dated April 25, 2008, is filed herein as Exhibit (i).
(j) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, dated April 29, 2008, is filed herein as Exhibit (j).
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(m) (1) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(3) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(4) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2.
(5) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2.
(6) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (m)(6) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2.
(n) Not applicable.
(p) (1) Code of Ethics, dated February 2008, adopted by each fund and Strategic Advisers and Fidelity Distributors Corporation pursuant to Rule 17j-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Fidelity Summer Street Trust's (File No. 811-02737) Amendment No. 70.
(2) Code of Ethics, dated November 2007, adopted by Geode Capital Management, LLC and Geode Capital Management LP pursuant to Rule 17j-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(3) of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust's (File No. 811-02105) Post-Effective Amendment No. 107.
Item 24. Trusts Controlled by or under Common Control with this Trust
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the board of other Fidelity funds, each of which has Fidelity Management & Research Company, or an affiliate, 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 25. Indemnification
Pursuant to Del. Code Ann. title 12 § 3817, a Delaware statutory trust may provide in its governing instrument for the indemnification of its officers and trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. Article X, Section 10.02 of the Trust Instrument 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 Trust Instrument, 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, Inc. ("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 FIIOC's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and arises out of or in connection with FIIOC's performance under the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2) any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to by FIIOC's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties) which results from the negligence of the Registrant, or from FIIOC's 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 FIIOC's acting in reliance upon advice reasonably believed by FIIOC to have been given by counsel for the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOC's 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.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers
(1) STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
Strategic Advisers, Inc. serves as investment adviser to the funds and provides investment supervisory services to individuals, banks, thrifts, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and other business organizations, and provides a variety of publications on investment and personal finance. The directors and officers of Strategic Advisers have held, during the past two fiscal years, the following positions of a substantial nature.
David L. Murphy |
President and Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Steven P. Akin |
Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006); President and Director of FDC (2006). |
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Mary Brady |
Assistant Secretary of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Wilfred Chilangwa |
Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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James Cracraft |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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William Ebsworth |
Director and Chief Investment Officer of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008); Previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Howard Galligan |
Director and Chief Operating Officer of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008); Previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008) and Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006). |
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Scott B. Kuldell |
Senior vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008); Previously served as Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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John J. Hitt |
Assistant Secretary of FMR U.K. and FDC (2006); Previously served as Assistant Secretary of FMR, FMRC, FRAC, FIMM, FMR LLC and Strategic Advisers, Inc., (2008). |
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Patricia Hurley |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. |
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Robert B. MacDonald |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008); Previously served as Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Jeffrey Mitchell |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Charles L. Nickerson |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Gregory Pappas |
Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Kenneth A. Rathgeber |
Chief Compliance Officer of FMR, FMRC, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, and Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2005). |
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Roger T. Servison |
Director of Strategic Advisers, Inc. |
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Alan Scheuer |
Treasurer of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006); Chief Financial Officer (2007), Executive Vice President (2007), and Treasurer (2006) of FMR LLC. |
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Robert Slotpole |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008). |
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Nicholas E. Steck |
Senior Vice President of FRAC and FIMM (2008); Compliance Officer of FMR, FMRC, FMR U.K., FRAC, and FIMM (2006), Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2005), and FMR LLC (2002); Previously served as Vice President of FMR (2006); Senior Vice President of FMR (2006). |
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Michele A. Stecyk |
Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. |
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Geoff Stein |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006); Previously served as Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006). |
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Susan Sturdy |
Assistant Secretary of FMR, FMRC, and FDC; Secretary of FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, Strategic Advisers, Inc., and FMR LLC (2006); Previously served as Assistant Secretary of FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, Strategic Advisers, Inc., and FMR LLC (2006). |
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Robert Vick |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2008); Previously served as Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006). |
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Erica Von Ahnen |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006). |
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J. Gregory Wass |
Assistant Treasurer of FMR, FMRC, FMR U.K., FRAC, FIMM, Strategic Advisers, Inc., FDC and FMR LLC (2003); Vice President, Taxation, of FMR LLC. |
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Jonathan F. Weed |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006); Previously served as Vice President of Strategic Advisers, Inc. (2006). |
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(2) GEODE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC (Geode)
The directors and officers of Geode Capital Management, LLC have held, during the past two fiscal years, the following positions of a substantial nature.
Principal business addresses of the investment adviser, sub-advisers and affiliates.
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Research & Analysis Company (FRAC)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM)
One Spartan Way
Merrimack, NH 03054
Fidelity International Investment Advisors (FIIA)
Pembroke Hall
42 Crow Lane
Pembroke, Bermuda HM 19
Fidelity International Investment Advisors (U.K.) Limited (FIIA(U.K.)L)
25 Cannon Street
London, England EC4M5TA
Fidelity Investments Japan Limited (FIJ)
Shiroyama Trust Tower
4-3-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 105-6019
Strategic Advisers, Inc.
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
FMR LLC
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Geode Capital Management, LLC (Geode)
One Post Office Square, 28th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Fidelity Management Trust Company
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Fidelity Investors Management LLC
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
(a) Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) acts as distributor for all funds advised by Strategic Advisers, Inc. or an affiliate.
(b) |
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Name and Principal |
Positions and Offices |
Positions and Offices |
Business Address* |
with Underwriter |
with Fund |
Steven Akin |
Director and President (2006) |
None |
Susan Boudrot |
Chief Compliance Officer (2004) |
None |
Jane Greene |
Treasurer and Controller |
None |
John J. Hitt |
Assistant Secretary (2006) |
None |
Craig Huntley |
Executive Vice President (2006) |
None |
Rodger A. Lawson |
Director |
None |
William F. Loehning |
Executive Vice President (2003) |
None |
John McGinty |
Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
None |
Susan Sturdy |
Assistant Secretary |
None |
J. Gregory Wass |
Assistant Treasurer |
None |
* 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. 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 Strategic Advisers, Inc., or Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109, or the funds' custodian, Mellon Bank, One Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA. JPMorgan Chase Bank, headquartered in New York, also may serve as a special purpose custodian of certain assets. The Bank of New York, headquartered in New York, also may serve as a special purpose custodian of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement transactions.
Item 29. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 30. Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this 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 28th day of April 2008.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II |
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By |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld, President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
\\\\\\\\\ |
Title |
\\\\\\\\\ |
Date |
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/s/Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Mark Osterheld |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/Kathleen A. Tucker |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Kathleen A. Tucker |
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(Principal Financial Officer) |
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* |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Peter C. Aldrich |
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* |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Howard E. Cox, Jr. |
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* |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Ralph F. Cox |
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/s/Abigail P. Johnson |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Abigail P. Johnson |
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* |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Karen Kaplan |
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/s/Roger T. Servison |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
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Roger T. Servison |
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Trustee |
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April 28, 2008 |
* By: /s/Joseph R. Fleming April 28, 2008
Joseph R. Fleming, attorney in fact
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Trustees of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II (the "Trust"), pursuant to the authority granted to the Trust's Board of Trustees in Section 4.01(l) of Article IV of the Trust's Trust Instrument dated September 25, 2006, hereby constitute and appoint Joseph R. Fleming our true and lawful attorney-in-fact to sign for us and in our names in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Trust on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, any Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in our names and on our behalf in connection therewith as said attorney-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of (i) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any related rules, regulations, orders or other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and any related rules, regulations, orders or other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (iii) state or municipal securities, business entities and tax laws, and any related requirements of such states or municipalities. We hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney-in-fact may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after September 10, 2007.
WITNESS our hands on this tenth day of September 2007.
/s/Peter C. Aldrich
Peter C. Aldrich
/s/Howard E. Cox, Jr.
Howard E. Cox, Jr.
/s/Ralph F. Cox
Ralph F. Cox
/s/Karen Kaplan
Karen Kaplan
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Secretary of the investment companies for which Fidelity Management & Research Company or an affiliate acts as investment adviser (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby severally constitute and appoint Joseph R. Fleming, John V. O'Hanlon, Robert W. Helm and Anthony H. Zacharski, each of them singly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, any and all representations with respect to the consistency of foreign language translation prospectuses with the original prospectuses filed in connection with the Post-Effective Amendments for the Funds 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 July 1, 2006.
WITNESS my hand on this first day of July, 2006.
/s/Eric D. Roiter
Eric D. Roiter
Exhibit (d)(4)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 11th day of December, 2007, by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, any sub-advisers, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.47% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the Trust Instrument) throughout the month; provided that the amount payable to the Adviser shall be reduced by the amount of any Trustees' fees payable or paid during the month; and further provided that in the case of initiation or termination of this contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The Adviser undertakes to pay all expenses involved in the operation of the Portfolio, including all expenses allocable at the Portfolio level, except the following: (i) transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses allocable at the class level; (ii) interest and taxes; (iii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Fund's Trustees other than those who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser; and (v) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is a party and the legal obligation which the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Portfolio, including charges for exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is also understood that the Adviser and/or the Portfolio may, from time to time, allocate or reallocate expenses between the Portfolio and any class of the Portfolio.
5. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6. Subject to the prior written approval of the Trustees of the Trust, satisfaction of all applicable requirements under the 1940 Act, and such other terms and conditions as the Trustees may impose, the Adviser may appoint (and may from time to time remove) one or more unaffiliated persons as agent to perform any or all of the services specified hereunder and to carry out such provisions of this Agreement as the Adviser may from time to time direct and may delegate to such unaffiliated persons the authority vested in the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement to the extent necessary to enable such persons to perform the services requested of such person by the Adviser, provided however, that the appointment of any such agent shall not relieve the Adviser of any of its liabilities hereunder.
7. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 7, this Contract shall continue in force until July 31, 2009 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 7, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
8. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund's Trust Instrument and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under the Trust Instrument are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
9. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (d)(5)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY MID CAP ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 11th day of December, 2007, by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, any sub-advisers, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the Trust Instrument) throughout the month; provided that the amount payable to the Adviser shall be reduced by the amount of any Trustees' fees payable or paid during the month; and further provided that in the case of initiation or termination of this contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The Adviser undertakes to pay all expenses involved in the operation of the Portfolio, including all expenses allocable at the Portfolio level, except the following: (i) transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses allocable at the class level; (ii) interest and taxes; (iii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Fund's Trustees other than those who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser; and (v) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is a party and the legal obligation which the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Portfolio, including charges for exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is also understood that the Adviser and/or the Portfolio may, from time to time, allocate or reallocate expenses between the Portfolio and any class of the Portfolio.
5. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6. Subject to the prior written approval of the Trustees of the Trust, satisfaction of all applicable requirements under the 1940 Act, and such other terms and conditions as the Trustees may impose, the Adviser may appoint (and may from time to time remove) one or more unaffiliated persons as agent to perform any or all of the services specified hereunder and to carry out such provisions of this Agreement as the Adviser may from time to time direct and may delegate to such unaffiliated persons the authority vested in the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement to the extent necessary to enable such persons to perform the services requested of such person by the Adviser, provided however, that the appointment of any such agent shall not relieve the Adviser of any of its liabilities hereunder.
7. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 7, this Contract shall continue in force until July 31, 2009 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 7, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
8. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund's Trust Instrument and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under the Trust Instrument are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
9. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (d)(6)
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY SMALL CAP ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
AGREEMENT made this 11th day of December, 2007, by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, any sub-advisers, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.52% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the Trust Instrument) throughout the month; provided that the amount payable to the Adviser shall be reduced by the amount of any Trustees' fees payable or paid during the month; and further provided that in the case of initiation or termination of this contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The Adviser undertakes to pay all expenses involved in the operation of the Portfolio, including all expenses allocable at the Portfolio level, except the following: (i) transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses allocable at the class level; (ii) interest and taxes; (iii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iv) the fees and expenses of the Fund's Trustees other than those who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser; and (v) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is a party and the legal obligation which the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Portfolio, including charges for exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is also understood that the Adviser and/or the Portfolio may, from time to time, allocate or reallocate expenses between the Portfolio and any class of the Portfolio.
5. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6. Subject to the prior written approval of the Trustees of the Trust, satisfaction of all applicable requirements under the 1940 Act, and such other terms and conditions as the Trustees may impose, the Adviser may appoint (and may from time to time remove) one or more unaffiliated persons as agent to perform any or all of the services specified hereunder and to carry out such provisions of this Agreement as the Adviser may from time to time direct and may delegate to such unaffiliated persons the authority vested in the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement to the extent necessary to enable such persons to perform the services requested of such person by the Adviser, provided however, that the appointment of any such agent shall not relieve the Adviser of any of its liabilities hereunder.
7. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 7, this Contract shall continue in force until July 31, 2009 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases or no-action letters of, the Commission or its staff.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 7, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
8. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund's Trust Instrument and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under the Trust Instrument are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
9. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders or no-action letters as may be granted by the Commission or its staff.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (e)(4)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 11th day of December, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Strategic Advisers, Inc. ("Strategic") or any of its affiliates.
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective Registration Statement under the 1933 Act. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that Strategic or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of Strategic or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer but shall not include renumeration related to portfolio securities transactions.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until December 10, 2009 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust Instrument or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Trust Instrument or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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By: |
/s /Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (e)(5)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 11th day of December, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Strategic Advisers, Inc. ("Strategic") or any of its affiliates.
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective Registration Statement under the 1933 Act. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that Strategic or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of Strategic or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer but shall not include renumeration related to portfolio securities transactions.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until December 10, 2009 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust Instrument or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Trust Instrument or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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By: |
/s /Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (e)(6)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 11th day of December, 2007, between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the 1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available, between and among the funds advised by Strategic Advisers, Inc. ("Strategic") or any of its affiliates.
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further, the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, the Issuer shall collect the fee and, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, the Issuer shall be entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer. This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective Registration Statement under the 1933 Act. The Distributor will not direct remuneration from commissions paid by the Issuer for portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer for promoting or selling fund shares.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements, Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it is recognized by the Issuer that Strategic or its affiliates may make payment to Distributors with respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of Strategic or its affiliates including management fees paid to it by the Issuer but shall not include renumeration related to portfolio securities transactions.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law, alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution, and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until December 10, 2009 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons" shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving notice: if to the Issuer, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, and if to Distributors, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust Instrument or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer. Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Trust Instrument or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized, and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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By: |
/s /Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (g)(1)
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of April 12, 2007 Between Each of the Investment Companies Listed on Appendix A Attached Hereto and Mellon Bank, N.A. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||||||
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN | 1 | ||||
ARTICLE II | POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN | 1 | ||||
Section | 2.01. | Safekeeping | 2 | |||
Section | 2.02. | Manner of Holding Securities and Other Assets | 2 | |||
Section | 2.03. | Security Purchases | 3 | |||
Section | 2.04. | Exchanges of Securities | 4 | |||
Section | 2.05. | Sales of Securities | 5 | |||
Section | 2.06. | Depositary Receipts | 5 | |||
Section | 2.07. | Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers | 6 | |||
Section | 2.08. | Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc | 6 | |||
Section | 2.09. | Options | 6 | |||
Section | 2.10. | Futures Contracts | 6 | |||
Section | 2.11. | Borrowing | 7 | |||
Section | 2.12. | Interest Bearing Deposits | 7 | |||
Section | 2.13. | Foreign Exchange Transactions | 8 | |||
Section | 2.14. | Securities Loans | 9 | |||
Section | 2.15. | Collections | 9 | |||
Section | 2.16. | Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions | 9 | |||
Section | 2.17. | Proceeds from Shares Sold | 10 | |||
Section | 2.18. | Proxies, Notices, Etc | 10 | |||
Section | 2.19. | Bills and Other Disbursements | 10 | |||
Section | 2.20. | Nondiscretionary Functions | 10 | |||
Section | 2.21. | Bank Accounts | 11 | |||
Section | 2.22. | Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems and Eligible | ||||
Securities Depositories | 12 | |||||
Section | 2.23. | Other Transfers | 16 | |||
Section | 2.24. | Establishment of Segregated Account | 16 | |||
Section | 2.25. | Custodians Books and Records | 16 | |||
Section | 2.26. | Opinion of Funds Independent Certified Public Accountants | 17 | |||
Section | 2.27. | Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants | 17 | |||
Page | ||||||
Section | 2.28. | Overdraft Facility | 17 | |||
Section | 2.29. | Insurance Requirements | 18 | |||
Section | 2.30. | Provision of Information | 19 | |||
Section | 2.31. | Compliance and Internal Control Reports | 19 | |||
Section | 2.32. | Local Regulatory Matters | 19 | |||
ARTICLE III | PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND | |||||
RELATED MATTERS | 19 | |||||
Section | 3.01. | Proper Instructions and Special Instructions | 19 | |||
Section | 3.02. | Authorized Persons | 20 | |||
Section | 3.03. | Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios | 20 | |||
Section | 3.04. | Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and Special | ||||
Instructions | 21 | |||||
ARTICLE IV | SUBCUSTODIANS | 21 | ||||
Section | 4.01. | Domestic Subcustodians | 21 | |||
Section | 4.02. | Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians | 21 | |||
Section | 4.03. | Special Subcustodians | 24 | |||
Section | 4.04. | Termination of a Subcustodian | 25 | |||
Section | 4.05. | Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians | 25 | |||
ARTICLE V | STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION | 26 | ||||
Section | 5.01. | Standard of Care | 26 | |||
Section | 5.02. | Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons | 27 | |||
Section | 5.03. | Indemnification | 28 | |||
Section | 5.04. | Investment Limitations | 29 | |||
Section | 5.05. | Funds Right to Proceed | 29 | |||
ARTICLE VI | COMPENSATION | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | TERMINATION | 30 | ||||
Section | 7.01. | Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds | 30 | |||
Section | 7.02. | Termination as to One or More Portfolios | 31 | |||
ARTICLE VIII | DEFINED TERMS | 31 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | MISCELLANEOUS | 32 | ||||
Section | 9.01. | Execution of Documents, Etc | 32 | |||
Section | 9.02. | Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations | 33 | |||
Section | 9.03. | Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios | 33 | |||
Section | 9.04. | Representations and Warranties | 33 | |||
Section | 9.05. | Entire Agreement | 34 | |||
Section | 9.06. | Waivers and Amendments | 34 | |||
Section | 9.07. | Interpretation | 35 | |||
Section | 9.08. | Captions | 35 | |||
Section | 9.09. | Governing Law | 35 | |||
Section | 9.10. | Notices | 35 | |||
Section | 9.11. | Assignment | 36 | |||
Section | 9.12. | Counterparts | 36 | |||
Section | 9.13. | Consent to Recording | 36 | |||
Section | 9.14. | Confidentiality; Reporting under Securities Exchange Act of | ||||
1934 | 36 | |||||
Section | 9.15. | Survival of Obligations | 37 | |||
Section | 9.16. | Additional Services | 37 |
APPENDICES | ||||||
Appendix | A | - | List of Funds and Portfolios | |||
Appendix | B | - | List of Additional Custodians, | |||
Special Subcustodians and Foreign | ||||||
Subcustodians | ||||||
Appendix | C | Procedures Relating to | ||||
Custodian Security Interest | ||||||
Appendix | D | - | List of Central Funds and Fund of Funds Portfolios | |||
Appendix | E | - | List of Transfer Agent Accounts |
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
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AGREEMENT made as of the 12 th day of April, 2007 between each of the Investment Companies Listed on Appendix A hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time, (each a Fund and collectively the Funds) and Mellon Bank, N.A. (the Custodian).
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WHEREAS, each Fund may itself represent, or may be organized with one or more series of shares each of which shall represent, an interest in a separate portfolio of cash, securities and other assets (all such existing and additional series now or hereafter listed on Appendix A being hereinafter referred to individually, as a Portfolio, and collectively, as the Portfolios); and
WHEREAS, each Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on behalf of each of its Portfolios in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and the rules and regulations thereunder, under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian has agreed so to act as custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN |
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund hereby employs and appoints the Custodian as a custodian, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, or shall cause to be delivered to the Custodian, cash, securities and other assets owned by each of its Portfolios from time to time during the term of this Agreement and shall specify to which of its Portfolios such cash, securities and other assets are to be specifically allocated.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN |
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and duties set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance with Article IV hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more Subcustodians or may maintain assets with one or more Eligible Securities Depositories (each as hereinafter defined) to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Custodian set forth in this Article II and references to the Custodian in this Article II shall include any Subcustodian or Eligible Securities Depository so appointed or utilized, as applicable.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping . The Custodian shall keep safely all cash, securities and other assets of each Funds Portfolios delivered to the Custodian and, on behalf of such Portfolios, the Custodian shall, from time to time, accept delivery of cash, securities and other assets for safekeeping.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities and Other Assets .
(a) Except to the extent precluded by Section 8 501(d) of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (UCC), the Custodian shall hold all securities and other assets, other than cash, of a Funds Portfolio that are delivered to it hereunder in a securities account with the Custodian for and in the name of such Portfolio and, except to the extent precluded by Section 8 501(d) of the UCC, shall treat all such assets, other than cash, as financial assets as those terms are used in the UCC. The Custodian shall at all times hold securities or other financial assets held for each Funds Portfolios either: (i) by physical possession of the certificated securities or instruments representing such financial assets, in either registered or bearer form; or (ii) in book entry form by maintaining security entitlements, within the meaning of the UCC, with respect to such financial assets with (A) a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22(a) below or (B) an Eligible Securities Depository in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22(b) below. The standards for the performance of the duties and obligations of the Custodian under UCC Article 8, including without limitation Section 8-504 through Section 8 508, with respect to securities entitlements of a Fund or its Portfolio(s) shall be as set forth under this Agreement.
(b) The Custodian shall at all times hold registered securities of each Portfolio in the name of the Custodian, the Portfolio or a nominee of either of them, unless specifically directed by Proper Instructions to hold such registered securities in so called street name; provided that , in any event, all such securities and other assets shall be held in an account of the Custodian containing only assets of a Portfolio, or only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for customers; and provided further , that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or other customer for which such securities and other assets are held in such account and the respective interests therein.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing paragraphs of this Section 2.02, the Custodian is hereby authorized to maintain the shares of certain open end management investment companies, managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) or its affiliates or successors as listed on Appendix D hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 9.06(e) hereof, (the Central Funds) owned by the Portfolios, in book entry form directly with the transfer agent or a designated sub-transfer agent of each such Central Fund (Central Funds Transfer Agent), subject to and in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) Such Central Fund shares shall be maintained in separate custodian accounts for each Portfolio in the Custodians name or nominee, as custodian for such Portfolio or Portfolios.
(ii) The Custodian will implement appropriate control procedures (the Central Fund Control Procedures) to ensure that (A) only authorized personnel of the Custodian will be authorized to give instructions to the Central Fund Transfer Agent in connection with a Portfolios purchase or sale of Central Fund shares, (B) trade instructions sent to the Central Fund Transfer Agent are properly acknowledged by the Central Fund Transfer Agent, and (C) the Central Fund Transfer Agents records of each Portfolios holdings of Central Fund shares are properly reconciled with the Custodians records.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing paragraphs of this Section 2.02, the Custodian is hereby authorized to maintain the shares of certain open end management investment companies (the Underlying Funds) owned by one or more of the Fidelity Fund of Funds as listed on Appendix D hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.06(e) hereof, (each a Fund of Funds Portfolio and collectively the Fund of Funds Portfolios) in book-entry form directly with the transfer agent or a designated sub-transfer agent of each such Underlying Fund (an Underlying Fund Transfer Agent), subject to and in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) Such Underlying Fund shares shall be maintained in separate custodian accounts for each Fund of Funds Portfolio in the Custodians name or nominee, as the custodian for such Fund of Funds Portfolio.
(ii) The Custodian will implement appropriate control procedures (the Fund of Funds Portfolio Control Procedures) to ensure that the Underlying Fund Transfer Agents records of each Fund of Funds Portfolios holdings of Underlying Fund shares are properly reconciled with the Custodians records.
Section 2.03. Security Purchases . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions (as hereinafter defined), the Custodian shall pay for and receive securities purchased for the account of a Portfolio, provided that, payment shall be made by the Custodian only upon receipt of the securities by: (1) the Custodian; (2) a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; (3) a Securities System; or (4) an Eligible Securities Depository. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon receipt of Proper Instructions: (i) in the case of a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by book entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined) maintained with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that, the Custodians instructions to the Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of such funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by bookentry of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement into the Account; (ii) in the case of time deposits, call account deposits, currency deposits, and other deposits, foreign exchange
transactions, futures contracts or options, pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13 hereof, the Custodian may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or confirmation evidencing said deposit or entry into such transaction; (iii) in the case of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the United States of America, the Custodian may make payment therefor and receive delivery of such securities in accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter defined) in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; (iv) in the case of the purchase of securities in which, in accordance with standard industry custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients with respect to such securities, the receipt of such securities and the payment therefor take place in different countries, the Custodian may receive delivery of such securities and make payment therefor in accordance with standard industry custom and practice for such securities generally accepted by Institutional Clients, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; (v) in the case of the purchase of Central Fund shares, the Custodian shall pay for and receive Central Fund shares purchased for the account of a Portfolio; provided that (A) the Custodian shall only send instructions to purchase such shares to the Central Fund Transfer Agent in accordance with the Central Fund Control Procedures (Central Fund Purchase Instructions) upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund, and (B) the Custodian shall release funds to the Central Fund Transfer Agent only after receiving acknowledgment from the Central Fund Transfer Agent that it has received the Central Fund Purchase Instructions; and (vi) in the case of the purchase of Underlying Fund shares for a Fund of Funds Portfolio, the Custodian shall pay for and receive such Underlying Fund shares purchased for the account of a Portfolio, provided that, (A) the Custodian shall only send instructions to purchase such shares to the Underlying Fund Transfer Agent in accordance with the Fund of Funds Portfolio Control Procedures (Fund of Funds Portfolio Purchase Instructions) upon receipt of instructions from Fidelitys custody operations and (B) the Custodian shall release funds to the Underlying Fund Transfer Agent only after receiving confirmation from such Underlying Fund Transfer Agent that it has received the Fund of Funds Portfolio Purchase Instructions. For purposes of this Agreement, an Institutional Client shall mean a major commercial bank, corporation, insurance company, pension fund or substantially similar institution, which, as a substantial part of its business operations, purchases or sells securities and makes use of custodial services.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for the account of a Portfolio for other securities in connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, splitup of shares, change of par value, conversion or other event relating to the securities or the issuer of such securities, and shall deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan. The Custodian shall, without receiving Proper Instructions: surrender securities in temporary form for definitive securities; surrender securities for transfer into the name of the Custodian, a Portfolio or a nominee of either of them, as permitted by Section 2.02(b); and surrender securities for a different number of certificates or instruments representing the same number of shares or same principal amount of indebtedness, provided that the securities to be issued will be delivered to the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities . (a) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which have been sold for the account of a Portfolio, but only against payment therefor in the form of: (1) cash, certified check, bank cashiers check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (2) credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (3) credit to the Account of the Custodian with a Securities System or Eligible Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22(a) and Section 2.22(b) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions: (i) in the case of the sale of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the United States of America, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; (ii) in the case of the sale of securities in which, in accordance with standard industry custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients with respect to such securities, the delivery of such securities and receipt of payment therefor take place in different countries, the Custodian may deliver such securities and receive payment therefor in accordance with standard industry custom and practice for such securities generally accepted by Institutional Clients, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; (iii) in the case of securities held in physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in accordance with street delivery custom to a broker or its clearing agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such securities, provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or the return of, such securities by the broker or its clearing agent, and provided further that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the selection of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its clearing agent; (iv) in the case of Central Fund shares, the Custodian shall release Central Fund shares sold for the account of a Portfolio, provided that (A) the Custodian shall only send instructions to sell such shares to the Central Fund Transfer Agent in accordance with the Central Fund Control Procedures (Central Fund Sell Instructions) upon receipt of Proper Instructions, and (B) such Central Fund Sell Instructions shall be properly confirmed by the Central Fund Transfer Agent; and (v) in the case of the sale of Underlying Fund shares of a Fund of Funds Portfolio, the Custodian shall release such Underlying Fund shares, provided that , the Custodian shall only send instructions to sell shares to an Underlying Fund Transfer Agent in accordance with the Fund of Funds Portfolio Control Procedures (the Fund of Funds Portfolio Sell Instructions) upon receipt of Fund of Funds Portfolio Sell Instructions from Fidelitys custody operations.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender securities to the depositary used for such securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts, Global Depository Receipts or International Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively, as ADRs), against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the depositary has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such securities in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery to the Custodian at such place as the Custodian may from time to time designate. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender ADRs to the issuer thereof, against a written receipt therefor
adequately describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to the agent of such issuer or trustee, for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided that the new securities, cash or other assets, if any, acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered securities are to be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall take all necessary action, unless otherwise directed to the contrary in Proper Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security ownership, and shall promptly notify each applicable Fund of such action in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc . The Custodian shall receive and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with respect to the same as directed in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian, any registered brokerdealer and, if necessary, a Fund on behalf of any applicable Portfolio relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation or of any registered national securities exchange or similar organization(s), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the purchase or writing of an option on a security or securities index by the applicable Portfolio; (b) pledge or deposit and maintain in a segregated account, as applicable securities (either physically or by book entry in a Securities System), cash or other assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer such securities, cash or other assets in accordance with notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of such options furnished by the Options Clearing Corporation, the securities or options exchange on which such options are traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such option transactions. Each Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolios, and the brokerdealer shall be solely responsible for the sufficiency of assets held in any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance of other terms of any option contract.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any, evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract by the applicable Portfolio; (b) deposit and maintain such cash, securities and other assets designated as initial, maintenance or variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the applicable Portfolio's performance of its obligations under any such futures contracts purchased or sold or any such options on futures contracts written by the
Portfolio (i) in a segregated account established in accordance with the provisions of a futures margin procedural agreement among a Fund, on behalf of any applicable Portfolio, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (a Procedural Agreement), designed to comply with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract market (such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s), regarding such margin deposits (a Segregated Futures Margin Account), or (ii) in a brokers margin account meeting the requirements of Rule 17f-6 under the 1940 Act, as the same may be amended from time to time (a Brokers Futures Margin Account); and (c) release to the applicable Portfolio any such assets held in a Segregated Futures Margin Account, or accept delivery of such assets back from a Brokers Margin Account , as the case may be. In the absence of Proper Instructions, the Custodian may release assets from and/or transfer assets into a Segregated Futures Margin Account only in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Procedural Agreement . Each Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolios, and the applicable futures commission merchant shall be solely responsible for the sufficiency of assets held in a Segregated Futures Margin Account or Brokers Futures Margin Account, as the case may be, in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in accordance with its terms. For purposes of determining the Custodians obligations with respect to any losses resulting from the acts or omissions of any futures commission merchant holding Portfolio assets in a Brokers Futures Margin Account, such futures commission merchant shall be deemed to be an Additional Custodian (as defined below), and the Custodians liability shall be governed by the provisions of Section 5.02(c) hereof.
Section 2.11. Borrowing . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver securities of a Portfolio to lenders or their agents, or otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio and the Custodian, as collateral for borrowings effected by such Portfolio, provided that such borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the Custodians order, as Custodian for such Portfolio, and (b) concurrently with delivery of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase interest bearing fixed term and call deposits (hereinafter referred to collectively, as Interest Bearing Deposits) for the account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall purchase such Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of the Portfolio with such banks or trust companies (including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as Banking Institutions) and in such amounts as the applicable Fund may direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. Such Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other currencies, as the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio may determine and direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall include in its records with respect to the assets of each Portfolio appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of each such Interest Bearing Bank Deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and all other appropriate details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing such account, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each Fund for Interest Bearing Deposits accepted on the
Custodians books in the United States of America on behalf of the Funds Portfolios shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each Fund for Interest Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodians books in one of its non U.S. branches on behalf of the Funds Portfolios shall be that of a non U.S. branch of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing Deposits other than those accepted on the Custodians books, (a) the Custodian shall be responsible for the collection of income as set forth in Section 2.15 and the transmission of cash and instructions to and from such accounts; and (b) the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the Banking Institution or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper Instructions, for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay upon demand. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the applicable Fund deems necessary or appropriate to cause each such Interest Bearing Deposit Account to be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13.
Foreign Exchange Transactions
.
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(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other Than as Principal . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Portfolio with such currency brokers or Banking Institutions as the applicable Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall be responsible for the transmission of cash and instructions to and from the currency broker or Banking Institution with which the contract or option is made, the safekeeping of all certificates and other documents and agreements evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions and the maintenance of proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions with which a Fund deals on behalf of its Portfolios or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall not be obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as principal. However, if the Custodian has made available to a Fund its services as a principal in foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into foreign exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of a Portfolio of such Fund with the Custodian as principal. The Custodian shall be responsible for the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions and the failure of such currency brokers or Banking Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(c) Payments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of such foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing such contract has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall, in connection with loans of securities by a Portfolio, deliver securities of such Portfolio to the borrower thereof prior to receipt of the collateral, if any, for such borrowing; provided that , in cases of loans of securities secured by cash collateral, the Custodians instructions to the Securities System shall require that the Securities System deliver the securities of the Portfolio to the borrower thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release the collateral received in respect of a loan of securities to the borrower against receipt of the loaned securities.
Section 2.15. Collections . The Custodian shall, and shall cause each Subcustodian to: (a) collect amounts due and payable to each Fund with respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each of such Funds Portfolios; (b) promptly credit to the account of each applicable Portfolio all income and other payments relating to portfolio securities and other assets held by the Custodian hereunder upon Custodians receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise agreed in writing by the Custodian and the applicable Fund; (c) promptly endorse and deliver any instruments required to effect such collections; (d) promptly execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income, capital gains or other payments with respect to portfolio securities and other assets of each applicable Portfolio, or in connection with the purchase, sale or transfer of such securities or other assets; and (e) promptly file any certificates or other affidavits for the refund or reclaim of foreign taxes paid, and promptly notify each applicable Fund of any changes to law, interpretative rulings or procedures regarding such reclaims, and otherwise use all available measures customarily used to minimize the imposition of foreign taxes at source, and promptly inform each applicable Fund of alternative means of minimizing such taxes of which the Custodian shall become aware (or with the exercise of reasonable care should have become aware); provided , however , that with respect to portfolio securities registered in socalled street name, the Custodian shall use its best efforts to collect amounts due and payable to each Fund with respect to its Portfolios. The Custodian shall promptly notify each applicable Fund in writing by facsimile transmission, or in such other manner as each such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing, if any amount payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets of the Portfolios of such Fund(s) is not received by the Custodian when due. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets that are in default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions . The Custodian shall promptly release funds or securities: (a) upon receipt of Proper Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts designated by the applicable Fund or Funds in such Proper Instructions; or (b) upon receipt of Special Instructions, as otherwise directed by the applicable Fund or Funds, for the purpose of the payment of dividends or other distributions to shareholders of each applicable Portfolio, and payment to shareholders who have requested repurchase or redemption of their shares of the Portfolio(s) (collectively, the Shares). For purposes of this Agreement, a Distribution Account shall mean an account established at a Banking Institution designated by the applicable Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios in Special Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold . The Custodian shall receive funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from time to time by the Funds, and shall promptly credit such funds to the account(s) of the applicable Portfolio(s). The Custodian shall promptly notify each applicable Fund of Custodians receipt of cash in payment for Shares issued by such Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds received by the Custodian in payment for Shares in payment for such investments as may be set forth in such Proper Instructions and at a time agreed upon between the Custodian and the applicable Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to the applicable Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are deposited to the accounts of each applicable Portfolio.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc . The Custodian shall deliver to each applicable Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable, all forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by one or more of the applicable Funds Portfolios that are received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them (or with the exercise of reasonable care that the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them should have become aware), and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such proxies or other authorizations as may be required. The Custodian recognizes that this requirement applies to all securities and that each Funds investments in non U.S. securities may entail proxies and notices, which, for the avoidance of doubt, are explicitly covered hereunder. In the event that a Fund invests in non U.S. securities in a market in which the Custodian does not offer proxy voting services, the Custodian shall promptly notify such Fund. Except as directed pursuant to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee shall vote upon any such securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto. In the event that the Custodian is unable to vote upon any such securities in accordance with Proper Instructions for any reason including, but not limited to, the failure of the applicable Fund to deliver any necessary powers of attorney or other documentation, the Custodian shall promptly notify (subject to market practices and rules) the applicable Fund.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all bills, statements, or other obligations of each Portfolio.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions . The Custodian shall attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities or other assets of each Portfolio held by the Custodian, except as otherwise directed from time to time pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Section 2.21.
Bank Accounts.
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(a) Accounts with the Custodian and any Subcustodians . The Custodian shall open and operate a bank account or accounts (hereinafter referred to collectively, as Bank Accounts) on the books of the Custodian or any Subcustodian provided that such account(s) shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for the account of a Portfolio, and shall be subject only to the draft or order of the Custodian; and provided further , however, that such Bank Accounts in countries other than the United States of America may be held in an account of the Custodian containing only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for customers, and provided further , that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or other customer for which such securities and other assets are held in such account and the respective interests therein. Such Bank Accounts may be denominated in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits accepted on the Custodians books in the United States of America shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits accepted on the Custodians books in its non U.S. branches shall be that of a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. The responsibilities of the Custodian to each applicable Fund for deposits accepted on any Subcustodians books shall be governed by the provisions of Section 5.02.
(b) Accounts With Other Banking Institutions . The Custodian may open and operate Bank Accounts on behalf of a Portfolio, in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, at a Banking Institution other than the Custodian or any Subcustodian, provided that such account(s) shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for the account of a Portfolio, and shall be subject only to the draft or order of the Custodian; provided however , that such Bank Accounts may be held in an account of the Custodian containing only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary or custodian for customers, and provided further , that the records of the Custodian shall indicate at all times the Portfolio or other customer for which such securities and other assets are held in such account and the respective interests therein. Such Bank Accounts may be denominated in either U.S. Dollars or other currencies. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.01(a), the Custodian shall be responsible for the selection of the Banking Institution and for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay according to the terms of the deposit.
(c) Transfer Agent Accounts . The Custodian maintains certain Bank Accounts at the Custodian on behalf of the Funds (the Transfer Agent Accounts) to facilitate the efficient transfer of cash to and from (i) the Bank Accounts established and maintained at the Custodian and (ii) bank accounts established and maintained at Banking Institutions other than the Custodian or any Subcustodian. Each of the Funds and Custodian agree that the Custodian shall provide the Transfer Agent Accounts established and maintained by such Custodian with the same treatment as other Bank Accounts established and maintained pursuant to this Agreement, and any and all applicable representations, warranties, covenants, conditions, agreement, rights, obligations or duties of the Funds or the Custodian with respect to such Transfer Agent Accounts shall be governed by the corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
The Custodian shall also specify in the records it maintains with respect to the Funds and their Bank Accounts and any other records maintained or required to be maintained by this Agreement or applicable regulatory requirements by the Custodian, its relationship as Custodian pursuant to which the Transfer Agent Accounts are maintained in order to comply with the any applicable rules, regulations, or other requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Custodian agrees that such records shall be conclusive evidence of the individual and not joint interest of each Fund in any amounts then credited to the Transfer Agent Accounts. Each of the Transfer Agent Accounts designated by the Funds is set forth on Appendix E to this Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Funds have authorized Fidelity Service Company, Inc., Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc. or any successor thereof to act on their behalf with respect to transactions involving the Transfer Agent Accounts.
(d) Deposit Insurance . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the applicable Fund deems necessary or appropriate to cause each deposit account established by the Custodian pursuant to this Section 2.21 to be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems and Eligible Securities Depositories . (a) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by a Portfolio in: (1) The Depository Trust Company; (2) any bookentry system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306.115, (ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series No. 27 76, 31 CFR 350.2, or (iii) the bookentry regulations of federal agencies substantially in the form of 31 CFR 306.115; or (3) any other domestic clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the SEC to serve in the capacity of depository or clearing agent for the securities or other assets of investment companies) which acts as a securities depository and the use of which each applicable Fund has previously approved by Special Instructions (as hereinafter defined) (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a Securities System). Use of a Securities System shall be in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
(1) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities held hereunder in a Securities System, provided that such securities are represented in an account (Account) of the Custodian in the Securities System which Account shall not contain any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian, or otherwise for customers and shall be so designated on the books and records of the Securities System.
(2) The Securities System shall be obligated to comply with the Custodians directions with respect to the securities held in such Account and shall not be entitled to a lien against the assets in such Account for extensions of credit to the Custodian other than for payment of the purchase price of such assets.
(3) Each Fund hereby designates the Custodian as the party in whose name any securities deposited by the Custodian in the Account are to be registered or recorded.
(4) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify those securities belonging to each Portfolio which are maintained in a Securities System.
(5) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of a Portfolio only upon (w) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (x) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of such Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of a Portfolio only upon (y) receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (z) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of such Portfolio. The Custodian shall at all times maintain suitable documentation, such as confirmations, position statements and other records, stored in an easily accessible format, commensurate with industry and regulatory standards, that shall identify transfers of securities from the Securities System for the account of such Portfolio. The Custodian shall deliver to each applicable Fund on the next succeeding Business Day daily transaction reports which shall include each days transactions in the Securities System for the account of each applicable Portfolio. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to each applicable Fund or any agent designated by such Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by computer or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(6) The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide such Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian or any Subcustodian with respect to a Securities Systems accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System.
(7) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate the use of any Securities System (except the federal bookentry system) on behalf of any Portfolio as promptly as practicable and shall take all actions reasonably practicable to safeguard the securities of any Portfolio maintained with such Securities System.
(b) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Foreign Assets (as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, as the same may be amended from time to time (Rule 17f-5)), owned by a Portfolio in a securities depository located outside the United States of America that the Custodian has determined meets the definition of Eligible Securities Depository under Rule 17f-7(b)(1) under the 1940 Act, as the same may be amended from time to time (Rule 17f-7), or that has otherwise been made exempt pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC or no action letter of the staff of the SEC (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as an Eligible Securities Depository), provided that prior to the deposit or maintenance of Foreign Assets of a Fund with a securities depository located outside the United States of America, the Custodian shall have certified in writing to the Fund, on behalf of its Portfolios, that the securities depository is an Eligible Securities Depository. Use of an Eligible Securities
Depository shall be in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations, in particular Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, and subject to the following provisions:
(1) The Custodian or any Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain Foreign Assets held hereunder in an Eligible Securities Depository, provided that such Foreign Assets are represented in an Account of the Custodian or Subcustodian in the Eligible Securities Depository which Account shall not contain any assets of the Custodian or Subcustodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian, or otherwise for customers and shall be so designated on the books and records of the Eligible Securities Depository unless the Fund by Special Instructions permits another manner of holding, representing and/or designating a Funds Foreign Assets.
(2) The Custodian shall, in accordance with the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof, be responsible for: (A) providing the Fund or its designee, on behalf of its applicable Portfolio(s), an analysis (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Fund) of the custody risks associated with maintaining Foreign Assets with the Eligible Securities Depository; (B) establishing a system to monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining Foreign Assets with the Eligible Securities Depository; (C) monitoring the custody risks associated with maintaining Foreign Assets with the Eligible Securities Depository on a continuing basis; and (D) promptly notifying the Fund of any material change in the custody risks associated with maintaining Foreign Assets with the Eligible Securities Depository.
(3) The Eligible Securities Depository shall be obligated to comply with the Custodians or Subcustodians directions with respect to the Foreign Assets held in such Account, provided that the Foreign Assets held in such Account shall not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Custodian or Subcustodian (or either of their respective creditors), except a claim for reasonable payment for their safe custody or administration.
(4) Each Fund hereby designates the Custodian or each Subcustodian as the party in whose name any Foreign Assets deposited by the Custodian or the Subcustodian in the Account are to be registered or recorded, provided, however , that the Custodian may register or record Foreign Assets of a Fund in the name of the Fund or other nominee for the Fund upon the Custodians provision of written notice to the Fund of such proposed registration or recordation at least 5 Business Days prior to such registration or recordation.
(5) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify those Foreign Assets belonging to each Portfolio which are maintained in an Eligible Securities Depository.
(6) The Custodian shall pay for Foreign Assets purchased for the account of a Portfolio only upon (w) receipt of advice from the Eligible Securities Depository that such Foreign Assets have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian or Subcustodian, and (x) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of such Portfolio, provided however , if required under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Eligible Securities Depository is located or pursuant to the rules of an Eligible
Securities Depository, the Custodian may receive delivery of such securities and make payment therefor in accordance with such applicable laws or rules of the Eligible Securities Depository, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof. The Custodian or Subcustodian shall transfer Foreign Assets sold for the account of a Portfolio only upon (y) receipt of advice from the Eligible Securities Depository that payment for such Foreign Assets has been transferred to the Account of the Custodian or Subcustodian, and (z) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of such Portfolio, provided however , if required under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Eligible Securities Depository is located or pursuant to the rules of an Eligible Securities Depository, the Custodian may make payment therefor and receive delivery of such securities in accordance with such applicable laws or rules of the Eligible Securities Depository, but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof. The Custodian shall at all times maintain suitable documentation, such as confirmations, position statements and other records, stored in an easily accessible format, commensurate with industry and regulatory standards, that shall identify transfers of securities from the Eligible Securities Depository for the account of such Portfolio. The Custodian shall deliver to each applicable Fund no later than the next succeeding Business Day, or at such other time or times as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing, daily transaction reports which shall include each days transactions in the Eligible Securities Depository for the account of each applicable Portfolio. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to each applicable Fund or any agent designated by such Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by electronic device or system (including without limitation, computers) or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(7) The Custodian shall, if requested by a Fund or its designee pursuant to Proper Instructions, provide such Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian or any Subcustodian with respect to an Eligible Securities Depositorys accounting system, internal accounting controls, and procedures for safeguarding Foreign Assets deposited in the Eligible Securities Depository.
(8) The Custodian (A) shall terminate the use of any Eligible Securities Depository on behalf of any Portfolio as soon as reasonably practicable and shall take all actions reasonably practicable to safeguard the Foreign Assets of any Portfolio maintained with such Eligible Securities Depository: (1) upon receipt of Special Instructions; or (2), in the absence of the receipt of Special Instructions, if the custody arrangement with the Eligible Securities Depository at any time ceases to satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f 7(b)(1), and (B) shall provide the Funds or their respective designees, on behalf of the Portfolios, with written notification of any termination of the Custodians use of an Eligible Securities Depository at least 90 Business Days prior to the effective date of the proposed termination, unless the Funds in their discretion permit a shorter notification period.
(9) Each Eligible Securities Depository through which the Custodian maintains Foreign Assets of the applicable Portfolio(s) and the countries where they may hold Foreign Assets of the applicable Portfolio(s) shall be listed on Appendix B attached hereto, as
the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.06(c) hereof.
Section 2.23.
Other Transfers
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(a) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer to or receive from a third party that has been appointed to serve as an additional custodian of one or more Portfolios (an Additional Custodian) securities, cash and other assets of such Portfolio(s) in accordance with such Proper Instructions. Each Additional Custodian shall be identified as such on Appendix B , as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.06(c) hereof.
(b) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall make such other dispositions of securities, funds or other property of a Portfolio in a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions relating to such disposition shall include a statement of the purpose for which the delivery is to be made, the amount of funds and/or securities to be delivered, and the name of the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made, and shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities or other assets of such Portfolio, including securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System pursuant to Section 2.22(a) hereof or an Eligible Securities Depository pursuant to Section 2.22(b) hereof, said account or accounts to be maintained: (a) for the purposes set forth in Sections 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof; (b) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the SEC or SEC rules or regulations relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies; or (c) for such other purposes as set forth, from time to time, in Special Instructions.
Section 2.25. Custodians Books and Records . The Custodian shall provide any assistance reasonably requested by a Fund in the preparation of reports to such Funds shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other ministerial matters of like nature. The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to securities and other assets held for the accounts of each Portfolio as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC applicable to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, including: (a) journals or other records of original entry containing a detailed and itemized daily record of all receipts and deliveries of securities (including certificate and transaction identification numbers, if any), and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other records reflecting (i) securities in transfer, (ii) securities in physical possession, (iii) securities borrowed, loaned or collateralizing obligations of each Portfolio, (iv) monies borrowed and monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (v) dividends and interest received, (vi) the amount of tax withheld by any person in respect of any collection made by the Custodian
or any Subcustodian, and (vii) the amount of reclaims or refunds for foreign taxes paid; and (c) cancelled checks and bank records related thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of each Fund as such Fund shall reasonably request. All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall be maintained in a form acceptable to the applicable Fund and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations from time to time adopted thereunder. All books and records maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be the property of each applicable Fund and shall be available during normal business hours for inspection and use by such Fund and its agents, including, without limitation, its independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no Fund shall take any actions or cause the Custodian to take any actions which would cause, either directly or indirectly, the Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or orders.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Funds Independent Certified Public Accountants . The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as a Fund may request to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from such Funds independent certified public accountants with respect to the Custodians activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Funds Form N 1A and the Funds Form N CSR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements of the SEC or the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants . At the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund a written report prepared by the Custodians independent certified public accountants with respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Custodians accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other assets, including cash, securities and other assets deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System, Eligible Securities Depository or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by any Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility . In the event that the Custodian is directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of a Portfolio for which there would be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio, the Custodian may, in its discretion, provide an overdraft (an Overdraft) to the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio, in an amount sufficient to allow the completion of such payment. In the event of an overdraft to a Transfer Agent Account, upon request by the Custodian, the Funds shall promptly identify which Funds or which of their Portfolios are responsible for such overdraft in such Transfer Agent Accounts. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be payable on the next Business Day, unless otherwise agreed by the applicable Fund and the Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the date of payment in full by the applicable Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and the applicable Fund. The Custodian and each Fund acknowledge that the purpose of such Overdrafts
is to temporarily finance the purchase or sale of securities for prompt delivery in accordance with the terms hereof, or to meet emergency expenses not reasonably foreseeable by such Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify each applicable Fund in writing (an Overdraft Notice) of any Overdraft by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing. At the request of the Custodian, each applicable Fund, on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios, shall pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a security interest in certain specified securities of the applicable Portfolio, as security for Overdrafts provided to such Portfolio, under the terms and conditions set forth in Appendix C attached hereto.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except to the extent expressly provided for in Appendix C , the Custodian hereby waives and agrees that it shall not claim, assert or enforce a lien, encumbrance or security interest in any of the assets of any Portfolio.
Section 2.29.
Insurance Requirements
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(a) The Custodian shall, at its own expense, procure and maintain: (i) workers compensation insurance for its own employees in an amount not less than the statutory limits under all applicable statutes, rules and regulations in each of the states in which Custodian operates and under all applicable federal statutes, rules and regulations, (ii) employers liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, (iii) comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, (iv) comprehensive automobile liability (including automobile non ownership liability) insurance in a combined single limit amount of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, (v) umbrella or excess liability insurance providing coverages in excess of the coverages listed in (ii), (iii) and (iv) above in an amount not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence, (vi) errors and omission liability insurance in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per claim, (vii) a fidelity bond in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per loss, and (viii) electronic and computer crime insurance in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per loss, provided however that the term Custodian in this Section 2.29 shall not include a Subcustodian or Eligible Securities Depository. Nothing in this Section 2.29 shall be deemed to limit the Custodians liability to the types or coverage amounts specified above or to limit any coverage under any of Custodians insurance policies.
(b) Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement and, upon the request of a Fund, on each anniversary thereafter, Custodian shall provide a certificate of insurance to each Fund that evidences that policies, bonds or similar agreements providing the types and amounts of coverage specified in paragraph (a) of this section 2.29 have been entered into and are in full force and effect.
Section 2.30. Provision of Information . At the request of a Fund, the Custodian shall promptly provide to such Fund all information relating to such Funds, or any of its Portfolios, cash, securities, and other assets which may be reasonably requested by such Fund in order to determine the amount to be paid to the Custodian under Article VI hereof. Such information shall be delivered to such Fund at such time(s) and in such form(s) specified by such Fund.
Section 2.31. Compliance and Internal Control Reports . The Custodian shall promptly notify each Fund of each determination of significant deficiencies, material weaknesses or inadequacies in the internal accounting controls of the Custodian. In addition, in order to assist the Fund in complying with its obligations under applicable laws and regulations, the Custodian shall promptly provide to each Fund such periodic reports and reasonable documentation relating to the services provided by the Custodian to the Fund as the Fund may request from time to time, including, but not limited to, certifications regarding compliance with procedures for safekeeping, recordkeeping and reporting of the Funds assets and transactions pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.32. Local Regulatory Matters . The Custodian shall assist each Fund in complying with regulations and market practices of jurisdictions other than the United States of America applicable to the Funds Foreign Assets as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time. Such assistance may include, but not be limited to, soliciting information and guidance from depositories, exchanges and regulators; obtaining legal opinions at the expense of the relevant Fund or Funds but only after such Fund or Funds have been notified and agree in writing to the amount of such expenses; acting as a Funds representative (if required by local law) in making filings; and providing such other assistance with respect to its Foreign Assets as the Fund may reasonably request. Based on what the Custodian considers to be reasonably reliable sources of information, including its Foreign Subcustodians, Custodian shall inform each Fund as to the Custodians understanding of the Funds rights, duties and obligations under regulations and market practices of jurisdictions other than the United States of America in connection with actions taken by the Fund or the Custodian, including, but not limited to, corporate actions involving the Funds securities.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions .
(a) Proper Instructions . As used herein, the term Proper Instructions shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission) request, direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund by one or more Authorized Persons (as hereinafter defined); (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication by one or more Authorized Persons; or (iii) a communication effected directly between an electro mechanical or electronic device or system (including, without limitation, computers) by or on behalf of the applicable Fund by one or more Authorized Persons; provided , however , that communications of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above purporting to be given by an Authorized Person shall be considered Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably believes such communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with respect to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral communications shall be confirmed by the applicable Fund by tested telex or in writing in the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such oral instructions prior to the Custodians receipt of such
confirmation. Proper Instructions may relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of transactions, and may be in the form of standing instructions.
(b) Special Instructions . As used herein, the term Special Instructions shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any Deputy or Assistant Treasurer of the applicable Fund or any other person designated by the Treasurer of such Fund in writing, which countersignature or confirmation shall be (i) included on the same instrument containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument relating thereto, and (ii) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission, or in such other manner as the applicable Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions . Proper Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian at the address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the applicable Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons . Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as appropriate by a Treasurer or any Deputy or Assistant Treasurer of such Fund, a certificate setting forth: (a) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of such Fund (collectively, the Authorized Persons and individually, an Authorized Person); and (b) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized to issue Special Instructions. Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary. Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes the name(s) of a person previously authorized by a Fund to give Proper Instructions or to issue Special Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an Authorized Person or authorized to issue Special Instructions for that Fund.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no Authorized Person, Trustee, officer, employee or agent of any Fund shall have physical access to the assets of any Portfolio of that Fund held by the Custodian nor shall the Custodian deliver any assets of a Portfolio for delivery to an account of such person; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any Authorized Person from giving Proper Instructions, or any person authorized to issue Special Instructions from issuing Special Instructions, so long as such action does not result in delivery of or access to assets of any Portfolio prohibited by this Section 3.03; or (b) each Funds independent certified public accountants from examining or reviewing the assets of the Portfolios of the Fund held by the Custodian. Each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a written certificate identifying such Authorized Persons, Trustees, officers, employees and agents of such Fund.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and Special Instructions . So long as and to the extent that the Custodian acts in accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, as the case may be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement, the
Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property, or evidence of title thereof, received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS |
The Custodian may, from time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Article IV, appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Interim Subcustodians and Special Subcustodians to act on behalf of a Portfolio. (For purposes of this Agreement, all duly appointed Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Interim Subcustodians, and Special Subcustodians are hereinafter referred to collectively, as Subcustodians.)
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians . The Custodian may, at any time and from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act on behalf of one or more Portfolios as a subcustodian for purposes of holding cash, securities and other assets of such Portfolios and performing other functions of the Custodian within the United States (a Domestic Subcustodian); provided that , the Custodian shall notify each applicable Fund in writing of the identity and qualifications of any proposed Domestic Subcustodian at least thirty (30) days prior to appointment of such Domestic Subcustodian, and such Fund may, in its sole discretion, by written notice to the Custodian executed by an Authorized Person disapprove of the appointment of such Domestic Subcustodian. If, following notice by the Custodian to each applicable Fund regarding appointment of a Domestic Subcustodian and the expiration of thirty (30) days after the date of such notice, such Fund shall have failed to notify the Custodian of its disapproval thereof, the Custodian may, in its discretion, appoint such proposed Domestic Subcustodian as its subcustodian.
Section 4.02. Foreign Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians .
(a) Foreign Subcustodians . Subject to and in accordance with the following provisions, the Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity of each Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolio(s), hereby delegates its responsibilities as set forth in Rule 17f 5 under the 1940 Act, to the Custodian and appoints the Custodian as its Foreign Custody Manager (as such term is defined in Rule 17f 5), and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation and appointment and agrees to (1) act on behalf of the applicable Fund(s) and Portfolio(s) in such capacity, (2) perform the responsibilities set forth in Rule 17f 5, and (3) exercise the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof in performing its responsibilities hereunder and under Rule 17f 5, except to the extent Rule 17f 5 provides a higher standard, in which case that standard shall apply.
(i) Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 17f 5, the Custodian may, at any time and from time to time, appoint: (A) any Qualified Foreign Bank (as such term is defined in Rule 17f 5), (B) any majority owned direct or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as such term is defined in Rule 17f
5) or U.S. bank holding company meeting the requirements of an "Eligible Foreign Custodian," (as such term is defined in Rule 17f 5), (C) any other entity which by order of the SEC, or by no-action letter of the staff of the SEC is exempt from meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian as set forth in Rule 17f-5, to act on behalf of the applicable Fund(s) and Portfolio(s) as a subcustodian for purposes of holding Foreign Assets (as defined in Rule 17f 5), or (D) any Bank (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that qualifies as and may serve as a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act (each a "Foreign Subcustodian").
(ii) Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall be responsible for (A) determining that each applicable Funds or Portfolios Foreign Assets, if maintained with each Foreign Subcustodian, will be subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets including, without limitation, those factors set forth in the provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5, (B) ensuring that each foreign custody arrangement with a Foreign Subcustodian is governed by a written contract with the Custodian meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 17f 5 which will provide reasonable care for each applicable Funds or Portfolios Foreign Assets based on the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof , (C) determining that each contract with a Foreign Custodian shall include the provisions specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) through (F) of Rule 17f 5 or alternatively, in lieu of any or all of such (c)(2)(i)(A) through (F) provisions, such other provisions as the Custodian reasonably determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or greater level of care and protection for the Foreign Assets of each Fund or Portfolio as such specified provisions in their entirety, (D) establishing a system to monitor the appropriateness of maintaining each applicable Funds or Portfolios Foreign Assets with each Foreign Subcustodian pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 and to monitor the performance of each Foreign Subcustodian under the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and the Foreign Subcustodian, (E) monitoring the appropriateness of maintaining each applicable Funds and Portfolios Foreign Assets with each Foreign Subcustodian pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 and the performance of each Foreign Subcustodian under the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and the Foreign Subcustodian, and (F) promptly notifying each applicable Fund or Portfolio whenever an arrangement described in the preceding clause (E) no longer satisfies the requirements of Rule 17f-5.
(iii) The Custodian shall prepare written reports to the Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity of each Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolio(s), on an annual basis showing (A) the identity and qualifications of each Foreign Subcustodian authorized by the Custodian to hold Foreign Assets of the Fund(s) and Portfolio(s), (B) the placement of the Funds and Portfolios Foreign Assets with each such Foreign Subcustodian, (C) the
country or countries in which each Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to hold Foreign Assets of the applicable Fund(s) and Portfolio(s) and (D) any material changes to the Custodians foreign custody arrangements for the applicable Fund(s) and Portfolio(s) since the submission of the Custodians last written report to the applicable Funds Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity pursuant to this Section 4.02(a)(iii), including without limitation:
(1) | changes in the Foreign Subcustodians included in the Custodians | |
global custody network or arrangements; | ||
(2) | any change, including any amendment or modification to the | |
subcustodian agreements between the Custodian and each of the | ||
Foreign Subcustodians, that could materially affect the ability of a | ||
Foreign Subcustodian to perform its duties in respect of the | ||
applicable Funds, or Portfolios Foreign Assets. |
In addition to the annual reports required by clause (a) (iii) above, the Custodian shall submit promptly (but in no event later than 5 Business Days after the event giving rise to a reporting requirement) interim reports to the Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity of each applicable Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolio(s), of any changes that have or could materially affect the ability of a Foreign Subcustodian to perform its duties in respect of the Funds and Portfolios assets and any actions that the Custodian has taken or proposes to take in connection with such changes.
(iv) Each duly appointed Foreign Subcustodian and the countries where and clearing agencies through which they may hold Foreign Assets of the applicable Fund(s) and Portfolio(s) shall be listed on Appendix "B" attached hereto and dated as of the date of this Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.06(c) hereof.
(v) Each Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment by itself or by one of its Portfolios which is to be held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to act, in order that there shall be sufficient time for the Custodian to effect the appropriate arrangements with a proposed foreign subcustodian.
(vi) The Custodian shall provide the Funds or their respective designees, on behalf of their Portfolios, with written notification of any (A) proposed change in the Foreign Subcustodians included in the Custodians global custody network or arrangements at least 30 Business Days prior to the effective date of the proposed change, if practicable or (B) termination, in whole or with respect to one or more specified jurisdictions, of its acceptance of the Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity of a Fund, on behalf of its applicable Portfolio(s), delegation and appointment as the Funds Foreign Custody
Manager at least 90 Business Days prior to the effective date of the proposed change or termination, unless, in either case, the Funds in their discretion permit a shorter notification period.
(b) Interim Subcustodians . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Portfolio shall invest in a security or other asset to be held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to act, the Custodian shall promptly notify the applicable Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and Custodian shall agree in writing of the unavailability of an approved Foreign Subcustodian in such country; and the Custodian shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, appoint any Person designated by the applicable Fund in such Special Instructions to hold such security or other asset. The subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and any Interim Custodian (as hereinafter defined) shall comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including Rule 17f-5, if applicable) and the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall comply with Section 4.02 (a)(i), (ii), (iii), and (vi) hereof with respect to the appointment of an Interim Custodian. (Any Person appointed as a subcustodian pursuant to this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter referred to as an Interim Subcustodian.)
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians . Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the
Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more Portfolios, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions to act as a subcustodian for purposes of: (i) effecting third party repurchase transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities through the use of a common custodian or subcustodian; (ii) establishing a joint trading account for the applicable Portfolio(s) and other registered openend management investment companies for which Fidelity Management & Research Company serves as investment adviser, through which such Portfolios and such other investment companies shall collectively participate in certain repurchase transactions; (iii) providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate demand note securities; and (iv) effecting any other transactions designated by each applicable Fund in Special Instructions. (Each such designated subcustodian is hereinafter referred to as a Special Subcustodian.) Each such duly appointed Special Subcustodian shall be listed on Appendix B attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.05(c) hereof. In connection with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and substance approved by each applicable Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including Rule17f-5, if applicable) and the terms and provisions of this Agreement. If any Special Custodian is a Foreign Custodian, the Custodian shall comply with Section 4.02 of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or agree to change or permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian . The Custodian shall (i) cause each Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Subcustodian to, and (ii) use its best efforts to cause each
24
Interim Subcustodian and Special Subcustodian to, perform all of its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and such Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause such Subcustodian to fully perform its obligations thereunder, the Custodian shall forthwith, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, terminate such Subcustodian with respect to each applicable Fund and, if necessary or desirable, appoint a replacement Subcustodian in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.01 or Section 4.02, as the case may be. In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian (A) may, at any time in its discretion, upon written notification to each applicable Fund, terminate any Domestic Subcustodian, Foreign Subcustodian or Interim Subcustodian, and (B) shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any Subcustodian with respect to each applicable Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians . Each report presented to the Board of Trustees of each Fund, on behalf of itself or its applicable Portfolio(s), by the Custodian pursuant to Section 4.02(a)(iii) above shall be accompanied by a certificate representing that (A) the Custodian has established a system to monitor the appropriateness of maintaining the Funds or Portfolios Foreign Assets with each Foreign Subcustodian pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f 5 and to monitor the performance of each Foreign Subcustodian under the subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and the Foreign Subcustodian, (B) the Custodian has monitored all Foreign Subcustodians and each Foreign Subcustodian continues to be an Eligible Foreign Custodian, (as such term is defined in Rule 17f 5), (C) each Foreign Subcustodian continues to provide the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) hereof, after considering all relevant factors, including without limitation, those factors set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5, (D) all foreign custody agreements between the Custodian and the Foreign Subcustodians continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 17f 5, (E) since the submission of the last report pursuant to Section 4.02(a)(iii) above, there have been no material adverse changes to the Custodians foreign custody network or arrangements other than those reported to the Board of Trustees or other governing body or entity of the Fund, on behalf of itself or its applicable Portfolios, in the accompanying report, and (F) the information included in the report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE; INDEMNIFICATION |
Section 5.01.
Standard of Care
.
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(a) General Standard of Care . The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement (or such higher standard, if any, under Rule 17f 4), and shall be liable to each Fund for all losses, damages and expenses suffered or incurred by such Fund or its Portfolio(s) resulting from the failure of the Custodian to exercise such reasonable care and diligence (or to comport with such higher standard of care under Rule 17f-4, if any).
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc . In no event shall the Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian, Securities System or
25
Eligible Securities Depository, or any subcustodian, securities depository or securities system utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian or any Subcustodian (individually, a Person) is prevented, forbidden or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar circumstance beyond the control of the Custodian, unless, in each case, such delay or nonperformance is caused by (A) the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the applicable Person, or (B) a malfunction or failure of equipment operated or utilized by the applicable Person other than a malfunction or failure beyond such Persons control and which could not reasonably be anticipated and/or prevented by such Person.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian . Upon the occurrence of any event which causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to any Fund or Portfolio, (i) the Custodian shall promptly notify the applicable Fund or Portfolio of the occurrence of such event, (ii) the Custodian shall cause any applicable Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian to, and (iii) the Custodian shall use its best efforts to cause any applicable Interim Subcustodian, Special Subcustodian or Eligible Securities Depository to, use all commercially reasonable efforts and take all reasonable steps under the circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm to the Funds and the Portfolios.
(d) Advice of Counsel . The Custodian shall be entitled to receive and act upon advice of counsel on all matters. The Custodian shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the advice of (i) counsel for the applicable Fund or Funds, or (ii) at the expense of the Custodian, such other counsel as the applicable Fund(s) and the Custodian may agree upon; provided however , with respect to the performance of any action or omission of any action upon such advice, the Custodian shall be required to conform to the standard of care set forth in Section 5.01(a) .
(e) Expenses of the Funds . In addition to the liability of the Custodian under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to each applicable Fund for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such Fund in connection with any claim by such Fund against the Custodian arising from the obligations of the Custodian hereunder, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys fees and expenses incurred by such Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses incurred by such Fund in connection with any investigations, lawsuits or proceedings relating to such claim; provided that, such Fund has recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records . The Custodian shall have no liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by a Fund, insofar as such loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodians duties hereunder by reason of the Custodians reliance upon records that were maintained for such Fund by entities other than the Custodian prior to the Custodians appointment as custodian for such Fund.
Section 5.02. Liability of Custodian for Actions of Other Persons .
(a) Domestic Subcustodians and Foreign Subcustodians . The Custodian shall be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or any Foreign Subcustodian to the same extent as if such action or omission was performed by the Custodian itself. In the event of any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by a Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Subcustodian for which the Custodian would otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse such Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
(b) Interim Subcustodians . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01 to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its Portfolios resulting from the actions or omissions of an Interim Subcustodian unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided however , in the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against such Interim Subcustodian to protect the interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(c) Special Subcustodians and Additional Custodians . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01 to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in any subcustodian agreement to which the Custodian, a Fund and any Special Subcustodian or Additional Custodian are parties, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its Portfolios resulting from the actions or omissions of a Special Subcustodian or Additional Subcustodian, unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided however , that in the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against any Special Subcustodian or Additional Custodian to protect the interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(d) Securities Systems and Eligible Securities Depositories . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01 to the contrary, the Custodian shall not be liable to a Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund or any of its Portfolios resulting from the use by the Custodian of a Securities System or Eligible Securities Depository, unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided however , that in the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against the Securities System or Eligible Securities Depository to protect the interests of the Funds and the Portfolios.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses . Each Fund agrees to reimburse the
Custodian for all reasonable outofpocket expenses incurred by the Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.02; provided however , that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03.
Indemnification
.
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(a) Indemnification Obligations . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, each Fund severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense (including reasonable attorneys fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee caused by or arising from actions taken by the Custodian on behalf of such Fund in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement; provided however , that such indemnity shall not apply to loss, damage and expense occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee. In addition, each Fund agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify any Person against any liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to such Person, or other loss, damage or expenses incurred by such Person, resulting from the fact that securities and other property of such Funds Portfolios are registered in the name of such Person; provided however , that in no event shall such indemnification be applicable to income, franchise or similar taxes which may be imposed or assessed against any Person.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc . No Fund shall be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall have promptly notified such Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding brought against such Person in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in such litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by a Fund may be sought and subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, such Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding and, after written notice from such Fund to any Person, such Fund may assume the defense of such litigation or proceeding with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the litigation for which such Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation; provided however , a Person shall be entitled to participate in (but not control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or proceeding if such Fund has not acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If such Fund is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, such Person shall reasonably prosecute such litigation or proceeding. A Person shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement in any such litigation or proceeding without providing each applicable Fund with adequate notice of any such settlement or judgment, and without each such Funds prior written consent. All Persons shall submit written evidence to each applicable Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they are seeking indemnification in such form and detail as such Fund may reasonably request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations . If the Custodian has otherwise complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in performing its duties generally, and more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale or exchange of securities made by or for a Portfolio, the Custodian shall not be liable to the applicable Fund and such Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian and its nominees, for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Custodian and its nominees arising out of any violation of any investment or other limitation to which such Fund is subject.
Section 5.05. Funds Right to Proceed . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, each Fund shall have, at its election upon reasonable notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by any applicable agreement and applicable law, the Custodians rights against any Subcustodian, Securities System, Eligible Securities Depository or other Person for loss, damage or expense caused such Fund by such Subcustodian, Securities System, Eligible Securities Depository or other Person, and shall be entitled to enforce the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against such Subcustodian, Securities System, Eligible Securities Depository or other Person, which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if and to the extent that such Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage. If the Custodian makes such Fund whole for any such loss or damage, the Custodian shall retain the ability to enforce its rights directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System, Eligible Securities Depository or other Person. Upon such Funds election to enforce any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05, such Fund shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly relating to the rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage or expense incurred by such Fund; provided that , so long as such Fund has acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian under Section 5.03 hereof with respect to such claim, such Fund shall retain the right to settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the loss, damage or expense incurred by such Fund without the Custodians consent and provided further, that if such Fund has not made an acknowledgment of its obligation to indemnify, such Fund shall not settle, compromise or terminate any such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Custodian, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Custodian agrees to cooperate with each Fund and take all actions reasonably requested by such Fund in connection with such Funds enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian for all reasonable outofpocket expenses incurred by the Custodian on behalf of such Fund in connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.05; provided, however, that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION |
On behalf of each of its Portfolios, each Fund shall compensate the Custodian in an amount, and at such times, as may be agreed upon in writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and such Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION |
Section 7.01. Termination of Agreement as to One or More Funds . With respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of: (a) termination by the Custodian by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed to such Fund, such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date of such delivery; (b) termination by such Fund by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed to the Custodian, such
termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery; or (c) termination by such Fund by written notice delivered to the Custodian, based upon such Funds determination that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the Custodian is insolvent or that the financial condition of the Custodian is deteriorating in any material respect, in which case termination shall take effect upon the Custodians receipt of such notice or at such later time as such Fund shall designate. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 7.01 by any Fund
(a Terminating Fund), each Terminating Fund shall make payment of all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses with respect to such Terminating Fund within a reasonable time following termination and delivery of a statement to the Terminating Fund setting forth such fees and expenses. Each Terminating Fund shall identify in any notice of termination a successor custodian or custodians to which the cash, securities and other assets of its Portfolios shall, upon termination of this Agreement with respect to such Terminating Fund, be delivered. In the event that no written notice designating a successor custodian shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when termination of this Agreement as to a Terminating Fund shall become effective, the Custodian may deliver to a bank or trust company doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities and other assets of such Terminating Funds Portfolios held by the Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property of the Terminating Funds Portfolios held by the Custodian under this Agreement. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian with respect to such Terminating Fund under this Agreement. In the event that securities and other assets of such Terminating Funds Portfolios remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof with respect to such Terminating Fund owing to a failure of the Terminating Fund to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services in accordance with the fee schedule most recently in effect, for such period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities and other assets, and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian and the Terminating Fund shall remain in full force and effect. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is agreed that the cash, securities and other property owned by a Terminating Fund and held by the Custodian, any Subcustodian or nominee shall be delivered to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to cooperate with such Terminating Fund in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian under this Agreement.
Section 7.02. Termination as to One or More Portfolios . This Agreement may be terminated as to one or more of a Funds Portfolios (but less than all of its Portfolios) by delivery of an amended Appendix A deleting such Portfolios pursuant to Section 9.06(b) hereof, in which case termination as to such deleted Portfolios shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery. The execution and delivery of an amended Appendix A which deletes one or more Portfolios shall constitute a termination of this Agreement only with respect to such deleted Portfolio(s), shall be governed by the preceding provisions of Section 7.01 as to the identification of a successor custodian and the delivery of cash, securities and other assets of the Portfolio(s) so deleted, and shall not affect the obligations of the Custodian and any Fund
hereunder with respect to the other Portfolios set forth in Appendix A, as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS |
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term | Section | |||
Account | 2.22 | |||
ADRs | 2.06 | |||
Additional Custodian | 2.23(a) | |||
Authorized Person(s) | 3.02 | |||
Bank Accounts | 2.21(a) | |||
Banking Institution | 2.12 | |||
Brokers Futures Margin Account | 2.10 | |||
Business Day | Appendix C | |||
Central Fund | 2.02(c) | |||
Central Fund Control Procedures | 2.02(c) | |||
Central Fund Purchase Instructions | 2.03(v) | |||
Central Fund Sell Instructions | 2.05(iv) | |||
Central Fund Transfer Agent | 2.02(c) | |||
Distribution Account | 2.16 | |||
Domestic Subcustodian | 4.01 | |||
Eligible Securities Depository | 2.22(b) | |||
Foreign Subcustodian | 4.02(a) | |||
Fund of Funds Portfolio | 2.02(d) | |||
Fund of Funds Portfolio Control Procedures | 2.02(d)(ii) | |||
Fund of Funds Portfolio Purchase Instructions | 2.03(vi) | |||
Fund of Funds Portfolio Sell Instructions | 2.05(v) | |||
Fund | Preamble | |||
Institutional Client | 2.03 | |||
Interest Bearing Deposits | 2.12 | |||
Interim Subcustodian | 4.02(b) | |||
Overdraft | 2.28 | |||
Overdraft Notice | 2.28 | |||
Person | 5.01(b) | |||
Portfolio | Preamble | |||
Procedural Agreement | 2.10 | |||
Proper Instructions | 3.01(a) | |||
SEC | 2.22(a) | |||
Securities System | 2.22(a) | |||
Segregated Futures Margin Account | 2.10 | |||
Shares | 2.16 | |||
Special Instructions | 3.01(b) | |||
Special Subcustodian | 4.03 | |||
Subcustodian | Article IV | |||
Terminating Fund | 7.01 | |||
Transfer Agent Account | 2.21(c) | |||
Underlying Fund | 2.02(d) | |||
Underlying Fund Transfer Agent | 2.02(d) | |||
1940 Act | Preamble |
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS |
Section 9.01.
Execution of Documents, Etc
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(a) Actions by each Fund . Upon request, each Fund shall execute and deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations to such Fund under this Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement with respect to such Fund, provided that the exercise by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any such rights shall in all events be in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and deliver to each applicable Fund or to such other parties as such Fund(s) may designate in such Proper Instructions, all such documents, instruments or agreements as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in order to effectuate any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 9.02. Representative Capacity; Nonrecourse Obligations . A COPY OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENT OF EACH FUND IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE OF THE FUNDS
FORMATION, AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES OF ANY FUND AS INDIVIDUALS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE NOT BINDING UPON ANY OF THE TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, SHAREHOLDERS OR PARTNERS OF ANY FUND
INDIVIDUALLY, BUT ARE BINDING ONLY UPON THE ASSETS AND PROPERTY OF EACH FUNDS RESPECTIVE PORTFOLIOS. THE CUSTODIAN AGREES THAT NO SHAREHOLDER, TRUSTEE, OFFICER OR PARTNER OF ANY FUND MAY BE HELD PERSONALLY LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OBLIGATIONS OF ANY FUND ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 9.03. Several Obligations of the Funds and the Portfolios . WITH RESPECT TO ANY OBLIGATIONS OF A FUND ON BEHALF OF ANY OF ITS PORTFOLIOS ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE OBLIGATIONS ARISING UNDER SECTIONS 2.28, 5.03, 5.05 and ARTICLE VI HEREOF, THE CUSTODIAN SHALL LOOK FOR PAYMENT OR SATISFACTION OF ANY OBLIGATION SOLELY TO THE ASSETS AND PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIO TO WHICH SUCH OBLIGATION RELATES AS THOUGH EACH FUND HAD SEPARATELY CONTRACTED WITH THE CUSTODIAN BY SEPARATE WRITTEN INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF ITS PORTFOLIOS.
Section 9.04.
Representations and Warranties
.
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(a) Representations and Warranties of Each Fund . Each Fund hereby severally and not jointly represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct and complete with respect to each Fund at all times during the term of this Agreement: (i) the Fund is duly organized under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and is registered as an openend management investment company under the 1940 Act; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision of the Funds corporate charter, Declaration of Trust or other organizational document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof or any provision of its most recent Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian . The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to each Fund that each of the following shall be true, correct and complete at all times during the term of this Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to act as a custodian to open end management investment companies under the provisions of the 1940 Act; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Custodian of this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision of the Custodians corporate charter, or other organizational document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof, (iii) the Custodian is a Qualified Foreign Bank (as defined in Rule 17f-5), a US Bank (as defined in Rule 17f 5) or an entity which by order of the SEC or by no action letter of the staff of the SEC is exempt from meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f 5), (iv) the Custodian qualifies as a Primary Custodian (as defined in Rule 17f-7) and accepts the responsibilities thereof, (v) the Custodian has entered into policies, bonds or similar arrangements which provide the types and minimum amounts of insurance and related coverage set forth in Section 2.29 hereof and such policies, bonds or similar arrangements are in full force and effect; and (vi) the Custodian has in place a business continuity/disaster recovery plan and facilities which, in the event of a disaster affecting the Custodian, will be sufficient to enable the
Custodian to resume and continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement without undue delay or disruption.
Section 9.05. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the Fund, on the one hand, and the Custodian, on the other, with respect to the subject matter hereof and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this Agreement any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between each Fund and the Custodian.
Section 9.06. Waivers and Amendments . No provision of this Agreement may be waived, amended or terminated except by a statement in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such waiver, amendment or termination is sought; provided, however: (a) Appendix A listing the Portfolios of each Fund for which the Custodian serves as custodian may be amended from time to time to add one or more Portfolios for one or more Funds, by each applicable Funds execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix A , and the execution of such amended Appendix by the Custodian, in which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution by the Custodian; (b) Appendix A may be amended from time to time to delete one or more Portfolios (but less than all of the Portfolios) of one or more of the Funds, by each applicable Funds execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix A , in which case such amendment shall take effect thirty (30) days after such delivery, unless otherwise agreed by the Custodian and each applicable Fund in writing; (c) Appendix B listing Foreign Subcustodians, Eligible Securities Depositories, Special Subcustodians and Additional Custodians approved by any Fund may be amended from time to time to add or delete one or more Foreign Subcustodians, Eligible Securities Depositories, Special Subcustodians or Additional Custodians for a Fund or Funds by either partys execution and delivery to the other party hereto of an amended Appendix B , in which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution by the other party hereto; (d) Appendix C setting forth the procedures relating to the Custodians security interest with respect to each Fund may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by each applicable Fund and the Custodian; (e) Appendix D listing the Central Funds and Fund of Funds Portfolios for which the Custodian serves as custodian may be amended from time to time to add or delete one or more of the Central Funds or Fund of Funds Portfolios, by each applicable Funds or Portfolios execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix D , and the execution of such amended Appendix by the Custodian, in which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution by the Custodian and (f) Appendix E listing the Transfer Agent Accounts for which the Custodian serves as custodian may be amended from time to time to add or delete one or more Bank Accounts, by each applicable Funds or Portfolios execution and delivery to the Custodian of an amended Appendix E and the execution of such amended Appendix by the Custodian, in which case such amendment shall take effect immediately upon execution by the Custodian.
Section 9.07. Interpretation . In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and any Fund may agree in writing from time to time on such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement with respect to such Fund as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. No interpretative or
additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement or affect any other Fund.
Section 9.08. Captions . Headings contained in this Agreement, which are included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon the interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of the parties hereto.
Section 9.09. Governing Law . Insofar as any question or dispute may arise in connection with the custodianship of foreign securities pursuant to an agreement with a Foreign Subcustodian that is governed by the laws of the State of New York, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, provided that in all other instances this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in each case without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
Section 9.10. Notices . Except in the case of Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, notices and other writings contemplated by this Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by facsimile transmission ( provided that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission, notice shall also be mailed postage prepaid to the parties at the following addresses:
(a) | If to any Fund: | |||||
c/o Strategic Advisers, Inc. | ||||||
82 Devonshire Street | ||||||
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 | ||||||
Attn: Funds Treasurer | ||||||
Telephone: | (617) 563-7000 | |||||
Facsimile: | (617) 476-4195 | |||||
(b) | If to the Custodian: | |||||
Mellon Bank, N.A. | ||||||
135 Santilli Highway | ||||||
AIM #026 026 | ||||||
Everett, MA 02149 | ||||||
Attn: Claire Driscoll, Vice President | ||||||
Telephone: 617-382-2670 | ||||||
Facsimile: 617-382-2706 |
or to such other address as a Fund or the Custodian may have designated in writing to the other.
Section 9.11. Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of each Fund severally and the Custodian and their respective successors and assigns, provided that , subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 hereof, neither the Custodian nor any
Fund may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party.
Section 9.12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. With respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by such Fund and the Custodian.
Section 9.13. Consent to Recording . Each Fund and the Custodian hereby agree that each may electronically record all telephonic conversations between them and that any such recordings may be submitted in evidence in any proceedings relating to this Agreement.
Section 9.14. Confidentiality; Reporting under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 . The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any (a) information that is required to be disclosed by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation (provided that the party intending to disclose information pursuant to any such requirement shall provide written notice to the other party as far in advance of making such disclosure as practicable, but only to the extent such notice is permissible), (b) information that is publicly available when disclosed (other than information that becomes publicly available through a breach of this Agreement), (c) information that is required to be disclosed to any bank examiner of the Custodian or any Subcustodian, or (d) information that is required to be disclosed to any auditor of the parties hereto or to proxy voting vendors, in either case, provided that such auditors or proxy voting vendors are subject, by law or agreement, to duties of confidentiality at least as extensive as those set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the Custodian shall record all Fund accounts held by the Custodian as beneficial owners objecting to disclosure of identities and holdings for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any rules thereunder, including but not limited to Rule 14b 2, and shall limit its disclosure with respect to the Funds pursuant to such provisions to the approximate total number of such beneficial owners. The Custodian shall promptly notify the applicable Fund any time any information concerning such Fund is disclosed by the Custodian or any Subcustodian to any third party if such disclosure is made in violation of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.14.
Section 9.15. Survival of Obligations . The provisions of Sections 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.09, and 9.14, Section 2.28, Section 3.04, Section 7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and any other rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
Section 9.16. Additional Services . If the Funds engage the Custodian to provide any custodial services in addition to the services described herein, the terms of this Agreement shall govern the provision of such services, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in writing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on | MELLON BANK, N.A. | |||||
Appendix A Attached Hereto, on Behalf | ||||||
of each of Their Respective Portfolios | ||||||
By: | /s/Mark Osterheld | By: | /s/Claire Driscoll | |||
Name: Mark Osterheld | Name: | Claire Driscoll | ||||
Title: Treasurer | Title : | Vice President |
APPENDIX A
|
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
MELLON BANK, N.A. AND
EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES
DATED AS OF APRIL 12, 2007
|
FUND
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II |
PORTFOLIO
Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund
APPENDIX B
|
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
MELLON BANK, N.A. AND
EACH OF THE INVESTMENT
COMPANIES LISTED ON APPENDIX A THERETO
DATED AS OF APRIL 12, 2007
|
The following is a list of Additional Custodians, Special Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians and Eligible Securities Depositories under the Custodian Agreement dated as of January 1, 2007 (the Custodian Agreement):
A. | Additional Custodians : | |
None | ||
B. | Special Subcustodians : | |
None | ||
C. | Foreign Subcustodians : |
Country | Subcustodian | Eligible Securities Depositories | ||
ARGENTINA | BankBoston, | Caja de Valores (CDV) | ||
Buenos Aires Branch | Central de Registracion y Liquidation (CRYL) | |||
AUSTRALIA | Australia and New Zealand Banking | Austraclear Limited | ||
Group Limited | ASX Settlement and Transfer Corporation | |||
(ASTC) | ||||
Clearing House Electronic Subregister | ||||
System (CHESS) | ||||
AUSTRIA | Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG, | (OeKB) Oesterreische Kontrollbank | ||
Vienna | ||||
BAHRAIN | HSBC, Manama | The Clearing Settlement and Depository | ||
BANGLADESH | Standard Chartered Bank, | |||
Dhaka Branch | ||||
BELGIUM | BNP Paribas Securities Services | Caisse Interprofessionelle de Depots et de | ||
Brussels | Virement de Titres S.A. (CIK) | |||
National Bank of Belgium (NBB) | ||||
BERMUDA | Bank of Bermuda, Limited, | |||
Hamilton | ||||
BOTSWANA | Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited, | |||
Gaborone | ||||
BRAZIL | Citibank, N.A. | Companhia Brasileira de Liquidacao e | ||
Sao Paulo Branch | Custodia (CBLC) | |||
Camara de Liquidation e Custodia (CLC) | ||||
Sistema Especial de Liquidacao e de | ||||
Custodia (SELIC) | ||||
BULGARIA | HVB Bank Biochim | Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) | ||
Bulgaria Central Security Depository (CDAD) | ||||
CANADA | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, | The Canadian Depository for Securities Ltd. | ||
Toronto | (CDS) | |||
CHILE | BankBoston, | Deposito Central de Valores (DCV) | ||
Santiago Branch | ||||
CHINA, | HSBC, | The China Securities Depository and Clearing | ||
SHANGHAI | Shanghai | Corporation LTD (CSDCC) | ||
CHINA, | HSBC, | The China Securities Depository and Clearing | ||
SHENZHEN | Shenzhen | Corporation LTD (CSDCC) | ||
CLEARSTREAM | Clearstream, Luxembourg | |||
COLOMBIA | Cititrust Colombia S.A. | Deposito Centralizado de Valores de | ||
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia | Colombia (DECEVAL) | |||
Central Securities Deposit (DCV) | ||||
CROATIA | Zagrebacka banka d.d. | Securities Depository Agency (SDA) | ||
CZECH REPUBLIC | Citibank, N.A. | Stredisko Cennych Papiru (SCP) | ||
Prague | ||||
Czech National Bank (CNB) | ||||
DENMARK | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), | The Danish Securities Centre | ||
Copenhagen | (Vaerdipapircentralen, VP) | |||
EGYPT | Citibank, N.A., | The Misr Company for Clearing, | ||
Cairo | Settlement Depository | |||
(MCSD) | ||||
ESTONIA | SEB Merchant Banking, Tallinn | The Estonian Central Depository | ||
for Securities (ECDS) | ||||
EUROCLEAR | Brussels, Belgium | |||
FINLAND | Nordea Bank Finland PLC, | The Finnish Central Securities | ||
Helsinki | Depository Ltd. (APK) | |||
FRANCE | BNP Paribas Securities Services, | Euroclear France SA | ||
Paris | ||||
GERMANY | BNP Paribas Securities Services, | Clearstream Banking AG, Frankfurt | ||
Frankfurt | ||||
GHANA | Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited, | |||
Accra | ||||
GREECE | EFG Eurobank Ergasias S.A. | Central Securities Depository S.A. (CSD) | ||
Bank of Greece (BoG) | ||||
HONG KONG | HSBC, | Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co. (HKSCC) | ||
Hong Kong | ||||
Hong Kong Central Money Market Unit | ||||
(CMU) | ||||
HUNGARY | HVB Bank Hungary Rt. | Central Clearing House and Depository | ||
(Budapest) Ltd. | ||||
(KELER) | ||||
ICELAND | Glitner banki HF | Verdbrefaskraning Island hf (VBSI) | ||
INDIA | HSBC, Mumbai Branch | National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) | ||
Central Depository Services Limited (CSDL) | ||||
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) | ||||
INDONESIA | HSBC, Jakarta | The Kustodian Sentral Efek Indonesia (KSEI) | ||
Bank Indonesia (BI) | ||||
IRELAND | Mellon Bank, N.A. | CREST | ||
Euroclear Operations Center (EOC) |
ISRAEL | Bank Hapoalim B.M., | Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing House, | ||
Tel Aviv | Ltd. (TASECH) | |||
ITALY | BNP Paribas Securities Services | Monte Titoli S.p.A. | ||
Milan | ||||
JAPAN | HSBC, Tokyo | Japan Securities Depository Centre (JASDEC) | ||
Bank of Japan (BoJ) | ||||
JORDAN | HSBC, Amman | The Securities Depository Center of | ||
Jordan (SDC) | ||||
KAZAKHSTAN | HSBC, Kazakhstan | Central Depository of Securities | ||
(CDS) | ||||
KENYA | Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited, | The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) | ||
Nairobi | ||||
KOREA, | HSBC, Seoul | Korea Securities Depository (KSD) | ||
REPUBLIC OF | ||||
LATVIA | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken | |||
LITHUANIA | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken | |||
LEBANON | HSBC, Beirut | The Custodian and Clearing Centre of | ||
Financial Instruments for Lebanon and the | ||||
Middle East (Midclear) | ||||
Banque du Liban, BDL (Central Bank of | ||||
Lebanon) | ||||
LUXEMBOURG | Fortis Banque, | Clearsteam | ||
Luxembourg SA | ||||
MALAYSIA | Citibank, N.A., | Malaysian Central Depository Sdn Bhd (MCD) | ||
Kuala Lumpur | ||||
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) | ||||
MAURITIUS | HSBC, | The Central Depository & Settlement Co Ltd. | ||
Port Louis | (CDS) |
MEXICO | Banco Santander Mexicano, | Instituto para el Deposito de Valores | ||
Mexico City | (INDEVAL) | |||
MOROCCO | Societe Generale Marocaine de Banques, | Maroclear | ||
Casablanca | ||||
NETHERLANDS | ABN AMRO-Mellon Global Securities | Euroclear Bank SA/NV | ||
Services B.V. | ||||
NEW ZEALAND | Australia and New Zealand Banking | New Zealand Central Securities Depository Ltd. | ||
Group Wellington | (NZCSD) | |||
NORWAY | Nordea Bank Norge ASA, | Norwegian Central Securities Depository, | ||
Oslo | Verdipapirsentralen (VPS) | |||
OMAN | HSBC, Ruwi | The Muscat Depository and Securities | ||
Registration Company (MDSRC) | ||||
PAKISTAN | Deutsche Bank AG, | The Central Depository Company | ||
Karachi | of Pakistan Limited (CDC) | |||
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) | ||||
PERU | Citibank, | Caja de Valores y Liquidaciones (CAVALI) | ||
Lima | ||||
PHILIPPINES | HSBC, | The Philippines Central Depository (PCD) | ||
Manila | Registry of Scripless Securities (RoSS) | |||
POLAND | Citibank/Bank Handlowy w Warszawie, | National Depository of Securities (NDS) | ||
S.A., Warsaw | Centralny Rejester Bonow Skarbowych | |||
(CRBS) | ||||
PORTUGAL | Banco Comercial Portugues S.A., | Sociedade Gestora de Liquidacao e de | ||
Lisbon | Sistemas Centralizados de Valores | |||
Mobiliarios (INTERBOLSA) | ||||
ROMANIA | HVB Bank Romania S.A. | The National Company for Clearing, | ||
Settlement and Despository for |
Securities (SNCDD) | ||||
National Bank of Romania (NBR) | ||||
Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE) | ||||
RUSSIA | ZAO Ciibank Moscow | Depository Clearing Company (DCC) | ||
National Depository Center (NDC) | ||||
Central Bank of Russia | ||||
SINGAPORE | The Development Bank of Singapore, | Central Depository (Pte) Ltd. (CDP) | ||
Singapore | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | |||
SLOVAKIA | HVB Bank Slovakia, | Slovak Center for Securities (SCP) | ||
Bratislava | National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) | |||
SLOVENIA | Bank Austria Creditanstalt d.d., | The Central Securities Clearing | ||
Ljubljana | Corporation (KDD) | |||
SOUTH AFRICA | Societe Generale, Johannesburg | The Central Depository Limited (CD) | ||
Share Transactions Totally Eletronic | ||||
(STRATE) | ||||
SPAIN | Santander Investment Services, | Servicio de Compensacion Y Liquidacion de | ||
S.A., Madrid | Valores (SCLV) | |||
Banca de Espana | ||||
SRI LANKA | HSBC, Colombo | Central Depository System (Pvt) Ltd. (CDS) | ||
SWEDEN | Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) | Vaerdepapperscentralen (VPC) | ||
Stockholm | ||||
SWITZERLAND | Union Bank of Switzerland, | SegaIntersettle AG (SIS) | ||
Zurich | ||||
TAIWAN | Standard Chartered Bank | Taiwan Securities Central Depository Co. | ||
(TSCD) | ||||
THAILAND | HSBC, | The Thailand Securities Depository Co., Ltd | ||
Bangkok Branch | (TSD) |
TURKEY | Citibank Turkey, Istanbul | Takasbank ISE Settlement & Custody Bank | ||
Inc. (Takasbank) | ||||
Central Bank of of the Republic of | ||||
Turkey (CBT) | ||||
UGANDA | Barclays Bank of Uganda, | |||
Kampala | ||||
UKRAINE | Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG | The National Bank of the Ukraine | ||
Depository (NBU) | ||||
The Interregional Securities Union (IRSU) | ||||
UNITED | Mellon Bank, N.A, | Central Moneymarkets Office (CMO) | ||
KINGDOM | London | CRESTCo. | ||
UNITED STATES | Mellon Bank, N.A. | Depository Trust Company (DTC) | ||
National Securities Clearing Corporation | ||||
(NSCC) | ||||
URUGUAY | BankBoston, N.A. | Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU) | ||
Montevideo | Agency Bolsa de Valores (ABV) | |||
VENEZUELA | Citibank, N.A., | Caja de Venezolana de Valores (CVV) | ||
Caracas | Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) | |||
ZAMBIA | Barclays Bank of Zambia Ltd., | The Lusaka Stock Exchange | ||
Lusaka | Central Shares Depository Limited | |||
(LuSE CD) | ||||
The Bank of Zambia | ||||
ZIMBABWE | Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Ltd., | |||
Harare |
APPENDIX C
|
TO
THE
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON APPENDIX A THERETO AND MELLON BANK, N.A. |
DATED
AS
OF
APRIL
12,
2007
|
PROCEDURES RELATING TO CUSTODIANS SECURITY INTEREST
As security for any Overdrafts (as defined in the Custodian Agreement) of any Portfolio, the applicable Fund, on behalf of such Portfolio, shall pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a security interest in Collateral (as hereinafter defined), under the terms, circumstances and conditions set forth in this Appendix C.
Section 1 . Defined Terms . As used in this Appendix C the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(a) Business Day shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Custodian is closed for business.
(b) Collateral shall mean, with respect to any Portfolio, securities held by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio having a fair market value (as determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in the prospectus for the Portfolio) equal to the aggregate of all Overdraft Obligations of such Portfolio: (i) identified in any Pledge Certificate executed on behalf of such Portfolio; or (ii) designated by the Custodian for such Portfolio pursuant to Section 3 of this Appendix C. Such securities shall consist of marketable securities held by the Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio or, if no such marketable securities are held by the Custodian on behalf of such Portfolio, such other securities designated by the applicable Fund in the applicable Pledge Certificate or by the Custodian pursuant to Section 3 of this Appendix C.
(c) Overdraft Obligations shall mean, with respect to any Portfolio, the amount of any outstanding Overdraft(s) provided by the Custodian to such Portfolio together with all accrued interest thereon.
(d) Pledge Certificate shall mean a Pledge Certificate in the form attached to this Appendix C as Schedule 1 executed by a duly authorized officer of the applicable Fund and delivered by such Fund to the Custodian by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the applicable Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(e) Release Certificate shall mean a Release Certificate in the form attached to this Appendix C as Schedule 2 executed by a duly authorized officer of the Custodian and delivered by the Custodian to the applicable Fund by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as such Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.
(f) Written Notice shall mean a written notice executed by a duly authorized officer of the party delivering the notice and delivered by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the applicable Fund and the Custodian shall agree in writing.
Section 2 . Pledge of Collateral . To the extent that any Overdraft Obligations of a Portfolio are not satisfied by the close of business on the first Business Day following the Business Day on which the applicable Fund receives Written Notice requesting security for such Overdraft Obligation and stating the amount of such Overdraft Obligation, the applicable Fund, on behalf of such Portfolio, shall pledge, assign and grant to the Custodian a first priority security interest, by delivering to the Custodian, a Pledge Certificate executed by such Fund on behalf of such Portfolio describing the applicable Collateral. Such Written Notice may, in the discretion of the Custodian, be included within or accompany the Overdraft Notice relating to the applicable Overdraft Obligations.
Section 3 . Failure to Pledge Collateral . In the event that the applicable Fund shall fail: (a) to pay, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, the Overdraft Obligation described in such Written Notice; (b) to deliver to the Custodian a Pledge Certificate pursuant to Section 2; or (c) to identify substitute securities pursuant to Section 6 upon the sale or maturity of any securities identified as Collateral, the Custodian may, by Written Notice to the applicable Fund specify Collateral which shall secure the applicable Overdraft Obligation. Such Fund, on behalf of any applicable Portfolio, hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Custodian a first priority security interest in any and all Collateral specified in such Written Notice; provided that such pledge, assignment and grant of security shall be deemed to be effective only upon receipt by the applicable Fund of such Written Notice.
Section 4 . Delivery of Additional Collateral . If at any time the Custodian shall notify a Fund by Written Notice that the fair market value of the Collateral securing any Overdraft Obligation of one of such Funds Portfolios is less than the amount of such Overdraft Obligation, such Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, shall deliver to the Custodian, within one (1) Business Day following the Funds receipt of such Written Notice, an additional Pledge Certificate describing additional Collateral. If such Fund shall fail to deliver such additional Pledge Certificate, the Custodian may specify Collateral which shall secure the unsecured amount of the applicable Overdraft Obligation in accordance with Section 3 of this Appendix C.
Section 5 . Release of Collateral . Upon payment by a Fund, on behalf of one of its Portfolios, of any Overdraft Obligation secured by the pledge of Collateral, the Custodian shall promptly deliver to such Fund a Release Certificate pursuant to which the Custodian shall release Collateral from the lien under the applicable Pledge Certificate or Written Notice pursuant to Section 3 having a fair market value equal to the amount paid by such Fund on account of such Overdraft Obligation. In addition, if at any time a Fund shall notify the Custodian by Written Notice that such Fund desires that specified Collateral be released and: (a) that the fair market value of the Collateral securing any Overdraft Obligation shall exceed the amount of such Overdraft Obligation; or (b) that the Fund has delivered a Pledge Certificate substituting Collateral for such Overdraft Obligation, the Custodian shall deliver to such Fund, within one (1) Business Day following the Custodians receipt of such Written Notice, a Release Certificate relating to the Collateral specified in such Written Notice.
Section 6 . Substitution of Collateral . A Fund may substitute securities for any securities identified as Collateral by delivery to the Custodian of a Pledge Certificate executed by such Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, indicating the securities pledged as Collateral.
Section 7 . Security for Individual Portfolios Overdraft Obligations . The pledge of Collateral by a Fund on behalf of any of its individual Portfolios shall secure only the Overdraft Obligations of such Portfolio. In no event shall the pledge of Collateral by one of a Funds Portfolios be deemed or considered to be security for the Overdraft Obligations of any other Portfolio of such Fund or of any other Fund.
Section 8 . Custodians Remedies . Upon (a) a Funds failure to pay any Overdraft Obligation of an applicable Portfolio within thirty (30) days after receipt by such Fund of a Written Notice demanding security therefore, and (b) one (1) Business Days prior Written Notice to such Fund, the Custodian may elect to enforce its security interest in the Collateral securing such Overdraft Obligation, by taking title to (at the then prevailing fair market value), or selling in a commercially reasonable manner, so much of the Collateral as shall be required to pay such Overdraft Obligation in full. Notwithstanding the provisions of any applicable law, including, without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, the remedy set forth in the preceding sentence shall be the only right or remedy to which the Custodian is entitled with respect to the pledge and security interest granted pursuant to any Pledge Certificate or Section 3. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian hereby waives and relinquishes all contractual and common law rights of set off to which it may now or hereafter be or become entitled with respect to any obligations of any Fund to the Custodian arising under this Appendix C to the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Appendix to be executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
Each of the Investment Companies Listed on | MELLON BANK, N.A. | |
Appendix A , on Behalf of each of Their | ||
Respective Portfolios | ||
By: | By: | |
Name: | Name: | |
Title: | Title: |
SCHEDULE 1
TO APPENDIX C PLEDGE CERTIFICATE |
This Pledge Certificate is delivered pursuant to the Custodian Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2007 (the Agreement), between [ ] (the Fund) and Mellon Bank, N.A. (the Custodian). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. Pursuant to [Section 2 or Section 4] of Appendix C attached to the Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of [ ] (the Portfolio), hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Custodian a first priority security interest in the securities listed on Exhibit A attached to this Pledge Certificate (collectively, the Pledged Securities). Upon delivery of this Pledge Certificate, the Pledged Securities shall constitute Collateral, and shall secure all Overdraft Obligations of the Portfolio described in that certain Written Notice dated, delivered by the Custodian to the Fund. The pledge, assignment and grant of security in the Pledged Securities hereunder shall be subject in all respect to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 7 and 8 of Appendix C attached thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has caused this Pledge Certificate to be executed in its name, on behalf of the Portfolio this day of
____________
.
[FUND], on Behalf of [Portfolio] |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
EXHIBIT A
TO PLEDGE CERTIFICATE |
Type of | Certificate/CUSIP | Number of | ||||
Issuer | Security | Numbers | Shares |
|
SCHEDULE 2
TO APPENDIX C RELEASE CERTIFICATE |
This Release Certificate is delivered pursuant to the Custodian Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2007 (the Agreement), between [ ] (the Fund) and Mellon Bank, N.A. (the Custodian). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. Pursuant to Section 5 of Appendix C attached to the Agreement, the Custodian hereby releases the securities listed on Exhibit A attached to this Release Certificate from the lien under the [Pledge Certificate dated ___________, or the Written Notice delivered pursuant to Section 3 of Appendix C dated _________].
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Custodian has caused this Release Certificate to be executed in its name and on its behalf this ____ day of ___________.
MELLON BANK, N.A. |
By: |
Name: |
Title: |
EXHIBIT A
TO RELEASE CERTIFICATE |
Type of | Certificate/CUSIP | Number of | ||||
Issuer | Security | Numbers | Shares |
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APPENDIX D
TO THE CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LISTED ON APPENDIX A THERETO AND MELLON BANK, N.A. DATED AS OF APRIL 12, 2007 |
A. | Central Funds | |||||
Trust/LLC | Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity 1-3 Year Duration Securitized Bond Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity 2-5 Year Duration Securitized Bond Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Consumer Discretionary Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Consumer Staples Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Corporate Bond 1-5 Year Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Corporate Bond 1-10 Year Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Energy Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Financials Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Floating Rate Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Health Care Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity High Income Central Fund 1 | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Industrials Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Information Technology Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Materials Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Mortgage Backed Securities Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Specialized High Income Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Tactical Income Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Telecom Services Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Central Investment Portfolios LLC | Fidelity Utilities Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust | Fidelity Money Market Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust | Fidelity Ultra-Short Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust | Fidelity Cash Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Garrison Street Trust | VIP Investment Grade Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Revere Street Trust | Fidelity Cash Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Revere Street Trust | Fidelity Municipal Cash Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Revere Street Trust | Fidelity Securities Lending Cash Central Fund | |||||
Fidelity Revere Street Trust | Fidelity Tax Free Cash Central Fund |
B. | Fund of Funds | |||
Trust | Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2005 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2010 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2015 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2020 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2025 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2030 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2035 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2040 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2045 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom 2050 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Advisor Freedom Income Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2000 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2005 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2010 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2015 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2020 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2025 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2030 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2035 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2040 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2045 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom 2050 Fund | |||
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust | Fidelity Freedom Income Fund | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2005 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2010 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2015 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2020 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2025 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom 2030 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom Income Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom Lifetime Income I Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom Lifetime Income II Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Freedom Lifetime Income III Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | FundsManager 20% Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | FundsManager 50% Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | FundsManager 70% Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | FundsManager 85% Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2005 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2010 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2015 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2020 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2025 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom 2030 Portfolio | |||
Variable Insurance Products Fund IV | Investor Freedom Income Portfolio |
APPENDIX E
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TO THE
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES LISTED ON APPENDIX A THERETO
AND
MELLON BANK, N.A.
DATED AS OF: APRIL 12, 2007
TRANSFER AGENT ACCOUNTS |
Bank Account Operating Name | Bank Account Number | |
FGF Concentration | 6386 |
Exhibit (g)(2)
APPENDIX A
TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN MELLON BANK, N.A. AND EACH OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
FUND | PORTFOLIO | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund (1) | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund (2) | |
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II | Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund (3) |
Notes: |
The addition of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II: |
Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund |
Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
Each of the Investment Companies | MELLON BANK, N.A. | |||
Listed on Appendix A Attached | ||||
Hereto, on Behalf of each of Their | ||||
Respective Portfolios | ||||
By: /s/Mark Osterheld | By: /s/Claire Driscoll | |||
Name: Mark Osterheld | Name: Claire Driscoll | |||
Title: Treasurer | Title: Vice President |
Exhibit (h)(1)
62 BASIS POINT EXPENSE CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
This 62 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated as of December 11, 2007 (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund (the "Fund"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Manager").
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into a Management Contract of even date herewith (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to which the Manager has agreed to provide certain services and to pay certain expenses of the Fund in return for an annualized 47 basis point management fee;
WHEREAS, the Management Agreement provides that the Manager will pay certain expenses of the Fund out of the management fee but is not obligated to pay expenses allocable to any class; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Manager have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to maintain the expenses of the currently existing class of the Fund (hereinafter, the "Initial Class") at a fixed annualized expense rate not to exceed 62 basis points.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EXPENSE PROVISION. Until this agreement shall be amended or terminated pursuant to Section 2 or Section 5 hereof, the Manager agrees, with respect to the Initial Class, to pay or provide for the payment of any fee or expense allocated at the class level and attributable to the Initial Class, such that the ordinary operating expenses incurred by the Initial Class in any fiscal year (excluding interest, taxes, securities lending costs, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses of the disinterested Trustees of the Trust, and extraordinary expenses) will not exceed 0.62% on an annual basis.
2. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may not be amended to increase the fees or expenses payable by the Initial Class except by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Initial Class; provided that the Trust may amend Section 1 hereof without shareholder approval if the Board of Trustees determines that any payments by or on behalf of the Manager described in Section 1 hereof may create a preferential dividend for federal income tax purposes; and further provided, that all other amendments may be approved by mutual consent of the parties without a shareholder vote.
3. INTERPRETATION. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust's Trust Instrument or Bylaws, each as in effect from time to time, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement, including without limitation any requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of its responsibility for or control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
4. FURTURE CLASSES. For avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that this Agreement shall not apply to any other class of the Fund other than the Initial Class. If in the future, the Fund should issue an additional class or classes of shares of the Fund, this Agreement shall have no effect as to the expenses allocable to those classes.
5. DEFINITIONS. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Management Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to the Management Agreement.
6. TERMINATION. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon termination of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (h)(2)
67 BASIS POINT EXPENSE CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY SMALL CAP ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
This 67 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated as of December 11, 2007 (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund (the "Fund"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Manager").
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into a Management Contract of even date herewith (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to which the Manager has agreed to provide certain services and to pay certain expenses of the Fund in return for an annualized 52 basis point management fee;
WHEREAS, the Management Agreement provides that the Manager will pay certain expenses of the Fund out of the management fee but is not obligated to pay expenses allocable to any class; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Manager have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to maintain the expenses of the currently existing class of the Fund (hereinafter, the "Initial Class") at a fixed annualized expense rate not to exceed 67 basis points.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EXPENSE PROVISION. Until this agreement shall be amended or terminated pursuant to Section 2 or Section 5 hereof, the Manager agrees, with respect to the Initial Class, to pay or provide for the payment of any fee or expense allocated at the class level and attributable to the Initial Class, such that the ordinary operating expenses incurred by the Initial Class in any fiscal year (excluding interest, taxes, securities lending costs, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses of the disinterested Trustees of the Trust, and extraordinary expenses) will not exceed 0.67% on an annual basis.
2. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may not be amended to increase the fees or expenses payable by the Initial Class except by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Initial Class; provided that the Trust may amend Section 1 hereof without shareholder approval if the Board of Trustees determines that any payments by or on behalf of the Manager described in Section 1 hereof may create a preferential dividend for federal income tax purposes; and further provided, that all other amendments may be approved by mutual consent of the parties without a shareholder vote.
3. INTERPRETATION. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust's Trust Instrument or Bylaws, each as in effect from time to time, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement, including without limitation any requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of its responsibility for or control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
4. FURTURE CLASSES. For avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that this Agreement shall not apply to any other class of the Fund other than the Initial Class. If in the future, the Fund should issue an additional class or classes of shares of the Fund, this Agreement shall have no effect as to the expenses allocable to those classes.
5. DEFINITIONS. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Management Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to the Management Agreement.
6. TERMINATION. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon termination of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity Small Capl Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (h)(3)
60 BASIS POINT EXPENSE CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II
FIDELITY MID CAP ENHANCED INDEX FUND
and
STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC.
This 60 Basis Point Expense Contract, dated as of December 11, 2007 (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into by and between Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (the "Trust"), on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund (the "Fund"), and Strategic Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Manager").
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into a Management Contract of even date herewith (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to which the Manager has agreed to provide certain services and to pay certain expenses of the Fund in return for an annualized 45 basis point management fee;
WHEREAS, the Management Agreement provides that the Manager will pay certain expenses of the Fund out of the management fee but is not obligated to pay expenses allocable to any class; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Manager have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to maintain the expenses of the currently existing class of the Fund (hereinafter, the "Initial Class") at a fixed annualized expense rate not to exceed 60 basis points.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EXPENSE PROVISION. Until this agreement shall be amended or terminated pursuant to Section 2 or Section 5 hereof, the Manager agrees, with respect to the Initial Class, to pay or provide for the payment of any fee or expense allocated at the class level and attributable to the Initial Class, such that the ordinary operating expenses incurred by the Initial Class in any fiscal year (excluding interest, taxes, securities lending costs, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses of the disinterested Trustees of the Trust, and extraordinary expenses) will not exceed 0.60% on an annual basis.
2. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may not be amended to increase the fees or expenses payable by the Initial Class except by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Initial Class; provided that the Trust may amend Section 1 hereof without shareholder approval if the Board of Trustees determines that any payments by or on behalf of the Manager described in Section 1 hereof may create a preferential dividend for federal income tax purposes; and further provided, that all other amendments may be approved by mutual consent of the parties without a shareholder vote.
3. INTERPRETATION. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust's Trust Instrument or Bylaws, each as in effect from time to time, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement, including without limitation any requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of its responsibility for or control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
4. FURTURE CLASSES. For avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that this Agreement shall not apply to any other class of the Fund other than the Initial Class. If in the future, the Fund should issue an additional class or classes of shares of the Fund, this Agreement shall have no effect as to the expenses allocable to those classes.
5. DEFINITIONS. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Management Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to the Management Agreement.
6. TERMINATION. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon termination of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
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FIDELITY COMMONWEALTH TRUST II |
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on behalf of Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund |
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By: |
/s/Mark Osterheld |
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Mark Osterheld |
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President and Treasurer |
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STRATEGIC ADVISERS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/J. Gregory Wass |
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J. Gregory Wass |
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Assistant Treasurer |
Exhibit (i)
Dechert
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200 Clarendon Street 27th Floor Boston, MA 02116-5021 +1 617 728 7100 Main +1 617 426 6567 Fax www.dechert.com |
April 25, 2008
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Re: Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") and its separate series Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, and Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund (the "Funds"), in connection with Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Amendment"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
In connection with the opinions set forth herein, you have provided to us originals, copies or facsimile transmissions of, and we have reviewed and relied upon, among other things, copies of the following: the Amendment; the Amended and Restated Trust Instrument of the Trust dated September 25, 2006; and the By-Laws of the Trust dated September 25, 2006 (the "By-Laws"). In addition, we have reviewed and relied upon a Certificate issued by the Delaware Secretary of State dated April 24, 2008 with respect to the Trust, which we have assumed remains unchanged as of the date of this letter. We have assumed that the By-Laws have been duly adopted by the Trustees. We have also examined such documents and questions of law as we have concluded are necessary or appropriate for purposes of the opinions expressed below.
In rendering this opinion we have assumed, without independent verification, (i) the due authority of all individuals signing in representative capacities and the genuineness of signatures; (ii) the authenticity, completeness and continued effectiveness of all documents or copies furnished to us; (iii) that any resolutions provided have been duly adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees; (iv) that the facts contained in the instruments and certificates or statements of public officials, officers and representatives of each Fund on which we have relied for the purposes of this opinion are true and correct; and (v) that no amendments, agreements, resolutions or actions have been approved, executed or adopted which would limit, supersede or modify the items described above. Where documents are referred to in resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, or in the Amendment, we have assumed such documents are the same as in the most recent form provided to us, whether as an exhibit to the Amendment or otherwise. When any opinion set forth below relates to the existence or standing of the Trust, such opinion is based entirely upon and is limited by the items referred to above, and we understand that the foregoing assumptions, limitations and qualifications are acceptable to you.
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II
Page 2
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly formed and is validly existing as a statutory trust under the laws of the state of Delaware; and
2. the Shares registered under the Securities Act, when issued in accordance with the terms described in the Amendment, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.
We express no opinion as to any other matter other than as expressly set forth above and no other opinion is intended or may be inferred herefrom. The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation and hereby disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change after the date of this opinion pertaining to any matter referred to herein. We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
We are members of the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and do not hold ourselves out as being conversant with the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We note that we are not licensed to practice law in the State of Delaware, and to the extent that any opinion herein involves the laws of the State of Delaware, such opinion should be understood to be based solely upon our review of the documents referred to above and the published statutes of the State of Delaware.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP
U.S. A
USTIN
B
OSTON
C
HARLOTTE
H
ARRISBURG
H
ARTFORD
N
EW
Y
ORK
N
EWPORT
B
EACH
P
ALO
A
LSO
P
HILADELPHIA
P
RINCETON
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Exhibit (j)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust II: Fidelity Large Cap Growth Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Value Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Large Cap Core Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Mid Cap Enhanced Index Fund, Fidelity Small Cap Enhanced Index Fund and Fidelity International Enhanced Index Fund of our report dated April 23, 2008 on the financial statements and financial highlights included in the February 29, 2008 Annual Reports to Shareholders of the above referenced funds which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement.
We further consent to the references to our Firm under the headings "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Statements of Additional Information.
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/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Boston, Massachusetts |
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April 29, 2008 |
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