Prospectus - Investment Objective
Fund
|
Ticker
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
FHKFX
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
FEMSX
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
FIGSX
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
FSTSX
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
FINVX
|
Funds
of Fidelity Investment Trust
STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December
30, 2022
This
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. Portions of each
fund's annual
report are
incorporated herein. The annual report(s) are supplied with this SAI.
To
obtain a free additional copy of a prospectus or SAI, dated December 30, 2022,
or an annual report, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 or visit Fidelity's
web site at www.fidelity.com.
For
more information on any Fidelity ®
fund,
including charges and expenses, call Fidelity at the number indicated above for
a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.
245
Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
GSV-S-PTB-1222
1.901078.115
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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
the fund's acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any
subsequent change in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be
considered when determining whether the investment complies with the fund's
investment policies and limitations.
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 Statement of Additional Information (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 (other than Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities
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 of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Growth Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund's, and Fidelity ®
Series
International Value Fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with
respect to any investment in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government securities, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR)
looks through to the U.S. Government securities.
For
purposes of each of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Growth Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund's, and Fidelity ®
Series
International Value Fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with
respect to any investment in Fidelity ®
Money
Market Central Fund and/or any non-money market Central fund, FMR looks through
to the holdings of the Central fund.
For
purposes of each of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Growth Fund's, Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund's, and Fidelity ®
Series
International Value Fund's concentration limitation discussed above,
FMR may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer
and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with
those characteristics in the event that the third-party classification provider
used by FMR does not assign a classification.
For
Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities 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 companies whose principal business activities are in the
same industry.
For
purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to
any investment in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government
securities, FMR looks through to the U.S. Government securities.
For
purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, with respect to
any investment in Fidelity® Money Market Central Fund and/or any non-money
market Central fund, FMR looks through to the holdings of the Central
fund.
For
purposes of the fund's concentration limitation discussed above, FMR may analyze
the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry
or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that
the third-party classification provider used by FMR does not assign a
classification.
Real
Estate
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 FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser
or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with any party (reverse
repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for purposes of the fundamental
borrowing investment limitation).
Illiquid
Securities
For
each fund:
The
fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a result, more
than 15% 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 15% 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 FMR 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 investment limitations
discussed above:
In
order to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, each fund currently intends to comply
with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.
For
a fund's policies and limitations on futures and options transactions, as
applicable, see "Investment Policies and Limitations - Futures, Options, and
Swaps."
For
purposes of a fund's 80% investment policy that defines a particular market
capitalization by reference to the capitalization range of one or more indexes
(as described in the prospectus), the capitalization range of the index(es)
generally will be measured no less frequently than once per month.
The
following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in
which a fund may invest, techniques a fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may
employ in pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related
risks. A fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) may not buy all of these instruments
or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help the
fund achieve its goal. However, a fund's adviser (or a sub-adviser) is not
required to buy any particular instrument or use any particular technique even
if to do so might benefit the fund.
On
the following pages in this section titled "Investment Policies and
Limitations," and except as otherwise indicated, references to "an adviser" or
"the adviser" may relate to a fund's adviser or a sub-adviser, as
applicable.
Affiliated
Bank Transactions. A
Fidelity ®
fund
may engage in transactions with financial institutions that are, or may be
considered to be, "affiliated persons" of the fund under the 1940 Act. These
transactions may involve repurchase agreements with custodian banks; short-term
obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest U.S. banks
(measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. Government securities with
affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers in these securities;
short-term currency transactions; and short-term borrowings. In accordance with
exemptive orders issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the
Board of Trustees has established and periodically reviews procedures applicable
to transactions involving affiliated financial institutions.
Borrowing.
If
a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation
until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while
borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash
Management. A
fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money
market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money
market funds, including (for Fidelity ®
funds
and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity ®
Central
funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other
types of securities.
Central
Funds are
special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the
Fidelity ®
funds
and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular
security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds
incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees
and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees. The investment results
of the portions of a Fidelity ®
fund's
assets invested in the Central funds will be based upon the investment results
of those funds.
Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The
Adviser, on behalf of the Fidelity® funds to which this SAI relates, has filed
with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the
definition of the term "commodity pool operator" (CPO) under the Commodity
Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with
respect to each fund's operation. Accordingly, neither a fund nor its adviser is
subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or a CPO. As of the
date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the funds.
However, there is no certainty that a fund or its adviser will be able to rely
on an exclusion in the future as the fund's investments change over time. A fund
may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional CFTC
regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if
applicable. If a fund or its adviser operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may
incur additional expenses.
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, although
related proceedings can take time to resolve and results can be unpredictable.
For purposes of a Fidelity ®
fund's
policies related to investment in common stock Fidelity considers depositary
receipts evidencing ownership of common stock to be 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.
Countries
and Markets Considered Emerging. For
purposes of a Fidelity ®
fund's
80% investment policy relating to emerging markets, emerging markets include
countries that have an emerging stock market as defined by MSCI, countries or
markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank,
and other countries or markets with similar emerging characteristics.
For
example, as of October 31, 2022, countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
(for Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Fund and Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund), Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, and Singapore
are considered to be emerging.
Country
or Geographic Region. Various
factors may be considered in determining whether an investment is tied
economically to a particular country or region, including: whether the
investment is issued or guaranteed by a particular government or any of its
agencies, political subdivisions, or instrumentalities; whether the investment
has its primary trading market in a particular country or region; whether the
issuer is organized under the laws of, derives at least 50% of its revenues
from, or has at least 50% of its assets in a particular country or region;
whether the investment is included in an index representative of a particular
country or region; and whether the investment is exposed to the economic
fortunes and risks of a particular country or region.
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.
Disruption
to Financial Markets and Related Government Intervention. Economic
downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory
reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of
events such as the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other
governments to take a number of then-unprecedented actions designed to support
certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that
experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases, a lack of liquidity. Federal,
state, local, foreign, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or
self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the
instruments in which a fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways
that are unforeseeable. Reforms may also change the way in which a fund is
regulated and could limit or preclude a fund's ability to achieve its investment
objective or engage in certain strategies. Also, while reforms generally are
intended to strengthen markets, systems, and public finances, they could affect
fund expenses and the value of fund investments in unpredictable ways.
Similarly,
widespread disease including pandemics and epidemics, and natural or
environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, fires, floods,
hurricanes, tsunamis and climate-related phenomena generally, have been and can
be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual
companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation
rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value
of a fund's investments. Economies and financial markets throughout the world
have become increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that
events or conditions in one region or country will adversely affect markets or
issuers in other regions or countries, including the United States.
Additionally, market disruptions may result in increased market volatility;
regulatory trading halts; closure of domestic or foreign exchanges, markets, or
governments; or market participants operating pursuant to business continuity
plans for indeterminate periods of time. Further, market disruptions can (i)
prevent a fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely
manner, (ii) negatively impact a fund's ability to achieve its investment
objective, and (iii) may exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in a fund's
registration statement, including political, social, and economic risks.
The
value of a fund's portfolio is also generally subject to the risk of future
local, national, or global economic or natural disturbances based on unknown
weaknesses in the markets in which a fund invests. In the event of such a
disturbance, the issuers of securities held by a fund may experience significant
declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive
government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business
operations or other government intervention. In addition, it remains uncertain
that the U.S. Government or foreign governments will intervene in response to
current or future market disturbances and the effect of any such future
intervention cannot be predicted.
Exchange
Traded Funds (ETFs) are
shares of other investment companies, commodity pools, or other entities that
are traded on an exchange. Typically, assets underlying the ETF shares are
stocks, though they may also be commodities or other instruments. An ETF may
seek to replicate the performance of a specific index or may be actively
managed.
Typically,
shares of an ETF that tracks an index are expected to increase in value as the
value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse
ETFs (also called "short ETFs" or "bear ETFs"), ETF shares are expected to
increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases. Inverse
ETFs seek to deliver the opposite of the performance of the benchmark they track
and are often marketed as a way for investors to profit from, or at least hedge
their exposure to, downward moving markets. Investments in inverse ETFs are
similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark.
ETF
shares are redeemable only in large blocks of shares often called "creation
units" by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at
each day's next calculated net asset value per share (NAV). ETFs typically incur
fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund's
purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would
indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF's operating expenses. Further,
while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are
traded in the secondary market (e.g., on a stock exchange) on an intra-day basis
at prices that may be above or below the value of their underlying
portfolios.
Some
of the risks of investing in an ETF that tracks an index are similar to those of
investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of
errors in matching the ETF's underlying assets to the index or other benchmark);
and the risk that because an ETF that tracks an index is not actively managed,
it cannot sell stocks or other assets as long as they are represented in the
index or other benchmark. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade
in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs
may not be liquid. ETFs also may be leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver
multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use
derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns (or decline, in the case of
inverse ETFs) of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may
offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at
which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged and inverse ETFs
"reset" daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a
daily basis. Leveraged and inverse ETFs can deviate substantially from the
performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time,
particularly in volatile periods.
Exchange
Traded Notes (ETNs) are
a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial
institutions that combines aspects of both bonds and ETFs. An ETN's returns are
based on the performance of a market index or other reference asset minus fees
and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the
secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN's
maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance
of the market index or other reference asset to which the ETN is linked minus
certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs typically do not make periodic interest
payments and principal typically is not protected.
ETNs
also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable index. The market
value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of
the index or other reference asset, and the credit rating of the ETN issuer. The
market value of ETN shares may differ from their intraday indicative value. The
value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer's credit rating.
As a result, there may be times when an ETN's share trades at a premium or
discount to its NAV. Some ETNs that use leverage in an effort to amplify the
returns of an underlying index or other reference asset can, at times, be
relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a
fair price. Leveraged ETNs may offer the potential for greater return, but the
potential for loss and speed at which losses can be realized also are
greater.
Exposure
to Foreign and Emerging Markets. Foreign
securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with
substantial foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the
risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Foreign
investments involve risks relating to local political, economic, regulatory, or
social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic
developments, and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to
the interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include expropriation or
nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S.
investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S.
dollars, or other government intervention. From time to time, a fund's adviser
and/or its affiliates may determine that, as a result of regulatory requirements
that may apply to the adviser and/or its affiliates due to investments in a
particular country, investments in the securities of issuers domiciled or listed
on trading markets in that country above certain thresholds (which may apply at
the account level or in the aggregate across all accounts managed by the adviser
and its affiliates) may be impractical or undesirable. In such instances, the
adviser may limit or exclude investment in a particular issuer, and investment
flexibility may be restricted. Additionally, governmental issuers of foreign
debt securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due
and may require that the conditions for payment be renegotiated. There is no
assurance that a fund's adviser will be able to anticipate these potential
events or counter their effects. In addition, the value of securities
denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with
respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the
U.S. dollar.
From
time to time, a fund may invest a large portion of its assets in the securities
of issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. If a
fund invests in this manner, there is a higher risk that social, political,
economic, tax (such as a tax on foreign investments), or regulatory developments
in those countries may have a significant impact on the fund's investment
performance.
It
is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and
sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States,
and securities of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and
custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where fund
assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed
than those in U.S. markets, and may result in increased investment or valuation
risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of,
or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign
subcustodian. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments,
including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are
generally higher than with U.S. investments.
Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial
reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable
to U.S. issuers. Adequate public information on foreign issuers may not be
available, and it may be difficult to secure dividends and information regarding
corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall
governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and
listed companies than in the United States. OTC markets tend to be less
regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally
unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political
concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in
foreign countries.
Some
foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United States or
to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer restrictions may
be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the
same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs, including
European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), are
certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These
certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an
established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are
held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the
issuer's home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the
underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services,
including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are
alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their
national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of
the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the
underlying issuer's country.
The
risks of foreign investing may be magnified for investments in emerging markets.
Security prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than
those in more developed markets, reflecting the greater uncertainties of
investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries
with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the
risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and
prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of
property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with
emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable
to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and
volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a
small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases
in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult
or impossible at times.
Foreign
Currency Transactions. A
fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) or forward
basis (i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for
such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the
prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer
may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate
of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that require a specific
amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific
date or range of dates in the future. Forward contracts are generally traded in
an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract
to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The
following discussion summarizes the principal currency management strategies
involving forward contracts that could be used by a fund. A fund may also use
swap agreements, indexed securities, and options and futures contracts relating
to foreign currencies for the same purposes. Forward contracts not calling for
physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash
payments rather than through delivery of the underlying currency. All of these
instruments and transactions are subject to the risk that the counterparty will
default.
A
"settlement hedge" or "transaction hedge" is designed to protect a fund against
an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security
denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold and the date on which
payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase
or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security
transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars "locks in" the U.S. dollar price
of the security. Forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency may
also be used to protect a fund in anticipation of future purchases or sales of
securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific investments
have not yet been selected.
A
fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of
existing investments denominated in a foreign currency. For example, if a fund
owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a forward
contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge against
possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a
"position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and negative currency
fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other
factors. A fund could also attempt to hedge the position by selling another
currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling. This type of
hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms
of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure
as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in
losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency
in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A
fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one
currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a
foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This
type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or
eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the
currency that is purchased, much as if a fund had sold a security denominated in
one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another. A fund
may cross-hedge its U.S. dollar exposure in order to achieve a representative
weighted mix of the major currencies in its benchmark index and/or to cover an
underweight country or region exposure in its portfolio. Cross-hedges protect
against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause a
fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it
purchases.
Successful
use of currency management strategies will depend on an adviser's skill in
analyzing currency values. Currency management strategies may substantially
change a fund's investment exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and
could result in losses to a fund if currencies do not perform as an adviser
anticipates. For example, if a currency's value rose at a time when a fund had
hedged its position by selling that currency in exchange for dollars, the fund
would not participate in the currency's appreciation. If a fund hedges currency
exposure through proxy hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from both
the hedge and the security position if the two currencies do not move in tandem.
Similarly, if a fund increases its exposure to a foreign currency and that
currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss. Foreign currency
transactions involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be
accurately predicted and that a fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective.
Moreover, it is impossible to precisely forecast the market value of portfolio
securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract.
Accordingly, a fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the
spot market (and bear the expenses of such transaction), if an adviser's
predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets
prove inaccurate.
A
fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency
forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a
"regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging
transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of
the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable
dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are
classified as capital gains or ordinary income. There is no assurance that an
adviser's use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund
or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate
times.
Options
and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency
futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except
that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is
purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the
underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to
sell the underlying currency.
The
uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and
futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed below. A fund may
purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options
to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency
options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with
currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can
be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors
that affect the value of a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example,
should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will
not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated
investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it
may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the
value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
Currency
options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits
which may limit the ability of the fund to reduce foreign currency risk using
such options.
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, a 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 markets 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. Fidelity
®
funds
do not intend to direct or administer the day-to-day operations of any company.
A fund may, however, exercise its rights as a shareholder or lender and may
communicate its views on important matters of policy to a company's management,
board of directors, and shareholders, and holders of a company's other
securities when such matters could have a significant effect on the value of the
fund's investment in the company. The activities in which a fund may engage,
either individually or in conjunction with others, may include, among others,
supporting or opposing proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or
business activities; seeking changes in a company's directors or management;
seeking changes in a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or
reorganization of the company or a portion of its assets; supporting or opposing
third-party takeover efforts; supporting the filing of a bankruptcy petition; or
foreclosing on collateral securing a security. This area of corporate activity
is increasingly prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be
involved in lawsuits related to such activities. Such activities will be
monitored with a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of
litigation against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved
in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a fund
will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred. A fund's proxy voting guidelines
are included in its SAI.
Futures,
Options, and Swaps. The
success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an
adviser's analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund's return
may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of
the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and
there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to
exist. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of such
instruments and could limit a fund's ability to pursue its investment
strategies. If a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in
derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio
securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon
securities it does not own.
Each
of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets
Opportunities Fund, Fidelity® Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity® Series
International Small Cap Fund, and Fidelity® Series International Value Fund will
not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put options, or write call options if,
as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total assets would be hedged with
futures and options under normal conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or
write put options if, as a result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement
or exercise of purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed
25% of its total assets under normal conditions; or (c) purchase call options
if, as a result, the current value of option premiums for call options purchased
by the fund would exceed 5% 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
policies and limitations regarding the funds' investments in futures contracts,
options, and swaps may be changed as regulatory agencies permit.
The
requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may limit the
extent to which a fund may enter into futures, options on futures, and forward
contracts.
Futures
Contracts. In
purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified
underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract,
the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified date.
Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts and the price at
which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller
enter into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are based on
specific securities or baskets of securities, some are based on commodities or
commodities indexes (for funds that seek commodities exposure), and some are
based on indexes of securities prices (including foreign indexes for funds that
seek foreign exposure). Futures on indexes and futures not calling for physical
delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments
rather than through delivery of the underlying instrument. Futures can be held
until their delivery dates, or can be closed out by offsetting purchases or
sales of futures contracts before then if a liquid market is available. A fund
may realize a gain or loss by closing out its futures contracts.
The
value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the
value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will
tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations
in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying
instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the
value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the
market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will
tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the
underlying instrument had been sold.
The
purchaser or seller of a futures contract or an option for a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument or the final cash
settlement price, as applicable, unless the contract is held until the delivery
date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial
margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant, when the
contract is entered into. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to settle
the change in value on a daily basis. This process of "marking to market" will
be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund's
NAV. The party that has a gain is entitled to receive all or a portion of this
amount. Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing
securities on margin for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. Variation
margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a
settlement between a fund and the futures commission merchant of the amount one
would owe the other if the fund's contract expired. In the event of the
bankruptcy or insolvency of a futures commission merchant that holds margin on
behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only
in proportion to the amount received by the futures commission merchant's other
customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund.
Although
futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad,
foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures
that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded
outside the United States may not involve a clearing mechanism or related
guarantees and may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts,
including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures
broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin
to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in
foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also
involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
There
is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract
at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits
for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward
or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when
the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be
impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The
daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and
therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent
the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have
occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with
little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and
subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If
the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable
positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position
until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. These risks may
be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been
subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks
and bonds.
Because
there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is
likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current
or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based
on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from
the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that
the futures position will not track the performance of the fund's other
investments.
Futures
prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if
the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Futures prices are
affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates,
changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until
expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way.
Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the
futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how
futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation
limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a
greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to
purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between
the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all
cases. If price changes in a fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with
its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or
result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the
storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures
contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase
or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the
underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a
fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts
will not vary in direct proportion to the value of the fund's holdings of U.S.
Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the
futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in
the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in
initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the
participation of speculators in such markets.
Options.
By
purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the
obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price.
In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the
option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying
instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or
securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts
(including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or
OTC. The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to
expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the
purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the
purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price.
Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require
physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash
payments. A purchaser may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The
buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying
instrument's price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's
price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus
related transaction costs).
The
features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options,
except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right (but not the
obligation) to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the
option's strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in
potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the
cost of the option if the underlying instrument's price falls. At the same time,
the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument's price does
not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The
writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from
the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes
the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option's underlying
instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer
may seek to terminate a position in a put option before exercise by closing out
the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market
is not liquid for a put option, however, the writer must continue to be prepared
to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price
changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required
to make margin payments to a futures commission merchant as described above for
futures contracts.
If
the underlying instrument's price rises, a put writer would generally expect to
profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If the underlying instrument's price remains the same over time, it is
likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out
the option at a lower price. If the underlying instrument's price falls, the put
writer would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss
from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the
decline.
Writing
a call option obligates the writer to sell or deliver the option's underlying
instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for
the strike price, upon exercise of the option. The characteristics of writing
call options are similar to those of writing put options, except that writing
calls generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall.
Through receipt of the option premium, a call writer should mitigate the effects
of a price increase. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to
deliver the underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as
applicable, in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in price increases
and, if a call writer does not hold the underlying instrument, a call writer's
loss is theoretically unlimited.
Where
a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against
price movements in a related security, the price to close out the put or call
option on the secondary market may move more or less than the price of the
related security.
There
is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying instrument's
current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation
limits for exchange-traded options contracts, and may halt trading if a
contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On
volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading
halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out
existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price
fluctuation limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of
unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold
a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its
value.
Unlike
exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying
instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC
options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through
negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of
arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an
option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater
credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing
organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined
positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other,
or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and
return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put
option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would
construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar
to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve
writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower
price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a
substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple
trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to
open and close out.
A
fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally
options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but
not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten,
cancel or modify an existing contract at a specific date in the future in
exchange for a premium. Depending on the terms of the particular option
agreement, a fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes
(sells) an option on a swap than it will incur when it purchases an option on a
swap. When a fund purchases an option on a swap, it risks losing only the amount
of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire
unexercised. However, when a fund writes an option on a swap, upon exercise of
the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the
underlying agreement. A fund that writes an option on a swap receives the
premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the preset rate on the
underlying interest rate swap. Whether a fund's use of options on swaps will be
successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the adviser's
ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to
produce greater returns than other investments. Options on swaps may involve
risks similar to those discussed below in "Swap Agreements."
Because
there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is
likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current
or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based
on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from
the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that
the options position will not track the performance of the fund's other
investments.
Options
prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if
the underlying instruments match a fund's investments well. Options prices are
affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates,
changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until
expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way.
Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the
options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural
differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from
imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may
purchase or sell options contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes
in a fund's options positions are poorly correlated with its other investments,
the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are
not offset by gains in other investments.
Swap
Agreements. Swap
agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional
investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants
that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a
central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. In a standard
"swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based,
for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or
realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as
securities, commodities, indexes, or other financial or economic interests). The
gross payments to be exchanged between the parties are calculated with respect
to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade
representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations
are computed.
Swap
agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names.
Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the
overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and, if
applicable, its yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning
that a fund may be unable to sell a swap contract to a third party at a
favorable price. Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to
mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing.
Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase
liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the
central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However,
central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk
entirely. In addition depending on the size of a fund and other factors, the
margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member
futures commission merchant may be in excess of the collateral required to be
posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap.
However, regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements,
including minimums, on certain uncleared swaps which could reduce the
distinction.
A
total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of
payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets
underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument,
commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange,
the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated
by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including
the change in market value of other underlying assets). A fund may use total
return swaps to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or taking physical
custody of it. For example, a fund investing in total return commodity swaps
will receive the price appreciation of a commodity, commodity index or portion
thereof in exchange for payment of an agreed-upon fee.
In
a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic
payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return
the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default
protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit
default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or
assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying
asset. A fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default
swap. A fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or
assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are
lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a fund buys
credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or
assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by
the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks
than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market
risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational
risk.
Credit
default swaps allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular
issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a
fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a fund is the
credit default protection seller, the fund will experience a loss if a credit
event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has
deteriorated. If a fund is the credit default protection buyer, the fund will be
required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller.
If
the creditworthiness of a fund's swap counterparty declines, the risk that the
counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to
the fund. To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, a
Fidelity ®
fund
will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain
standards of creditworthiness. This risk for cleared swaps is generally lower
than for uncleared swaps since the counterparty is a clearinghouse, but there
can be no assurance that a clearinghouse or its members will satisfy its
obligations.
A
fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap
agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement
counterparty. A fund would generally be required to provide margin or collateral
for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction
becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in
exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin
or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap
agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will
change in a way detrimental to a fund's interest. A fund bears the risk that an
adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets,
reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap
positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against,
or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the
risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with
the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While
hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they
can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting
favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often
valued subjectively.
Hybrid
and Preferred Securities. A
hybrid security may be a debt security, warrant, convertible security,
certificate of deposit or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of
the interest on or principal of which is determined by reference to changes in
the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity
(e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate,
commodity, index, or business entity such as a financial institution). Another
example is contingent convertible securities, which are fixed income securities
that, under certain circumstances, either convert into common stock of the
issuer or undergo a principal write-down by a predetermined percentage if the
issuer's capital ratio falls below a predetermined trigger level. The
liquidation value of such a security may be reduced upon a regulatory action and
without the need for a bankruptcy proceeding. Preferred securities may take the
form of preferred stock and represent an equity or ownership interest in an
issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over
common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated
or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds generally take precedence
over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
The
risks of investing in hybrid and preferred securities reflect a combination of
the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An
investment in a hybrid or preferred security may entail significant risks that
are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt or equity
security. The risks of a particular hybrid or preferred security will depend
upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant
changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may
depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer
of the hybrid or preferred security. Hybrid and preferred securities are
potentially more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than
traditional debt or equity securities. Also, the price of the hybrid or
preferred security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the
same direction or at the same time. In addition, because hybrid and preferred
securities may be traded over-the-counter or in bilateral transactions with the
issuer of the security, hybrid and preferred securities may be subject to the
creditworthiness of the counterparty of the security and their values may
decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. In
addition, uncertainty regarding the tax and regulatory treatment of hybrid and
preferred securities may reduce demand for such securities and tax and
regulatory considerations may limit the extent of a fund's investments in
certain hybrid and preferred securities.
Illiquid
Investments means
any investment that cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions
in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly
changing the market value of the investment. Difficulty in selling or disposing
of illiquid investments may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
Illiquid securities may include (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days without demand/redemption features, (2) OTC options and certain other
derivatives, (3) private placements, (4) securities traded on markets and
exchanges with structural constraints, and (5) loan participations.
Under
the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity ®
fund's
adviser classifies the liquidity of the fund's investments and monitors the
extent of funds' illiquid investments.
Various
market, trading and investment-specific factors may be considered in determining
the liquidity of a fund's investments including, but not limited to (1) the
existence of an active trading market, (2) the nature of the security and the
market in which it trades, (3) the number, diversity, and quality of dealers and
prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (4) the frequency, volume, and
volatility of trade and price quotations, (5) bid-ask spreads, (6) dates of
issuance and maturity, (7) demand, put or tender features, and (8) restrictions
on trading or transferring the investment.
Fidelity
classifies certain investments as illiquid based upon these criteria. Fidelity
also monitors for certain market, trading and investment-specific events that
may cause Fidelity to re-evaluate an investment's liquidity status and may lead
to an investment being classified as illiquid. In addition, Fidelity uses a
third-party to assist with the liquidity classifications of the fund's
investments, which includes calculating the time to sell and settle a specified
size position in a particular investment without the sale significantly changing
the market value of the investment.
Increasing
Government Debt. The
total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a
percent of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the
2008 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate
or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt
management practices are not implemented.
A
high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government
funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell
additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also
raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest
payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can
decline the valuation of currencies, and can prevent a government from
implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic
downturns.
On
August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term
sovereign credit rating on the United States one level to "AA+" from "AAA."
While Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed the United States'
short-term sovereign credit rating as "A-1+," there is no guarantee that
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services will not decide to lower this rating in
the future. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision was
prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of
greater policymaking uncertainty. The market prices and yields of securities
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely
affected by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services decisions to downgrade the
long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States.
Indexed
Securities are
instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities,
securities indexes, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically,
but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose values at maturity or
coupon rates are determined by reference to a specific instrument, statistic, or
measure.
Indexed
securities also include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other
fixed-income securities whose values at maturity or coupon interest rates are
determined by reference to the returns of particular stock indexes. Indexed
securities can be affected by stock prices as well as changes in interest rates
and the creditworthiness of their issuers and may not track the indexes as
accurately as direct investments in the indexes.
Currency-indexed
securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose
maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of
one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or
negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the
specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs
similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may
decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price
characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency.
Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a
number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
The
performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance
of the instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and may also be
influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed
securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures.
Indexed securities are also subject to the credit risks associated with the
issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the
issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities
have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S. Government agencies.
Insolvency
of Issuers, Counterparties, and Intermediaries. Issuers
of fund portfolio securities or counterparties to fund transactions that become
insolvent or declare bankruptcy can pose special investment risks. In each
circumstance, risk of loss, valuation uncertainty, increased illiquidity, and
other unpredictable occurrences may negatively impact an investment. Each of
these risks may be amplified in foreign markets, where security trading,
settlement, and custodial practices can be less developed than those in the U.S.
markets, and bankruptcy laws differ from those of the U.S.
As
a general matter, if the issuer of a fund portfolio security is liquidated or
declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock have
priority over the claims of common stock owners. These events can negatively
impact the value of the issuer's securities and the results of related
proceedings can be unpredictable.
If
a counterparty to a fund transaction, such as a swap transaction, a short sale,
a borrowing, or other complex transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be
limited in its ability to exercise rights to obtain the return of related fund
assets or in exercising other rights against the counterparty. Uncertainty may
also arise upon the insolvency of a securities or commodities intermediary such
as a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant with which a fund has pending
transactions. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to
resolve, which can limit or preclude a fund's ability to terminate a transaction
or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. If an intermediary
becomes insolvent, while securities positions and other holdings may be
protected by U.S. or foreign laws, it is sometimes difficult to determine
whether these protections are available to specific trades based on the
circumstances. Receiving the benefit of these protections can also take time to
resolve, which may result in illiquid positions.
Interfund
Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant
to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a Fidelity ®
fund
may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its
affiliates. A Fidelity ®
fund
will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than
the costs of bank loans. A Fidelity ®
fund
will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those
available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and
borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven
days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A Fidelity ®
fund
may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is
called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in
a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
Investment-Grade
Debt Securities. Investment-grade
debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and
high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements
collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements
collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other
instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the
repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some
investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may
be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions
of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated
investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody's
Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent
quality by a fund's adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of
an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal
settlement periods.
Loans
and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Direct
debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or
other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations),
to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to
other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk of loss in case of default
or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the
purchaser in the event of fraud or misrepresentation, or there may be a
requirement that a fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand. A fund
may acquire loans by buying an assignment of all or a portion of the loan from a
lender or by purchasing a loan participation from a lender or other purchaser of
a participation.
Lenders
and purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily
upon the creditworthiness of the borrower and/or any collateral 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. Different types of assets may be
used as collateral for a fund's loans and there can be no assurance that a fund
will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing the fund's
loans. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their
indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. In any
restructuring or bankruptcy proceedings relating to a borrower funded by a fund,
a fund may be required to accept collateral with less value than the amount of
the loan made by the fund to the borrower. Direct indebtedness of foreign
countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for
the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay
principal when due.
Loans
and other types of direct indebtedness (which a fund may originate, acquire or
otherwise gain exposure to) may not be readily marketable and may be subject to
restrictions on resale. Some indebtedness may be difficult to dispose of readily
at what the Adviser believes to be a fair price. In addition, valuation of
illiquid indebtedness involves a greater degree of judgment in determining a
fund's net asset value than if that value were based on readily available market
quotations, and could result in significant variations in a fund's daily share
price. Some loan interests are traded among certain financial institutions and
accordingly may be deemed liquid. As the market for different types of
indebtedness develops, the liquidity of these instruments is expected to
improve.
Direct
lending and investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial
institution's interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For
example, if a loan is foreclosed, the lender/purchaser could become part owner
of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with
owning and disposing of the collateral. In the event of a default by the
borrower, a fund may have difficulty disposing of the assets used as collateral
for a loan. In addition, 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 loans are typically not administered by an underwriter or agent bank. The
terms of direct loans are negotiated with borrowers in private transactions.
Direct loans are not publicly traded and may not have a secondary market.
A
fund may seek to dispose of loans in certain cases, to the extent possible,
through selling participations in the loan. In that case, a fund would remain
subject to certain obligations, which may result in expenses for a fund and
certain additional risks.
Direct
indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or
other standby financing commitments that obligate lenders/purchasers, including
a fund, to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have
the effect of requiring a lender/purchaser to increase its investment in a
borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the
borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be
repaid.
In
the process of originating, buying, selling and holding loans, a fund may
receive and/or pay certain fees. These fees are in addition to the interest
payments received and may include facility, closing or upfront fees, commitment
fees and commissions. A fund may receive or pay a facility, closing or upfront
fee when it buys or sells a loan. A fund may receive a commitment fee throughout
the life of the loan or as long as the fund remains invested in the loan (in
addition to interest payments) for any unused portion of a committed line of
credit. Other fees received by the fund may include prepayment fees, covenant
waiver fees, ticking fees and/or modification fees. Legal fees related to the
originating, buying, selling and holding loans may also be borne by the fund
(including legal fees to assess conformity of a loan investment with 1940 Act
provisions).
When
engaging in direct lending, if permitted by its investment policies, a fund's
performance may depend, in part, on the ability of the fund to originate loans
on advantageous terms. A fund may compete with other lenders in originating and
purchasing loans. Increased competition for, or a diminished available supply
of, qualifying loans could result in lower yields on and/or less advantageous
terms for such loans, which could reduce fund performance.
For
a Fidelity ®
fund
that limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one issuer or
in issuers within the same industry, the fund generally will treat the borrower
as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan
participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as financial
intermediary between a fund and the borrower, if the participation does not
shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the borrower, SEC
interpretations require a fund, in appropriate circumstances, to treat both the
lending bank or other lending institution and the borrower as "issuers" for
these purposes. Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness
may restrict a fund's ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single
financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same
industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies
and industries.
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.
If
permitted by its investment policies, a fund may also obtain exposure to the
lending activities described above indirectly through its investments in
underlying Fidelity funds or other vehicles that may engage in such activities
directly.
Lower-Quality
Debt Securities. Lower-quality
debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection
with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in
default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve
greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to
pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than
those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods
of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest
rates.
The
market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than
that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices
at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor
perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the
ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt
securities.
Because
the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities, research and
credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this
type. Such analysis may focus on relative values based on factors such as
interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer, in an attempt to identify
those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate
to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the
future.
A
fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue
litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to
protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the
best interest of the fund's shareholders.
Repurchase
Agreements involve
an agreement to purchase a security and to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the purchase
price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to the coupon
rate or maturity of the purchased security. As protection against the risk that
the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the securities are held in
a separate account at a bank, marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value
at least equal to the sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. The value
of the security purchased may be more or less than the price at which the
counterparty has agreed to purchase the security. In addition, delays or losses
could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes insolvent.
A fund may be limited in its ability to exercise its right to liquidate assets
related to a repurchase agreement with an insolvent counterparty. A
Fidelity ®
fund
may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose
creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's
adviser.
Restricted
Securities (including Private Placements) are
subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities
may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities, including
private placements of private and public companies, generally can be sold in
privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering.
Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be
obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable
period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time
it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration
statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop,
the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to
seek registration of the security.
Reverse
Repurchase Agreements. In
a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such
as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that
security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity ®
fund
may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness
has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund's adviser. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund's assets
and, if applicable, a fund's yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Under SEC requirements, a fund needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness
associated with its reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing
transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities
representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the
fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives
transactions.
SEC
Rule 18f-4.
In
October 2020, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives,
short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by
registered investment companies (the "rule"). Subject to certain exceptions, the
rule requires the funds to trade derivatives and certain other transactions that
create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk (VaR)
leverage limit and to certain derivatives risk management program, reporting and
board oversight requirements. Generally, these requirements apply to any fund
engaging in derivatives transactions unless a fund satisfies a "limited
derivatives users" exception, which requires the fund to limit its gross
notional derivatives exposure (with certain exceptions) to 10% of its net assets
and to adopt derivatives risk management procedures. Under the rule, when a fund
trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, it needs
to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase
agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any
other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if
applicable) when calculating the fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such
transactions as derivatives transactions. The SEC also provided guidance in
connection with the final rule regarding the use of securities lending
collateral that may limit securities lending activities. In addition, under the
rule, a fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling
basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be
deemed not to involve a senior security (as defined under Section 18(g) of the
1940 Act), provided that (i) the fund intends to physically settle the
transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade
date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision"). A fund may otherwise
engage in when-issued, forward-settling and non-standard settlement cycle
securities transactions that do not meet the conditions of the
Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the fund treats any such
transaction as a derivatives transaction for purposes of compliance with the
rule. Furthermore, under the rule, a fund will be permitted to enter into an
unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not
be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the fund
reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will
have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect
to all such agreements as they come due. These requirements may limit the
ability of the funds to use derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase
agreements and similar financing transactions, and the other relevant
transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements also may
increase the cost of the fund's investments and cost of doing business, which
could adversely affect investors.
Securities
Lending. A
Fidelity ®
fund
may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions,
including an affiliate, National Financial Services LLC (NFS). Securities
lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the
same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides the fund with
collateral in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned.
The fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on
proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the
borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of
insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in
recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These
delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a fund is not able
to recover the securities loaned, the fund may sell the collateral and purchase
a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could
decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the
replacement investment is purchased. For a Fidelity ®
fund,
loans will be made only to parties deemed by the fund's adviser to be in good
standing and when, in the adviser's judgment, the income earned would justify
the risks.
The
Fidelity ®
funds
have retained agents, including NFS, an affiliate of the funds, to act as
securities lending agent. If NFS acts as securities lending agent for a fund, it
is subject to the overall supervision of the fund's adviser, and NFS will
administer the lending program in accordance with guidelines approved by the
fund's Trustees.
Cash
received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other
eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this
cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market
appreciation or depreciation.
Securities
of Other Investment Companies ,
including shares of closed-end investment companies (which include business
development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, and open-end investment
companies, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may
invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies
involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying
instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the underlying investment
company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Fees
and expenses incurred indirectly by a fund as a result of its investment in
shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as
"acquired fund fees and expenses" and may appear as a separate line item in a
fund's prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs,
these expenses may be significant. Certain types of investment companies, such
as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on
a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV.
Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary
market.
The
securities of closed-end funds may be leveraged. As a result, a fund may be
indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An
investment in securities of closed-end funds that use leverage may expose a fund
to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility
that the fund's long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
A
fund's ability to invest in securities of other investment companies may be
limited by federal securities laws. To the extent a fund acquires securities
issued by unaffiliated investment companies, the Adviser's access to information
regarding such underlying fund's portfolio may be limited and subject to such
fund's policies regarding disclosure of fund holdings.
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.
Short
Sales. Stocks
underlying a fund's convertible security holdings can be sold short. For
example, if a fund's adviser anticipates a decline in the price of the stock
underlying a convertible security held by the fund, it may sell the stock short.
If the stock price subsequently declines, the proceeds of the short sale could
be expected to offset all or a portion of the effect of the stock's decline on
the value of the convertible security. Fidelity ®
funds
that employ this strategy generally intend to hedge no more than 15% of total
assets with short sales on equity securities underlying convertible security
holdings under normal circumstances. A fund will incur transaction costs,
including interest expenses, in connection with opening, maintaining, and
closing short sales.
Sovereign
Debt Obligations are
issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies, including debt of
Latin American nations or other developing countries. Sovereign debt may be in
the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as
loans or loan participations. Sovereign debt of developing countries may involve
a high degree of risk, and may be in default or present the risk of default.
Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or
unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require
renegotiation or rescheduling of debt payments. In addition, prospects for
repayment of principal and payment of interest may depend on political as well
as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is
collateralized by U.S. Government securities, repayment of principal and payment
of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
Special
Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs"). A
fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar
special purpose entities that pool money to seek potential acquisition
opportunities. SPACs are collective investment structures formed to raise money
in an initial public offering for the purpose of merging with or acquiring one
or more operating companies (the "de-SPAC Transaction"). Until an acquisition is
completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets in US government securities,
money market securities and cash. In connection with a de-SPAC Transaction, the
SPAC may complete a PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering with
certain investors. A fund may enter into a contingent commitment with a SPAC to
purchase PIPE shares if and when the SPAC completes its de-SPAC
Transaction.
Because
SPACs do not have an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking
acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the
ability of the SPAC's management to identify and complete a profitable
acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries
or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. An investment in
a SPAC is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) an attractive
acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be
required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (ii) an acquisition or
merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may
lose value; (iii) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and
may depreciate significantly over time; (iv) no or only a thinly traded market
for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, leaving a fund unable to sell
its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the
fund believes is the SPAC interest's intrinsic value; (v) any proposed merger or
acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of
shareholders; (vi) an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later
offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing
rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (vii) the warrants or other rights with
respect to the SPAC held by a fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or
retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (viii) a fund may be delayed in
receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is
entitled; and (ix) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for
the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be
expended during the search for a target transaction.
Purchased
PIPE shares will be restricted from trading until the registration statement for
the shares is declared effective. Upon registration, the shares can be freely
sold, but only pursuant to an effective registration statement or other
exemption from registration. The securities issued by a SPAC, which are
typically traded either in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange, may be
considered illiquid, more difficult to value, and/or be subject to restrictions
on resale.
Structured
Securities (also
called "structured notes") are derivative debt securities, the interest rate on
or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The value of the
interest rate on and/or the principal of structured securities is determined by
reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument (e.g., a security or
other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, or index)
or the relative change in two or more reference instruments. A structured
security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively
indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the
value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest
rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument
decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to,
or the interest rate of, a structured security may be calculated as a multiple
of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be
very volatile. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk
than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the
reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less
liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or
more traditional debt securities. In addition, because structured securities
generally are traded over-the-counter, structured securities are subject to the
creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their
values may decline substantially if the counterparty's creditworthiness
deteriorates.
Temporary
Defensive Policies. Each
of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets
Opportunities Fund, Fidelity® Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity® Series
International Small Cap Fund, and Fidelity® Series International Value Fund
reserves the right to invest without limitation in preferred stocks and
investment-grade debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
Transfer
Agent Bank Accounts. Proceeds
from shareholder purchases of a Fidelity ®
fund
may pass through a series of demand deposit bank accounts before being held at
the fund's custodian. Redemption proceeds may pass from the custodian to the
shareholder through a similar series of bank accounts.
If
a bank account is registered to the transfer agent or an affiliate, who acts as
an agent for the funds when opening, closing, and conducting business in the
bank account, the transfer agent or an affiliate may invest overnight balances
in the account in repurchase agreements. Any balances that are not invested in
repurchase agreements remain in the bank account overnight. Any risks associated
with such an account are investment risks of the funds. A fund faces the risk of
loss of these balances if the bank becomes insolvent.
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.
In
addition to the investment policies and limitations discussed above, a fund is
subject to the additional operational risk discussed below.
Considerations
Regarding Cybersecurity. With
the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a
fund's service providers are susceptible to operational, information security
and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate
attacks or unintentional events and may arise from external or internal sources.
Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to
digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for
purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information; corrupting data,
equipment or systems; or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also
be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access,
such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make
network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a
fund's manager, any sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not
limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial
intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business
operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a
fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of
fund shareholders to transact business, destruction to equipment and systems,
violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties,
reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional
compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents
affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with
which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory
authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers,
dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including
financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other
parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any
cyber incidents in the future.
While
a fund's service providers have established business continuity plans in the
event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there
are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility
that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, a fund cannot control
the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or
any other third parties whose operations may affect a fund or its shareholders.
A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
SPECIAL
GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS
Emerging
Markets. Emerging
markets include countries that have an emerging stock market as defined by MSCI,
countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the
World Bank, and other countries or markets that the Adviser identifies as having
similar emerging markets characteristics. Emerging markets tend to have
relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world's major
economies and may have the potential for rapid economic growth.
Investments
in companies domiciled in emerging market countries may be subject to
potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks
include less social, political, and economic stability and greater illiquidity
and price volatility due to smaller or limited local capital markets for such
securities, or low or non-existent trading volumes. Foreign exchanges and
broker-dealers may be subject to less oversight and regulation by local
authorities. Local governments may decide to seize or confiscate securities held
by foreign investors, restrict an investor's ability to sell or redeem
securities, suspend or limit an issuer's ability to make dividend or interest
payments, and/or limit or entirely restrict repatriation of invested capital,
profits, and dividends. Capital gains may be subject to local taxation,
including on a retroactive basis. Issuers facing restrictions on dollar or euro
payments imposed by local governments may attempt to make dividend or interest
payments to foreign investors in the local currency. Investors may experience
difficulty in enforcing legal claims related to the securities and shareholder
claims common in the United States may not exist in emerging markets.
Additionally, local judges may favor the interests of the issuer over those of
foreign investors. U.S. authorities may be unable to investigate, bring, or
enforce actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons. Bankruptcy
judgments may only be permitted to be paid in the local currency. Infrequent
financial reporting, substandard disclosure, and differences in financial
reporting, audit and accounting requirements and standards may make it difficult
to ascertain the financial health of an issuer. Moreover, limited public
information regarding an issuer may result in greater difficulty in determining
market valuations of the securities.
In
addition, unlike developed countries, many emerging countries' economic growth
highly depends on exports and inflows of external capital, making them more
vulnerable to the downturns of the world economy. The enduring low growth in the
global economy has weakened the global demand for emerging market exports and
tightened international credit supplies, highlighting the sensitivity of
emerging economies to the performance of their trading partners. Developing
countries may also face disproportionately large exposure to the negative
effects of climate change, due to both geography and a lack of access to
technology to adapt to its effects, which could include increased frequency and
severity of natural disasters as well as extreme weather events such as
droughts, rising sea levels, decreased crop yields, and increased spread of
disease, all of which could harm performance of affected economies. Given the
particular vulnerability of emerging market countries to the effects of climate
change, disruptions in international efforts to address climate-related issues
may have a disproportionate impact on developing countries.
Many
emerging market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal
frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret or laws may be too new to
provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private
property may be weak, not enforced consistently, or non-existent. Sudden changes
in governments or the transition of regimes may result in policies that are less
favorable to investors such as the imposition of price controls or policies
designed to expropriate or nationalize "sovereign" assets. Certain emerging
market countries in the past have expropriated large amounts of private
property, in many cases with little or no compensation, and there can be no
assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future.
The
United States, other nations, or other governmental entities (including
supranational entities) could impose sanctions on a country that limits or
restricts foreign investment, the movement of assets or other economic activity.
In addition, an imposition of sanctions upon certain issuers in a country could
have a materially adverse effect on the value of such companies' securities,
delay a fund's ability to exercise certain rights as security holder, and/or
impair a fund's ability to meet its investment objectives. A fund may be
prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such
sanctions and may be required to freeze its existing investments in those
companies, prohibiting the fund from selling or otherwise transacting in these
investments. Such sanctions, or other intergovernmental actions that may be
taken in the future, may result in the devaluation of the country's currency, a
downgrade in the country's credit rating, and/or a decline in the value and
liquidity of impacted company stocks.
Many
emerging market countries in which a fund may invest lack the social, political,
and economic stability characteristic exhibited by developed countries.
Political instability among emerging market countries can be common and may be
caused by an uneven distribution of wealth, governmental corruption, social
unrest, labor strikes, civil wars, and religious oppression. Economic
instability in emerging market countries may take the form of: (i) high interest
rates; (ii) high levels of inflation, including hyperinflation; (iii) high
levels of unemployment or underemployment; (iv) changes in government economic
and tax policies, including confiscatory taxation (or taxes on foreign
investments); and (v) imposition of trade barriers.
Currencies
of emerging market countries are subject to significantly greater risks than
currencies of developed countries. Some emerging market currencies may not be
internationally traded or may be subject to strict controls by local
governments, resulting in undervalued or overvalued currencies. Some emerging
market countries have experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in
foreign exchange reserves, which has resulted in some governments restricting
currency conversions. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or
restrict a company's ability to make dividend or interest payments in the
original currency of the obligation (usually U.S. dollars). In addition, even
though the currencies of some emerging market countries may be convertible into
U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial relative to their actual
market values.
Governments
of many emerging market countries have become overly reliant on the
international capital markets and other forms of foreign credit to finance large
public spending programs that cause huge budget deficits. Often, interest
payments have become too overwhelming for these governments to meet, as these
payments may represent a large percentage of a country's total GDP. Accordingly,
these foreign obligations have become the subject of political debate within
emerging market countries, which has resulted in internal pressure for such
governments to not make payments to foreign creditors, but instead to use these
funds for social programs. As a result of either an inability to pay or
submission to political pressure, the governments have sought to restructure
their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of
interest payments, or have defaulted (in part or full) on their outstanding debt
obligations. These events have adversely affected the values of securities
issued by the governments and corporations domiciled in these emerging market
countries and have negatively affected not only their cost of borrowing but also
their ability to borrow in the future. Emerging markets have also benefited from
continued monetary policies adopted by the central banks of developed countries.
Recently, however, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other countries' central banks
have increased interest rates numerous times in response to global inflation. It
is unclear whether interest rates will continue to rise in the future. These
increases may have a disproportionately adverse effect on emerging market
economies.
In
addition to their continued reliance on international capital markets, many
emerging economies are also highly dependent on international trade and exports,
including exports of oil and other commodities. As a result, these economies are
particularly vulnerable to downturns of the world economy. In recent years,
emerging market economies have been subject to tightened international credit
supplies and weakened global demand for their exports and, as a result, certain
of these economies faced significant difficulties and some economies face
recessionary concerns. Over the last decade, emerging market countries, and
companies domiciled in such countries, have acquired significant debt levels.
Any additional increases in U.S. interest rates may further restrict the access
to credit supplies and jeopardize the ability of emerging market countries to
pay their respective debt service obligations. Although certain emerging market
economies have shown signs of growth and recovery, continued growth is dependent
on the uncertain economic outlook of China, Japan, the European Union, and the
United States. The reduced demand for exports and lack of available capital for
investment resulting from the European debt crisis, a slowdown in China, the
continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the
global economy may inhibit growth for emerging market countries.
The
COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to the economies of
emerging markets, including, among others, rising inflation, food insecurity,
subdued employment growth, and economic setback caused by supply chain
disruption and the reduction in exports. Limited supplies of effective
vaccination and medical resources have undermined the productive activities in
emerging markets. The continually evolving variants of the COVID-19 virus have
constantly challenged the existing containment strategy, causing significant
human capital loss and social disturbances. The future direction of the pandemic
is difficult to predict, and emerging markets are more likely to suffer more
heavily from new developments in the virus due to their lack of sufficient
access to medical resources.
All
these economic setbacks have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
stemming from Russia's invasion into the country in early 2022, which is causing
higher global inflation and the significant rise in energy and food prices.
These problems may worsen if the war escalates or spreads into neighboring
countries or other regions.
Canada.
Canada
is generally politically stable; its banking system is relatively robust and its
financial market relatively transparent. Meanwhile, Canada is sensitive to
commodity price changes. It is a major producer of commodities such as forest
products, metals, agricultural products, and energy related products like oil,
gas, and hydroelectricity. Accordingly, events affecting the supply and demand
of base commodity resources and industrial and precious metals and materials,
both domestically and internationally, can have a significant effect on Canadian
market performance.
The
United States is Canada's largest trading partner and developments in economic
policy and U.S. market conditions have a significant impact on the Canadian
economy. The economic and financial integration of the United States, Canada,
and Mexico through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
(USMCA) may make the Canadian economy and securities market more sensitive
to North American trade patterns. Any disruption in the continued operation
of USMCA may have a significant and adverse impact on Canada's
economic outlook and the value of a fund's investments in Canada.
Growth
has continued to slow in recent years for certain sectors of the Canadian
economy, particularly energy extraction and manufacturing. Forecasts on growth
remain modest. Oil prices have fluctuated greatly over time and the enduring
volatility in the strength of the Canadian dollar may also negatively impact
Canada's ability to export, which could limit Canada's economic growth. The
global pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine continue to negatively impact the
world economy including the Canadian market.
Europe.
The
European Union (EU) is an intergovernmental and supranational union of European
countries spanning the continent, 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 common trade policy. In order to
further the integration of the economies of member states, member states
established, among other things, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),
a collection of policies that set 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.
While all EU member states participate in the economic union, only certain EU
member states have adopted the euro as their 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 (ECB).
While
economic and monetary convergence in the EU may offer 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 EU governing institutions may impose
on its members or with which candidates for EMU membership are required to
comply. Europe must grapple with a number of challenges, any one of which could
threaten the sustained economic growth, regulatory efficiency, or political
survival of the political and economic union. Countries adopting the euro must
adjust to a unified monetary system which has resulted in the loss of exchange
rate flexibility and, to some degree, the loss of economic sovereignty. Europe's
economies are diverse, governance is decentralized, and its cultures differ
widely. Unemployment in some European countries has historically been higher
than in the United States, and a number of countries continue to face abnormally
high unemployment levels, particularly for younger workers, which could pose a
political risk. Many EU nations are susceptible to the economic risks associated
with high levels of debt. The EU continues to face major issues involving its
membership, structure, procedures and policies, including the successful
political, economic and social integration of new member states, the EU's
resettlement and distribution of refugees, and the resolution of 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.
From
the 2000s through the early 2010s, the EU extended its membership to Eastern
European countries. It has accepted several Eastern European countries as new
members and has engaged with several other countries regarding future
enlargement. Membership for these states is intended to, among other things,
cement economic and political stability across the region. For these countries,
membership serves as a strong political impetus to engage in regulatory and
political reforms and to employ tight fiscal and monetary policies.
Nevertheless, certain new member states, particularly former satellites of the
former Soviet Union, remain burdened to various extents by certain
infrastructural, bureaucratic, and business inefficiencies inherited from their
history of economic central planning. Further expansion of the EU has long-term
economic benefits for both member states and potential expansion candidates.
However, certain European countries are not viewed as currently suitable for
membership, especially countries further east with less developed economies. 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. The growth of nationalist and populist parties in both national
legislatures and the European Parliament may further threaten enlargement as
well as impede both national and supranational governance.
An
increasingly assertive Russia poses its own set of risks for the EU, as
evidenced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing
Russia-Ukraine conflict. Opposition to EU expansion to members of the former
Soviet bloc may prompt more intervention by Russia in the affairs of its
neighbors. This interventionist stance may carry various negative consequences,
including direct effects, such as export restrictions on Russia's natural
resources, Russian support for separatist groups or pro-Russian parties located
in EU countries, Russian interference in the internal political affairs of
current or potential EU members or of the EU itself, externalities of ongoing
conflict, such as an influx of refugees from Ukraine and Syria, or collateral
damage to foreign assets in conflict zones, all of which could negatively impact
EU economic activity.
It
is possible that, as wealth and income inequality grow both within and between
individual member states, socioeconomic and political tensions may be
exacerbated. The potential direct and indirect consequences of this growing gap
may be substantial.
The
transition to a more unified economic system also brings uncertainty.
Significant political decisions will be made that may affect market regulation,
subsidization, and privatization across all industries, from agricultural
products to telecommunications, that may have unpredictable effects on member
states and companies within those states.
The
influx of migrants and refugees seeking resettlement in the EU as a result of
ongoing conflicts around the world also poses certain risks to the EU.
Additionally, the conflict in Ukraine has caused significant humanitarian and
economic concerns for Europe. A protracted conflict would increase the number of
refugees coming into Europe, cause increase in commodity prices and supply-chain
disruptions, add pressure to inflation, and deepen output losses. Furthermore,
there is the risk that the conflict in Ukraine may spread to other areas of
Europe. All of these would adversely impact a fund's investment in
Europe.
The
COVID-19 pandemic has served to exacerbate need in unstable regions, leading to
increased numbers of refugees. Resettlement itself may be costly for individual
member states, particularly those border countries on the periphery of the EU
where migrants first enter. In addition, pressing questions over accepting,
processing and distributing migrants have been a significant source of
intergovernmental disagreements and could pose significant dangers to the
integrity of the EU.
Economic.
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 states. Member states
must maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficits in
order to qualify for participation in the euro. These requirements severely
limit EMU member states' ability to implement fiscal policy to address regional
economic conditions. Moreover, member states that use the euro cannot devalue
their currencies in the face of economic downturn, precluding them from stoking
inflation to reduce their real debt burden and potentially rendering their
exports less competitive.
The
United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020 under the
terms of a negotiated departure deal. A transition period, which kept most
pre-departure arrangements in place, ended on December 31, 2020, and the UK
entered into a new trading relationship with the EU under the terms of the EU-UK
Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) which reflected the long-term,
post-transition landscape. Further discussions are to be held between the UK and
the EU in relation to matters not covered by the trade agreement, such as
financial services. Notwithstanding the TCA, significant uncertainty remains in
the market regarding the ramifications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from
the European Union. Significant economic and regulatory uncertainty caused by
the UK's exit from the EU has resulted in volatile markets for the UK and
broader international financial markets. While the long-term effects of Brexit
remain unclear, in the short term, financial markets may experience, among other
things, greater volatility and/or illiquidity, currency fluctuations, and a
decline in cross-border investment between the UK and the EU. The effects of
Brexit are also being shaped by new trade deals that the UK is negotiating with
several other countries, including the United States. Brexit could lead to legal
and tax uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as
the UK determines which EU laws to replicate or replace. The impact of Brexit,
and these new trade agreements, on the UK and in global markets as well as any
associated adverse consequences remains unclear, and the uncertainty may have a
significant negative effect on the value of a fund's investments. In addition to
managing the effects of Brexit, the United Kingdom is currently grappling with
financial crises. Uncertainty regarding the UK government's economic and
financial policies may have a negative effect on investors and the impact of
these crises may have a significant adverse effect on the value of a fund's
investments.
The
global financial crisis of 2008-2009 brought several small countries in Europe
to the brink of sovereign default. Many other economies fell into recession,
decreasing tax receipts and widening budget deficits. In response, many
countries of Europe have implemented fiscal austerity, decreasing discretionary
spending in an attempt to decrease their budget deficits. However, many European
governments continue to face high levels of public debt and substantial budget
deficits, some with shrinking government expenditures, which hinder economic
growth in the region and may still threaten the continued viability of the EMU.
Due to these large public deficits, some European issuers may continue to have
difficulty accessing capital and may be dependent on emergency assistance from
European governments and institutions to avoid defaulting on their outstanding
debt obligations. The availability of such assistance, however, may be
contingent on an issuer's implementation of certain reforms or reaching a
required level of performance, which may increase the possibility of default.
Such prospects could inject significant volatility into European markets, which
may reduce the liquidity or value of a fund's investments in the region.
Likewise, the high levels of public debt raise the possibility that certain
European issuers may be forced to restructure their debt obligations, which
could cause a fund to lose the value of its investments in any such
issuer.
The
legacy of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, the European sovereign debt
crisis, and the ongoing recession in parts of Europe have left the banking and
financial sectors of many European countries weakened and, in some cases,
fragile. Many institutions remain saddled with high default rates on loans,
still hold assets of indeterminate value, and have been forced to maintain
higher capital reserves under new regulations. This has led to decreased returns
from finance and banking directly and has constricted the sector's ability to
lend, thus potentially reducing future returns and constricting economic growth.
The ECB has sought to spur economic growth and ward off deflation by engaging in
quantitative easing, lowering the ECB's benchmark rate into negative territory,
and opening a liquidity channel to encourage bank lending. Most recently, in
September 2019, the ECB announced a new bond-buying program and changed its
targeted long-term refinancing rate to provide more favorable bank lending
conditions. In response to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic,
the ECB significantly increased bond purchases, and only began slowing their
purchasing strategy in September 2021.
Ongoing
regulatory uncertainty could have a negative effect on the value of a fund's
investments in the region. Governments across the EMU are facing increasing
opposition to certain measures taken in response to the recent economic crises.
In light of such uncertainty, the risk that certain member states will abandon
the euro persists and any such occurrence would likely have wide-ranging effects
on global markets that are difficult to predict. These effects, however, would
likely have a negative impact on a fund's investments in the
region.
Although
some European economies have begun to show more sustained economic growth, the
ongoing debt crisis, political and regulatory responses to the financial crisis,
the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncertainty over the future of the EMU
and the EU itself may continue to limit short-term growth and economic recovery
in the region. Some countries have experienced prolonged stagnation or returns
to recession, raising the possibility that other European economies could follow
suit. Economic challenges facing the region include high levels of public debt,
significant rates of unemployment, aging populations, heavy regulation of
non-financial businesses, persistent trade deficits, rigid labor markets, and
inability to access credit. Although certain of these challenges may weigh more
heavily on some European economies than others, the economic integration of the
region increases the likelihood that an economic downturn in one country may
spread to others. Should Europe fall into another recession, the value of a
fund's investments in the region may be affected.
Currency.
Investing
in euro-denominated securities (or securities denominated in other European
currencies) entails risk of being exposed to a currency that may not fully
reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. In
addition, many European countries rely heavily upon export-dependent businesses
and significant change in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar
can have either a positive or a negative effect upon corporate profits and the
performance of EU investments. If one or more countries abandon the use of the
euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or to the
euro could decline significantly. In addition, foreign exchange markets have
recently experienced sustained periods of high volatility, subjecting a fund's
foreign investments to additional risks.
Nordic
Countries. The
Nordic countries - Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden - relate to
European integration in different ways. Norway and Iceland are outside the EU,
although they are members of the European Economic Area. Denmark, Finland, and
Sweden are EU members, but only Finland has adopted the euro as its currency,
whereas Denmark has pegged its currency to the euro. Generally, Nordic countries
have strong business environments, highly educated workforces, and relatively
stable financial markets and political systems. Faced with stronger global
competition in recent years, however, some Nordic countries have had to scale
down their historically generous welfare programs, resulting in drops in
domestic demand and increased unemployment. Economic growth in many Nordic
countries continues to be constrained by tight labor markets and adverse
European and global economic conditions, particularly the volatility in global
commodity demand. The Nordic countries' manufacturing sector has experienced
continued contraction due to outsourcing and flagging demand, spurring
increasing unemployment. Furthermore, the protracted recovery due to the ongoing
European debt crisis and persistent low growth in the global economy may limit
the growth prospects of the Nordic economies. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and
the conflict in Ukraine continue to pose economic risks to Nordic
countries.
Eastern
Europe. Investing
in the securities of Eastern European issuers may be highly speculative and
involves risks not usually associated with investing in the more developed
markets of Western Europe. Eastern European countries have different levels of
political and economic stability. Some countries have more integrated economies
and relatively robust banking and financial sectors while other countries
continue to be burdened by regional, political, and military conflicts. In many
countries in Eastern Europe, political and economic reforms are too recent to
establish a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and state-owned
industries. Investments in Eastern European countries may involve risks of
nationalization, expropriation, and confiscatory taxation. The ongoing
conflict in Ukraine poses great risk to Eastern European countries' economic
stability and the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have an adverse
impact on the overall region.
Eastern
European countries continue to move towards market economies at different paces
with varying characteristics. Many Eastern European markets suffer from thin
trading activity, dubious investor protections, and often a lack of reliable
corporate information. Information and transaction costs, differential taxes,
and sometimes political, regulatory, or transfer risk may 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 Western Europe and Russia and may suffer heavy
losses as a result of their trading and investment links to these economies and
their currencies. In particular, the disruption to the Russian economy as a
result of sanctions imposed by the United States and EU in connection with
Russia's invasion of Ukraine may hurt Eastern European economies with close
trade links to Russia. Russia may also attempt to directly assert its influence
in the region through coercive use of its economic, military, and natural
resources.
In
some of the countries of Eastern Europe, there is no stock exchange or formal
market for securities. Such countries may also have government exchange
controls, currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the
established currencies of Western market economies, little or no experience in
trading in securities, weak or nonexistent accounting or financial reporting
standards, a lack of banking and securities infrastructure to handle such
trading and a legal tradition without strongly defined property rights. Due to
the value of trade and investment between Western Europe and Eastern Europe,
credit and debt issues and other economic difficulties affecting Western Europe
and its financial institutions can negatively affect Eastern European
countries.
Eastern
European economies may also be particularly susceptible to the volatility of the
international credit market due to their reliance on bank related inflows of
foreign capital. Although many Eastern European economies have experienced
modest growth for several periods due, in part, to external demand, tighter
labor markets, and the attraction of foreign investment, major challenges
persist as a result of their continued dependence on Western European countries
for credit and trade. Accordingly, the European crisis may present serious risks
for Eastern European economies, which may have a negative effect on a fund's
investments in the region.
Several
Eastern European countries on the periphery of the EU have recently been the
destination for a surge of refugees and migrants fleeing global conflict zones,
particularly the civil wars in Syria and Afghanistan, the economic hardship
across Africa and the developing world, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While
these countries have borne many of the direct costs of managing the flow of
refugees and migrants seeking resettlement in Europe, they have also faced
significant international criticism over their treatment of migrants and
refugees which may affect foreign investor confidence in the attractiveness of
such markets.
Japan.
Japan
continues to recover from recurring recessionary forces that have negatively
impacted Japan's economic growth over the last decade. Japan's economic
strengths-low public external debt, relatively consistent currency, and highly
innovative industries-have helped combat these recurring recessionary forces.
Despite signs of economic growth in recent years, Japan is still vulnerable to
persistent underlying systemic risks, including massive government debt, an
aging and shrinking of the population, an uncertain financial sector, low
domestic consumption, and certain corporate structural weaknesses. Furthermore,
Japan's economic growth rate could be impacted by the Bank of Japan's monetary
policies, rising interest rates and global inflation, tax increases, budget
deficits, and volatility in the Japanese yen.
Overseas
trade is important to Japan's economy and its economic growth is significantly
driven by its exports. Meanwhile, Japan's aging and shrinking population
increases the cost of the country's pension and public welfare system and lowers
domestic demand, making Japan more dependent on exports to sustain its economy.
Therefore, any developments that negatively affect Japan's exports could present
risks to a fund's investments in Japan. For example, domestic or foreign trade
sanctions or other protectionist measures could harm Japan's economy. In
addition, currency fluctuations may also significantly affect Japan's economy,
as a stronger yen would negatively impact Japan's ability to export. Likewise,
any escalation of tensions in the region, including disruptions caused by
political tensions with North Korea or territorial disputes with Japan's major
trading partners, may adversely impact Japan's economic outlook. In particular,
Japan is heavily dependent on oil imports, and higher commodity prices could
have a negative impact on its economy. Japan is also particularly susceptible to
the effects of declining growth rates in China, Japan's largest export market.
Given that China is a large importer of Japanese goods and is a significant
source of global economic growth, a continued Chinese slowdown may negatively
impact Japanese economic growth both directly and indirectly. Moreover, the
animosity between Japan and other Asian countries, such as China and Korea, may
affect the trading relations between these countries. China's territorial
ambition over Taiwan may negatively impact Japan's relationship with China given
Japan's historical and economic interests in Taiwan. Similarly, the European
debt crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in
the global economy could present additional risks to a fund's investments in
Japan.
Japan's
economic recovery has been affected by stress resulting from a number of natural
disasters, including disasters that caused damage to nuclear power plants in the
region, which have introduced volatility into Japan's financial markets. In
response to these events, the government has injected capital into the economy
and reconstruction efforts in disaster-affected areas in order to stimulate
economic growth. The risks of natural disasters of varying degrees, such as
earthquakes and tsunamis, continue to persist. The full extent of the impact of
recurring natural disasters on Japan's economy and foreign investment in Japan
is difficult to estimate.
Although
Japanese banks are stable, maintaining large capital bases, they continue to
face difficulties generating profits. In recent years, Japan has employed a
program of monetary loosening, fiscal stimulus, and growth-oriented structural
reform, which has generated limited success in raising growth rates. Although
Japan's central bank has continued its quantitative easing program, there is no
guarantee such efforts will be sufficient or that additional stimulus policies
will not be necessary in the future. Furthermore, the long-term potential of
this strategy remains uncertain, as the first of two planned increases in
Japan's consumption tax resulted in a decline in consumption and the effect of
the second increase remains to be seen. While Japan has historically kept
inflation in the country relatively low, global economic challenges such as
rising inflation and commodity shortages, worsened by the ongoing effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, may have a negative impact on
Japan's economy.
Asia
Pacific Region (ex Japan). While
the Asia Pacific region has substantial potential for economic growth, many
countries in the region have historically faced political uncertainty,
corruption, military intervention, and social unrest. Examples include military
threats on the Korean peninsula and along the Taiwan Strait, the ethnic,
sectarian, extremist, and/or separatist violence found in Indonesia and the
Philippines, 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. In
addition to the regional military threats and conflicts, the effects of the
conflict in Ukraine may adversely impact the economies of countries in the
region. The recent global supply chain disruptions and rising inflation have
stressed the economies of countries in the region that rely substantially on
international trade. In addition, the Asia Pacific geographic region has
historically been prone to natural disasters. The occurrence of a natural
disaster in the region could negatively impact any country's economy in the
region. Natural disasters may become more frequent and severe as a result of
global climate change. Given the particular vulnerability of the region to the
effects of climate change, disruptions in international efforts to address
climate-related issues may have a disproportionate impact on a fund's
investments 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 United States, Japan,
China, and the European Union. The countries in this region are also heavily
dependent on exports and are thus particularly vulnerable to any weakening in
global demand for these products. Many countries in the region are economically
reliant on a wide range of commodity exports. Consequently, countries in this
region have been adversely affected by the persistent volatility in global
commodity prices and are particularly susceptible to declines in growth rates in
China. The Australian and New Zealand economies are also heavily dependent on
the economies of China and other Asian countries. Countries in this region have
experienced high debt levels, an issue that is being compounded by weakened
local currencies. Although the economies of many countries in the region have
exhibited signs of growth, such improvements, if sustained, may be gradual.
Significantly, the Australian economy has declined in recent years and, in 2019,
the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to an all-time low in response
to a reduction in consumption brought on, in part, by a downturn in the property
market and rising levels in unemployment. The Reserve Bank of Australia cut
rates further in response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, rising global inflation in 2022 forced the Reserve Bank to raise
interest rates to combat the effects of the tightening of monetary policies in
most countries, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID-19 containment
measures and other policy challenges in China. Furthermore, any future growth
experienced in the region may be limited or hindered by the reduced demand for
exports due to a continued economic slowdown in China, which could significantly
lower demand for the natural resources many Asia Pacific economies export. Since
China has been such a major source of demand for raw materials and a supplier of
foreign direct investment to exporting economies, the slowdown of the Chinese
economy could significantly affect regional growth. In addition, the trading
relationship between China and several Asia Pacific countries has been strained
by the geopolitical conflict created by competing territorial claims in the
South China Sea, which has created diplomatic tension in the region that may
adversely impact the economies of the affected countries. Regional growth may
also be limited by the lack of available capital for investment resulting from
the European debt crisis and by persistent low growth in the global economy, as
well as increases in interest rates and the tapering of other monetary policies
adopted by the central banks of developed countries.
The
Republic of Korea (South Korea) .
Investing in South Korea involves risks not typically associated with investing
in the U.S. securities markets. Investments in South Korea are, in part,
dependent on the maintenance of peaceful relations with North Korea, on both a
bilateral and global basis. Relations between the two countries remain tense, as
exemplified in periodic acts of hostility, and the possibility of serious
military engagement still exists. Any escalation in hostility, initiation of
military conflict, or collateral consequences of internal instability within
North Korea would likely cause a substantial disruption in South Korea's
economy, as well as in the region overall.
South
Korea has one of the more advanced economies and established democratic
political systems in the Asia-Pacific region with a relatively sound financial
sector and solid external position. South Korea's economic reliance on
international trade, however, makes it highly sensitive to fluctuations in
international commodity prices, currency exchange rates and government
regulation, and makes it vulnerable to downturns of the world economy. South
Korea has experienced modest economic growth in recent years. Such continued
growth may slow, in part, due to a continued economic slowdown in China. South
Korea is particularly sensitive to the economic volatility of its four largest
export markets (the European Union, Japan, United States, and China), which all
face varying degrees of economic uncertainty, including persistent low growth
rates. The economic weakness of South Korea's most important trading partners
could stifle demand for South Korean exports and damage its own economic growth
outlook. Notably, given that China is both a large importer of South Korean
goods and a significant source of global demand, a continued Chinese slowdown
may, directly or indirectly, negatively impact South Korean economic growth. The
South Korean economy's long-term challenges include a rapidly aging population,
inflexible labor market, dominance of large conglomerates, and overdependence on
exports to drive economic growth.
China
Region. The
China Region encompasses the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The region is highly interconnected and interdependent, with relationships and
tensions built on trade, finance, culture, and politics. The economic success of
China will continue to have an outsized influence on the growth and prosperity
of both Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Although
the People's Republic of China has experienced three decades of unprecedented
growth, it now faces a slowing economy that is due, in part, to China's effort
to shift away from an export-driven economy. Other contributing factors to the
slowdown include lower-than-expected industrial output growth, reductions in
consumer spending, a decline in the real estate market, which many observers
believed to be inflated, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and China's
containment strategy. Further, local governments, which had borrowed heavily to
bolster growth, face high debt burdens and limited revenue sources. Demand for
Chinese exports by Western countries, including the United States and Europe,
may diminish because of weakened economic growth in those countries, resulting
from the European debt crisis and persistent low growth in the global economy.
Additionally, Chinese land reclamation projects, actions to lay claim to
disputed islands, and China's attempt to assert territorial claims in the South
China Sea have caused strains in China's relationship with various regional
trading partners and could cause further disruption to regional trade. In the
long term, China's ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory,
monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of foreign
investment in China.
Hong
Kong is closely tied to China, economically and politically, following the
United Kingdom's 1997 handover of the former colony to China to be governed as a
Special Administrative Region. Changes to Hong Kong's legal, financial, and
monetary system could negatively impact its economic prospects. Hong Kong's
evolving relationship with the central government in Beijing has been a source
of political unrest and may result in economic disruption.
Although
many Taiwanese companies heavily invest in China, a state of hostility continues
to exist between China and Taiwan. Taiwan's political stability and ability to
sustain its economic growth could be significantly affected by its political and
economic relationship with China. Although economic and political relations have
both improved, Taiwan remains vulnerable to both Chinese territorial ambitions
and economic downturns.
In
addition to the risks inherent in investing in the emerging markets, the risks
of investing in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan merit special
consideration.
People's
Republic of China. China's
economy has transitioned from a rigidly central-planned state-run economy to one
that has been only partially reformed by more market-oriented policies. Although
the Chinese government has implemented economic reform measures, reduced state
ownership of companies and established better corporate governance practices, a
substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned or controlled
by the Chinese government. The government continues to exercise significant
control over the regulation of industrial development and, ultimately, over
China's economic growth, both through direct involvement in the market through
state owned enterprises, and indirectly by allocating resources, controlling
access to credit, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated
obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to
particular industries or companies. China's continued hold on its economy,
coupled with a legal system less consistent and less comprehensive than
developed markets, poses a risk to foreign investors.
After
many years of steady growth, the growth rate of China's economy has declined
relative to prior years. Although this slowdown may have been influenced by the
government's desire to stop certain sectors from overheating, and to shift the
economy from one based on low-cost export manufacturing to a model driven more
by domestic consumption, it holds significant economic, social and political
risks. For one, the real estate market, once rapidly growing in major cities,
has slowed down and may prompt government intervention to prevent collapse.
Additionally, local government debt is still very high, and local governments
have few viable means to raise revenue, especially with continued declines in
demand for housing. Moreover, although China has tried to restructure its
economy towards consumption, it remains heavily dependent on exports and is,
therefore, susceptible to downturns abroad which may weaken demand for its
exports and reduce foreign investments in the country. The reduction in spending
on Chinese products and services, the institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China's key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the securities of Chinese issuers. In particular,
the economy faces the prospect of prolonged weakness in demand for Chinese
exports as its major trading partners, such as the United States, Japan, and
Europe, continue to experience economic uncertainty stemming from the European
debt crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in
the global economy, among other things. After a period of intensified concerns
about trade tariffs and the continued escalation of the trade war between China
and the United States, the two countries reached a trade agreement in January
2020. If the countries reinstitute tariffs, it may trigger a significant
reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods,
substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual
companies and/or large segments of China's export industry with a potentially
negative impact to a fund. These kinds of events and their consequences are
difficult to foresee, and it is unclear whether future tariffs may be imposed or
other escalating actions may be taken in the future. Over the long term, China's
aging infrastructure, worsening environmental conditions, rapid and inequitable
urbanization, and quickly widening urban and rural income gap, which all carry
political and economic implications, are among the country's major challenges.
China also faces problems of domestic unrest and provincial separatism.
Additionally, the Chinese economy may be adversely affected by diplomatic
developments, the imposition of economic sanctions, changes in international
trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory
measures.
Chinese
territorial claims are another source of tension and present risks to diplomatic
and trade relations with certain of China's regional trade partners. Actions by
the Chinese government, such as its land reclamation projects, assertion of
territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the establishment of an Air
Defense Identification Zone over disputed islands, raise the fear of both
accidental military conflict and that Chinese territorial claims may result in
international reprisal. Such a reprisal may reduce international demand for
Chinese goods and services or cause a decline in foreign direct investment, both
of which could have a negative effect on a fund's investments in the securities
of Chinese issuers.
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. The Chinese legal system, in particular, constitutes a
significant risk factor for investors. Since the late 1970s, Chinese legislative
bodies have promulgated laws and regulations dealing with various economic
matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance,
commerce, taxation, and trade. Despite the expanding body of law in China,
however, legal precedent and published court decisions based on these laws are
limited and non-binding. The interpretation and enforcement of these laws and
regulations are uncertain, and investments in China may not be subject to the
same degree of legal protection as in other developed countries.
China
continues to limit direct foreign investments generally in industries deemed
important to national interests. Foreign investment in domestic securities is
also subject to substantial restrictions, although Chinese regulators have begun
to introduce new programs through which foreign investors can gain direct access
to certain Chinese securities markets. For instance, Chinese regulators have
implemented a program that will permit direct foreign investment in permissible
products (which include cash bonds) traded on the China inter-bank bond market
(CIBM) in compliance with the relevant rules established by applicable Chinese
regulators. While CIBM is relatively large and trading volumes are generally
high, the market remains subject to similar risks as fixed income securities
markets in other developing countries. As foreign investment access to CIBM is
relatively new and its rules may be materially amended as the program continues
to develop, it is uncertain how this program will impact economic growth within
China.
Securities
listed on China's two main stock exchanges are divided into two classes. One of
the two classes is limited to domestic investors (and a small group of qualified
international investors), while the other is available to both international and
domestic investors (A-shares). Although the Chinese government has announced
plans to merge the two markets, it is uncertain whether, and to what extent,
such a merger will take place. The existing bifurcated system raises liquidity
and stability concerns.
Investments
in securities listed and traded through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (Stock Connect Programs) involve
unique risks. The Stock Connect Programs are relatively new and there is no
guarantee that they will continue. Trading through Stock Connect Programs is
subject to daily quotas limiting the maximum daily net purchases as well as
daily limits on permitted price fluctuations. Trading suspensions are more
likely in these markets than in many other global equity markets. There can be
no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist. In addition,
investments made through Stock Connect Programs are subject to comparatively
untested trading, clearance and settlement procedures. Stock Connect Programs
are available only on days when markets in both China and Hong Kong are open. A
fund's ownership interest in securities traded through the Stock Connect
Programs will not be reflected directly, and thus a fund may have to rely on the
ability or willingness of a third party to enforce its rights. Investments in
Stock Connect Program A-shares are generally subject to Chinese securities
regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. Hong Kong investor
compensation funds, which protect against trade defaults, are unavailable when
investing through Stock Connect Programs. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules
could also result in unexpected tax liabilities for the fund.
Currency
fluctuations could significantly affect China and its trading partners. China
continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than
allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type
of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments,
which may adversely impact investment returns. One such currency adjustment
occurred in 2015, in which China purposefully devalued the yuan in an effort to
bolster economic growth. More recently, however, the government has taken steps
to internationalize its currency. This policy change is driven, in part, by the
government's desire for the yuan's continued inclusion in the basket of
currencies that comprise the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Special Drawing
Rights.
Chinese
companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller and less
seasoned. China may lack, or have different, accounting and financial reporting
standards, which may result in the unavailability of material information about
Chinese issuers. Moreover, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
has warned that it lacks the ability to inspect audit work and practices of
PCAOB-registered auditing firms within China. The Chinese government has taken
positions that prevent PCAOB from inspecting the audit work and practices of
accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong for compliance with U.S. law
and professional standards. As such, under amendments to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
enacted in December 2020, which requires that the PCAOB be permitted to inspect
the accounting firm of a U.S.-listed Chinese issuer, Chinese companies with
securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if the PCAOB is unable to
inspect the accounting firm. PCAOB's limited ability to oversee the operations
of auditing firms within China may result in inaccurate or incomplete financial
records of an issuer's operations within China, which may negatively impact a
fund's investments in such companies.
Additionally,
China's stock market has experienced tumult and high volatility, which has
prompted the Chinese government to implement several policies and restrictions
with regards to the securities market. While China may take actions aimed at
maintaining growth and stability in the stock market, investors in Chinese
securities may be negatively affected by, among other things, disruptions in the
ability to sell securities to comply with investment objectives or when most
advantageous given market conditions. It is not clear what the long-term effect
of such policies would be on the securities market in China or whether
additional actions by the government will occur in the future.
A
fund may obtain exposure to companies based or operated in China by investing
through legal structures known as variable interest entities (VIEs). As a result
of Chinese governmental restrictions on non-Chinese ownership of companies in
certain industries in China, some Chinese companies have used VIEs to facilitate
foreign investment without distributing direct ownership of companies based or
operated in China. In such cases, the Chinese operating company establishes an
offshore company and the offshore company enters into contractual arrangements
with the Chinese company. These contractual arrangements are intended to give
the offshore company the ability to exercise power over and obtain economic
rights from the Chinese company. Shares of the offshore company, in turn, are
listed and traded on exchanges outside of China and are available to non-Chinese
investors, such as a fund. This arrangement allows non-Chinese investors in the
offshore company to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese company without
direct equity ownership in the Chinese company.
Although
VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and
regulators in China, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. There
is a risk that China may cease to tolerate VIEs at any time or impose new
restrictions on the structure, in each case either generally or with respect to
specific industries, sectors or companies. Investments involving a VIE may also
pose additional risks because such investments are made through a company whose
interests in the underlying Chinese company are established through contract
rather than through equity ownership. For example, in the event of a dispute,
the offshore company's contractual claims with respect to the Chinese company
may be deemed unenforceable in China, thus limiting (or eliminating) the
remedies and rights available to the offshore company and its investors. Such
legal uncertainty may also be exploited against the interests of the offshore
company and its investors. Further, the interests of the equity owners of the
Chinese company may conflict with the interests of the investors of the offshore
company. Similarly, the fiduciary duties of the officers and directors of the
Chinese company may differ from, or conflict with, the fiduciary duties of the
officers and directors of the offshore company. The VIE structure generally
restricts a fund's ability to influence the Chinese company through proxy voting
and other means and may restrict the ability of an issuer to pay dividends to
shareholders from the Chinese company's earnings. VIE structures also could face
delisting or other ramifications for failure to meet the requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (PCAOB) or other United States regulators. If these risks
materialize, the value of investments in VIEs could be adversely affected and a
fund could incur significant losses with no recourse available.
Hong
Kong. In
1997, the United Kingdom handed over control of Hong Kong to the People's
Republic of China. Since that time, Hong Kong has been governed by a
quasi-constitution known as the Basic Law, while defense and foreign affairs are
the responsibility of the central government in Beijing. The chief executive of
Hong Kong is appointed by the Chinese government. Hong Kong, however, is able to
participate in international organizations and agreements and continues to
function as an international financial center, with no exchange controls, free
convertibility of the Hong Kong dollar and free inward and outward movement of
capital. The Basic Law also guarantees existing freedoms, including the freedom
of speech, assembly, press, and religion, as well as the right to strike and
travel. Business ownership, private property, the right of inheritance and
foreign investment are also protected by law.
By
treaty, China has committed to preserve Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy in
certain matters until 2047. Despite this treaty, political uncertainty continues
to exist within Hong Kong, as demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years
over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government's
response to them. For example, in June 2020, China adopted the Law of the PRC on
Safeguarding National Security, which severely limits freedom of speech in Hong
Kong and expands police powers to seize electronic devices and intercept
communications of suspects. Widespread protests were held in Hong Kong in
response to the new law, and the United States imposed sanctions on 11 Hong Kong
officials for cracking down on pro-democracy protests. Pro-democracy protests,
which have become increasingly violent over time, continued into 2021, although
the Hong Kong government's crackdown and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed
to the reduction of large-scale protests. There is no guarantee, however, that
additional protests will not arise in the future, and it is uncertain whether
the United States will respond to such protests with additional
sanctions.
Hong
Kong has experienced strong economic growth in recent years in part due to its
close ties with China and a strong service sector, but Hong Kong still faces
concerns over overheating in certain sectors of its economy, such as its real
estate market, which could limit Hong Kong's future growth. In addition, due to
Hong Kong's heavy reliance on international trade and global financial markets,
Hong Kong remains exposed to significant risks as a result of the European debt
crisis and persistent low growth in the global economy. Likewise, due to Hong
Kong's close political and economic ties with China, a continued economic
slowdown on the mainland could continue to have a negative impact on Hong Kong's
economy.
Taiwan.
For
decades, a state of hostility has existed between Taiwan and the People's
Republic of China. China has long deemed Taiwan a part of the "one China" and
has made a nationalist cause of reuniting Taiwan with mainland China. In the
past, China has staged frequent military provocations off the coast of Taiwan
and made threats of full-scale military action. Tensions have lowered, however,
exemplified by improved relations, including the first official contacts between
the governments' leaders of China and Taiwan in 2015. Despite closer relations
in recent years, the relationship with China remains a divisive political issue
within Taiwan. Foreign trade has been the engine of rapid growth in Taiwan and
has transformed the island into one of Asia's great exporting nations. As an
export-oriented economy, Taiwan depends on a free-trade trade regime and remains
vulnerable to downturns in the world economy. Taiwanese companies continue to
compete mostly on price, producing generic products or branded merchandise on
behalf of multinational companies. Accordingly, these businesses can be
particularly vulnerable to currency volatility and increasing competition from
neighboring lower-cost countries. Moreover, many Taiwanese companies are heavily
invested in mainland China and other countries throughout Southeast Asia, making
them susceptible to political events and economic crises in the region.
Significantly, Taiwan and China have entered into agreements covering banking,
securities, and insurance. Closer economic links with mainland China may bring
greater opportunities for the Taiwanese economy but such arrangements also pose
new challenges. For example, foreign direct investment in China has resulted in
Chinese import substitution away from Taiwan's exports and a constriction of
potential job creation in Taiwan. Likewise, the Taiwanese economy has
experienced slow economic growth as demand for Taiwan's exports has weakened
due, in part, to declines in growth rates in China. Taiwan has sought to
diversify its export markets and reduce its dependence on the Chinese market by
increasing exports to the United States, Japan, Europe, and other Asian
countries by, in part, entering into free-trade agreements. In addition, the
lasting effects of the European debt crisis and persistent low growth in the
global economy may reduce global demand for Taiwan's exports. The Taiwanese
economy's long-term challenges include a rapidly aging population, low birth
rate, and the lingering effects of Taiwan's diplomatic isolation.
India.
The
value of a fund's investments in Indian securities may be affected by, among
other things, political developments, rapid changes in government regulation,
state intervention in private enterprise, nationalization or expropriation of
foreign assets, legal uncertainty, high rates of inflation or interest rates,
currency volatility, potential new, disruptive COVID-19 variants, uncertain
global economic conditions, possible additional increases in commodity prices,
and civil unrest. Moreover, the Indian economy remains vulnerable to natural
disasters, such as droughts and monsoons. Natural disasters may become more
frequent and severe as a result of global climate change. Given the particular
vulnerability of India to the effects of climate change, disruptions in
international efforts to address climate-related issues may have a
disproportionate impact on a fund's investments in the country. In addition, any
escalation of tensions with Pakistan may have a negative impact on India's
economy and foreign investments in India. Likewise, political, social and
economic disruptions caused by domestic sectarian violence or terrorist attacks
may also present risks to a fund's investments in India.
The
Indian economy is heavily dependent on exports and services provided to U.S. and
European companies and is vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these
products and services. In recent years, rising wages have chipped away at
India's competitive advantage in certain service sectors. A large fiscal deficit
and persistent inflation have contributed to modest economic growth in India in
recent years. Increases in global oil and commodity prices due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine have further contributed to India's rising
inflation and a widening of the current account deficit. While the economic
growth rate has risen more recently, the Indian economy continues to be
susceptible to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector, and it is uncertain
whether higher growth rates are sustainable without more fundamental governance
reforms.
India's
market has less developed clearance and settlement procedures and there have
been times when settlements have not kept pace with the volume of securities and
have been significantly delayed. The Indian stock exchanges have, in the past,
been subject to closure, broker defaults and broker strikes, and there can be no
certainty that these will not recur. In addition, significant delays are common
in registering transfers of securities and a fund may be unable to sell
securities until the registration process is completed and may experience delays
in the receipt of dividends and other entitlements. Furthermore, restrictions or
controls applicable to foreign investment in the securities of issuers in India
may also adversely affect a fund's investments within the country. The
availability of financial instruments with exposure to Indian financial markets
may be substantially limited by restrictions on foreign investors and subject to
regulatory authorizations. Foreign investors are required to observe certain
investment restrictions, including limits on shareholdings, which may impede a
fund's ability to invest in certain issuers or to fully pursue its investment
objective. These restrictions may also have the effect of reducing demand for,
or limiting the liquidity of, such investments. There can be no assurance that
the Indian government will not impose restrictions on foreign capital
remittances abroad or otherwise modify the exchange control regime applicable to
foreign investors in such a way that may adversely affect the ability of a fund
to repatriate their income and capital.
Shares
of many Indian issuers are held by a limited number of persons and financial
institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment.
Sales of securities by such issuer's major shareholders may also significantly
and adversely affect other shareholders. Moreover, a limited number of issuers
represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and
trading value in India. As a result, major shareholders' actions may cause
significant fluctuations in the prices of securities. Additionally, insider
trading may undermine both the market price accuracy of securities and
investors' confidence in the market. The illiquidity in the market may make it
difficult for a fund to dispose of securities at certain times.
Furthermore,
securities laws or other areas of laws may not be fully developed in India and
accounting and audit standards may not be as rigorous as those in the U.S.
market. Additionally, information about issuers may be less transparent, all of
which increases risk to foreign investors and makes it potentially difficult to
obtain and enforce court orders. The legal system may also favor domestic
investors over foreign investors.
The
Indian government has sought to implement numerous reforms to the economy,
including efforts to bolster the Indian manufacturing sector and entice foreign
direct investment. Such reformation efforts, however, have proven difficult and
there is no guarantee that such reforms will be implemented or that they will be
fully implemented in a manner that benefits investors.
Indonesia.
Over
the last decade, Indonesia has applied prudent macroeconomic efforts and policy
reforms that have led to modest growth in recent years, however many economic
development problems remain, including poverty and unemployment, corruption,
inadequate infrastructure, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal
resource distribution among regions. Although Indonesia's government has taken
steps in recent years to improve the country's infrastructure and investment
climate, these problems may limit the country's ability to maintain such
economic growth as Indonesia has begun to experience slowing growth rates in
recent years. Indonesia is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons,
tsunamis, earthquakes and flooding, which may also present risks to a fund's
investments in Indonesia. Natural disasters may become more frequent and severe
as a result of global climate change. Given the particular vulnerability of
Indonesia to the effects of climate change, disruptions in international efforts
to address climate-related issues may have a disproportionate impact on a fund's
investments in the country. In addition, Indonesia continues to be at risk of
ethnic, sectarian, and separatist violence.
In
recent periods, Indonesia has employed a program of monetary loosening through
reductions in interest rates and implemented a number of reforms to encourage
investment. Although Indonesia's central bank has continued to utilize monetary
policies to promote growth, there can be no guarantee such efforts will be
sufficient or that additional stimulus policies will not be necessary in the
future. Despite these efforts, Indonesia's relatively weak legal system
poses a risk to foreign investors. Indonesia's tax administration can be
inefficient, and a persistent informal market exists. Moreover, global inflation
and the shortage of certain commodities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the
conflict in Ukraine may continue to adversely affect Indonesia's economic
recovery.
Indonesia's
dependence on resource extraction and exports leaves it vulnerable to a slowdown
of the economies of its trading partners and a decline in commodity prices more
generally. Commodity prices have experienced significant volatility in recent
years, which has adversely affected the exports of Indonesia's economy.
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a continued slowdown in
China, which has been a major source of demand growth for Indonesia's commodity
exports. Indonesia is also vulnerable to further weakness in Japan, which
remains one of Indonesia's largest single export markets. Indonesia has recently
reversed several policies that restricted foreign investment by permitting
increased foreign ownership in several sectors and opening up sectors previously
closed to foreign investors. Failure to pursue internal reform, peacefully
resolve internal conflicts, bolster the confidence of international and domestic
investors, and weak global economic growth could limit Indonesia's economic
growth in the future.
Thailand.
Thailand
has well-developed infrastructure and a free-enterprise economy, which is both
conducive and enticing to certain foreign investment. Thailand's manageable
public and external debt burden as well as the country's acceptable fiscal and
monetary policy are also positive factors for foreign investors. While Thailand
experienced an increase in exports in recent years, the rate of export growth
has since slowed, in part due to domestic political turmoil, weakness in
commodity prices, and declines in growth rates in China. Moreover, Thailand has
pursued preferential trade agreements with a variety of partners in an effort to
boost exports and maintain high growth. Weakening fiscal discipline, separatist
violence in the south, the intervention by the military in civilian spheres, and
continued political instability, however, may cause additional risks for
investments in Thailand. The risk of political instability has proven
substantial as the protests, disputed election, government collapse, and coup of
2014 have led to short term declines in GDP, a collapse of tourism, and a
decrease in foreign direct investment. Following the coup, the military junta
formally controlled the government from 2014 until July 2019.
Parliamentary elections were held in May 2019 in which pro-military parties won
a slim majority and the former military junta leader became Prime Minister.
International watchdog groups, however, claimed the election was not free and
fair. Since the election there have been a number of attempts to unseat the
Prime Minister and protests challenging his leadership and the monarchy. An
election is due to take place before May 2023. Uncertainty regarding the
upcoming election could have a negative impact on economic
growth.
In
the long term, Thailand's economy faces challenges including an aging
population, outdated infrastructure, and an inadequate education system.
Thailand's cost of labor has risen rapidly in recent years, threatening its
status as a low-cost manufacturing hub. In addition, natural disasters may
affect economic growth in the country. Natural disasters may become more
frequent and severe as a result of global climate change. Given the particular
vulnerability of Thailand to the effects of climate change, disruptions in
international efforts to address climate-related issues may have a
disproportionate impact on a fund's investments in the country. Thailand
continues to be vulnerable to weak economic growth of its major trading
partners, particularly China and Japan. Additionally, Thailand's economy may be
limited by lack of available capital for investment resulting from the European
debt crisis and persistent slow growth in the global economy.
Philippines.
The
economy of the Philippines has benefitted from its relatively low dependence on
exports and high domestic rates of consumption, as well as substantial
remittances received from large overseas populations. Additionally, the
Philippines' solid monetary and fiscal policies, relatively low external debt,
and foreign exchange reserves support the country's economic stability. Although
the economy of the Philippines has grown quickly in recent years, there can be
no assurances that such growth will continue. Like other countries in the Asia
Pacific region, the Philippines' growth in recent years has been reliant, in
part, on exports to larger economies, notably the United States, Japan and
China. Given that China is a large importer and source of global demand, a
continued Chinese slowdown may, directly or indirectly, negatively impact
Philippine economic growth. Additionally, lower global economic growth may lead
to lower remittances from Filipino emigrants abroad, negatively impacting
economic growth in the Philippines. Furthermore, certain weaknesses in the
economy, such as inadequate infrastructure, high poverty rates, uneven wealth
distribution, low fiscal revenues, endemic corruption, inconsistent regulation,
unpredictable taxation, unreliable judicial processes, high-risk security
environment, high dependency on electronic exports and the tourism sector, and
the appropriation of foreign assets may present risks to a fund's investments in
the Philippines. In more recent years, poverty rates have declined; however,
there is no guarantee that this trend will continue. In addition, investments in
the Philippines are subject to risks arising from political or social unrest,
including governmental actions that strain relations with the country's major
trading partners, threats from military coups, terrorist groups and separatist
movements. Likewise, the Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as
typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes and flooding, which may also present risks to a
fund's investments in the Philippines. Natural disasters may become more
frequent and severe as a result of global climate change. Given the particular
vulnerability of the Philippines to the effects of climate change, disruptions
in international efforts to address climate-related issues may have a
disproportionate impact on a fund's investments in the
country.
Latin
America. Latin
American countries have historically suffered from social, political, and
economic instability. For investors, this has meant additional risk caused by
periods of regional conflict, political corruption, totalitarianism,
protectionist measures, nationalization, hyperinflation, debt crises, sudden and
large currency devaluation, and intervention by the military in civilian and
economic spheres. In recent decades, certain Latin American economies have
experienced prolonged, significant economic growth, and many countries have
developed sustainable democracies and a more mature and accountable political
environment. Additionally, some Latin American countries have a growing middle
class and an increasingly diversified economy. In recent periods, however, many
Latin American countries have experienced persistent low growth rates and
certain countries have fallen into recessions. Specifically, the region has
recently suffered from the effects of Argentina's economic crisis. While the
region is experiencing an economic recovery, there can be no guarantee that such
recovery will continue or that Latin American countries will not face further
recessionary pressures. Furthermore, economic recovery efforts continue to be
weighed down by the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising global inflation,
supply chain disruptions, the tightening of monetary policies in other
countries, and high energy and food prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and
the conflict in Ukraine pose significant challenges to Latin American countries'
economies.
The
region's economies represent a spectrum of different levels of political and
economic development. In many Latin American countries, domestic economies have
been deregulated, privatization of state-owned companies had been undertaken and
foreign trade restrictions have been relaxed. There can be no guarantee,
however, that such trends in economic liberalization will continue or that the
desired outcomes of these developments will be successful. Nonetheless, to the
extent that the risks identified above continue or re-emerge in the future, such
developments could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform,
privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant
disruption in securities markets in the region. In addition, recent favorable
economic performance in much of the region has led to a concern regarding
government overspending in certain Latin American countries. Investors in the
region continue to face a number of potential risks. Certain Latin American
countries depend heavily on exports to the United States and investments from a
small number of countries. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to
fluctuations in demand, exchange rates and changes in market conditions
associated with those countries. The economic growth of most Latin American
countries is highly dependent on commodity exports and the economies of certain
Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Venezuela, are highly
dependent on oil exports. These economies are particularly susceptible to
fluctuations in the price of oil and other commodities and currency
fluctuations. The prices of oil and other commodities are in the midst of a
period of high volatility driven, in part, by a continued slowdown in growth in
China, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine. If
growth in China remains slow, or if global economic conditions worsen, Latin
American countries may face significant economic difficulties.
Certain
Latin American countries may experience significant and unexpected adjustments
to their currencies which may have an adverse effect on foreign investors.
Furthermore, some Latin American currencies have recently experienced steady
devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar and have had to make significant
adjustments in their currencies. Continued adjustments and devaluations of
currencies in certain countries may undermine a fund's investment
there.
Although
certain Latin American countries have recently shown signs of improved economic
growth, such improvements, if sustained, may be gradual. In addition, prolonged
economic difficulties may have negative effects on the transition to a more
stable democracy in some Latin American countries. Political risks remain
prevalent throughout the region, including the risk of nationalization of
foreign assets. Certain economies in the region may rely heavily on particular
industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic
developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country
or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and
other protectionist or retaliatory measures.
A
number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing
countries and have a long history of reliance on foreign debt and default. The
majority of the region's economies have become highly dependent upon foreign
credit and loans from external sources to fuel their state-sponsored economic
plans. Most countries have been forced to restructure their loans or risk
default on their debt obligations. In addition, interest on the debt is subject
to market conditions and may reach levels that would impair economic activity
and create a difficult and costly environment for borrowers. Accordingly, these
governments may be forced to reschedule or freeze their debt repayment, which
could negatively affect local markets. Most recently, Argentina defaulted on its
debt after a U.S. court ruled in 2014 that payments to a majority of bondholders
(who had settled for lower rates of repayment) could not be made so long as
holdout bondholders were not paid the full value of their bonds. The ruling
increases the risk of default on all sovereign debt containing similar clauses.
Although Argentina settled with its bondholders following the 2014 court ruling,
the country defaulted on its debt obligations again in May 2020. While Argentina
emerged from its 2020 default after negotiation with its bondholders, analysts
and investors are concerned that another default is inevitable given the
troubles with Argentina's bond market and soaring inflation.
As
a result of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin
American economies may be adversely affected by the increases in interest rates
by the U.S. Federal Reserve in recent months and by the rising global inflation.
While the region has recently had mixed levels of economic growth, recovery from
past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and such
growth, if sustained, may be gradual. The ongoing effects of the European debt
crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the
global economy may reduce demand for exports from Latin America and limit the
availability of foreign credit for some countries in the region. As a result, a
fund's investments in Latin American securities could be harmed if economic
recovery in the region is limited.
Russia.
Investing
in Russian securities is highly speculative and involves significant risks and
special considerations not typically associated with investing in the securities
markets of the United States and most other developed countries.
Political.
Over
the past century, Russia has experienced political and economic turbulence and
has endured decades of communist rule under which tens of millions of its
citizens were collectivized into state agricultural and industrial enterprises.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's government has been faced with
the daunting task of stabilizing its domestic economy, while transforming it
into a modern and efficient structure able to compete in international markets
and to respond to the needs of its citizens. To date, however, many of the
country's economic reform initiatives have floundered or been retrenched. In
this environment, political and economic policies could shift suddenly in ways
detrimental to the interest of foreign and private investors.
In
the last several years, as significant income from oil and commodity exports
boosted Russia's economic growth, the Russian government began to re-assert its
regional geopolitical influence, including most recently its military actions in
Ukraine and Syria. The conflict with Ukraine has increased tensions between
Russia and its neighbors and the West, resulting in the United States and EU
placing sanctions on the Russian financial, energy, and defense sectors, as well
as targeting top Russian officials. These sanctions, which include banning
Russia from global payments systems that facilitate cross-border payments,
combined with a collapse in energy and commodity prices, have slowed the Russian
economy, which has continued to experience recessionary trends. Economic
sanctions include, among others, prohibiting certain securities trades,
prohibiting certain private transactions in the energy sector, certain asset
freezes of Russian businesses and officials, and certain freezes of Russian
securities. As a result, Russian securities declined significantly in value, and
the Russian currency, ruble, has experienced great fluctuations. These sanctions
may also result in a downgrade in Russia's credit rating and/or a decline in the
value and liquidity of Russian securities, property, or interests. Furthermore,
these sanctions may impair the ability of a fund to buy, sell, hold, receive, or
deliver the affected securities. Further possible actions by Russia could lead
to greater consequences for the Russian economy.
Economic.
Many
Russian businesses are inefficient and uncompetitive by global standards due to
systemic corruption, regulatory favoritism for government-affiliated
enterprises, or the legacy of old management teams and techniques left over from
the command economy of the Soviet Union. Poor accounting standards, inept
management, pervasive corruption, insider trading and crime, and inadequate
regulatory protection for the rights of investors all pose a significant risk,
particularly to foreign investors. In addition, enforcement of the Russian tax
system is prone to inconsistent, arbitrary, retroactive, confiscatory, and/or
exorbitant taxation.
Compared
to most national stock markets, the Russian securities market suffers from a
variety of problems not encountered in more developed markets. There is little
long-term historical data on the Russian securities market because it is
relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions in Russia
are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges. The inexperience of the
Russian securities market and the limited volume of trading in securities in the
market may make obtaining accurate prices on portfolio securities from
independent sources more difficult than in more developed markets. Additionally,
there is little solid corporate information available to investors because of
less stringent auditing and financial reporting standards that apply to
companies operating in Russia. As a result, it may be difficult to assess the
value or prospects of an investment in Russian companies.
Because
of the recent formation of the Russian securities market as well as the
underdeveloped state of the banking and telecommunications systems, settlement,
clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to significant
risks. Ownership of shares (except where shares are held through depositories
that meet the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company's share register and
normally evidenced by extracts from the register or by formal share
certificates. These services, however, are carried out by the companies
themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. These registrars are not
necessarily subject to effective state supervision nor are they licensed with
any governmental entity, and it is possible for a fund to lose its registration
through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. While a fund will endeavor to
ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded either itself or
through a custodian or other agent inspecting the share register and by
obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations, these
extracts have no legal enforceability, and it is possible that subsequent
illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive a fund of its ownership
rights or improperly dilute its interests. In addition, while applicable Russian
regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their
errors, it may be difficult for a fund to enforce any rights it may have against
the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of loss of share
registration. Furthermore, significant delays or problems may occur in
registering the transfer of securities, which could cause a fund to incur losses
due to either a counterparty's failure to pay for securities the fund has
delivered or the fund's inability to complete its contractual obligations. The
designation of the National Settlement Depository (NSD) as the exclusive
settlement organization for all publicly traded Russian companies and investment
funds has enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the Russian securities
market. Additionally, agreements between the NSD and foreign central securities
depositories and settlement organizations have allowed for simpler and more
secure access for foreign investors as well.
The
Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities
including industrial metals, forestry products, oil, and gas. Accordingly, it is
strongly affected by international commodity prices and is particularly
vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. Furthermore,
the sale and use of certain strategically important commodities, such as gas,
may be dictated by political, rather than economic, considerations.
Over
the long-term, Russia faces challenges including a shrinking workforce, high
levels of corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy
companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.
The
sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and the European Union, as well
as the threat of additional sanctions, could have further adverse consequences
for the Russian economy, including continued weakening of the ruble, additional
downgrades in the country's credit rating, and a significant decline in the
value and liquidity of securities issued by Russian companies or the Russian
government. The imposition of broader sanctions targeting specific issuers or
sectors could prohibit a fund from investing in any securities issued by
companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, these sanctions and/or
retaliatory action by Russia could require a fund to freeze its existing
investments in Russian companies. This could prohibit a fund from selling or
transacting in these investments and potentially impact a fund's
liquidity.
Currency.
Foreign
investors also face a high degree of currency risk when investing in Russian
securities and a lack of available currency hedging instruments. The Russian
ruble has recently been subject to significant fluctuations due to the conflict
in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the West. The Russian Central Bank has
spent significant foreign exchange reserves to maintain the value of the ruble.
Such reserves, however, are finite and, as exemplified by the recent rise in
inflation, the Russian Central Bank may be unable to properly manage competing
demands of supporting the ruble, managing inflation, and stimulating a
struggling Russian economy. Russia's foreign exchange reserves may be spent to
stabilize Russia's currency and/or economy in the future. Therefore, any
investment denominated in rubles may be subject to significant devaluation in
the future. Although official sovereign debt to GDP figures are low for a
developed economy, sovereign default remains a risk. Even absent a sovereign
default, foreign investors could face the possibility of further devaluations.
There is the risk that the government may impose capital controls on foreign
portfolio investments in the event of extreme financial or political crisis.
Such capital controls could prevent the sale of a portfolio of foreign assets
and the repatriation of investment income and capital. Such risks have led to
heightened scrutiny of Russian liquidity conditions which, in turn, creates a
heightened risk of the repatriation of ruble assets by concerned foreign
investors. The persistent economic turmoil in Russia caused the Russian ruble to
depreciate as unemployment levels increased and global demand for oil exports
decreased. In particular, the recent collapse in energy prices has shrunk the
value of Russian exports and further weakened both the value of the ruble and
the finances of the Russian state. The Russian economy has also suffered
following the conflict in Ukraine, due to significant capital flight from the
country. The pressure put on the ruble caused by this divestment has been
compounded by the sanctions from the United States and EU, leading to further
depreciation, a limitation of the ruble's convertibility, and an increase in
inflation.
The
Middle East and Africa. Investing
in Middle Eastern and African securities is highly speculative and involves
significant risks and special considerations not typically associated with
investing in the securities markets of the United States and most other
developed countries. For instance, changes in investment policies or shifts
in political climates in the region could result in changes to government
regulations such as price controls, export and import controls, income and other
taxes, foreign ownership restrictions, foreign exchange and currency controls,
and labor and welfare benefit policies. Any unexpected changes to these policies
or regulations may result in increased investment, operating or compliance
expenses for a fund and may have an adverse effect on a fund's business and
financial condition.
Political.
Many
Middle Eastern and African countries historically have suffered from political
instability. Despite the trend towards democratization in recent years,
especially in Africa, significant political risks continue to affect some Middle
Eastern and African countries. These risks may include substantial government
intervention in and control over the private sector, corrupt leaders, civil
unrest, suppression of opposition parties that can lead to further dissidence
and militancy, fixed elections, terrorism, coups, and war. In recent years,
several countries in the Middle East and North Africa have experienced
pro-democracy movements that resulted in swift regime changes. In some instances
where pro-democracy movements successfully toppled regimes, the stability of
successor regimes has proven weak, as evidenced by the political situation in
Egypt. In other instances, these changes have devolved into armed conflict
involving local factions, regional allies or international forces, and even
protracted civil wars, such as in Libya and Syria.
The
protracted civil war in Syria has given rise to numerous militias, terrorist
groups and, most notably, the proto-state of ISIS. The conflict has disrupted
oil production across Syria and Iraq, effectively destroying the economic value
of large portions of the region and has caused a massive exodus of refugees into
neighboring states, which further threatens government infrastructure of the
refuge countries.
Regional
instability has not been confined to the Middle East. In Nigeria, Africa's
largest economy, continued conflicts between the government and various
insurgent groups have caused grave humanitarian and economic consequences. In
addition, Africa has experienced a number of regional health crises in recent
years, which have demonstrated the vulnerabilities of political institutions and
health care systems in the face of crisis. African countries, particularly
in Eastern and sub-Saharan Africa, have struggled to access sufficient
quantities of COVID-19 vaccines to support their populations.
Continued
instability may slow the adoption of economic and political reforms and could
damage trade, investment, and economic growth going forward. Further, because
many Middle East and African nations have a history of dictatorship, military
intervention, and corruption, any successful reforms may prove impermanent. In
addition, there is an increasing risk that historical animosities, border
disputes, or defense concerns may lead to further armed conflict in the region.
Across the Middle East and Africa, such developments could have a negative
effect on economic growth and reverse favorable trends toward economic and
market reform, privatization, and the removal of trade barriers. Such
developments could also result in significant disruptions in securities
markets.
Although
geographically remote from the conflict in Ukraine, Middle Eastern and African
countries are subject to the adverse effect Russian's invasion of Ukraine
brought to the global economy. Surging oil and food prices are straining the
external and fiscal balances of commodity-importing countries and have increased
food security problems in these regions. These economic disruptions may
undermine a fund's investment in these countries.
Economic.
Middle
Eastern and African countries historically have suffered from underdeveloped
infrastructure, high unemployment rates, a comparatively unskilled labor force,
and inconsistent access to capital, which have contributed to economic
instability and stifled economic growth in the region. Furthermore, certain
Middle Eastern and African markets may face a higher concentration of market
capitalization, greater illiquidity and greater price volatility compared to
those found in more developed markets of Western Europe or the United States.
Additionally, certain countries in the region have a history of nationalizing or
expropriating foreign assets, which could cause a fund to lose the value of its
investments in those countries or could negatively affect foreign investor
confidence in the region. Despite a growing trend towards economic
diversification, many Middle Eastern and African economies remain heavily
dependent upon a limited range of commodities. These include gold, silver,
copper, cocoa, diamonds, natural gas and petroleum. These economies are greatly
affected by international commodity prices and are particularly vulnerable to
any weakening in global demand for these products. As a result, many countries
have been forced to scale down their infrastructure investment and the size of
their public welfare systems, which could have long-term economic, social, and
political implications.
South
Africa, Africa's second largest economy, is the largest destination for foreign
direct investment on the continent. The country has a two-tiered, developing
economy with one tier similar to that of a developed country and the second tier
having only the most basic infrastructure. Although South Africa has experienced
modest economic growth in recent years, such growth has been sluggish, hampered
by endemic corruption, ethnic and civil conflicts, labor unrest, the effects of
the HIV health crisis, and political instability. In addition, reduced demand
for South African exports due to the lasting effects of the European debt crisis
and persistent low growth in the global economy may limit any such recovery.
These problems have been compounded by worries over South African sovereign debt
prompted by an increasing deficit and rising level of sovereign debt. These
conditions led to tremendous downgrades in South Africa's credit ratings in
recent years. Although the ratings are slowly recovering, such downgrades in
South African sovereign debt and the likelihood of an issuer default could have
serious consequences for investments in South Africa.
The
securities markets in these countries are generally less developed. Financial
information about the issuers is not always publicly available, and these
issuers are not subjected to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial
reporting rules. Market volatility, lower trading volume, illiquidity, and
rising global inflation all create risks for a fund investing in these
countries. These shortcomings may undermine a fund's investment in these
countries.
Currency.
Certain
Middle Eastern and African countries have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar
or euro rather than free-floating exchange rates determined by market forces.
Although intended to stabilize the currencies, these pegs, if abandoned, may
cause sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact
investment returns. There is no significant foreign exchange market for certain
currencies, and it would be difficult for a fund to engage in foreign currency
transactions designed to protect the value of a fund's interests in securities
denominated in such currencies.
Orders
for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of a fund
by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR or the Adviser) pursuant
to authority contained in the management contract.
To
the extent that the Adviser grants investment management authority to a
sub-adviser (see the section entitled "Management Contracts"), that sub-adviser
is authorized to provide the services described in the respective sub-advisory
agreement, and in accordance with the policies described in this section.
Furthermore, the sub-adviser's trading and associated policies, which may differ
from the Adviser's policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable
law.
The
Adviser or a sub-adviser may be responsible for the placement of portfolio
securities transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts
for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
A
fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in shares
of mutual funds (including any underlying Central funds), but it may incur such
costs when it invests directly in other types of securities.
Purchases
and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange or OTC are effected
through brokers who receive compensation for their services. Generally,
compensation relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher
than compensation relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be
subject to negotiation. Compensation may also be paid in connection with
principal transactions (in both OTC securities and securities listed on an
exchange) and agency OTC transactions executed with an electronic communications
network (ECN) or an alternative trading system. Equity securities may be
purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
Purchases
and sales of fixed-income securities are generally made with an issuer or a
primary market-maker acting as principal. Although there is no stated brokerage
commission paid by a fund for any fixed-income security, the price paid by a
fund to an underwriter includes the disclosed underwriting fee and prices in
secondary trades usually include an undisclosed dealer commission or markup
reflecting the spread between the bid and ask prices of the fixed-income
security. New issues of equity and fixed-income securities may also be purchased
in underwritten fixed price offerings.
The
Trustees of each fund periodically review the Adviser's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio securities
transactions on behalf of each fund. The Trustees also review the compensation
paid by each fund over representative periods of time to determine if it was
reasonable in relation to the benefits to the fund.
The
Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
The
Adviser or its affiliates generally have authority to select brokers (whether
acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute a fund's portfolio
securities transactions. In selecting brokers, including affiliates of the
Adviser, to execute a fund's portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or
its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a
particular trade and in regard to the Adviser's or its affiliates' overall
responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts,
including any instructions from the fund's portfolio manager, which may
emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. Based on the
factors considered, the Adviser or its affiliates may choose to execute an order
using ECNs, including broker-sponsored algorithms, internal crossing, or by
verbally working an order with one or more brokers. Other possibly relevant
factors include, but are not limited to, the following: price; costs; the size,
nature and type of the order; the speed of execution; financial condition and
reputation of the broker; broker specific considerations (e.g., not all brokers
are able to execute all types of trades); broker willingness to commit capital;
the nature and characteristics of the markets in which the security is traded;
the trader's assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow
the trader's instructions to the broker; confidentiality and the potential for
information leakage; the nature or existence of post-trade clearing, settlement,
custody and currency convertibility mechanisms; and the provision of additional
brokerage and research products and services, if applicable and where allowed by
law.
In
seeking best execution for portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its
affiliates may from time to time select a broker that uses a trading method,
including algorithmic trading, for which the broker charges a higher commission
than its lowest available commission rate. The Adviser or its affiliates also
may select a broker that charges more than the lowest commission rate available
from another broker. Occasionally the Adviser or its affiliates execute an
entire securities transaction with a broker and allocate all or a portion of the
transaction and/or related commissions to a second broker where a client does
not permit trading with an affiliate of the Adviser or in other limited
situations. In those situations, the commission rate paid to the second broker
may be higher than the commission rate paid to the executing broker. For futures
transactions, the selection of a futures commission merchant is generally based
on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the futures
commission merchant. The Adviser or its affiliates execute futures transactions
verbally and electronically.
The
Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers
(who are not affiliates of the Adviser) that execute transactions for a fund
managed outside of the European Union may receive higher compensation from the
fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value
of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to the Adviser
or its affiliates.
Research
Products and Services. These
products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, but
are not limited to: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and
non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting
facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar
data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical
computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to
receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and
computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and
in video and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry
spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and
others with relevant professional expertise. The Adviser or its affiliates may
request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or
service. Some of these brokerage and research products and services supplement
the Adviser's or its affiliates' own research activities in providing investment
advice to the funds.
Execution
Services. In
addition, when permissible under applicable law, brokerage and research products
and services include those that assist in the execution, clearing, and
settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions
(including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade
execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange
of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use
of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use
Products and Services. Although
the Adviser or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or
services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services or
eligible external research under MiFID II and FCA regulations (as defined
below), where allowed by applicable law, they, at times, will use commission
dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in
the Adviser's or its affiliates' investment decision-making process (mixed-use
products or services). In those circumstances, the Adviser or its affiliates
will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to
which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that
portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage
and research products and services or eligible external research with their own
resources (referred to as "hard dollars").
Benefit
to the Adviser. The
Adviser's or its affiliates' expenses likely would be increased if they
attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and
services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and
research products or services with their own resources. Therefore, an economic
incentive exists for the Adviser or its affiliates to select or recommend a
broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving the brokerage and research
products and services, rather than on the Adviser's or its affiliates' funds
interest in receiving most favorable execution. The Adviser and its affiliates
manage the receipt of brokerage and research products and services and the
potential for conflicts through its Commission Uses Program. The Commission Uses
Program effectively "unbundles" commissions paid to brokers who provide
brokerage and research products and services, i.e., commissions consist of an
execution commission, which covers the execution of the trade (including
clearance and settlement), and a research charge, which is used to cover
brokerage and research products and services. Those brokers have client
commission arrangements (each a CCA) in place with the Adviser and its
affiliates (each of those brokers referred to as CCA brokers). In selecting
brokers for executing transactions on behalf of the fund, the trading desks
through which the Adviser or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to
execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the funds based on the quality of
execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and
services the CCA broker provides. Commissions paid to a CCA broker include both
an execution commission and a research charge, and while the CCA broker receives
the entire commission, it retains the execution commission and either credits or
transmits the research portion (also known as "soft dollars") to a CCA pool
maintained by each CCA broker. Soft dollar credits (credits) accumulated in CCA
pools are used to pay research expenses. In some cases, the Adviser or its
affiliates may request that a broker that is not a party to any particular
transaction provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service,
which would be paid with credits from the CCA pool. The administration of
brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the
trading desks, and traders have no responsibility for administering the research
program, including the payment for research. The Adviser or its affiliates, at
times, use a third-party aggregator to facilitate payments to research
providers. Where an aggregator is involved, the aggregator would maintain
credits in an account that is segregated from the aggregator's proprietary
assets and the assets of its other clients and use those credits to pay research
providers as instructed by the Adviser or its affiliates. Furthermore, where
permissible under applicable law, certain of the brokerage and research products
and services that the Adviser or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers
on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or
as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products
or services may be provided at no additional cost to the Adviser or its
affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, the
Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific
proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party
products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a
particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker's
overall services.
The
Adviser's Decision-Making Process. In
connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, the Adviser or its affiliates
make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and
dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research
products and services provided to the Adviser or its affiliates, viewed in terms
of the particular transaction for a fund or the Adviser's or its affiliates'
overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and
investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates have investment
discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in
connection with a fund's brokerage does not benefit all funds and certain funds
will receive the benefit of the brokerage and research product or services
obtained with other funds' commissions. As required under applicable laws or
fund policy, commissions generated by certain funds may only be used to obtain
certain brokerage and research products and services. As a result, certain funds
will pay more proportionately of certain types of brokerage and research
products and services than others, while the overall amount of brokerage and
research products and services paid by each fund continues to be allocated
equitably. While the Adviser or its affiliates take into account the brokerage
and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in
determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither the Adviser, its
affiliates, nor the funds incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third
party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion
thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise.
Typically, for funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates outside of the
European Union or the United Kingdom, these brokerage and research products and
services assist the Adviser or its affiliates in terms of their overall
investment responsibilities to a fund or any other investment companies and
investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates may have investment
discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions
to acquire brokerage and research products and services that also benefit other
funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, and not every fund
or investment account uses the brokerage and research products and services that
may have been acquired through that fund's commissions.
Research
Contracts. The
Adviser or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research
providers and brokers through whom the Adviser or its affiliates effect fund
trades, whereby the Adviser or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or
hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services
purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are
used, the Adviser or its affiliates, at times, will cause a fund to pay more for
execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing
research products and services to the Adviser or its affiliates, or that may be
available from another broker. The Adviser's or its affiliates' determination to
pay for research products and services separately is wholly voluntary on the
Adviser's or its affiliates' part and may be extended to additional brokers or
discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Funds
Managed within the European Union. The
Adviser and its affiliates have established policies and procedures relating to
brokerage commission uses in compliance with the revised Markets in Financial
Instruments Directive in the European Union, commonly referred to as "MiFID II",
as implemented in the United Kingdom through the Conduct of Business Sourcebook
Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA), where applicable.
Funds,
or portions thereof, that are managed within the United Kingdom by FMR
Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) use research payment accounts (RPAs)
to cover costs associated with equity and high income external research that is
consumed by those funds or investment accounts in accordance with MiFID II and
FCA regulations. With RPAs, funds pay for external research through a separate
research charge that is generally assessed and collected alongside the execution
commission 1
.
For funds that use an RPA, FMR UK establishes a research budget. The budget is
set by first grouping funds or investment accounts by strategy (e.g., asset
allocation, blend, growth, etc.), and then determining what external research is
consumed to support the strategies and portfolio management services provided
within the European Union or the United Kingdom. In this regard, research
budgets are set by research needs and are not otherwise linked to the volume or
value of transactions executed on behalf of the fund or investment account. For
funds where portions are managed both within and outside of the United Kingdom,
external research may be paid using both a CCA and an RPA. Determinations of
what is eligible research and how costs are allocated are made in accordance
with the Adviser's and its affiliates' policies and procedures. Costs for
research consumed by funds that use an RPA will be allocated among the funds or
investment accounts within defined strategies pro rata based on the assets under
management for each fund or investment account. While the research charge paid
on behalf of any one fund that uses an RPA varies over time, the overall
research charge determined at the fund level on an annual basis will not be
exceeded.
FMR
UK is responsible for managing the RPA and may delegate its administration to a
third-party administrator for the facilitation of the purchase of external
research and payments to research providers. RPA assets will be maintained in
accounts at a third-party depository institution, held in the name of FMR UK.
FMR UK provides on request, a summary of: (i) the providers paid from the RPA;
(ii) the total amount they were paid over a defined period; (iii) the benefits
and services received by FMR UK; and (iv) how the total amount spent from the
RPA compares to the research budget set for that period, noting any rebate or
carryover if residual funds remain in the RPA.
Impacted
funds, like those funds that participate in CCA pools, at times, will make
payments to a broker that include both an execution commission and a research
charge, but unlike CCAs (for which research charges may be retained by the CCA
broker and credited to the CCA, as described above), the broker will receive
separate payments for the execution commission and the research charge and will
promptly remit the research charge to the RPA. Assets in the RPA are used to
satisfy external research costs consumed by the funds.
If
the costs of paying for external research exceed the amount initially agreed in
relation to funds in a given strategy, the Adviser or its affiliates may
continue to charge those funds or investment accounts beyond the initially
agreed amount in accordance with MiFID II, continue to acquire external research
for the funds or investment accounts using its own resources, or cease to
purchase external research for those funds or investment accounts until the next
annual research budget. If assets for specific funds remain in the RPA at the
end of a period, they may be rolled over to the next period to offset next
year's research charges for those funds or rebated to those funds.
Funds
managed by FMR UK that trade only fixed income securities will not participate
in RPAs because fixed income securities trade based on spreads rather than
commissions, and thus unbundling the execution commission and research charge is
impractical. Therefore, FMR UK and its affiliates have established policies and
procedures to ensure that external research that is paid for through RPAs is not
made available to FMR UK portfolio managers that manage fixed income funds or
investment accounts in any manner inconsistent with MiFID II and FCA
regulations.
1
The
staff of the SEC addressed concerns that reliance on an RPA mechanism to pay for
research would be permissible under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 by indicating that they would not recommend enforcement against
investment advisers who used an RPA to pay for research and brokerage products
and services so long as certain conditions were met. Therefore, references to
"research charges" as part of the RPA mechanism to satisfy MiFID II requirements
can be considered "commissions" for Section 28(e) purposes.
Commission
Recapture
From
time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates engages in brokerage transactions
with brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) who have entered into
arrangements with the Adviser or its affiliates under which the broker will, at
times, rebate a portion of the compensation paid by a fund (commission
recapture). Not all brokers with whom a fund trades have been asked to
participate in brokerage commission recapture.
Affiliated
Transactions
The
Adviser or its affiliates place trades with certain brokers, including NFS,
through its Fidelity Capital Markets (FCM) division, and Luminex Trading &
Analytics LLC (Luminex), with whom they are under common control or otherwise
affiliated, provided the Adviser or its affiliates determine that these
affiliates' trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of
non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be
executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures
adopted by the Board of Trustees of the funds and subject to other applicable
law. In addition, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates place trades
with brokers that use NFS or Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (FCC) as a clearing
agent and/or use Level ATS, an alternative trading system that is deemed to be
affiliated with the Adviser, for execution services.
In
certain circumstances, trades are executed through alternative trading systems
or national securities exchanges in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an
interest. Any decision to execute a trade through an alternative trading system
or exchange in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest would be
made in accordance with applicable law, including best execution obligations.
For trades placed on such a system or exchange, not limited to ones in which the
Adviser or its affiliates have an ownership interest, the Adviser or its
affiliates derive benefit in the form of increased valuation(s) of its equity
interest, where it has an ownership interest, or other remuneration, including
rebates.
The
Trustees of each fund have approved procedures whereby a fund is permitted to
purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of
the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for
underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter,
certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount
of securities that the funds could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S.
Securities Transactions
To
facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-U.S. securities
transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates effect spot foreign currency
transactions with foreign currency dealers. In certain circumstances, due to
local law and regulation, logistical or operational challenges, or the process
for settling securities transactions in certain markets (e.g., short settlement
periods), spot currency transactions are effected on behalf of funds by parties
other than the Adviser or its affiliates, including funds' custodian banks
(working through sub-custodians or agents in the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction)
or broker-dealers that executed the related securities transaction.
Trade
Allocation
Although
the Trustees and officers of each fund are substantially the same as those of
certain other Fidelity ®
funds,
investment decisions for each fund are made independently from those of other
Fidelity ®
funds
or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is
often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment
accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and
investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate
thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment
objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When
two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the
purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are
allocated in accordance with procedures believed by the Adviser to be
appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this
could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or
instrument as far as a 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.
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
each of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Series Emerging
Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity® Series International Growth Fund,
Fidelity® Series International Small Cap Fund, and Fidelity® Series
International Value Fund, the following table shows the fund's portfolio
turnover rate for the fiscal period(s) ended October 31, 2022 and 2021.
Variations in turnover rate may be due to a fluctuating volume of shareholder
purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, and/or changes in the
Adviser's investment outlook.
Turnover
Rates |
2022
|
2021
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
65%
|
78%
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
37%
|
69%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
22%
|
24%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
25%
|
32%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
31%
|
34%
|
|
|
|
During
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the following fund(s) 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 October 31, 2022.
Fund
|
Regular
Broker or Dealer |
|
Aggregate
Value of
Securities
Held |
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
Goldman
Sachs Group, Inc. |
$
|
2,613,901
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
UBS
AG |
$
|
226,513,963
|
The
following table shows the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the
following fund(s), comprising commissions paid on securities and/or futures
transactions, as applicable, for the fiscal year(s) ended October 31, 2022,
2021, and 2020. 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
Ended
|
|
Dollar
Amount
|
Percentage
of
Average
Net
Assets |
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
2022
|
$
|
4,652,248
|
0.16%
|
|
2021
|
$
|
5,864,415
|
0.17%
|
|
2020
|
$
|
7,106,655
|
0.29%
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
2022
|
$
|
28,031,923
|
0.11%
|
|
2021
|
$
|
41,177,142
|
0.13%
|
|
2020
|
$
|
26,800,888
|
0.12%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
2022
|
$
|
5,024,390
|
0.04%
|
|
2021
|
$
|
4,911,658
|
0.03%
|
|
2020
|
$
|
6,441,067
|
0.05%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
2022
|
$
|
1,516,704
|
0.04%
|
|
2021
|
$
|
2,166,450
|
0.05%
|
|
2020
|
$
|
1,392,611
|
0.04%
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
2022
|
$
|
6,315,423
|
0.05%
|
|
2021
|
$
|
7,907,264
|
0.06%
|
|
2020
|
$
|
9,351,631
|
0.07%
|
The
table below shows the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the
following fund(s) to an affiliated broker for the fiscal year(s) ended October
31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. The table also shows the approximate amount of
aggregate brokerage commissions paid by a fund to an affiliated broker as a
percentage of the approximate aggregate dollar amount of transactions for which
the fund paid brokerage commissions as well as the percentage of transactions
effected by a fund through an affiliated broker, in each case for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2022. Affiliated brokers are paid on a commission
basis.
Fund(s)
|
Fiscal
Year Ended
|
Broker
|
Affiliated
With
|
C
|
ommissions
|
Percentage
of
Aggregate
Brokerage
Commissions
|
Percentage
of
Aggregate
Dollar
Amount
of
Brokerage
Transactions
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
2022
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
945
|
0.02%
|
0.29%
|
|
2022
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
20
|
0.00%
|
0.01%
|
|
2021
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
802
|
|
|
|
2021
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
2020
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
4,469
|
|
|
|
2020
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
167
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
2022
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
111,461
|
0.40%
|
1.61%
|
|
2022
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
18,594
|
0.07%
|
0.33%
|
|
2021
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
109,071
|
|
|
|
2021
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
17,009
|
|
|
|
2020
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
75,258
|
|
|
|
2020
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
13,371
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
2022
|
FCM
(A)
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
5,447
|
0.11%
|
2.55%
|
|
2022
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
1,314
|
0.03%
|
0.94%
|
|
2021
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
4,418
|
|
|
|
2021
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
1,381
|
|
|
|
2020
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
11,365
|
|
|
|
2020
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
1,783
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
2022
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
658
|
0.04%
|
0.28%
|
|
2022
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
56
|
0.00%
|
0.04%
|
|
2021
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
480
|
|
|
|
2021
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
2020
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
519
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
2022
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
4,526
|
0.07%
|
0.34%
|
|
2022
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
695
|
0.01%
|
0.08%
|
|
2021
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
2,231
|
|
|
|
2021
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
2020
|
FCM
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
2,491
|
|
|
|
2020
|
Luminex
|
FMR
LLC |
$
|
90
|
|
|
(A)The
difference between the percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid to,
and the percentage of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions effected
through, an affiliated broker is a result of the low commission rates charged by
an affiliated broker.
The
following table shows the dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid to firms
that may have provided research or brokerage services and the approximate dollar
amount of the transactions involved for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2022.
Fund
|
Fiscal
Year
Ended
|
|
$
Amount of
Commissions
Paid
to Firms
for
Providing
Research
or
Brokerage
Services
|
|
$
Amount of
Brokerage
Transactions
Involved
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
2022
|
$
|
3,621,509
|
$
|
2,954,831,284
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
2022
|
$
|
21,549,732
|
$
|
19,610,920,265
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
2022
|
$
|
4,706,051
|
$
|
6,036,801,992
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
2022
|
$
|
1,219,989
|
$
|
1,186,846,865
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
2022
|
$
|
6,195,531
|
$
|
7,775,044,827
|
The
following table shows the brokerage commissions that were allocated for research
or brokerage services for the twelve-month period ended September 30,
2022.
Fund
|
Twelve
Month
Period
Ended |
|
$
Amount of
Commissions
Allocated
for
Research or
Brokerage
Services
(A)
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
September
30, 2022 |
$
|
1,043,708
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
September
30, 2022 |
$
|
6,581,881
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
September
30, 2022 |
$
|
1,475,683
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
September
30, 2022 |
$
|
431,204
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
September
30, 2022 |
$
|
2,213,591
|
(A)
The staff of the SEC addressed concerns that reliance on an RPA mechanism
to pay for research would not be deemed a "commission" for purposes of
Section 28(e) by indicating that they would not recommend enforcement
against investment advisers who used an RPA to pay for research and
brokerage services so long as certain conditions were met. Therefore,
references to "research charges" as part of the RPA mechanism to satisfy
MiFID II requirements can be considered commissions for Section 28(e)
purposes.
|
The
NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding the value of a
fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and
dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
The
Board of Trustees has designated the fund's investment adviser as the valuation
designee responsible for the fair valuation function and performing fair value
determinations as needed. The adviser has established a Fair Value Committee
(the Committee) to carry out the day-to-day fair valuation responsibilities and
has adopted policies and procedures to govern the fair valuation process and the
activities of the Committee.
Shares
of open-end investment companies (including any underlying Central funds) held
by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs. If an underlying fund's NAV is
unavailable, shares of that underlying fund will be fair valued in good faith by
the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies.
Generally,
other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio
securities and assets held by an underlying Central fund, are valued as
follows:
Most
equity securities are valued at the official closing price or the last reported
sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the last quoted bid price on the
primary market or exchange on which they are traded.
Debt
securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available
may be valued at market values in the principal market in which they normally
are traded, as furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Or,
debt securities and convertible securities may be valued on the basis of
information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix which
incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing
techniques.
Short-term
securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market
quotations and information furnished by a pricing service are not readily
available may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates current
value.
Futures
contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price. Options are valued at
their market quotations, if available. Swaps are valued daily using quotations
received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers.
Prices
described above are obtained from pricing services that have been approved by
the Committee. A number of pricing services are available and a fund may use
more than one of these services. A fund may also discontinue the use of any
pricing service at any time. A fund's adviser through the Committee engages
in oversight activities with respect to the fund's pricing services, which
includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services
prior to calculation of a fund's NAV, conducting periodic due diligence
meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these
services.
Foreign
securities and instruments are valued in their local currency following the
methodologies described above. Foreign securities, instruments and currencies
are translated to U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate
quotations supplied by a pricing service as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE), which uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at an interpolated rate
based on days to maturity between the closest preceding and subsequent
settlement period reported by the third party pricing service.
Other
portfolio securities and assets for which market quotations, official closing
prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available
or, in the opinion of the Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued
in good faith by the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing
policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the Committee, a security's value
has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund's pricing time
but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is
principally traded, that security will be fair valued in good faith by the
Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair
valuing a security, the Committee may consider factors including, but not
limited to, price movements in futures contracts and American Depositary
Receipts (ADRs), market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and
off-exchange institutional trading. The frequency that portfolio securities or
assets are fair valued cannot be predicted and may be significant.
In
determining the fair value of a private placement security for which market
quotations are not available, the Committee generally applies one or more
valuation methods including the market approach, income approach and cost
approach. The market approach considers factors including the price of recent
investments in the same or a similar security or financial metrics of comparable
securities. The income approach considers factors including expected future cash
flows, security specific risks and corresponding discount rates. The cost
approach considers factors including the value of the security's underlying
assets and liabilities.
The
fund's adviser reports to the Board information regarding the fair valuation
process and related material matters.
BUYING
AND SELLING 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
FMR determines it is in the best interests of the fund. Such securities or other
property will be valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the NAV
of a fund or class, as applicable. Shareholders that receive securities or other
property will realize, upon receipt, a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will
incur additional costs and be exposed to market risk prior to and upon the sale
of such securities or other property.
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.
Because
each fund invests significantly in foreign securities, corporate shareholders
should not expect fund dividends to qualify for the dividends-received
deduction. However, 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). Short-term capital
gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions by a fund to
tax-advantaged retirement plan accounts are not taxable currently (but you may
be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Capital
Gain Distributions. Unless
your shares of a fund are held in a tax-advantaged retirement plan, each fund's
long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders
generally as capital gains.
The
following table shows a fund's aggregate capital loss carryforward as of October
31, 2022, which is available to offset future capital gains. A fund's ability to
utilize its capital loss carryforwards in a given year or in total may be
limited.
Fund
|
|
Capital
Loss Carryforward (CLC) |
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
$
|
297,426,554
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
$
|
834,830,045
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
$
|
1,007,762,687
|
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 in taxable accounts.
Foreign
Tax Credit or Deduction. Foreign
governments may impose withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned by a
fund with respect to foreign securities held directly by a fund. Foreign
governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to
foreign securities held directly by a fund. As a general matter, 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. In addition, if at the close of each
quarter of its fiscal year at least 50% of a fund's total assets is represented
by interests in other regulated investment companies, the same rules will apply
to any foreign tax credits that underlying funds pass through to the fund.
Special rules may apply to the credit for individuals who receive dividends
qualifying for the long-term capital gains tax rate.
Tax
Status of the Funds. 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 (if the fiscal year
is other than the calendar year), and intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies.
Other
Tax Information. The
information above is only a summary of some of the tax consequences generally
affecting 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, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and officers of the trust and
funds, as applicable, 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, oversee management of the risks associated with
such activities and contractual arrangements, and review each fund's
performance. Except for Jonathan Chiel, each of the Trustees oversees 316 funds.
Mr. Chiel oversees 184 funds.
The
Trustees hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may
resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least
two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who
requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may
be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and
(d) any Trustee may be removed at any special meeting of shareholders by a
two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. Each Trustee
who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the trust and
the funds is referred to herein as an Independent Trustee. Each Independent
Trustee shall retire not later than the last day of the calendar year in which
his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this
mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. Officers
and Advisory Board Members hold office without limit in time, except that any
officer or Advisory Board Member may resign or may be removed by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the
Trustees. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or
other offices in the same company for the past five years.
Experience,
Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications of the Trustees. The
Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a statement of policy that
describes the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that are
necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (Statement
of Policy). The Board believes that each Trustee satisfied at the time he or she
was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the
standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy. The Governance and Nominating
Committee also engages professional search firms to help identify potential
Independent Trustee candidates who have the experience, qualifications,
attributes, and skills consistent with the Statement of Policy. From time to
time, additional criteria based on the composition and skills of the current
Independent Trustees, as well as experience or skills that may be appropriate in
light of future changes to board composition, business conditions, and
regulatory or other developments, have also been considered by the professional
search firms and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, the Board
takes into account the Trustees' commitment and participation in Board and
committee meetings, as well as their leadership of standing and ad hoc
committees throughout their tenure.
In
determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve
as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in
isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees
have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills,
which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing each fund and
protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the specific
experience, skills, attributes, and qualifications of each Trustee, which in
each case led to the Board's conclusion that the Trustee should serve (or
continue to serve) as a trustee of the funds, is provided below.
Board
Structure and Oversight Function. Robert
A. Lawrence is an interested person and currently serves as Chair. The Trustees
have determined that an interested Chair is appropriate and benefits
shareholders because an interested Chair has a personal and professional stake
in the quality and continuity of services provided to the funds. Independent
Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of
their choosing to serve as Chair, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to
be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have
determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an
Independent Trustee serve as Chair and that a key structural component for
assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to
constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also
regularly meet in executive session. David M. Thomas serves as Lead Independent
Trustee and as such (i) acts as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and
management with respect to matters important to the Independent Trustees and
(ii) with management prepares agendas for Board meetings.
Fidelity
®
funds
are overseen by different Boards of Trustees. The funds' Board oversees
Fidelity's high income and certain equity funds, and other Boards oversee
Fidelity's investment-grade bond, money market, asset allocation, and other
equity funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity ®
funds
overseen by the funds' Board. The use of separate Boards, each with its own
committee structure, allows the Trustees of each group of Fidelity ®
funds
to focus on the unique issues of the funds they oversee, including common
research, investment, and operational issues. On occasion, the separate Boards
establish joint committees to address issues of overlapping consequences for the
Fidelity ®
funds
overseen by each Board.
The
Trustees operate using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and
efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Trustees, each fund,
and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements and oversight of the funds' activities and associated risks. The
Board, acting through its committees, has charged FMR and its affiliates with
(i) identifying events or circumstances the occurrence of which could have
demonstrably adverse effects on the funds' business and/or reputation; (ii)
implementing processes and controls to lessen the possibility that such events
or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or
circumstances if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system
designed to evaluate continuously business and market conditions in order to
facilitate the identification and implementation processes described in (i) and
(ii) above. Because the day-to-day operations and activities of the funds are
carried out by or through FMR, its affiliates, and other service providers, the
funds' exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes
overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Board's committees has
responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the funds' activities,
oversight is exercised primarily through the Operations, Audit, and Compliance
Committees. Appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the funds' Chief
Compliance Officer (CCO), FMR's internal auditor, the independent accountants,
the funds' Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports
to the Board's committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of
Fidelity's risk management program for the Fidelity ®
funds.
The responsibilities of each standing committee, including their oversight
responsibilities, are described further under "Standing Committees of the
Trustees."
Interested
Trustees*:
Correspondence
intended for a Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity
Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name,
Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience+
Jonathan
Chiel (1957)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr.
Chiel also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Mr. Chiel is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for FMR LLC
(diversified financial services company, 2012-present). Previously, Mr. Chiel
served as general counsel (2004-2012) and senior vice president and deputy
general counsel (2000-2004) for John Hancock Financial Services; a partner with
Choate, Hall & Stewart (1996-2000) (law firm); and an Assistant United
States Attorney for the United States Attorney's Office of the District of
Massachusetts (1986-95), including Chief of the Criminal Division (1993-1995).
Mr. Chiel is a director on the boards of the Boston Bar Foundation and the
Maimonides School.
Bettina
Doulton (1964)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2021
Trustee
Ms.
Doulton also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to her retirement, Ms. Doulton served in a variety of positions at
Fidelity Investments, including as a managing director of research (2006-2007),
portfolio manager to certain Fidelity ®
funds
(1993-2005), equity analyst and portfolio assistant (1990-1993), and research
assistant (1987-1990). Ms. Doulton currently owns and operates Phi Builders +
Architects and Cellardoor Winery. Previously, Ms. Doulton served as a member of
the Board of Brown Capital Management, LLC (2014-2018).
Robert
A. Lawrence (1952)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Chair
of the Board of Trustees
Mr.
Lawrence also serves as Trustee of other funds. Previously, Mr. Lawrence served
as a Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board of certain funds. Prior to
his retirement in 2008, Mr. Lawrence served as Vice President of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2006-2008), Senior Vice President, Head of High Income Division of Fidelity
Management & Research Company (investment adviser firm, 2006-2008), and
President of Fidelity Strategic Investments (investment adviser firm,
2002-2005).
*
Determined to be an "Interested Trustee" by virtue of, among other things, his
or her affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with
FMR.
+
The information includes the Trustee's principal occupation during the last five
years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills
relevant to the Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the
conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for each fund.
Independent
Trustees:
Correspondence
intended for an Independent Trustee may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O.
Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name,
Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience+
Thomas
P. Bostick (1956)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2021
Trustee
Lieutenant
General Bostick also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to his retirement, General Bostick (United States Army, Retired) held a
variety of positions within the U.S. Army, including Commanding General and
Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2012-2016) and Deputy Chief of
Staff and Director of Human Resources, U.S. Army (2009-2012). General Bostick
currently serves as a member of the Board and Finance and Governance Committees
of CSX Corporation (transportation, 2020-present) and a member of the Board and
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of Perma-Fix Environmental
Services, Inc. (nuclear waste management, 2020-present). General Bostick serves
as Chief Executive Officer of Bostick Global Strategies, LLC (consulting,
2016-present) and as a member of the Board of HireVue, Inc. (video interview and
assessment, 2020-present). Previously, General Bostick served as a Member of the
Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2021), President, Intrexon
Bioengineering (2018-2020) and Chief Operating Officer (2017-2020) and Senior
Vice President of the Environment Sector (2016-2017) of Intrexon Corporation
(biopharmaceutical company).
Dennis
J. Dirks (1948)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2005
Trustee
Mr.
Dirks also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to his retirement in May 2003, Mr. Dirks served as Chief Operating Officer
and as a member of the Board of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation
(financial markets infrastructure), President, Chief Operating Officer and a
member of the Board of The Depository Trust Company (DTC), President and a
member of the Board of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC),
Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of the Government Securities
Clearing Corporation and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of
the Mortgage-Backed Securities Clearing Corporation. Mr. Dirks currently serves
as a member of the Finance Committee (2016-present) and Board (2017-present) and
is Treasurer (2018-present) of the Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Donald
F. Donahue (1950)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Trustee
Mr.
Donahue also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Mr. Donahue serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Miranda Partners,
LLC (risk consulting for the financial services industry, 2012-present).
Previously, Mr. Donahue served as Chief Executive Officer (2006-2012), Chief
Operating Officer (2003-2006) and Managing Director, Customer Marketing and
Development (1999-2003) of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation
(financial markets infrastructure). Mr. Donahue currently serves as a member
(2007-present) and Co-Chairman (2016-present) of the Board of United Way of New
York and a member of the Board of The Leadership Academy (previously NYC
Leadership Academy) (2012-present). Mr. Donahue previously served as a member of
the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2015-2018).
Vicki
L. Fuller (1957)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Ms.
Fuller also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Previously, Ms. Fuller served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2018-2020), Chief Investment Officer of the New York State Common Retirement
Fund (2012-2018) and held a variety of positions at AllianceBernstein L.P.
(global asset management, 1985-2012), including Managing Director (2006-2012)
and Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager (2001-2006). Ms. Fuller
currently serves as a member of the Board, Audit Committee and Nominating and
Governance Committee of two Blackstone business development companies
(2020-present), as a member of the Board of Treliant, LLC (consulting,
2019-present), as a member of the Advisory Board of Ariel Alternatives, LLC
(private equity, 2021-present) and as a member of the Board and Chair of the
Audit Committee of Gusto, Inc. (software, 2021-present). In addition, Ms. Fuller
currently serves as a member of the Board of Roosevelt University (2019-present)
and as a member of the Executive Board of New York University's Stern School of
Business. Ms. Fuller previously served as a member of the Board, Audit Committee
and Nominating and Governance Committee of The Williams Companies, Inc. (natural
gas infrastructure, 2018-2021).
Patricia
L. Kampling (1959)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Ms.
Kampling also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to her retirement, Ms. Kampling served as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer (2012-2019), President and Chief Operating Officer (2011-2012)
and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2010-2011) of Alliant
Energy Corporation. Ms. Kampling currently serves as a member of the Board,
Finance Committee and Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee of Xcel
Energy Inc. (utilities company, 2020-present) and as a member of the Board,
Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and Safety, Environmental, Technology and
Operations Committee and Chair of the Executive Development and Compensation
Committee of American Water Works Company, Inc. (utilities company,
2019-present). In addition, Ms. Kampling currently serves as a member of the
Board of the Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Chapter (2019-present). Previously,
Ms. Kampling served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds
(2020), a member of the Board, Compensation Committee and Executive Committee
and Chair of the Audit Committee of Briggs & Stratton Corporation
(manufacturing, 2011-2021), a member of the Board of Interstate Power and Light
Company (2012-2019) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (2012-2019) (each a
subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation) and as a member of the Board and
Workforce Development Committee of the Business Roundtable (2018-2019).
Thomas
A. Kennedy (1955)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2021
Trustee
Mr.
Kennedy also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Previously, Mr. Kennedy served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2020) and held a variety of positions at Raytheon Company (aerospace and
defense, 1983-2020), including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2014-2020)
and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2013-2014). Mr.
Kennedy currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Raytheon Technologies Corporation (aerospace and defense, 2020-present). He is
also a member of the Rutgers School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board
(2011-present) and a member of the UCLA Engineering Dean's Executive Board
(2016-present).
Oscar
Munoz (1959)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2021
Trustee
Mr.
Munoz also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Munoz served as Executive Chairman (2020-2021),
Chief Executive Officer (2015-2020), President (2015-2016) and a member of the
Board (2010-2021) of United Airlines Holdings, Inc. Mr. Munoz currently serves
as a member of the Board of CBRE Group, Inc. (commercial real estate,
2020-present), a member of the Board of Univision Communications, Inc. (Hispanic
media, 2020-present) and a member of the Advisory Board of Salesforce.com, Inc.
(cloud-based software, 2020-present). Previously, Mr. Munoz served as a Member
of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity ®
funds
(2021).
Garnett
A. Smith (1947)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Trustee
Mr.
Smith also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Smith served as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer (1990-1997) and President (1986-1990) of Inbrand Corp. (manufacturer of
personal absorbent products). Prior to his employment with Inbrand Corp., he was
employed by a retail fabric chain and North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of
America). Mr. Smith previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of
certain Fidelity ®
funds
(2012-2013).
David
M. Thomas (1949)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2008
Trustee
Lead
Independent Trustee
Mr.
Thomas also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Previously, Mr. Thomas served as Executive Chairman (2005-2006) and Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer (2000-2005) of IMS Health, Inc. (pharmaceutical and
healthcare information solutions). Mr. Thomas currently serves as a member of
the Board of Fortune Brands Home and Security (home and security products,
2004-present) and as Director (2013-present) and Non-Executive Chairman of the
Board (2022-present) of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (marketing
communication).
Susan
Tomasky (1953)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Ms.
Tomasky also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Prior to her retirement, Ms. Tomasky served in various executive officer
positions at American Electric Power Company, Inc. (1998-2011), including most
recently as President of AEP Transmission (2007-2011). Ms. Tomasky currently
serves as a member of the Board and Sustainability Committee and as Chair of the
Audit Committee of Marathon Petroleum Corporation (2018-present) and as a member
of the Board, Executive Committee, Corporate Governance Committee and
Organization and Compensation Committee and as Chair of the Audit Committee of
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (utilities company, 2012-present) and as a
member of the Board of its subsidiary company, Public Service Electric and Gas
Co. (2021-present). In addition, Ms. Tomasky currently serves as a member
(2009-present) and President (2020-present) of the Board of the Royal
Shakespeare Company - America (2009-present), as a member of the Board of the
Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (2011-present) and as a member of
the Board and Kenyon in the World Committee of Kenyon College (2016-present).
Previously, Ms. Tomasky served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2020), as a member of the Board of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority
(2007-2020), as a member of the Board (2011-2018) and Lead Independent Director
(2015-2018) of Andeavor Corporation (previously Tesoro Corporation) (independent
oil refiner and marketer) and as a member of the Board of Summit Midstream
Partners LP (energy, 2012-2018).
Michael
E. Wiley (1950)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Mr.
Wiley also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity ®
funds.
Previously, Mr. Wiley served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2018-2020), Chairman, President and CEO of Baker Hughes, Inc. (oilfield
services, 2000-2004). Mr. Wiley also previously served as a member of the Board
of Andeavor Corporation (independent oil refiner and marketer, 2005-2018), a
member of the Board of Andeavor Logistics LP (natural resources logistics,
2015-2018) and a member of the Board of High Point Resources (exploration and
production, 2005-2020).
+
The information includes the Trustee's principal occupation during the last five
years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills
relevant to the Trustee's qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the
conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for each fund.
Advisory
Board Members and Officers:
Correspondence
intended for a Member of the Advisory Board (if any) may be sent to Fidelity
Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235. Correspondence
intended for an officer or Peter S. Lynch may be sent to Fidelity Investments,
245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Officers appear below in
alphabetical order.
Name,
Year of Birth; Principal Occupation
Peter
S. Lynch (1944)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2003
Member
of the Advisory Board
Mr.
Lynch also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity
®
funds.
Mr. Lynch is Vice Chairman and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research
Company LLC (investment adviser firm). In addition, Mr. Lynch serves as a
Trustee of Boston College and as the Chairman of the Inner-City Scholarship
Fund. Previously, Mr. Lynch served as Vice Chairman and a Director of FMR Co.,
Inc. (investment adviser firm) and on the Special Olympics International Board
of Directors (1997-2006).
Craig
S. Brown (1977)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2022
Deputy
Treasurer
Mr.
Brown also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Brown serves as Assistant
Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments
(2013-present). Previously, Mr. Brown served as Assistant Treasurer of certain
Fidelity ®
funds
(2019-2022).
John
J. Burke III (1964)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Chief
Financial Officer
Mr.
Burke also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Burke serves as
Head of Investment Operations for Fidelity Fund and Investment Operations
(2018-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1998-present).
Previously Mr. Burke served as head of Asset Management Investment Operations
(2012-2018).
William
C. Coffey (1969)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant
Secretary
Mr.
Coffey also serves as Assistant Secretary of other funds. He is Senior Vice
President and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services
company, 2010-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously,
Mr. Coffey served as Secretary and CLO of certain funds (2018-2019); CLO,
Secretary, and Senior Vice President of Fidelity Management & Research
Company and FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firms, 2018-2019); Secretary of
Fidelity SelectCo, LLC and Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.
(investment adviser firms, 2018-2019); CLO of Fidelity Management & Research
(Hong Kong) Limited, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, and Fidelity
Management & Research (Japan) Limited (investment adviser firms, 2018-2019);
and Assistant Secretary of certain funds (2009-2018).
Timothy
M. Cohen (1969)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Vice
President
Mr.
Cohen also serves as Vice President of other funds. Mr. Cohen serves as Co-Head
of Equity (2018-present), a Director of Fidelity Management & Research
(Japan) Limited (investment adviser firm, 2016-present), and is an employee of
Fidelity Investments. Previously, Mr. Cohen served as Executive Vice President
of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (2019), Head of Global Equity Research (2016-2018),
Chief Investment Officer - Equity and a Director of Fidelity Management &
Research (U.K.) Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2013-2015) and as a Director of
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (investment adviser firm,
2017).
Jonathan
Davis (1968)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2010
Assistant
Treasurer
Mr.
Davis also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Davis serves as Assistant
Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present), FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), FD
Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC (2021-present), and FD Funds
Management LLC (2021-present); and is an employee of Fidelity Investments.
Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of
FMR LLC (diversified financial services company, 2003-2010).
Laura
M. Del Prato (1964)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Assistant
Treasurer
Ms.
Del Prato also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Del Prato serves as
Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity
Investments (2017-present). Previously, Ms. Del Prato served as President and
Treasurer of The North Carolina Capital Management Trust: Cash Portfolio and
Term Portfolio (2018-2020). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Del Prato
served as a Managing Director and Treasurer of the JPMorgan Mutual Funds
(2014-2017). Prior to JPMorgan, Ms. Del Prato served as a partner at Cohen Fund
Audit Services (accounting firm, 2012-2013) and KPMG LLP (accounting firm,
2004-2012).
Colm
A. Hogan (1973)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Assistant
Treasurer
Mr.
Hogan also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Hogan serves as Assistant
Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present) and
is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2005-present). Previously, Mr. Hogan
served as Deputy Treasurer of certain Fidelity ®
funds
(2016-2020) and Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity ®
funds
(2016-2018).
Pamela
R. Holding (1964)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2018
Vice
President
Ms.
Holding also serves as Vice President of other funds. Ms. Holding serves as
Co-Head of Equity (2018-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments
(2013-present). Previously, Ms. Holding served as Executive Vice President of
Fidelity SelectCo, LLC (2019) and as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity
Institutional Asset Management (2013-2018).
Cynthia
Lo Bessette (1969)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2019
Secretary
and Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Ms.
Lo Bessette also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Lo Bessette serves as
CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of Fidelity Management & Research
Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2019-present); CLO of Fidelity Management
& Research (Hong Kong) Limited, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, and
Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (investment adviser firms,
2019-present); Secretary of FD Funds GP LLC (2021-present), FD Funds Holding LLC
(2021-present), FD Funds Management LLC (2021-present), and Fidelity
Diversifying Solutions LLC (investment adviser firm, 2022-present); and
Assistant Secretary of FIMM, LLC (2019-present). She is a Senior Vice President
and Deputy General Counsel of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company,
2019-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Lo
Bessette served as CLO, Secretary, and Senior Vice President of FMR Co., Inc.
(investment adviser firm, 2019); Secretary of Fidelity SelectCo, LLC and
Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firms, 2019).
Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Lo Bessette was Executive Vice
President, General Counsel (2016-2019) and Senior Vice President, Deputy General
Counsel (2015-2016) of OppenheimerFunds (investment management company) and
Deputy Chief Legal Officer (2013-2015) of Jennison Associates LLC (investment
adviser firm).
Chris
Maher (1972)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Deputy
Treasurer
Mr.
Maher also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Maher serves as
Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc.
(2017-present), and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2008-present).
Previously, Mr. Maher served as Assistant Treasurer of certain funds
(2013-2020); Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2013), Vice
President of the Program Management Group of FMR (investment adviser firm,
2010-2013), and Vice President of Valuation Oversight (2008-2010).
Jason
P. Pogorelec (1975)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2020
Chief
Compliance Officer
Mr.
Pogorelec also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of other funds. Mr. Pogorelec
is a senior Vice President of Asset Management Compliance for Fidelity
Investments and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2006-present).
Previously, Mr. Pogorelec served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel
for Fidelity Investments (2010-2020) and Assistant Secretary of certain Fidelity
funds (2015-2020).
Brett
Segaloff (1972)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2021
Anti-Money
Laundering (AML) Officer
Mr.
Segaloff also serves as an AML Officer of other funds and other related
entities. He is Director, Anti-Money Laundering (2007-present) of FMR LLC
(diversified financial services company) and is an employee of Fidelity
Investments (1996-present).
Stacie
M. Smith (1974)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2016
President
and Treasurer
Ms.
Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Smith serves as Assistant
Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present), is
an employee of Fidelity Investments (2009-present), and has served in other fund
officer roles. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Ms. Smith served as Senior
Audit Manager of Ernst & Young LLP (accounting firm, 1996-2009). Previously,
Ms. Smith served as Assistant Treasurer (2013-2019) and Deputy Treasurer
(2013-2016) of certain Fidelity ®
funds.
Jim
Wegmann (1979)
Year
of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant
Treasurer
Mr.
Wegmann also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Wegmann serves as
Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present) and is an employee of Fidelity
Investments (2011-present). Previously, Mr. Wegmann served as Assistant
Treasurer of certain Fidelity ®
funds
(2019-2021).
Standing
Committees of the Trustees. The
Board of Trustees has established various committees to support the Independent
Trustees in acting independently in pursuing the best interests of the funds and
their shareholders. Currently, the Board of Trustees has 9 standing committees.
The members of each committee are Independent Trustees. Advisory Board members
may be invited to attend meetings of the committees.
The
Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr.
Thomas currently serving as Chair and Mr. Wiley serving as Vice Chair. The
committee serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or
calling for particular determinations by, the Independent Trustees. The
committee also considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest
between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and
the proposed continuation of contracts between the funds and FMR and its
affiliates, and reviews and makes recommendations regarding contracts with third
parties unaffiliated with FMR, including insurance coverage and custody
agreements. The committee also monitors additional issues including the nature,
levels and quality of services provided to shareholders and significant
litigation. The committee also has oversight of compliance issues not
specifically within the scope of any other committee. The committee is also
responsible for definitive action on all compliance matters involving the
potential for significant reimbursement by FMR.
The
Fair Value Oversight Committee is composed of Mses. Fuller (Chair) and Tomasky,
and Messrs. Donahue and Wiley. The Fair Value Oversight Committee oversees the
valuation of fund investments by the valuation designee, receives and reviews
related reports and information, and monitors matters of disclosure to the
extent required to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
The
Board of Trustees has established two Fund Oversight Committees: the Equity I
Committee (composed of Ms. Tomasky (Chair) and Messrs. Smith, Bostick,
Donahue, and Thomas) and the Equity II Committee (composed of Messrs. Kennedy
(Chair), Dirks, Munoz, and Wiley, and Mses. Fuller and Kampling). Each committee
develops an understanding of and reviews the investment objectives, policies,
and practices of each fund under its oversight. Each committee also monitors
investment performance, compliance by each relevant fund with its investment
policies and restrictions and reviews appropriate benchmarks, competitive
universes, unusual or exceptional investment matters, the personnel and other
resources devoted to the management of each fund and all other matters bearing
on each fund's investment results. Each committee will review and recommend any
required action to the Board in respect of specific funds, including new funds,
changes in fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies and restrictions,
partial or full closing to new investors, fund mergers, fund name changes, and
liquidations of funds. The members of each committee may organize working groups
to make recommendations concerning issues related to funds that are within the
scope of the committee's review. These working groups report to the committee or
to the Independent Trustees, or both, as appropriate. Each working group may
request from FMR such information from FMR as may be appropriate to the working
group's deliberations.
The
Shareholder, Distribution, Brokerage and Proxy Voting Committee is composed of
Mses. Kampling (Chair) and Fuller and Messrs. Dirks, Smith, and Thomas.
Regarding shareholder services, the committee considers the structure and amount
of the funds' transfer agency fees and fees, including direct fees to investors
(other than sales loads), such as bookkeeping and custodial fees, and the nature
and quality of services rendered by FMR and its affiliates or third parties
(such as custodians) in consideration of these fees. The committee also
considers other non-investment management services rendered to the funds by FMR
and its affiliates, including pricing and bookkeeping services. The committee
monitors and recommends policies concerning the securities transactions of the
funds, including brokerage. The committee periodically reviews the policies and
practices with respect to efforts to achieve best execution, commissions paid to
firms supplying research and brokerage services or paying fund expenses, and
policies and procedures designed to assure that any allocation of portfolio
transactions is not influenced by the sale of fund shares. The committee also
monitors brokerage and other similar relationships between the funds and firms
affiliated with FMR that participate in the execution of securities
transactions. Regarding the distribution of fund shares, the committee considers
issues bearing on the various distribution channels employed by the funds,
including issues regarding Rule 18f-3 plans and related consideration of classes
of shares, sales load structures (including breakpoints), load waivers, selling
concessions and service charges paid to intermediaries, Rule 12b-1 plans,
contingent deferred sales charges, and finder's fees, and other means by which
intermediaries are compensated for selling fund shares or providing shareholder
servicing, including revenue sharing. The committee also considers issues
bearing on the preparation and use of advertisements and sales literature for
the funds, policies and procedures regarding frequent purchase of fund shares,
and selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. Regarding proxy voting, the
committee reviews the fund's proxy voting policies, considers changes to the
policies, and reviews the manner in which the policies have been applied. The
committee will receive reports on the manner in which proxy votes have been cast
under the proxy voting policies and reports on consultations between the fund's
investment advisers and portfolio companies concerning matters presented to
shareholders for approval. The committee will address issues relating to the
fund's annual voting report filed with the SEC. The committee will receive
reports concerning the implementation of procedures and controls designed to
ensure that the proxy voting policies are implemented in accordance with their
terms. The committee will consider FMR's recommendations concerning certain
non-routine proposals not covered by the proxy voting policies. The committee
will receive reports with respect to steps taken by FMR to assure that proxy
voting has been done without regard to any other FMR relationships, business or
otherwise, with that portfolio company. The committee will make recommendations
to the Board concerning the casting of proxy votes in circumstances where FMR
has determined that, because of a conflict of interest, the proposal to be voted
on should be reviewed by the Board.
The
Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Donahue (Chair), Bostick, Kennedy, and
Smith, and Ms. Tomasky. 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. At least one committee member
will be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC. The
committee meets separately at least annually with the funds' Treasurer, with the
funds' Chief Financial Officer, with personnel responsible for the internal
audit function of FMR LLC, with the funds' independent auditors, and with the
funds' CCO. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment,
compensation, and oversight of the work of the independent auditors employed by
the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in fulfilling their responsibility
to oversee: (i) the systems relating to internal control over financial
reporting of the funds and the funds' service providers; (ii) the funds'
auditors and the annual audits of the funds' financial statements; (iii) the
financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv) the handling of whistleblower
reports relating to internal accounting and/or financial control matters; (v)
the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds; and (vi) studies of fund
profitability and other comparative analyses relevant to the board's
consideration of the investment management contracts for the funds. The
committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any independent auditor
of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any
independent 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 independent auditors of the funds. The committee is responsible
for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for
resolving disagreements between a fund and any independent auditor regarding any
fund's financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the
committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity
from the independent auditors, including a formal written statement delineating
all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers
consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. It
will discuss regularly and oversee the review of internal controls of and the
management of risks by the funds and their service providers with respect to
accounting and financial matters (including financial reporting relating to the
funds), including a review of: (i) any significant deficiencies or material
weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds' ability to
record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the
fund's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund's internal control over
financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds' or
service providers' internal control over financial reporting. The committee will
also review periodically the funds' major exposures relating to internal control
over financial reporting and the steps that have been taken to monitor and
control such exposures. In connection to such reviews the committee will receive
periodic reports on the funds' service providers' internal control over
financial reporting. It will also review any correspondence with regulators or
governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding
the funds' financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also
be reviewed by the Compliance Committee or the Operations Committee. The Chair
of the Audit Committee will coordinate with the Chairs of other committees, as
appropriate. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each
independent 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 FMR, the funds' Treasurer, independent auditors and,
if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC, their qualitative judgments
about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and
financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The
committee will review with FMR, the funds' Treasurer, independent auditor, and
internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and, as appropriate, legal counsel the
results of audits of the funds' financial statements.
The
Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Thomas (Chair),
Dirks, and Wiley. With respect to fund governance and board administration
matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures of the Board of Trustees
and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews
compensation of Independent Trustees. The committee monitors corporate
governance matters and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the
frequency and structure of the Board of Trustee meetings and on any other aspect
of Board procedures. It acts as the administrative committee under the
retirement plan for Independent Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996
and under the fee deferral plan for Independent Trustees. It reviews the
performance of legal counsel employed by the funds and the Independent Trustees.
On behalf of the Independent Trustees, the committee will make such findings and
determinations as to the independence of counsel for the Independent Trustees as
may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The
committee is also responsible for Board administrative matters applicable to
Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation
for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee monitors
compliance with, acts as the administrator of, and makes determinations in
respect of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies
regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent
Trustees. The committee monitors the functioning of each Board committee and
makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of
standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other
developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee's
responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule
changes, reports concerning "best practices" in corporate governance, and other
developments in mutual fund governance. The committee reports regularly to the
Independent Trustees with respect to these activities. 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 of each committee and establishes
procedures to allow it to exercise this oversight function. In conducting this
oversight, the committee shall address all matters that it considers relevant to
the performance of the Board of Trustees and shall report the results of its
evaluation to the Board of Trustees, including any recommended amendments to the
principles of governance, and any recommended changes to the funds' or the Board
of Trustees' policies, procedures, and structures. The committee reviews
periodically the size and composition of the Board of Trustees as a whole and
recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board of Trustees
reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise,
and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the
minimum number of Independent Trustees required by law. The committee makes
nominations for the election or appointment of Independent Trustees and
non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees.
The committee 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
Independent Trustee candidates to the Board of Trustees recommended by
shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the
committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with
appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his
or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be
submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for
communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search
firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm
for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting Independent Trustees,
it is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum
qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an interested
person of the funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (iii) does not have a
material relationship (e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or
accounting) with the adviser, any sub-adviser, or their affiliates that could
create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of the funds; (iv) has
the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and
others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v)
ability to attend regularly scheduled meetings during the year; (vi)
demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in
significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical,
financial, or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting
knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the funds; (viii)
experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar
responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not
result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) capacity for
the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective
Independent Trustee in light of the funds' complex regulatory, operational, and
marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a
candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge
referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the
Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional
qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole,
demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee.
The
Compliance Committee is composed of Messrs. Wiley (Chair) and Munoz, and Mses.
Fuller and Kampling. The committee oversees the administration and operation of
the compliance policies and procedures of the funds and their service providers
as required by Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act. The committee is responsible for the
review and approval of policies and procedures relating to (i) provisions of the
Code of Ethics, (ii) anti-money laundering requirements, (iii) compliance with
investment restrictions and limitations, (iv) privacy, (v) recordkeeping, and
(vi) other compliance policies and procedures which are not otherwise delegated
to another committee. The committee has responsibility for recommending to the
Board the designation of a CCO of the funds. The committee serves as the primary
point of contact between the CCO and the Board, oversees the annual performance
review and compensation of the CCO, and makes recommendations to the Board with
respect to the removal of the appointed CCO, as appropriate. The committee
receives reports of significant correspondence with regulators or governmental
agencies, employee complaints or published reports which raise concerns
regarding compliance matters, and copies of significant non-routine
correspondence with the SEC. The committee receives reports from the CCO
including the annual report concerning the funds' compliance policies as
required by Rule 38a-1, quarterly reports in respect of any breaches of
fiduciary duty or violations of federal securities laws, and reports on any
other compliance or related matters that would otherwise be subject to periodic
reporting or that may have a significant impact on the funds. The committee will
recommend to the Board, what actions, if any, should be taken with respect to
such reports.
The
Research Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr.
Bostick currently serving as Chair. The Committee's purpose is to assess the
quality of the investment research available to FMR's investment professionals.
As such, the Committee reviews information pertaining to the sources of such
research, the categories of research, the manner in which the funds bear the
cost of research, and FMR's internal research capabilities, including
performance metrics, interactions between FMR portfolio managers and research
analysts, and the professional quality of analysts in research careers. Where
necessary, the Committee recommends actions with respect to various reports
providing information on FMR's research function.
During
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, each committee held the number of
meetings shown in the table below:
COMMITTEE
|
NUMBER
OF MEETINGS HELD |
Operations
Committee |
10
|
Fair
Value Oversight Committee |
4
|
Equity
I Committee |
8
|
Equity
II Committee |
8
|
Shareholder,
Distribution, Brokerage, and Proxy Voting Committee |
8
|
Audit
Committee |
4
|
Governance
and Nominating Committee |
6
|
Compliance
Committee |
6
|
Research
Committee |
8
|
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, 2021.
Interested
Trustees
DOLLAR
RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES |
Jonathan
Chiel |
Bettina
Doulton |
Robert
Lawrence |
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN
WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
|
Independent
Trustees
DOLLAR
RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES |
Thomas
Bostick |
Dennis
Dirks |
Donald
Donahue |
Vicki
Fuller |
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN
WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
none
|
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
DOLLAR
RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES |
Patricia
Kampling |
Thomas
Kennedy |
Oscar
Munoz |
Garnett
Smith |
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
none
|
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN
WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
none
|
over
$100,000 |
DOLLAR
RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES |
David
Thomas |
Susan
Tomasky |
Michael
Wiley |
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
none
|
none
|
none
|
|
AGGREGATE
DOLLAR RANGE OF
FUND
SHARES IN ALL FUNDS
OVERSEEN
WITHIN FUND FAMILY |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
over
$100,000 |
|
The
following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each
Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board (if any) for his or her services for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, or calendar year ended December 31,
2021, as applicable.
Compensation
Table (A)
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM
A FUND |
|
Thomas
Bostick (B)
|
|
Dennis
Dirks
|
|
Donald
Donahue
|
|
Vicki
Fuller
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
$
|
769
|
$
|
810
|
$
|
818
|
$
|
769
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
$
|
7,000
|
$
|
7,372
|
$
|
7,447
|
$
|
7,000
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
$
|
3,717
|
$
|
3,915
|
$
|
3,955
|
$
|
3,717
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
$
|
1,051
|
$
|
1,107
|
$
|
1,118
|
$
|
1,051
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
$
|
3,736
|
$
|
3,935
|
$
|
3,975
|
$
|
3,736
|
TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM
THE FUND COMPLEX (C)
|
$
|
313,333
|
$
|
495,000
|
$
|
536,000
|
$
|
470,000
|
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM
A FUND |
|
Patricia
Kampling
|
|
Thomas
Kennedy
|
|
Oscar
Munoz (D)
|
|
Garnett
Smith
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
$
|
769
|
$
|
769
|
$
|
769
|
$
|
769
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
$
|
7,000
|
$
|
7,000
|
$
|
7,000
|
$
|
7,000
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
$
|
3,717
|
$
|
3,717
|
$
|
3,717
|
$
|
3,717
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
$
|
1,051
|
$
|
1,051
|
$
|
1,051
|
$
|
1,051
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
$
|
3,736
|
$
|
3,736
|
$
|
3,736
|
$
|
3,736
|
TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM
THE FUND COMPLEX (C)
|
$
|
506,000
|
$
|
470,000
|
$
|
313,333
|
$
|
470,000
|
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM
A FUND |
|
David
Thomas
|
|
Susan
Tomasky
|
|
Michael
Wiley
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
$
|
933
|
$
|
769
|
$
|
810
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
$
|
8,489
|
$
|
7,000
|
$
|
7,372
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
$
|
4,508
|
$
|
3,717
|
$
|
3,915
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
$
|
1,274
|
$
|
1,051
|
$
|
1,107
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series International Value Fund |
$
|
4,531
|
$
|
3,736
|
$
|
3,935
|
|
|
TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM
THE FUND COMPLEX (C)
|
$
|
570,000
|
$
|
528,917
|
$
|
495,000
|
|
|
(A)
Jonathan Chiel, Bettina Doulton, Robert A. Lawrence, and Peter S. Lynch
are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity.
|
(B)
Mr. Bostick served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity
Investment Trust from May 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Mr. Bostick serves
as a Trustee of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 1, 2021.
|
(C)
Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31,
2021 for 314 funds of 30 trusts (including Fidelity Central Investment
Portfolios LLC). Compensation figures include cash and may include amounts
elected to be deferred. Certain individuals elected voluntarily to defer a
portion of their compensation as follows: Donald F. Donahue, $291,125;
Vicki L. Fuller, $99,996; Patricia L. Kampling, $240,000; Thomas A.
Kennedy, $136,770; Garnett A. Smith, $273,540; and Susan Tomasky,
$180,000.
|
(D)
Mr. Munoz served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment
Trust from May 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Mr. Munoz serves as a Trustee
of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 1, 2021.
|
As
of October 31, 2022, 100% of each fund's total outstanding shares was held by
Fidelity ®
funds,
Fidelity managed 529 plans, and Fidelity managed collective investment trusts,
as applicable. As of October 31, 2022, the Trustees, Members of the Advisory
Board (if any), and officers of each fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1%
of each class's total outstanding shares, with respect to each fund.
CONTROL
OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR
LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FMR,
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong
Kong) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited. The
voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held
predominantly by members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson,
directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter
acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by
non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is
entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all
other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement
under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority
vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed
where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting
securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common
shares and the execution of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the
Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group
with respect to FMR LLC.
At
present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are:
(i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment
information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and
institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services;
(iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in
and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FMR,
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong
Kong) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, Fidelity
Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and the funds have adopted a code of ethics
under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that sets forth employees' fiduciary
responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for personal
investing, and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of
ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for
their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or
held by the funds.
Each
fund has entered into a management contract with FMR, pursuant to which FMR
furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management
Services. Under
the terms of its management contract with each fund, FMR acts as investment
adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall
responsibility for directing the investments of the fund in accordance with its
investment objective, policies and limitations. FMR also provides each fund with
all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's
investments, compensates all officers of each fund and all Trustees who are
interested persons of the trust or of FMR, and compensates all personnel of each
fund or FMR performing services relating to research, statistical and investment
activities.
In
addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the
operation of 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 each 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
each fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of
subjects to the Trustees.
Management-Related
Expenses. Under
the terms of a fund's management contract, FMR or an affiliate is responsible
for payment of all expenses involved in the operation of the fund, including all
expenses allocable at the fund 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) fees and expenses of the trust's Trustees other than
those who are "interested persons" of the trust or of FMR; (iv) custodian fees
and expenses; (v) expenses of printing and mailing proxy materials to
shareholders of the fund; (vi) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings
of the fund's shareholders, including proxy solicitations therefor; and (vii)
such non-recurring and/or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those
relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the fund is a party and the
legal obligation which the fund may have to indemnify the trust's Trustees and
officers with respect thereto. The fund shall pay its non-operating expenses,
including brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund's
securities lending program, if applicable.
Management
Fees.
Each
fund does not pay a management fee to FMR for the services rendered.
FMR
may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of a fund's or,
in the case of a multiple class fund, a class's operating expenses. FMR retains
the ability to be repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that
expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Expense
reimbursements will increase returns, and repayment of the reimbursement will
decrease returns.
Sub-Advisers
- FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management &
Research (Hong Kong) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan)
Limited.
On
behalf of each fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with
Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.) and Fidelity
Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan).
On
behalf of each fund, FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FMR
UK.
Pursuant
to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive from the
sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United
States (non-discretionary services) and FMR may grant the sub-advisers
investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if
FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary
services).
FMR
or an affiliate, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
Currently,
FMR UK has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of investments
for Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund.
Currently,
FMR H.K. has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of investments
for Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund.
Currently,
FMR Japan has day-to-day responsibility for choosing certain types of
investments for Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund.
John
Chow is the Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund and
receives compensation for those services. As of October 31, 2022, portfolio
manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined
periodically (typically annually), a bonus, and in certain cases, participation
in several types of equity-based compensation plans. A portion of the portfolio
manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or
an affiliate or at the election of the portfolio manager.
The
portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and
tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of the portfolio
manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the
portfolio manager's fund(s), account(s) measured against a benchmark index and
within a defined peer group, if applicable, assigned to each fund or account and
(ii) the investment performance of other funds and accounts managed by the
portfolio manager. The pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's
fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to the portfolio manager's tenure
on those fund(s) and account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and
accounts over the portfolio manager's tenure. Each component is calculated
separately over the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s)
over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with the portfolio
manager's tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five
years for the comparison to a benchmark index and peer group, if applicable. A
smaller, subjective component of the portfolio manager's bonus is based on the
portfolio manager's overall contribution to management. The portion of the
portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of
Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund is based on the fund's pre-tax investment
performance measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net MA tax), and
the fund's pre-tax investment performance within the Morningstar® Diversified
Emerging Markets Category. The portfolio manager also is compensated under
equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net
asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse
financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund
management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative services.
Alex
Zavratsky is the Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series International Value Fund
and receives compensation for those services. As of October 31, 2022, portfolio
manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined
periodically (typically annually), a bonus, and in certain cases, participation
in several types of equity-based compensation plans. A portion of the portfolio
manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or
at the election of the portfolio manager.
The
portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and
tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of the portfolio
manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the
portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index
and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the
investment performance of other FMR equity funds and accounts. The pre-tax
investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is
weighted according to the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and
account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over the
portfolio manager's tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the
portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement
period that initially is contemporaneous with the portfolio manager's tenure,
but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five years for the
comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of up to three years for the
comparison to a peer group. A smaller, subjective component of the portfolio
manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to
management of FMR. The portion of the portfolio manager's bonus that is linked
to the investment performance of Fidelity® Series International Value Fund is
based on the fund's pre-tax investment performance measured against the MSCI
EAFE Value Index (net MA), and the fund's pre-tax investment performance within
the Morningstar® Foreign Large Value Category. The portfolio manager also is
compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or
decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company.
FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities
that include fund management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative
services.
Jed
Weiss is the Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series International Growth Fund and
the Lead Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series International Small Cap Fund, and
receives compensation for those services. As of October 31, 2022, portfolio
manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined
periodically (typically annually), a bonus, and in certain cases, participation
in several types of equity-based compensation plans. A portion of the portfolio
manager's compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or
at the election of the portfolio manager.
The
portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and
tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of the portfolio
manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the
portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index
and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the
investment performance of other FMR equity funds and accounts. The pre-tax
investment performance of the portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is
weighted according to the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and
account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s)and account(s) over the
portfolio manager's tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the
portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement
period that initially is contemporaneous with the portfolio manager's tenure,
but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five years for the
comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of up to three years for the
comparison to a peer group. A smaller, subjective component of the portfolio
manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to
management of FMR. The portion of the portfolio manager's bonus that is linked
to the investment performance of Fidelity® Series International Growth Fund is
based on the pre-tax investment performance of the fund measured against the
MSCI EAFE Growth Index (net MA), and the fund's pre-tax investment performance
within the Morningstar® Foreign Large Growth Category. The portion of the
portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of
Fidelity® Series International Small Cap Fund is based on the pre-tax investment
performance of the fund measured against the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index (net MA),
and the fund's pre-tax investment performance within the Lipper℠ International
Small Cap Funds. Another component of the portfolio manager's bonus is based on
the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of the fund's assets the
portfolio manager manages measured against the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index (Net
MA), and the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of the fund's assets
the portfolio manager manages within the Lipper℠ International Small Cap Funds.
The portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans
linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC,
FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in
various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement, and
employer administrative services.
Patrick
Drouot and Preeti Sayana are research analysts and Co-Portfolio Managers of
Fidelity® Series International Small Cap Fund and each receives compensation for
services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single
compensation plan. As of October 31, 2022, each portfolio manager's compensation
generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically
annually), a bonus, and in certain cases, participation in several types of
equity-based compensation plans. A portion of each portfolio manager's
compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the
election of the portfolio manager.
Each
portfolio manager's base salary is determined primarily by level of experience
and skills, and performance as a research analyst and fund manager at FMR or its
affiliates. A portion of each portfolio manager's bonus relates to the portfolio
manager's performance as a research analyst and is based on the Director of
Research's assessment of the research analyst's performance and may include
factors such as qualitative feedback assessments, which relate to analytical
work and investment results within the relevant market(s) and impact on other
equity funds and accounts as a research analyst, and the research analyst's
contributions to the research groups and to FMR. Another component of the bonus
is based upon (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager's
fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index (which may be a
customized industry benchmark index developed by FMR) and within a defined peer
group, if applicable, assigned to each fund or account, (ii) the investment
performance of other FMR equity funds and accounts, and (iii) the pre-tax
investment performance of the research analyst's recommendations measured
against a benchmark index corresponding to the research analyst's assignment
universe and against a broadly diversified equity index. The pre-tax investment
performance of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is weighted
according to the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s). The
component of the bonus relating to the Director of Research's assessment is
calculated over a one-year period, and each other component of the bonus is
calculated over a measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with the
portfolio manager's tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of
up to five years for the comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of
up to three years for the comparison to a peer group, if applicable. The portion
of each portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance
of Fidelity® Series International Small Cap Fund is based on the pre-tax
investment performance of the fund measured against the MSCI EAFE Small Cap
Index (net MA tax), and the fund's pre-tax investment performance within the
Lipper℠ International Small Cap Funds. Another component of Mr. Drouot's bonus
is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of the fund's
assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the MSCI EAFE Small Cap
Index (net MA tax), and the fund's pre-tax investment performance within the
Lipper℠ International Small Cap Funds. Another component of Ms. Sayana's bonus
is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of the fund's
assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the MSCI EAFE Small Cap
Index (net MA tax). Each portfolio manager also is compensated under
equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net
asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse
financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund
management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative services.
A
portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of
interest. A portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax
performance of a fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio
manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex
responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of
the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link
compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account,
the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a
transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple
funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential
conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives,
benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate time
and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund's
trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest
if the fund's orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with
those of other accounts managed by FMR or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may
execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the
value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or
accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers
may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to
new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential
conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
Gregory
Lee is Co-Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities
Fund and receives compensation for those services. Sam Polyak is Co-Portfolio
Manager of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and receives
compensation for those services. Will Pruett is Co-Portfolio Manager of
Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and receives compensation
for those services. Xiaoting Zhao is Co-Portfolio Manager of Fidelity® Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and receives compensation for those
services. As of October 31, 2022, portfolio manager compensation generally
consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a
bonus, and in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based
compensation plans. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be
deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the
portfolio manager.
Each
portfolio manager's base salary is determined by level of responsibility and
tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of each portfolio
manager's bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the
portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index
and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the
investment performance of other FMR equity funds and accounts. The pre-tax
investment performance of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is
weighted according to the portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and
account(s) and the average asset size of those fund(s) and account(s) over the
portfolio manager's tenure. Each component is calculated separately over the
portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s) over a measurement
period that initially is contemporaneous with the portfolio manager's tenure,
but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five years for the
comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of up to three years for the
comparison to a peer group. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio
manager's bonus is based on the portfolio manager's overall contribution to
management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager's bonus that is linked
to the investment performance of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities
Fund is based on the fund's pre-tax investment performance measured against the
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net MA tax), and the fund's pre-tax investment
performance within the Morningstar® Diversified Emerging Markets Category.
Another component of each portfolio manager's bonus is based on the pre-tax
investment performance of the portion of the fund's assets the portfolio manager
manages measured against the benchmark index identified in the table below. Each
portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans
linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC,
FMR's parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in
various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement and
employer administrative services.
Manager
/ Benchmark Index(es)
Gregory
Lee / MSCI Emerging Markets Energy Index; MSCI Emerging Markets Industrials
Index; and MSCI Emerging Markets Utilities Index
Sam
Polyak / MSCI Emerging Markets Consumer Staples Index; and MSCI Emerging Markets
Materials Index
Will
Pruett / MSCI Emerging Markets Financials Index
Xiaoting
Zhao / MSCI Emerging Markets Communication Services Index
A
portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of
interest. A portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax
performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio
manager's base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex
responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of
the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link
compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account,
the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a
transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple
funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential
conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives,
benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate time
and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, a fund's
trade allocation policies and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest
if the fund's orders do not get fully executed due to being aggregated with
those of other accounts managed by FMR or an affiliate. A portfolio manager may
execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the
value of securities held by a fund. Securities selected for other funds or
accounts may outperform the securities selected for the fund. Portfolio managers
may be permitted to invest in the funds they manage, even if a fund is closed to
new investors. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to potential
conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
Priyanshu
Bakshi, Di Chen, Guillermo de las Casas, and Takamitsu Nishikawa are research
analysts and Co-Portfolio Managers of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets
Opportunities Fund and each receives compensation for services as a research
analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single compensation plan. Effective
December 27, 2022, Lewis Chung serves as a research analyst and Co-Portfolio
Manager of Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund and receives
compensation for services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under
a single compensation plan. Information with respect to Mr. Chung's holdings and
other accounts managed will be updated in a supplement to this SAI. As of
October 31, 2022 (December 27, 2022 for Mr. Chung), compensation generally
consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a
bonus, and in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based
compensation plans. A portion of each portfolio manager's compensation may be
deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the
portfolio manager.
Each
portfolio manager's base salary is determined primarily by level of experience
and skills, and performance as a research analyst and fund manager at FMR or its
affiliates. A portion of each portfolio manager's bonus relates to the portfolio
manager's performance as a research analyst and is based on the Director of
Research's assessment of the research analyst's performance and may include
factors such as portfolio manager survey-based assessments, which relate to
analytical work and investment results within the relevant market(s) and impact
on other emerging market funds and accounts as a research analyst, and the
research analyst's contributions to the research groups and to FMR. Another
component of the bonus is based upon (i) the pre-tax investment performance of
each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark
index (which may be a customized industry benchmark index developed by FMR)
assigned to each fund or account, and within a defined peer group assigned to
each fund or account, if applicable, (ii) the investment performance of other
FMR equity funds and accounts, and (iii) the pre-tax investment performance of
the portfolio manager's recommendations measured against a benchmark index
corresponding to the portfolio manager's assignment universe and against a
broadly diversified emerging markets index. The pre-tax investment performance
of each portfolio manager's fund(s) and account(s) is weighted according to the
portfolio manager's tenure on those fund(s) and account(s). The component of the
bonus relating to the Director of Research's assessment is calculated over a
one-year period, and each other component of the bonus is calculated over a
measurement period that initially is contemporaneous with each portfolio
manager's tenure, but that eventually encompasses rolling periods of up to five
years for the comparison to a benchmark index and rolling periods of up to three
years for the comparison to a peer group, if applicable. The portion of each
portfolio manager's bonus that is linked to the investment performance of
Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund is based on the fund's
pre-tax investment performance measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
(net MA tax), and the fund's pre-tax investment performance within the
Morningstar® Diversified Emerging Markets Category. Another component of each
portfolio manager's bonus is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the
portion of the fund's assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the
benchmark index identified in the table below. Each portfolio manager also is
compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or
decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR's parent company.
FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities
that include fund management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative
services.
Manager
/ Benchmark Index(es)
Priyanshu
Bakshi / MSCI Emerging Markets Information Technology Index
Di
Chen / MSCI Emerging Markets Consumer Discretionary Index
Lewis
Chung / MSCI Emerging Markets Real Estate Index
Guillermo
de las Casas / MSCI Emerging Markets Real Estate Index
Takamitsu
Nishikawa / MSCI Emerging Markets Health Care Index
A
portfolio manager's compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of
interest. A portfolio manager's compensation is linked to the pre-tax
performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. the portfolio
manager's base pay and bonus opportunity tend to increase with the portfolio
manager's level of experience and skills relative to research and fund
assignments. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including
proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the
funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and
fees as a portfolio manager must allocate time and investment ideas across
multiple funds and accounts. In addition, the fund's trade allocation policies
and procedures may give rise to conflicts of interest if the fund's orders do
not get fully executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts
managed by FMR. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or
account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the fund.
Securities selected for other funds or accounts may outperform the securities
selected for the fund. Trading in personal accounts, which may give rise to
potential conflicts of interest, is restricted by a fund's Code of Ethics.
Furthermore, the potential exists that a portfolio manager's
responsibilities as a portfolio manager of the fund may not be entirely
consistent with the portfolio manager's responsibilities as a research
analyst providing recommendations to other Fidelity portfolio
managers.
Portfolio
managers may receive interests in certain funds or accounts managed by FMR or
one of its affiliated advisers (collectively, "Proprietary Accounts"). A
conflict of interest situation is presented where a portfolio manager considers
investing a client account in securities of an issuer in which FMR, its
affiliates or their (or their fund clients') respective directors, officers or
employees already hold a significant position for their own account, including
positions held indirectly through Proprietary Accounts. Because the 1940 Act, as
well as other applicable laws and regulations, restricts certain transactions
between affiliated entities or between an advisor and its clients, client
accounts managed by FMR or its affiliates, including accounts sub-advised by
third parties, are, in certain circumstances, prohibited from participating in
offerings of such securities (including initial public offerings and other
offerings occurring before or after an issuer's initial public offering) or
acquiring such securities in the secondary market. For example, ownership of a
company by Proprietary Accounts has, in certain situations, resulted in
restrictions on FMR's and its affiliates' client accounts' ability to acquire
securities in the company's initial public offering and subsequent public
offerings, private offerings, and in the secondary market, and additional
restrictions could arise in the future; to the extent such client accounts
acquire the relevant securities after such restrictions are subsequently lifted,
the delay could affect the price at which the securities are acquired.
A
conflict of interest situation is presented when FMR or its affiliates acquire,
on behalf of their client accounts, securities of the same issuers whose
securities are already held in Proprietary Accounts, because such investments
could have the effect of increasing or supporting the value of the Proprietary
Accounts. A conflict of interest situation also arises when FMR investment
advisory personnel consider whether client accounts they manage should invest in
an investment opportunity that they know is also being considered by an
affiliate of FMR for a Proprietary Account, to the extent that not investing on
behalf of such client accounts improves the ability of the Proprietary Account
to take advantage of the opportunity. FMR has adopted policies and procedures
and maintains a compliance program designed to help manage such actual and
potential conflicts of interest.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by John
Chow as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
5
|
|
4
|
|
4
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
1
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$4,719
|
|
$1,667
|
|
$849
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$3
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity® Series Emerging Markets Fund ($2,326 (in millions) assets
managed). The amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other
assets as of the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal
year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Series Emerging
Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Chow was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Priyanshu Bakshi as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
9
|
|
3
|
|
1
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$16,748
|
|
$1,137
|
|
$221
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($4,033 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Bakshi was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Di
Chen as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
3
|
|
3
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$2,789
|
|
$723
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($2,563 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of the
close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of
shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Ms. Chen was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Guillermo de las Casas as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
5
|
|
3
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$1,107
|
|
$107
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($405 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. de las Casas
was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Gregory Lee as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
4
|
|
9
|
|
1
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$4,030
|
|
$921
|
|
$5
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($3,319 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Lee was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Takamitsu Nishikawa as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
3
|
|
3
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$869
|
|
$223
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($797 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Nishikawa is
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Sam
Polyak as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
8
|
|
10
|
|
1
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
1
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$7,872
|
|
$4,023
|
|
$238
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$53
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($3,512 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Polyak was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Will
Pruett as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
4
|
|
3
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$5,862
|
|
$1,442
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($5,131 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Pruett was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Xiaoting Zhao as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
5
|
|
5
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
1
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$3,148
|
|
$799
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$824
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ($1,797 (in millions) assets managed). The
amount of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Zhao was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Jed
Weiss as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
5
|
|
4
|
|
2
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
3
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$20,668
|
|
$4,496
|
|
$839
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$4,976
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
International Growth Fund ($12,444 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of
assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of the close
of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
International Growth Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Nielsen was
none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Patrick Drouot as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
1
|
|
none
|
|
1
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$358
|
|
none
|
|
$1
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund ($358 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of
assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of the close of
the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Drouot was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by
Preeti Sayana as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
1
|
|
none
|
|
1
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$288
|
|
none
|
|
$1
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
none
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund ($288 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of
assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of the close of
the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund beneficially owned by Ms. Sayana was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Jed
Weiss as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
5
|
|
4
|
|
2
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
3
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$20,668
|
|
$4,496
|
|
$839
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$4,976
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund ($3,248 (in millions) assets managed). The amount
of assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of
the close of the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
International Small Cap Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Weiss was none.
The
following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Alex
Zavratsky as of October 31, 2022:
|
Registered
Investment Companies
*
|
|
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
|
|
Other
Accounts
|
Number
of Accounts Managed |
4
|
|
1
|
|
none
|
Number
of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees |
2
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed (in millions) |
$14,655
|
|
$2,747
|
|
none
|
Assets
Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions)
|
$732
|
|
none
|
|
none
|
*
Includes Fidelity ®
Series
International Value Fund ($12,537 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of
assets managed of the fund reflects trades and other assets as of the close of
the business day prior to the fund's fiscal year-end.
As
of October 31, 2022, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity ®
Series
International Value Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Zavratsky was none.
Fidelity
®
Funds'
Proxy Voting Guidelines
I.
Introduction
These
guidelines are intended to help Fidelity's customers and the companies in
which Fidelity invests understand how Fidelity votes proxies to further
the values that have sustained Fidelity for over 70 years. In particular,
these guidelines are animated by two fundamental principles: 1) putting
first the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders; and
2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over
the long-term. Fidelity generally adheres to these guidelines in voting
proxies and our Stewardship
Principles serve
as the foundation for these guidelines. Our evaluation of proxies reflects
information from many sources, including management or shareholders of a
company presenting a proposal and proxy voting advisory firms. Fidelity
maintains the flexibility to vote individual proxies based on our
assessment of each situation.
In
evaluating proxies, we recognize that companies can conduct themselves in
ways that have important environmental and social consequences. While
Fidelity always remains focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value,
we also consider potential environmental, social and governance (ESG)
impacts that we believe are material to individual companies and investing
funds' investment objectives and strategies.
Fidelity
will vote on proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines
based on an evaluation of a proposal's likelihood to enhance the long-term
economic returns or profitability of the company or to maximize long-term
shareholder value. Fidelity will not be influenced by business
relationships or outside perspectives that may conflict with the interests
of the funds and their shareholders.
II.
Board
of Directors and Corporate Governance
Directors
of public companies play a critical role in ensuring that a company and
its management team serve the interests of its shareholders. Fidelity
believes that through proxy voting, it can help ensure accountability of
management teams and boards of directors, align management and shareholder
interests, and monitor and assess the degree of transparency and
disclosure with respect to executive compensation and board actions
affecting shareholders' rights. The following general guidelines are
intended to reflect these proxy voting principles.
A.
Election of Directors
Fidelity
will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors
are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where board composition
raises concerns, and/or where a director clearly appears to have failed to
exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect
the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity
will evaluate board composition and generally will oppose the election of
certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1.
Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a
majority of independent directors.
2.
There are no women on the board or if a board of ten or more members has
fewer than two women directors.
3.
The director is a public company CEO who sits on more than two
unaffiliated public company boards.
Fidelity
will evaluate board actions and generally will oppose the election of
certain or all directors if, by way of example:
1.
The director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of
the board and its committees on which the director served during the
company's prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances.
2.
The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform
to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment.
3.
For reasons described below under the sections entitled Compensation and
Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections.
B.
Contested Director Elections
On
occasion, directors are forced to compete for election against outside
director nominees (contested elections). Fidelity believes that strong
management creates long-term shareholder value. As a result, Fidelity
generally will vote in support of management of companies in which the
funds' assets are invested. Fidelity will vote its proxy on a case-by-case
basis in a contested election, taking into consideration a number of
factors, amongst others:
1.
Management's track record and strategic plan for enhancing shareholder
value;
2.
The long-term performance of the company compared to its industry peers;
and
3.
The qualifications of the shareholder's and management's nominees.
Fidelity
will vote for the outcome it believes has the best prospects for
maximizing shareholder value over the long-term.
C.
Cumulative Voting Rights
Under
cumulative voting, each shareholder may exercise the number of votes equal
to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors up for
election. Shareholders may cast all of their votes for a single nominee
(or multiple nominees in varying amounts). With regular (non-cumulative)
voting, by contrast, shareholders cannot allocate more than one vote per
share to any one director nominee. Fidelity believes that cumulative
voting can be detrimental to the overall strength of a board. Generally,
therefore, Fidelity will oppose the introduction of, and support the
elimination of, cumulative voting rights.
D.
Classified Boards
A
classified board is one that elects only a percentage of its members each
year (usually one-third of directors are elected to serve a three-year
term). This means that at each annual meeting only a subset of directors
is up for re-election. Fidelity believes that, in general, classified
boards are not as accountable to shareholders as declassified boards. For
this and other reasons, Fidelity generally will oppose a board's adoption
of a classified board structure and support declassification of existing
boards.
E.
Independent Chairperson
In
general, Fidelity believes that boards should have a process and criteria
for selecting the board chair, and will oppose shareholder proposals
calling for, or recommending the appointment of, a non-executive or
independent chairperson. If, however, based on particular facts and
circumstances, Fidelity believes that appointment of a non-executive or
independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of
shareholders and promote effective oversight of management by the board of
directors, Fidelity will consider voting to support a proposal for an
independent chairperson under such circumstances.
F.
Majority Voting in Director Elections
In
general, Fidelity supports proposals calling for directors to be elected
by a majority of votes cast if the proposal permits election by a
plurality in the case of contested elections (where, for example, there
are more nominees than board seats). Fidelity may oppose a majority voting
shareholder proposal where a company's board has adopted a policy
requiring the resignation of an incumbent director who fails to receive
the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
G.
Proxy Access
Proxy
access proposals generally require a company to amend its by-laws to allow
a qualifying shareholder or group of shareholders to nominate directors on
a company's proxy ballot. Fidelity believes that certain safeguards as to
ownership threshold and duration of ownership are important to assure that
proxy access is not misused by those without a significant economic
interest in the company or those driven by short term goals. Fidelity will
evaluate proxy access proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally
will support proposals that include ownership of at least 3% (5% in the
case of small-cap companies) of the company's shares outstanding for at
least three years; limit the number of directors that eligible
shareholders may nominate to 20% of the board; and limit to 20 the number
of shareholders that may form a nominating group.
H.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
In
many instances there are sound reasons to indemnify officers and
directors, so that they may perform their duties without the distraction
of unwarranted litigation or other legal process. Fidelity generally
supports charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of
officers or directors, or limiting their liability for breaches of care
unless Fidelity is dissatisfied with their performance or the proposal is
accompanied by anti-takeover provisions (see Anti-Takeover Provisions and
Shareholders Rights Plans below).
III.
Compensation
Incentive
compensation plans can be complicated and many factors are considered when
evaluating such plans. Fidelity evaluates such plans based on protecting
shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its
management.
A.
Equity Compensation Plans
Fidelity
encourages the use of reasonably designed equity compensation plans that
align the interest of management with those of shareholders by providing
officers and employees with incentives to increase long-term shareholder
value. Fidelity considers whether such plans are too dilutive to existing
shareholders because dilution reduces the voting power or economic
interest of existing shareholders as a result of an increase in shares
available for distribution to employees in lieu of cash compensation.
Fidelity will generally oppose equity compensation plans or amendments to
authorize additional shares under such plans if:
1.
The company grants stock options and equity awards in a given year at a
rate higher than a benchmark rate ("burn rate") considered appropriate by
Fidelity and there were no circumstances specific to the company or the
compensation plans that leads Fidelity to conclude that the rate of awards
is otherwise acceptable.
2.
The plan includes an evergreen provision, which is a feature that provides
for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an
equity compensation plan on a regular basis.
3.
The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity compensation
even though an actual change in control may not occur.
As
to stock option plans, considerations include the following:
1.
Pricing: We believe that options should be priced at 100% of fair market
value on the date they are granted. We generally oppose options priced at
a discount to the market, although the price may be as low as 85% of fair
market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or
cash bonus.
2.
Re-pricing: An "out-of-the-money" (or underwater) option has an exercise
price that is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally
oppose the re-pricing of underwater options because it is not consistent
with a policy of offering options as a form of long-term compensation.
Fidelity also generally opposes a stock option plan if the board or
compensation committee has re-priced options outstanding in the past two
years without shareholder approval.
Fidelity
generally will support a management proposal to exchange, re-price or
tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, re-pricing,
or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking
into account a variety of factors such as:
1.
Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2.
Whether the exchange or re-pricing proposal is value neutral to
shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3.
The company's relative performance compared to other companies within the
relevant industry or industries;
4.
Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or
industries in which the company competes; and
5.
Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an
exchange or re-pricing proposal is consistent with the interests of
shareholders.
B.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
These
plans are designed to allow employees to purchase company stock at a
discounted price and receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is
sold. Fidelity generally will support employee stock purchase plans if the
minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% (or at least
75% in the case of non-U.S. companies where a lower minimum stock purchase
price is equal to the prevailing "best practices" in that market) of the
stock's fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to
encourage broad based participation in the company's stock.
IV.
Advisory
Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay
Vote
Current
law requires companies to allow shareholders to cast non-binding votes on
the compensation for named executive officers, as well as the frequency of
such votes. Fidelity generally will support proposals to ratify executive
compensation unless the compensation appears misaligned with shareholder
interests or is otherwise problematic, taking into account:
-
The actions taken by the board or compensation committee in the previous
year, including whether the company re-priced or exchanged outstanding
stock options without shareholder approval; adopted or extended a golden
parachute without shareholder approval; or adequately addressed concerns
communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive
compensation;
-
The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative
to peers; and
-
The structure of the compensation program, including factors such as
whether incentive plan metrics are appropriate, rigorous and transparent;
whether the long-term element of the compensation program is evaluated
over at least a three-year period; the sensitivity of pay to below median
performance; the amount and nature of non-performance-based compensation;
the justification and rationale behind paying discretionary bonuses; the
use of stock ownership guidelines and amount of executive stock ownership;
and how well elements of compensation are disclosed.
When
presented with a frequency of Say on Pay vote, Fidelity generally will
support holding an annual advisory vote on Say on Pay.
A.
Compensation Committee
Directors
serving on the compensation committee of the Board have a special
responsibility to ensure that management is appropriately compensated and
that compensation, among other things, fairly reflects the performance of
the company. Fidelity believes that compensation should align with company
performance as measured by key business metrics. Compensation policies
should align the interests of executives with those of shareholders.
Further, the compensation program should be disclosed in a transparent and
timely manner.
Fidelity
will oppose the election of directors on the compensation committees if:
1.
The company has not adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity
in the process of discussing executive compensation.
2.
Within the last year, and without shareholder approval, a company's board
of directors or compensation committee has either:
a)
Re-priced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity,
or tendered cash for outstanding options; or
b)
Adopted or extended a golden parachute.
B.
Executive Severance Agreements
Executive
severance compensation and benefit arrangements resulting from a
termination following a change in control are known as "golden
parachutes." Fidelity generally will oppose proposals to ratify golden
parachutes where the arrangement includes an excise tax gross-up
provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum
payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three
times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination
following a change in control.
V.
Environmental
and Social Issues
Grounded
in our Stewardship Principles, these guidelines outline our views on
corporate governance. As part of our efforts to maximize long-term
shareholder value, we incorporate environmental and social issues into our
evaluation of a company, particularly if we believe an issue is material
to that company and the investing fund's investment objective and
strategies.
Fidelity
generally considers management's recommendation and current practice when
voting on shareholder proposals concerning environmental or social issues
because it generally believes that management and the board are in the
best position to determine how to address these matters. Fidelity,
however, also believes that transparency is critical to sound corporate
governance. Therefore, Fidelity may support shareholder proposals that
request additional disclosures from companies regarding environmental or
social issues, including where it believes that the proposed disclosures
could provide meaningful information to the investment management process
without unduly burdening the company. This means that Fidelity may support
shareholder proposals calling for reports on sustainability, renewable
energy, and environmental impact issues. Fidelity also may support
proposals on issues in other areas, including but not limited to equal
employment, board diversity and workforce diversity.
VI.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans
Fidelity
generally will oppose a proposal to adopt an anti-takeover provision.
Anti-takeover
provisions include:
-
classified boards;
-
"blank check" preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly
determined by the company's board, for example, with differential voting
rights);
-
golden parachutes;
-
supermajority provisions (that require a large majority (generally between
67-90%) of shareholders to approve corporate changes as compared to a
majority provision that simply requires more than 50% of shareholders to
approve those changes);
-
poison pills;
-
restricting the right to call special meetings;
-
provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and
-
any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights.
A.
Shareholders Rights Plans ("poison pills")
Poison
pills allow shareholders opposed to a takeover offer to purchase stock at
discounted prices under certain circumstances and effectively give boards
veto power over any takeover offer. While there are advantages and
disadvantages to poison pills, they can be detrimental to the creation of
shareholder value and can help entrench management by deterring
acquisition offers not favored by the board, but that may, in fact, be
beneficial to shareholders.
Fidelity
generally will support a proposal to adopt or extend a poison pill if the
proposal:
1.
Includes a condition in the charter or plan that specifies an expiration
date (sunset provision) of no greater than five years;
2.
Is integral to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater
value for the shareholders;
3.
Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if
amended;
4.
Contains a mechanism to allow shareholders to consider a bona fide
takeover offer for all outstanding shares without triggering the poison
pill; and
5.
Allows the Fidelity funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a
company's total voting securities, where permissible.
Fidelity
generally also will support a proposal that is crafted only for the
purpose of protecting a specific tax benefit if it also believes the
proposal is likely to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize
long-term shareholder value.
B.
Shareholder Ability to Call a Special Meeting
Fidelity
generally will support shareholder proposals regarding shareholders' right
to call special meetings if the threshold required to call the special
meeting is no less than 25% of the outstanding stock.
C.
Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Fidelity
generally will support proposals regarding shareholders' right to act by
written consent if the proposals include appropriate mechanisms for
implementation. This means that proposals must include record date
requests from at least 25% of the outstanding stockholders and consents
must be solicited from all shareholders.
D.
Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement
Fidelity
generally will support proposals regarding supermajority provisions if
Fidelity believes that the provisions protect minority shareholder
interests in companies where there is a substantial or dominant
shareholder.
VII.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions and Director Elections
Fidelity
will oppose the election of all directors or directors on responsible
committees if the board adopted or extended an anti-takeover provision
without shareholder approval.
Fidelity
will consider supporting the election of directors with respect to poison
pills if:
-
All of the poison pill's features outlined under the Anti-Takeover
Provisions and Shareholders Rights section above are met when a poison
pill is adopted or extended.
-
A board is willing to consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or
adding the features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and
Shareholders Rights Plans section above to, an existing poison pill. If,
however, the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next
annual shareholder meeting, Fidelity will oppose the election of all
directors at that meeting.
-
It determines that the poison pill was narrowly tailored to protect a
specific tax benefit, and subject to an evaluation of its likelihood to
enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder
value.
VIII.
Capital
Structure and Incorporation
These
guidelines are designed to protect shareholders' value in the companies in
which the Fidelity funds invest. To the extent a company's management is
committed and incentivized to maximize shareholder value, Fidelity
generally votes in favor of management proposals; Fidelity may vote
contrary to management where a proposal is overly dilutive to shareholders
and/or compromises shareholder value or other interests. The guidelines
that follow are meant to protect shareholders in these respects.
A.
Increases in Common Stock
Fidelity
may support reasonable increases in authorized shares for a specific
purpose (a stock split or re-capitalization, for example). Fidelity
generally will oppose a provision to increase a company's authorized
common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized
shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and
scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options.
In
the case of real estate investment trusts (REITs), however, Fidelity will
oppose a provision to increase the REIT's authorized common stock if the
increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than
five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued
shares.
B.
Multi-Class Share Structures
Fidelity
generally will support proposals to recapitalize multi-class share
structures into structures that provide equal voting rights for all
shareholders, and generally will oppose proposals to introduce or increase
classes of stock with differential voting rights. However, Fidelity will
evaluate all such proposals in the context of their likelihood to enhance
long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value.
C.
Incorporation or Reincorporation in another State or Country
Fidelity
generally will support management proposals calling for, or recommending
that, a company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance,
the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction
appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests,
taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed
jurisdictions and any changes to the company's current and proposed
governing documents. Fidelity will consider supporting these shareholder
proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and
circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears
misaligned with shareholder interests.
IX.
Shares
of Fidelity Funds, ETFs, or other non-Fidelity Mutual Funds and
ETFs
When
a Fidelity fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public
shareholders, an exchange traded fund (ETF), or fund that is not
affiliated, Fidelity will vote in the same proportion as all other voting
shareholders of the underlying fund (this is known as "echo voting").
Fidelity may not vote if "echo voting" is not operationally practical or
not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. For Fidelity fund
investments in a Fidelity Series Fund, Fidelity generally will vote in a
manner consistent with the recommendation of the Fidelity Series Fund's
Board of Trustees on all proposals.
X.
Foreign
Markets
Many
Fidelity funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are
domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S.
securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory
requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from
those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S.
securities, Fidelity generally will evaluate proposals under these
guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration
differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market
in determining how to vote shares.
In
certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a company
may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the
shareholder meeting date. Because these trading restrictions can hinder
portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund,
Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in circumstances where such
restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require
voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund
basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, Fidelity generally will
not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information.
XI.
Securities
on Loan
Securities
on loan as of a record date cannot be voted. In certain circumstances,
Fidelity may recall a security on loan before record date (for example, in
a particular contested director election or a noteworthy merger or
acquisition). Generally, however, securities out on loan remain on loan
and are not voted because, for example, the income a fund derives from the
loan outweighs the benefit the fund receives from voting the security. In
addition, Fidelity may not be able to recall and vote loaned securities if
Fidelity is unaware of relevant information before record date, or is
otherwise unable to timely recall securities on loan.
XII.
Avoiding
Conflicts of Interest
Voting
of shares is conducted in a manner consistent with the best interests of
the Fidelity funds. In other words, securities of a company generally will
be voted in a manner consistent with these guidelines and without regard
to any other Fidelity companies' business relationships.
Fidelity
takes its responsibility to vote shares in the best interests of the funds
seriously and has implemented policies and procedures to address actual
and potential conflicts of interest.
XIII.
Conclusion
Since
its founding more than 70 years ago, Fidelity has been driven by two
fundamental values: 1) putting the long-term interests of our customers
and fund shareholders first; and 2) investing in companies that share our
approach to creating value over the long-term. With these fundamental
principles as guideposts, the funds are managed to provide the greatest
possible return to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the
investment guidelines and objectives of each fund.
Fidelity
believes that there is a strong correlation between sound corporate
governance and enhancing shareholder value. Fidelity, through the
implementation of these guidelines, puts this belief into action through
consistent engagement with portfolio companies on matters contained in
these guidelines, and, ultimately, through the exercise of voting rights
by the funds.
Glossary
- Burn
rate means the total number of stock option and full value equity awards
granted as compensation in a given year divided by the weighted average
common stock outstanding for that same year.
-
For a large-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 1.5%.
-
For a small-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 2.5%.
-
For a micro-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 3.5%.
- Golden
parachute means employment contracts, agreements, or policies that
include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash
incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration
of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation
(salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in
control.
- Large-capitalization
company means a company included in the Russell 1000® Index or the
Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index.
- Micro-capitalization
company means a company with market capitalization under US $300
million.
- Poison
pill refers to a strategy employed by a potential takeover / target
company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison pills
are generally designed to dilute the acquirer's ownership and value in
the event of a takeover.
- Small-capitalization
company means a company not included in the Russell 1000® Index or the
Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index that is not a
Micro-Capitalization Company.
|
To
view a 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 Fidelity Distributors
Company LLC (FDC), an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is
900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
A
fund's distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts,
consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the
funds, which are continuously offered.
Promotional
and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are
paid by FMR.
The
Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans with
respect to shares of each fund (the Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act (the Rule).
The
Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in
financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of
shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund
under the Rule.
The
Plans, as approved by the Trustees, allow shares of the funds and/or FMR to
incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment
by the funds of distribution expenses.
The
Plan adopted for each fund or class, as applicable, is described in the
prospectus.
Under
each Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is deemed to be
indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment
is authorized by the Plan.
Each
Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as
well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses
incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of
shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. In addition, each Plan
provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to
intermediaries that provide those services.
Currently,
the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares of each
fund.
Prior
to approving each Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors
relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a
reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund or class, as
applicable, and its shareholders.
In
particular, the Trustees noted that each Plan does not authorize payments by
shares of a fund other than those made to FMR under its management contract with
the fund.
To
the extent that each Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection
with the distribution of shares, additional sales of shares or stabilization of
cash flows may result.
Furthermore,
certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the
Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
FDC
or an affiliate may compensate, or upon direction make payments for certain
retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered
in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may
include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the
intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, and
other factors. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other
incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to
current products and issues, payments or reimbursements for travel and related
expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake
in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC,
and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars,
including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. Certain of the payments
described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and
regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments
to intermediaries.
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
FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the
investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by
your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any
of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments
made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added
incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund
families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when
deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
TRANSFER
AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
Each
fund has entered into a transfer agent agreement with Fidelity Investments
Institutional Operations Company LLC (FIIOC), an affiliate of FMR, which is
located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Under the terms of
each agreement, FIIOC (or an agent, including an affiliate) performs transfer
agency services.
For
providing transfer agency services, FIIOC receives no fees from each
fund.
FIIOC
may collect fees charged in connection with providing certain types of services
such as exchanges, closing out fund balances, maintaining fund positions with
low balances, checkwriting, wire transactions, and providing historical account
research, as applicable.
In
addition, FIIOC receives the pro rata portion of the transfer agency fees
applicable to shareholder accounts in a qualified tuition program (QTP), as
defined under the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, managed by FMR or
an affiliate and in certain funds of funds managed by FMR, according to the
percentage of the QTP's, or a fund of funds' assets that is invested in a
fund.
FIIOC
bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements
of additional information, and all other reports, notices, and statements to
existing shareholders, with the exception of proxy statements.
Each
fund has entered into a service agent agreement with Fidelity Service Company,
Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FMR (or an agent, including an affiliate). Under the
terms of the agreement, FSC calculates the NAV and dividends for shares,
maintains each fund's portfolio and general accounting records, and administers
each fund's securities lending program.
For
providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives no fee from each
fund.
FMR
bears the cost of pricing and bookkeeping services under the terms of its
management contract with each fund.
During
the fiscal year, the securities lending agent, or the investment adviser (where
the fund does not use a securities lending agent) monitors loan opportunities
for each fund, negotiates the terms of the loans with borrowers, monitors the
value of securities on loan and the value of the corresponding collateral,
communicates with borrowers and the fund's custodian regarding marking to market
the collateral, selects securities to be loaned and allocates those loan
opportunities among lenders, and arranges for the return of the loaned
securities upon the termination of the loan. Income and fees from securities
lending activities for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, are shown in the
following table:
Security
Lending Activities |
|
Fund(s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Fund |
|
Fidelity®
Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund |
|
Fidelity®
Series International Growth Fund |
|
Fidelity®
Series International Small Cap Fund |
Gross
income from securities lending activities |
$
|
366,497
|
$
|
7,260,683
|
$
|
2,509,381
|
$
|
164,578
|
Fees
paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split |
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
Administrative
fees |
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
0
|
Rebate
(paid to borrower) |
$
|
170,881
|
$
|
1,993,354
|
$
|
1,898,281
|
$
|
75,773
|
Other
fees not included in the revenue split (lending agent fees to NFS)
|
$ |