As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2020
Registration No. 33-
(Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-04008)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
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| | THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | | |
| | Pre-Effective Amendment No. | | ☐ |
| | Post-Effective Amendment No. | | ☐ |
Fidelity Investment Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Registrant’s Telephone Number (617) 563-7000
245 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)
Cynthia Lo Bessette, Secretary
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of securities under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 24(f) under the Investment Company Act of 1940; accordingly, no fee is payable herewith because of reliance upon Section 24(f).
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on January 29, 2021, pursuant to Rule 488.
FIDELITY® EMERGING EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA (EMEA) FUND
A SERIES OF
FIDELITY INVESTMENT TRUST
245 SUMMER STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210
1-800-544-8544 (RETAIL CLASS)
1-877-208-0098 (ADVISOR CLASSES)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund (Fidelity EMEA Fund), a series of Fidelity Investment Trust (the trust), will be held on April 14, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and act upon the following proposal, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. In light of public health concerns regarding COVID-19, the Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. The Meeting will be accessible solely by means of remote audio communication. You will not be able to attend the meeting in person.
| (1) | To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for the transfer of all of the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in exchange solely for corresponding shares of beneficial interest of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s liabilities, in complete liquidation of Fidelity EMEA Fund. |
The Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on February 16, 2021 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the fund entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
CYNTHIA LO BESSETTE, Secretary
February 16, 2021
Your vote is important – please vote your shares promptly.
In light of public health concerns regarding COVID-19, the Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. Shareholders are invited to attend the Meeting by means of remote audio communication. You will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. To participate in the Meeting you must register at [ ] and [ ], you must enter the Meeting password ([ ]). You will be required to enter an email address and the control number found on your proxy card voting instruction form or notice you previously received. If you have lost or misplaced your control number and security code, please email Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., the trust’s proxy solicitor (“Broadridge”), at [ ] (include your full name, street address, city, state & zip code) to verify your identity and obtain your control number and security code.
Any shareholder who does not expect to attend the Meeting is urged to vote using the touch-tone telephone or internet voting instructions below or by indicating voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, dating and signing it, and returning it in the envelope provided, which needs no postage if mailed in the United States. In order to avoid unnecessary expense, we ask your cooperation in responding promptly, no matter how large or small your holdings may be. If you wish to wait until the Meeting to vote your shares, you will need to follow the instructions available on the Meeting website during the Meeting.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXECUTING PROXY CARD
The following general rules for executing a proxy card may be of assistance to you and help avoid the time and expense involved in validating your vote if you fail to execute your proxy card properly.
| 1. | Individual Accounts: Your name should be signed exactly as it appears in the registration on the proxy card. |
| 2. | Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration. |
| 3. | All other accounts should show the capacity of the individual signing. This can be shown either in the form of the account registration itself or by the individual executing the proxy card. For example: |
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REGISTRATION | | VALID SIGNATURE |
A.1) | | ABC Corp. | | John Smith, Treasurer |
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2) | | ABC Corp. | | John Smith, Treasurer |
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| | c/o John Smith, Treasurer | | |
B.1) | | ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
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2) | | ABC Trust | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
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3) | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
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| | u/t/d 12/28/78 | | |
C.1) | | Anthony B. Craft, Cust. | | Anthony B. Craft |
| | f/b/o Anthony B. Craft, Jr. | | |
| | UGMA | | |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING BY TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE OR THROUGH THE INTERNET
| 1. | Read the proxy statement, and have your proxy card handy. |
| 2. | Call the toll-free number or visit the web site indicated on your proxy card. |
| 3. | Enter the number found in the box on the front of your proxy card. |
| 4. | Follow the recorded or on-line instructions to cast your vote up until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 13, 2021. |
FIDELITY® EMERGING EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA (EMEA) FUND
FIDELITY® EMERGING MARKETS FUND
SERIES OF
FIDELITY INVESTMENT TRUST
245 SUMMER STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210
1-800-544-8544 (RETAIL CLASS)
1-877-208-0098 (ADVISOR CLASSES)
PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
This combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus (Proxy Statement) is furnished to shareholders of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund (Fidelity EMEA Fund), a series of Fidelity Investment Trust (the trust), in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the trust’s Board of Trustees to be used at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund and at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting), to be held on April 14, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). In light of public health concerns regarding COVID-19, the Board of Trustees and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR), the fund’s investment adviser, have determined that the Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. The Meeting will be accessible solely by means of remote audio communication. You will not be able to attend the meeting in person. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are first being mailed on or about February 16, 2021.
As more fully described in the Proxy Statement, shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund are being asked to consider and vote on an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Agreement) relating to the proposed acquisition of Fidelity EMEA Fund by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. The transaction contemplated by the Agreement is referred to as the Reorganization.
If the Agreement is approved by the fund’s shareholders and the Reorganization occurs, each shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund will become a shareholder of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Fidelity EMEA Fund will transfer all of its assets to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in exchange solely for shares of beneficial interest of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s liabilities in complete liquidation of the fund. The total value of your fund holdings will not change as a result of the Reorganization. The Reorganization is currently scheduled to take place as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) on May 14, 2021, or such other time and date as the parties may agree (the Closing Date).
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (together with Fidelity EMEA Fund, the funds), an equity fund, is a diversified series of Fidelity Investment Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund seeks capital appreciation. Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets (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) and other investments that are tied economically to emerging markets.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Proxy Statement sets forth concisely the information about the Reorganization and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund that shareholders should know before voting on the proposed Reorganization. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
The following documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated into this Proxy Statement by reference, which means they are part of this Proxy Statement for legal purposes:
(i) the Statement of Additional Information dated February 16, 2021, relating to this Proxy Statement;
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(ii) the Prospectus for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares, a Retail Class of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, a copy of which, if applicable, accompanies this Proxy Statement;
(iii) the Prospectus for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund dated February 16, 2021, relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z shares, a copy of which, if applicable, accompanies this Proxy Statement;
(iv) the Statement of Additional Information for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares, a Retail Class of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund;
(v) the Statement of Additional Information for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund dated February 16, 2021, relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z shares;
(vi) the Prospectus for Fidelity EMEA Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Fidelity EMEA Fund shares, a Retail Class of Fidelity EMEA Fund;
(vii) the Prospectus for Fidelity EMEA Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares;
(viii) the Statement of Additional Information for Fidelity EMEA Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Fidelity EMEA Fund shares, a Retail Class of Fidelity EMEA Fund; and
(ix) the Statement of Additional Information for Fidelity EMEA Fund dated December 30, 2020, relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares.
You can obtain copies of the funds’ current Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information, or annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting the trust at Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917, by calling 1-800-544-8544 (Retail Class) and 1-877-208-0098 (Advisor Classes), or by logging on to www.fidelity.com (Retail Class) or institutional.fidelity.com (Advisor Classes).
The trust is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, each must file proxy material, reports, and other information with the SEC. You can review and copy such information at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, the SEC’s Northeast Regional Office, 200 Vesey Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10281-1022, and the SEC’s Midwest Regional Office, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60604. Such information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain copies of such information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Room, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.
An investment in the funds is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the funds.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SYNOPSIS
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, in the Agreement, and/or in the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, which are incorporated herein by reference. Shareholders should read the entire Proxy Statement and the Prospectus of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund carefully for more complete information.
Certain arrangements described herein, including without limitation, the establishment of Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares, are not currently in effect for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, but rather are expected to become effective shortly prior to consummation of the Reorganization.
What proposal am I being asked to vote on?
As more fully described in “The Proposed Transaction” below, shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund are being asked to approve the Agreement relating to the proposed acquisition of Fidelity EMEA Fund by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund.
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 16, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting.
If the Agreement is approved by fund shareholders and the Reorganization occurs, each shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund will become a shareholder of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund instead. Fidelity EMEA Fund will transfer all of its assets to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in exchange solely for shares of beneficial interest of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s liabilities in complete liquidation of the fund. Each shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund will receive shares of the corresponding class of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. The Reorganization is currently scheduled to take place as of the close of business of the NYSE on the Closing Date.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.”
Has the Board of Trustees approved the proposal?
Yes. The fund’s Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed the proposal and approved the Agreement and the Reorganization. The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement.
What are the reasons for the proposal?
The Board of Trustees considered the following factors, among others, in determining to recommend that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement:
| • | | The Reorganization will permit Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders to pursue the same investment objective in a larger and more successful fund. |
| • | | Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders can get more diversified exposure to emerging markets. |
| • | | Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders are expected to benefit from an expense reduction, including a decrease of 10 basis points in management fees due to the benefit of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s lower non-standard management fee and from spreading fixed costs over a larger asset base. |
| • | | Over the long-term, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund has outperformed Fidelity EMEA Fund over all standard time periods and has earned five stars from Morningstar compared to two stars for Fidelity EMEA Fund. |
| • | | The Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free Reorganization for federal income tax purposes. |
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Reasons for the Reorganization.”
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How will you determine the number of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund that I will receive?
Although the number of shares you own will most likely change, the total value of your holdings will not change as a result of the Reorganization. As provided in the Agreement, Fidelity EMEA Fund will distribute shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund to its shareholders so that each shareholder will receive the number of full and fractional shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund equal in value to the net asset value of shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund held by such shareholder on the Closing Date.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Agreement and Plan of Reorganization.”
What class of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will I receive?
Holders of Fidelity EMEA Fund (Retail Class), and Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund will receive, respectively, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class), Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund are being created to facilitate the Reorganization and will not commence operations until approximately the Closing Date of the Reorganization.
Is the Reorganization considered a taxable event for federal income tax purposes?
No. Each fund will receive an opinion of counsel that the Reorganization will not result in any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes to either fund or to the shareholders of either fund, except that Fidelity EMEA Fund may recognize gain or loss with respect to assets (if any) that are subject to “mark-to-market” tax accounting.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
How do the funds’ investment objectives, strategies, policies, and limitations compare?
The funds have the same investment objective. Each fund seeks capital appreciation. Each fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and does not require shareholder approval to change.
Although the funds have similar principal investment strategies, there are some differences of which you should be aware. The following compares the principal investment strategies of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund:
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Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund |
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the EMEA region. 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. 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. EMEA countries include, without limitation, Russia, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Morocco. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks. | | The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets and other investments that are tied economically 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. 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. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks. |
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The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different EMEA region countries. | | The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different emerging market countries. |
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The Adviser may invest up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the EMEA market as a whole, as represented by an index determined by the Adviser to be an appropriate measure of the EMEA market, currently the MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Europe, Middle East and Africa Index. The Adviser intends to measure the percentage of the index represented by each industry no less frequently than once per month. | | No corresponding principal strategy. |
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Because the fund is classified as non-diversified, the Adviser may invest a significant percentage of the fund’s assets in relatively few companies and up to 25% in a single issuer. | | No corresponding principal strategy. |
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In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions. | | Same principal strategy. |
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If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective. | | Same principal strategy. |
For a comparison of the principal risks associated with the funds’ principal investment strategies, please refer to the section entitled “Comparison of Principal Risk Factors.”
Although the funds have similar fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies and limitations, there are some differences of which you should be aware. The following summarizes the investment policy and limitation differences between Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund:
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Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund |
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Fundamental policies and limitations (subject to change only by shareholder vote) | | Fundamental policies and limitations (subject to change only by shareholder vote) |
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No corresponding policy or limitation. | | Diversification. The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund’s total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. |
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Concentration. The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in the | | Concentration. The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund’s total assets would be |
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securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry, except that the fund may purchase the securities of any issuer, if as a result, no more than 35% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the EMEA market as a whole, as measured by an index determined by FMR to be an appropriate measure of the EMEA market. | | invested in companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry. |
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Non-Fundamental Policies and Limitations | | Non-Fundamental Policies and Limitations |
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Diversification. In order to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the fund currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M. Subchapter M generally requires a fund to invest no more than 25% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer or in the securities of certain publicly-traded partnerships and to invest at least 50% of its total assets so that (a) no more than 5% of the fund’s total assets are invested in securities of any one issuer, and (b) the fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. However, Subchapter M allows unlimited investments in cash, cash items, government securities (as defined in Subchapter M) and securities of other regulated investment companies. These tax requirements are generally applied at the end of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year. | | The Fund intends to comply with the Subchapter M diversification requirements. |
Except as noted above, the funds have the same fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies and limitations.
For more information about the funds’ investment objectives, strategies, policies, and limitations, please refer to the “Investment Details” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Investment Policies and Limitations“ section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, please see Attachment 1.
Following the Reorganization, the combined fund will be managed in accordance with the investment objective, strategies, policies, and limitations of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund.
How do the funds’ management and distribution arrangements compare?
The following summarizes the management and distribution arrangements of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund:
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Management of the Funds
The principal business address of FMR, each fund’s investment adviser, is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As the manager, FMR has overall responsibility for directing the funds’ investments and handling their business affairs. As of January 1, 2020, FMR had approximately $2.6 trillion in discretionary assets under management, and as of December 31, 2019, approximately $3.2 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates’ assets under management.
FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK), at 1 St. Martin’s Le Grand, London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom; Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), at Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong; Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan), at Kamiyacho Prime Place, 1-17, Toranomon-4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ), at Tri-Seven Roppongi, 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0032; FIL Investment Advisors (FIA), at Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Pembroke HM19, Bermuda; and FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK)), located at Oakhill House, 130 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, TN11 9DZ, United Kingdom, are sub-advisers to the funds. As of December 31, 2019, FMR UK had approximately $23.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. As of December 31, 2019, FMR H.K. had approximately $16.5 billion in discretionary assets under management. As of March 31, 2020, FMR Japan had approximately $4.2 billion in discretionary assets under management.
FMR is expected to continue serving as manager, and each of the sub-advisers are expected to continue serving as sub-advisers of the combined fund after the Reorganization.
Adam Kutas is portfolio manager of Fidelity EMEA Fund, which he has managed since May 2008. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1996, Mr. Kutas has worked as a manager, research analyst, and portfolio manager.
John Dance is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, which he has managed since February 2019. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2006, Mr. Dance has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
John Dance, who is currently the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, is expected to continue to be responsible for portfolio management of the combined fund after the Reorganization.
For information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by a fund’s portfolio manager(s), please refer to the “Management Contract(s)” section of each fund’s Statements of Additional Information, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Each fund has entered into a management contract with FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Each fund pays FMR a management fee calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, dividing by twelve, and multiplying the result by the fund’s average net assets throughout the month. The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of a group of mutual funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above 0.52%, and it drops as total assets under management increase. For October 2020, the group fee rate for Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund was 0.23%. The individual fund fee rate is 0.55% for Fidelity EMEA Fund and 0.45% for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for each fund is available in each fund’s semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2020.
If the Reorganization is approved, the combined fund will retain Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s management fee structure.
For more information about fund management, please refer to the “Fund Management” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Control of Investment Advisers” and “Management Contract(s)” sections of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Arrangements
FMR has contractually agreed to reimburse Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Retail Class of Fidelity EMEA Fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, 12b-1 fees, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of their respective average net assets, exceed 1.55%,1.80%, 2.30%, 1.30%, and 1.30% through February 28, 2022 (the Expense Caps).
For more information about the funds’ fees and operating expenses, please refer to the funds’ Prospectuses, which are incorporated herein by reference, and to “Annual Fund and Class Operating Expenses” below.
If the proposed Reorganization is not approved, the fund will maintain its current expense structure.
Distribution of Fund Shares
The principal business address of FDC, each fund’s principal underwriter and distribution agent, is 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917.
Fidelity EMEA Fund (Retail Class), and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class) have each adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) that recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of fund shares and/or shareholder support services. A fund’s Distribution and Service Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those that are to be made to FMR under the fund’s management contract.
Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity EMEA Fund have adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Class A has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class A is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A shares. Class A may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of Class A’s average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class A shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class A plan, Class A pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class A’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Class M has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class M is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class M shares. Class M may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Class M currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of its average net assets throughout the month. Class M’s 12b-1 (distribution) fee rate may be increased only when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class M shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class M plan, Class M pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class M’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
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Class C has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class C is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares. Class C currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average net assets throughout the month.
In addition, pursuant to the Class C plan, Class C pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class C’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Class I has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class I shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for Class I.
[If the Reorganization is approved, the Distribution and Service Plan for the combined fund will remain unchanged.]
For more information about fund distribution, please refer to the “Fund Distribution” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Distribution Services” section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, please see Attachment 1.
How do the funds’ fees and operating expenses compare, and what are the combined fund’s fees and operating expenses estimated to be following the Reorganization?
The following tables allow you to compare the fees and expenses of each fund and to analyze the pro forma estimated fees and expenses of the combined fund.
Annual Fund and Class Operating Expenses
The following tables show the fees and expenses of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund for the 12 months ended October 31, 2020, and the pro forma estimated fees and expenses of the combined fund based on the same time period after giving effect to the Reorganization. Sales charges, if applicable, are paid directly to FDC, each fund’s distributor. Annual fund or class operating expenses are paid by each fund or class, as applicable.
As shown below, the Reorganization is expected to result in lower total annual operating expenses for shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund.
Retail Class
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | None | | None | | None |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | None | | None | | None |
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Annual Class Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Management fee | | 0.79% | | 0.68% | | 0.68% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | None | | None | | None |
Other expenses | | 0.56% | | 0.24% | | 0.24% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | 1.35%(a) | | 0.92% | | 0.92% |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 0.04%(b) | | 0.00% | | 0.00% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 1.31%(a) | | 0.92% | | 0.92% |
(b) | Differs from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus because of acquired fund fees and expenses. For the period, acquired fund fees and expenses are less than 0.01% and are included in other expenses. As a result, the total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement in the fee table exceed the contractual expense limitations of the class. |
(b) | Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 1.30% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through February 28, 2022. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date. |
Class A
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | 5.75% | | 5.75% | | 5.75% |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | None(a) | | None(a) | | None(a) |
(a) | Class A purchases of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge. Such Class A purchases may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00%. |
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Annual Class Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund(b) | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined(b) |
Management fee | | 0.79% | | 0.68% | | 0.68% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | 0.25% | | 0.25% | | 0.25% |
Other expenses | | 0.58% | | 0.33% | | 0.33% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | 1.62% | | 1.26% | | 1.26% |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 0.07%(a) | | 0.00% | | 0.00% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 1.55% | | 1.26% | | 1.26% |
(a) | Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 1.55% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through February 28, 2022. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date. |
(b) | Class will commence operations in May 2021. |
Class M
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | 3.50% | | 3.50% | | 3.50% |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | None(a) | | None(a) | | None(a) |
(a) | Class M purchases of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge. Such Class M purchases may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 0.25%. |
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Annual Class Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund(b) | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined(b) |
Management fee | | 0.79% | | 0.68% | | 0.68% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | 0.50% | | 0.50% | | 0.50% |
Other expenses | | 0.61% | | 0.36% | | 0.36% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | 1.90% | | 1.54% | | 1.54% |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 0.10%(a) | | 0.00% | | 0.00% |
| | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | 1.80% | | 1.54% | | 1.54% |
(a) | Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 1.80% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through February 28, 2022. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date. |
(b) | Class will commence operations in May 2021. |
Class C
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | None | | None | | None |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | 1.00%(a) | | 1.00%(a) | | 1.00%(a) |
(a) | On Class C shares redeemed less than one year after purchase. |
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Annual Class Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (c) | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined(c) | |
Management fee | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.68 | % | | | 0.68 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.00 | % |
Other expenses | | | 0.62 | % | | | 0.37 | % | | | 0.37 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 2.41 | %(a) | | | 2.05 | % | | | 2.05 | % |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 0.10 | %(b) | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 2.31 | %(a) | | | 2.05 | % | | | 2.05 | % |
(b) | Differs from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus because of acquired fund fees and expenses. For the period, acquired fund fees and expenses are less than 0.01% and are included in other expenses. As a result, the total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement in the fee table exceed the contractual expense limitations of the class. |
(b) | Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 2.30% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through February 28, 2022. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date. |
(c) | Class will commence operations in May 2021. |
Class I
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | None | | None | | None |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | None | | None | | None |
Annual Class Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (b) | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined(b) |
Management fee | | 0.79% | | 0.68% | | 0.68% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | None | | None | | None |
Other expenses | | 0.60% | | 0.35% | | 0.35% |
| | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.03 | % |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 0.09 | %(a) | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.03 | % |
(a) | Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse the class of shares of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of its average net assets, exceed 1.55% (the Expense Cap). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for the class of shares of the fund fall below the Expense Cap, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Cap. This arrangement will remain in effect through February 28, 2022. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend it in its discretion after that date. |
(b) | Class will commence operations in May 2021. |
Examples of Effect of Fund Expenses
The following tables illustrate the expenses on a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each fund under the current and pro forma (combined fund) expenses calculated at the rates stated above, assuming a 5% annual return after giving effect to the Reorganization. The tables illustrate how much a shareholder would pay in total expenses if the shareholder sells all of his or her shares at the end of each time period indicated.
Retail Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined | |
1 year | | $ | 133 | | | $ | 94 | | | $ | 94 | |
3 years | | $ | 422 | | | $ | 293 | | | $ | 293 | |
5 years | | $ | 734 | | | $ | 509 | | | $ | 509 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,619 | | | $ | 1,131 | | | $ | 1,131 | |
Class A
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined | |
| | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | |
1 year | | $ | 724 | | | $ | 724 | | | $ | 696 | | | $ | 696 | | | $ | 696 | | | $ | 696 | |
3 years | | $ | 1,048 | | | $ | 1,048 | | | $ | 952 | | | $ | 952 | | | $ | 952 | | | $ | 952 | |
5 years | | $ | 1,397 | | | $ | 1,397 | | | $ | 1,227 | | | $ | 1,227 | | | $ | 1,227 | | | $ | 1,227 | |
10 years | | $ | 2,379 | | | $ | 2,379 | | | $ | 2,010 | | | $ | 2,010 | | | $ | 2,010 | | | $ | 2,010 | |
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Class M
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined | |
| | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | |
1 year | | $ | 526 | | | $ | 526 | | | $ | 501 | | | $ | 501 | | | $ | 501 | | | $ | 501 | |
3 years | | $ | 913 | | | $ | 913 | | | $ | 819 | | | $ | 819 | | | $ | 819 | | | $ | 819 | |
5 years | | $ | 1,328 | | | $ | 1,328 | | | $ | 1,160 | | | $ | 1,160 | | | $ | 1,160 | | | $ | 1,160 | |
10 years | | $ | 2,484 | | | $ | 2,484 | | | $ | 2,120 | | | $ | 2,120 | | | $ | 2,120 | | | $ | 2,120 | |
Class C
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined | |
| | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | |
1 year | | $ | 334 | | | $ | 234 | | | $ | 308 | | | $ | 208 | | | $ | 308 | | | $ | 208 | |
3 years | | $ | 739 | | | $ | 739 | | | $ | 643 | | | $ | 643 | | | $ | 643 | | | $ | 643 | |
5 years | | $ | 1,273 | | | $ | 1,273 | | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,103 | |
10 years | | $ | 2,736 | | | $ | 2,736 | | | $ | 2,379 | | | $ | 2,379 | | | $ | 2,379 | | | $ | 2,379 | |
Class I
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro forma Combined | |
| | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | | | Sell All | | | Hold All | |
1 year | | $ | 132 | | | $ | 132 | | | $ | 105 | | | $ | 105 | | | $ | 105 | | | $ | 105 | |
3 years | | $ | 428 | | | $ | 428 | | | $ | 328 | | | $ | 328 | | | $ | 328 | | | $ | 328 | |
5 years | | $ | 749 | | | $ | 749 | | | $ | 569 | | | $ | 569 | | | $ | 569 | | | $ | 569 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,658 | | | $ | 1,658 | | | $ | 1,259 | | | $ | 1,259 | | | $ | 1,259 | | | $ | 1,259 | |
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These examples assume that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested and that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Operating Expenses remain the same in the years shown. These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to suggest actual or expected expenses, which may vary. The assumed return of 5% is not a prediction of, and does not represent, actual or expected performance of any fund.
Do the procedures for purchasing and redeeming shares of the funds differ?
The procedures for purchasing and redeeming shares of the funds are generally similar, although the price to buy one share of a fund or the price to sell one share of a fund will vary depending on whether the shares are subject to a sales charge or CDSC, as applicable.
The price to buy one share of Fidelity EMEA Fund (Retail Class) and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class) is the fund’s net asset value per share (NAV). The fund’s shares are sold without a sales charge. Shares are purchased at the next NAV calculated after an order is received in proper form. The fund’s NAV is normally calculated each business day at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The price to buy one share of Class A or Class M of Fidelity EMEA Fund is the class’s offering price or the class’s NAV, depending on whether a front-end sales charge is paid. The offering price of Class A or Class M is its NAV plus the applicable front-end sales charge. If the purchase qualifies for a front-end sales charge waiver, the price is Class A’s or Class M’s NAV.
Class A shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund are sold subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. Class A purchases of Fidelity EMEA Fund of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge but may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) that declines over 2 years from 0.25% to 0%. Class M shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund are sold subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 3.50%. Class M purchases of Fidelity EMEA Fund of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge but may be subject, upon redemption, to a CDSC of 0.25% if redeemed less than one year after purchase.
The price to buy one share of Class C of Fidelity EMEA Fund is the class’s NAV. Class C shares are sold without a front-end sales charge, but may be subject, upon redemption, to a CDSC. Class C shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund are subject to a CDSC of 0.25% if redeemed less than one year after purchase.
The price to buy one share of Class I of Fidelity EMEA Fund is the class’s NAV. Class I shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.
The procedures for redeeming shares of the funds differ.
The price to sell one share of Fidelity EMEA Fund, the Retail Class of Fidelity EMEA Fund, and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, the Retail Class of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is the fund’s NAV. Shares are sold at the next NAV calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share of Class A, Class M, Class C or Class I of Fidelity EMEA Fund is the class’s NAV, minus any applicable CDSC. Shares are sold at the next NAV calculated after an order is received in proper form, minus any applicable CDSC.
On December 31, 2020, Fidelity EMEA Fund closed to new accounts pending the Reorganization. Shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund as of that date can continue to purchase shares of the fund. Shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund may redeem shares of the fund through the Closing Date of the fund’s Reorganization.
For more information about the procedures for purchasing and redeeming the funds’ shares, including a description of the policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading of fund shares, please refer to the “Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Information” section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, please see Attachment 1.
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Do the funds’ exchange privileges differ?
Each fund’s exchange privileges differ depending on which share class of a fund that you own.
An exchange involves the redemption of all or a portion of the shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund. Exchanges are subject to minimum investment limitations and other eligibility requirements of the shares of the fund into which you are exchanging.
As a shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund you have the privilege of exchanging shares for shares of other Fidelity® retail funds.
As a Class A shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund, you have the privilege of exchanging Class A shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor Classes of shares at NAV or for Daily Money Class shares of Fidelity® funds that offer Daily Money Class shares.
As a Class M shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund, you have the privilege of exchanging Class M shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor Classes of shares at NAV or for Daily Money Class shares of Fidelity® funds that offer Daily Money Class shares. If you purchased your Class M shares through certain investment professionals that have signed an agreement with FDC, you also have the privilege of exchanging your Class M shares for shares of Fidelity® Capital Appreciation Fund.
As a Class C shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund, you have the privilege of exchanging Class C shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor Classes of shares or for Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund.
As a Class I shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund, you have the privilege of exchanging Class I shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor Classes of shares or for shares of Fidelity® funds.
Through your investment professional, you may also move between certain share classes of the same fund.
For more information about the funds’ exchange privileges, please refer to the “Exchanging Shares” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Information” section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Do the funds’ dividend and distribution policies differ?
No. The funds’ dividend and distribution policies are the same. If the Reorganization is approved, the dividend and distribution policies of the combined fund will remain unchanged.
On or before the Closing Date, Fidelity EMEA Fund may declare additional dividends or other distributions in order to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gain.
Whether or not the Reorganization is approved, Fidelity EMEA Fund is required to recognize gain or loss on any assets subject to “mark-to-market” tax accounting held by the fund on the last day of its taxable year, which is October 31st. If the Reorganization is approved, gains or losses on such assets held on the Closing Date by Fidelity EMEA Fund may be required to be recognized on the Closing Date.
For more information about the funds’ dividend and distribution policies, please refer to the “Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Distributions and Taxes” section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Who bears the expenses associated with the Reorganization?
Fidelity EMEA Fund will bear the cost of the Reorganization, provided the expenses do not exceed its classes’ existing expense caps. Expenses exceeding a class’s expense cap will be paid by FMR.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “Voting Information – Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses.”
COMPARISON OF PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
Many factors affect each fund’s performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a fund’s performance. A fund’s share price changes daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. A fund’s reaction to these developments will be affected by the types of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund’s level of investment in the securities of that issuer. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in a fund.
The following is a summary of the principal risks associated with an investment in the funds. Because the funds have identical investment objectives and similar strategies as described above, the funds are subject to substantially similar investment risks. Because the funds have some different principal investment strategies as described above, the funds are also subject to some different investment risks, of which you should be aware.
What risks are associated with an investment in both of the funds?
Each fund is subject to the following principal risks:
Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile.
Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole.
What additional risks are associated with an investment in Fidelity EMEA Fund?
Fidelity EMEA Fund is subject to the following principal risk, which is not a principal risk generally associated with an investment in Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund:
Geographic Concentration in the EMEA Region. Because the fund concentrates its investments in the EMEA region, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within the EMEA region and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments.
What additional risks are associated with an investment in Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund?
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is subject to the following principal risks, which is not a principal risk generally associated with an investment in Fidelity EMEA Fund:
Geographic Concentration in China. Because the fund concentrates its investments in China, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions in China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund
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may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments.
For more information about the principal risks associated with an investment in the funds, please refer to the “Investment Details” section of the funds’ Prospectuses, and to the “Investment Policies and Limitations“ section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, please see Attachment 1.
How do the funds compare in terms of their performance?
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the funds. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of each fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of each fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the funds’ Prospectuses. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Year-by-Year Returns
Fidelity EMEA Fund– Retail Class
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 20.28 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (21.58 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | (21.39 | )% | | | September 30, 2020 | |
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Fidelity EMEA Fund– Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart for Class A: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 20.17 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (21.64 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | (21.49 | )% | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund– Retail Class
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 19.52 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (24.04 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | 12.84 | % | | | September 30, 2020 | |
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Average Annual Returns
Fidelity EMEA Fund
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity EMEA Fund - Retail Class | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 21.95 | % | | | 7.51 | % | | | 5.23 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 21.00 | % | | | 7.27 | % | | | 5.08 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 14.23 | % | | | 6.19 | % | | | 4.48 | % |
Class A - Return Before Taxes | | | 14.52 | % | | | 5.96 | % | | | 4.35 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 13.75 | % | | | 5.80 | % | | | 4.26 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 9.77 | % | | | 4.95 | % | | | 3.76 | % |
Class M - Return Before Taxes | | | 17.01 | % | | | 6.17 | % | | | 4.31 | % |
Class C - Return Before Taxes | | | 19.63 | % | | | 6.42 | % | | | 4.17 | % |
Class I - Return Before Taxes | | | 21.77 | % | | | 7.57 | % | | | 5.30 | % |
MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Europe, Middle East and Africa Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 15.69 | % | | | 3.04 | % | | | 1.15 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund– Retail Class
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
| | | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 33.65 | % | | | 8.48 | % | | | 5.43 | % |
| | | |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 33.18 | % | | | 8.38 | % | | | 5.39 | % |
| | | |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 20.38 | % | | | 6.78 | % | | | 4.49 | % |
| | | |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 18.47 | % | | | 5.65 | % | | | 3.73 | % |
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THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION BETWEEN FIDELITY EMEA FUND AND FIDELITY® EMERGING MARKETS FUND.
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
The terms and conditions under which the proposed transaction may be consummated are set forth in the Agreement. Significant provisions of the Agreement are summarized below; however, this summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1 to this Proxy Statement.
The Agreement contemplates (a) Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund acquiring as of the Closing Date all of the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund in exchange solely for shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s liabilities; and (b) the distribution of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund to the shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund as provided for in the Agreement.
The value of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s assets to be acquired by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and the amount of its liabilities to be assumed by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will be determined as of the close of business of the NYSE on the Closing Date, using the valuation procedures set forth in Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s then-current Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information. The net asset value of a share of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will be determined as of the same time using the valuation procedures set forth in its then-current Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
As of the Closing Date, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will deliver to Fidelity EMEA Fund, and Fidelity EMEA Fund will distribute to its shareholders of record, shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund so that each Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder will receive the number of full and fractional shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund held by such shareholder on the Closing Date; Fidelity EMEA Fund will be liquidated as soon as practicable thereafter. Each shareholder of Fidelity EMEA Fund will receive shares of the corresponding class of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Each Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder’s account shall be credited with the respective pro rata number of full and fractional shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund due that shareholder. The net asset value per share of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will be unchanged by the transaction. Thus, the Reorganization will not result in a dilution of any shareholder’s interest.
Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in a name other than that of the registered holder of the shares on the books of Fidelity EMEA Fund as of that time shall be paid by the person to whom such shares are to be issued as a condition of such transfer. Any reporting responsibility of Fidelity EMEA Fund is and will continue to be its responsibility up to and including the Closing Date and such later date on which Fidelity EMEA Fund is liquidated.
Fidelity EMEA Fund will bear the cost of the Reorganization, including professional fees, expenses associated with the filing of registration statements, and the cost of soliciting proxies for the Meeting, which will consist principally of printing and mailing Prospectuses and the Proxy Statement, together with the cost of any supplementary solicitation, provided the expenses do not exceed its classes’ existing expense caps. Expenses exceeding a class’s expense cap will be paid by FMR.
All of the current investments of Fidelity EMEA Fund are permissible investments for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Nevertheless, if shareholders approve the Reorganization, FMR may sell certain securities held by the funds and purchase other securities. Any transaction costs associated with portfolio adjustments to Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund due to the Reorganization that occur prior to the Closing Date will be borne by Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, respectively, notwithstanding the contractual expense caps in place with respect to each class of the fund. Any transaction costs associated with portfolio adjustments to Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund due to the Reorganization that occur after the Closing Date and any additional merger-related costs attributable to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund that occur after the Closing Date will be borne by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. The funds may recognize a taxable gain or loss on the disposition of securities pursuant to these portfolio adjustments.
The consummation of the Reorganization is subject to a number of conditions set forth in the Agreement, some of which may be waived by a fund. In addition, the Agreement may be amended in any mutually agreeable manner, except that no amendment that may have a materially adverse effect on Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders’ interests may be made subsequent to the Meeting.
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Reasons for the Reorganization
In determining whether to approve the Reorganization, each fund’s Board of Trustees (the Board) considered a number of factors, including the following:
| (1) | the compatibility of the investment objectives, strategies, and policies of the funds; |
| (2) | the historical performance of the funds; |
| (3) | the fees and expenses and the relative expense ratios of the funds; |
| (4) | the potential benefit of the Reorganization to shareholders of the funds; |
| (5) | the costs to be incurred by each fund as a result of the Reorganization; |
| (6) | the tax consequences of the Reorganization; |
| (7) | the relative size of the funds; |
| (8) | the elimination of duplicative funds; and |
| (9) | the potential benefit of the Reorganization to FMR and its affiliates. |
FMR proposed the Reorganization to each fund’s Board at a meeting of the Board held on November 18, 2020. In proposing the Reorganization, FMR advised the Board that the Reorganization would permit Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders to pursue the same investment objective in a larger and more successful fund. Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders can get more diversified exposure to emerging markets. Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders are expected to benefit from an expense reduction, including a decrease of 10 basis points in management fees due to the benefit of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s lower non-standard management fee and from spreading fixed costs over a larger asset base. Over the long-term, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund has outperformed Fidelity EMEA Fund over all standard time periods and has earned five stars from Morningstar compared to two stars for Fidelity EMEA Fund. The Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free exchange for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will not be impacted as expenses are not expected to change as a result of the merger.
Each fund’s Board carefully reviewed the proposal and determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the shareholders of each fund and that the Reorganization will not result in a dilution of the interests of the shareholders of either fund.
Description of the Securities to be Issued
Holders of Fidelity EMEA Fund (Retail Class) shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund will receive, respectively, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class) shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Holders of Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares of Fidelity EMEA Fund will receive, respectively, Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund are being created to facilitate the Reorganization and will not commence operations until approximately the Closing Date of the Reorganization.
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is a series of Fidelity Investment Trust. The Trustees of the trust are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. Each share of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of the fund, and each such share of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is entitled to equal voting, dividend, liquidation, and redemption rights. Each shareholder of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value of the fund that shareholder owns, with fractional dollar amounts entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund have no preemptive rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth in the “Description of the Trust – Shareholder Liability” section of the fund’s Statements of Additional Information, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The trust does not hold annual meetings of shareholders. There will normally be no meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholder meeting for the election of Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, shareholders of record of at least two-thirds of the
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outstanding shares of an investment company may remove a Trustee by votes cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any Trustee when requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record holding at least 10% of the trust’s outstanding shares.
For more information about voting rights and dividend rights, please refer to the “Description of the Trust – Voting Rights” and the “Distributions and Taxes” sections, respectively, of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information about redemption rights and exchange privileges, please refer to the “Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares” and the “Exchanging Shares” sections, respectively, of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s Prospectuses, which are incorporated herein by reference. For more information relating to Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, please see Attachment 1.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
The exchange of Fidelity EMEA Fund’s assets for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s shares and the assumption of the liabilities of Fidelity EMEA Fund by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free Reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). With respect to the Reorganization, Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will receive an opinion from Dechert LLP, counsel to each fund, substantially to the effect that:
(i) The acquisition by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of substantially all of the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund in exchange solely for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of all liabilities of Fidelity EMEA Fund followed by the distribution of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares to the Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders in exchange for their Fidelity EMEA Fund shares in complete liquidation and termination of Fidelity EMEA Fund will constitute a tax-free Reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code;
(ii) Fidelity EMEA Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in exchange solely for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares and the assumption by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of all liabilities of Fidelity EMEA Fund, except that Fidelity EMEA Fund may be required to recognize gain or loss with respect to contracts described in Section 1256(b) of the Code or stock in a passive foreign investment company, as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code;
(iii) Fidelity EMEA Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the distribution to its shareholders of the Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares received by Fidelity EMEA Fund in the Reorganization;
(iv) Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund in exchange solely for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares and the assumption of all liabilities of Fidelity EMEA Fund;
(v) The adjusted basis to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund of the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund received by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the adjusted basis of those assets in the hands of Fidelity EMEA Fund immediately before the exchange;
(vi) Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s holding periods with respect to the assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund that Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund acquires in the Reorganization will include the respective periods for which those assets were held by Fidelity EMEA Fund (except where investment activities of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating a holding period with respect to an asset);
(vii) The Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares in exchange solely for Fidelity EMEA Fund shares;
(viii) The aggregate basis of the Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares received by a Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Fidelity EMEA Fund shares surrendered by the Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder in exchange therefor; and
(ix) A Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares received by the Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will include the holding period during which the Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder held Fidelity EMEA Fund shares surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholder held such shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
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In the Reorganization, Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders could be transitioning from a fund with substantial realized capital losses and smaller net unrealized gains to a fund with no pre-existing capital loss carryforwards and substantial net unrealized gains. In addition, the Reorganization would trigger tax rules that could impose significant limits on Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s ability to use Fidelity EMEA Fund’s losses. These losses do not expire and thus the limits will not prevent Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund from eventually using the losses, but based on data as of November 30 it could take over 8 years for Fidelity EMEA Fund’s losses to become fully available to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. As a result of the foregoing, Fidelity EMEA Fund shareholders could end up receiving capital gain distributions sooner and in larger amounts than if Fidelity EMEA Fund continued as a separate fund.
The table below shows each fund’s approximate net assets, net realized gains/losses and net unrealized gains/losses (including capital loss carryforwards) as of November 30, 2020. The actual impact of the Reorganization on the funds’ losses and on future capital gain distributions will depend on each fund’s net assets, net realized gains/losses and net unrealized gains/losses at the time of the Reorganization, as well as the timing and amount of gains and losses realized by Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund following the Reorganization, and thus cannot be determined precisely at this time.
Tax Position as of November 30, 2020 ($M)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund Name | | Fiscal Year End | | | Net Assets | | | Net Realized Gains/(Losses) (including capital loss carryforwards) | | | Net Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) | |
Fidelity EMEA Fund | | | October | | | $ | 69.9 | | | $ | (16.7 | ) | | $ | 10.9 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | October | | | $ | 6,295.9 | | | $ | 19.6 | * | | $ | 2,447.3 | |
* | Does not include net realized gains that were distributed in December 2020. |
Shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of the proposed Reorganization in light of their individual circumstances. Because the foregoing discussion relates only to the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization, those shareholders also should consult their tax advisers as to state and local tax consequences, if any, of the Reorganization.
Forms of Organization
Fidelity EMEA Fund is classified as non-diversified and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund is a diversified series of Fidelity Investment Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust organized on April 20, 1984. The trusts are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Because the funds are series of the same Massachusetts business trust, governed by the same Declaration of Trust, the rights of the security holders of Fidelity EMEA Fund under state law and the governing documents are expected to remain unchanged after the Reorganization.
For more information regarding shareholder rights, please refer to the “Description of the Trust(s)” section of the funds’ Statements of Additional Information, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Operations of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Following the Reorganization
FMR does not expect Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund to revise its investment policies as a result of the Reorganization. In addition, FMR does not anticipate significant changes to Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s management or to entities that provide the fund with services. Specifically, the Trustees and officers,
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the investment adviser, distributor, and other entities will continue to serve Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund in their current capacities. John Dance, who is currently the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, is expected to continue to be responsible for portfolio management of the combined fund after the Reorganization.
Capitalization
The following table shows the capitalization of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund as of November 30, 2020, and on a pro forma combined basis (unaudited) as of that date giving effect to the Reorganization. As of November 30, 2020, the net assets of Fidelity EMEA Fund were $69,958,881, or 1.1% of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund.
Fidelity EMEA Fund(a)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net Assets | | | Net Asset Value Per Share | | | Shares Outstanding | |
Fidelity EMEA Fund (Retail Class) | | $ | 44,187,957 | | | $ | 8.86 | | | | 4,986,217 | |
Class A | | $ | 4,358,312 | | | $ | 8.85 | | | | 492,589 | |
Class M | | $ | 1,845,080 | | | $ | 8.80 | | | | 209,570 | |
Class C | | $ | 1,550,747 | | | $ | 8.82 | | | | 175,787 | |
Class I | | $ | 18,016,785 | | | $ | 8.83 | | | | 2,040,234 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net Assets | | | Net Asset Value Per Share | | | Shares Outstanding | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class) | | $ | 4,961,808,894 | | | $ | 43.04 | | | | 115,294,088 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund Pro Forma
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net Assets | | | Net Asset Value Per Share | | | Shares Outstanding | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund (Retail Class) | | $ | 5,005,996,851 | | | $ | 43.04 | | | | 116,320,853 | |
Class A(b) | | $ | 4,358,312 | | | $ | 43.04 | (c) | | | 101,271 | (d) |
Class M(b) | | $ | 1,845,080 | | | $ | 43.04 | (c) | | | 42,873 | (d) |
Class C(b) | | $ | 1,550,747 | | | $ | 43.04 | (c) | | | 36,034 | (d) |
Class I(b) | | $ | 18,016,785 | | | $ | 43.04 | (c) | | | 418,643 | (d) |
(a) | Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund’s estimated one time proxy costs is $63,000. |
(b) | Class will commence operations in May 2021. |
(c) | Class expected to launch at $43.04 net asset value per share. |
(d) | Share have been adjusted to reflect what will be issued post merger. |
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The table above assumes that the Reorganization occurred on November 30, 2020. The table is for information purposes only. No assurance can be given as to how many Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares will be received by shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund on the date that the Reorganization takes place, and the foregoing should not be relied upon to reflect the number of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund that actually will be received on or after that date.
Conclusion
The Agreement and the Reorganization were approved by the Board of Trustees of the trust at a meeting held on November 18, 2020. The Board of Trustees determined that the proposed Reorganization is in the best interests of shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and that the interests of existing shareholders of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. In the event that the Reorganization does not occur, Fidelity EMEA Fund will continue to engage in business as a fund of a registered investment company and the Board of Trustees of Fidelity EMEA Fund may consider other proposals for the Reorganization or liquidation of the fund.
The Board of Trustees of Fidelity EMEA Fund unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund’s financial highlights for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, which are included in the fund’s Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders. Fidelity EMEA Fund’s financial highlights for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, which are included in the fund’s Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders. The financial highlights audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Deloitte & Touche LLP have been incorporated by reference in reliance on their reports given on their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.
VOTING INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the trust’s Board of Trustees to be used at the Meeting. The purpose of the Meeting is set forth in the accompanying Notice.
The solicitation is being made primarily by the mailing of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about February 16, 2021. Supplementary solicitations may be made by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic means, or by personal interview by representatives of the trust. In addition, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge) may be paid on a per-call basis to solicit shareholders by telephone on behalf of Fidelity EMEA Fund at an anticipated cost of approximately $[ ]. Fidelity EMEA Fund may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. Broadridge may be paid on a per-call basis for vote-by-phone solicitations on behalf of Fidelity EMEA Fund at an anticipated cost of approximately $[ ].
If the fund records votes by telephone or through the internet, it will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their shares in
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accordance with their instructions, and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies voted by telephone or through the internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked.
For Fidelity EMEA Fund, the expenses in connection with preparing this Proxy Statement and its enclosures and all solicitations will be paid by the fund, provided the expenses do not exceed a class’s existing expense cap (excluding 12b-1 fees) of 1.55%, Class A; 1.80%, Class M; 2.30% Class C; 1.30% Class I; and 1.30%, Retail Class. Expenses exceeding a class’s expense cap will be paid by FMR.
The fund will reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares. The costs are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class of a fund based on the net assets of each class relative to the total net assets of the fund.
For a free copy of the fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 call 1-800-544-8544 (Retail Class) or 1-877-208-0098 (Advisor Classes), log on to www.fidelity.com (Retail Class) or institutional.fidelity.com (Advisor Classes),or write to FDC at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.
Record Date; Quorum; and Method of Tabulation
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 16, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each such shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value held as of that date, with fractional dollar amounts entitled to a proportional fractional vote.
If the enclosed proxy card is executed and returned, or an internet or telephonic vote is delivered, that vote may nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by written notification received by the trust, by the execution of a later–dated proxy card, by the trust’s receipt of a subsequent valid telephonic or internet vote, or by attending the Meeting and voting.
All proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the Meeting, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting. Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no specification is made on a properly executed proxy card, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy card. All shares that are voted and votes to ABSTAIN will be counted toward establishing a quorum, as will broker non-votes. (Broker non-votes are shares for which (i) the beneficial owner has not voted and (ii) the broker holding the shares does not have discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.)
With respect to fund shares held in Fidelity individual retirement accounts (including Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SAR-SEP, Roth and SIMPLE IRAs), the IRA Custodian will vote those shares for which it has received instructions from shareholders only in accordance with such instructions. If Fidelity IRA shareholders do not vote their shares, the IRA Custodian will vote their shares for them, in the same proportion as other Fidelity IRA shareholders have voted.
One-third of the fund’s outstanding voting securities entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting. If a quorum is not present, or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the proposal are not received, or if other matters arise requiring shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents may propose one or more adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present or represented by proxy. When voting on a proposed adjournment, the persons named as proxy agents will vote FOR the proposed adjournment all shares that they are entitled to vote FOR the proposal, unless directed to vote AGAINST the proposal, in which case such shares will be voted AGAINST the proposed adjournment.
FMR has advised the trust that certain shares are registered to FMR or an FMR affiliate. To the extent that FMR or an FMR affiliate has discretion to vote, these shares will be voted at the Meeting FOR the proposal. Otherwise, these shares will be voted in accordance with the plan or agreement governing the shares. Although the terms of the plans and agreements vary, generally the shares must be voted either (i) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders or (ii) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders and, for shareholders who do not vote, in the same proportion as certain other shareholders have voted.
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Share Ownership
As of December 31, 2020, shares of each class of Fidelity EMEA Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund issued and outstanding were as follows:
| | |
| | Number of Shares |
Fidelity EMEA Fund: Retail Class | | [ ] |
Fidelity EMEA Fund: Class A | | [ ] |
Fidelity EMEA Fund: Class M | | [ ] |
Fidelity EMEA Fund: Class C | | [ ] |
Fidelity EMEA Fund: Class I | | [ ] |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund: Retail Class | | [ ] |
[As of December 31, 2020, 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 the fund.]
[As of December 31, 2020, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares:]
| | | | | | | | |
Class Name | | Owner Name | | City | | State | | Ownership% |
[ ] | | [ ] | | [ ] | | [ ] | | [ ]% |
(1) | The ownership information shown above is for a class of shares of the fund. |
[As of December 31, 2020, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding shares:]
| | | | | | | | |
Fund Name | | Owner Name | | City | | State | | Ownership% |
[ ] | | [ ] | | [ ] | | [ ] | | [ ]% |
[A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of a fund’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than votes of other shareholders.]
[To the knowledge of each trust, no shareholder owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each fund on that date.] [It is not anticipated that any of the above shareholders will own of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the combined fund as a result of the Reorganization.] [If the Reorganization became effective on December 31, 2020, [ ] would have owned of record and/or beneficially [ ]% of the outstanding shares of the combined fund.]
Required Vote
Approval of the Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of Fidelity EMEA Fund. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. Votes to ABSTAIN and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes cast AGAINST the proposal.
Other Business
The Board knows of no business other than the matter set forth in this Proxy Statement to be brought before the Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention that proxies that do not contain specific instructions to the contrary will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons therein designated.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Legal Matters
Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund shares have been passed upon by Dechert LLP, counsel to the trust.
Experts
The audited financial statements of Fidelity EMEA Fund are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon is included in the fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. The financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP have been incorporated by reference in reliance on their reports given on their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.
The audited financial statements of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon is included in the fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. The financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have been incorporated by reference in reliance on their reports given on their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.
Notice to Banks, Broker-Dealers and Voting Trustees and Their Nominees
Please advise Fidelity Investment Trust, in care of Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, whether other persons are beneficial owners of shares for which proxies are being solicited and, if so, the number of copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Reports you wish to receive in order to supply copies to the beneficial owners of the respective shares.
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Exhibit 1
FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the Agreement) is made as of February 16, 2021, by and between Fidelity Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust), on behalf of its series Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund (the Acquired Fund), and Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund (the Acquiring Fund). The Trust may be referred to herein as the “Trust.” The Trust is a duly organized business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with its principal place of business at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund may be referred to herein collectively as the “Funds” or each individually as the “Fund.”
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of Reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). The Reorganization will comprise: (a) the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Shares) and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities; and (b) the constructive distribution of such shares by the Acquired Fund pro rata to its shareholders in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The foregoing transactions are referred to herein as the “Reorganization.”
In consideration of the mutual promises and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to and agrees with the Acquiring Fund that:
(a) The Acquired Fund is a series of the Trust, a business trust duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. It has all necessary federal, state, and local authorizations to carry on its business as now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement;
(b) The Trust is an open-end, management investment company duly registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and such registration is in full force and effect;
(c) The Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund dated December 30, 2020, previously furnished to the Acquiring Fund, did not and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
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(d) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, there are no material legal, administrative, or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, threatened against the Acquired Fund which assert liability on the part of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts which might reasonably form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Fund;
(e) The Acquired Fund is not in, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will not result in, violation of any provision of its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which the Acquired Fund is bound or result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty under any agreement, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or is bound;
(f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the Statement of Operations, the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial Highlights, and the Schedule of Investments (including market values) of the Acquired Fund at October 31, 2020, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund. Said Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Schedule of Investments fairly present the Acquired Fund’s financial position as of such date and said Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial Highlights fairly reflect the Acquired Fund’s results of operations, changes in financial position, and financial highlights for the periods covered thereby in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied;
(g) The Acquired Fund has no known liabilities of a material nature, contingent or otherwise, other than those shown as belonging to it on its statement of assets and liabilities as of October 31, 2020 and those incurred in the ordinary course of the Acquired Fund’s business as an investment company since October 31, 2020;
(h) The registration statement (Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) by the Trust on Form N–14 relating to the shares of the Acquiring Fund issuable hereunder and the proxy statement of the Acquired Fund included therein (Proxy Statement), on the effective date of the Registration Statement and insofar as they relate to the Acquired Fund (i) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (ii) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at the time of the shareholders’ meeting referred to in Section 7 and on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 6), the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement of which the Proxy Statement is a part (the Prospectus), as amended or supplemented, insofar as it relates to the Acquired Fund, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(i) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and state securities or blue sky laws (which term as used in this Agreement shall include the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico);
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(j) The Acquired Fund has filed or will file all federal and state tax returns which, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund’s officers, are required to be filed by the Acquired Fund and has paid or will pay all federal and state taxes shown to be due on said returns or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of the Acquired Fund’s knowledge, no such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
(k) The Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company for all prior taxable years and intends to meet such requirements for its current taxable year ending on the Closing Date;
(l) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable as a matter of Massachusetts law (except as disclosed in the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information), and have been offered for sale and in conformity with all applicable federal securities laws. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, at the Closing Date, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the list of shareholders submitted to the Acquiring Fund in accordance with this Agreement;
(m) As of both the Valuation Time (as defined in Section 4) and the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have the full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer, and deliver its portfolio securities and any other assets of the Acquired Fund to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to this Agreement. As of the Closing Date, subject only to the delivery of the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities and any such other assets as contemplated by this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund will acquire the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities and any such other assets subject to no encumbrances, liens, or security interests (except for those that may arise in the ordinary course and are disclosed to the Acquiring Fund) and without any restrictions upon the transfer thereof; and
(n) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Acquired Fund, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to and agrees with the Acquired Fund that:
(a) The Acquiring Fund is a series of the Trust, a business trust duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. It has all necessary federal, state, and local authorizations to carry on its business as now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement;
(b) The Trust is an open–end, management investment company duly registered under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect;
(c) The Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of the Acquiring Fund, dated December 30, 2020, previously furnished to the Acquired Fund, did not and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
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(d) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, there are no material legal, administrative, or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund, threatened against the Acquiring Fund which assert liability on the part of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts which might reasonably form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquired Fund;
(e) The Acquiring Fund is not in, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will not result in, violation of any provision of its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or By–laws, or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund, of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which the Acquiring Fund is bound or result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty under any agreement, judgment, or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or is bound;
(f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the Statement of Operations, the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial Highlights, and the Schedule of Investments (including market values) of the Acquiring Fund at October 31, 2020, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and have been furnished to the Acquired Fund. Said Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Schedule of Investments fairly present the Acquiring Fund’s financial position as of such date and said Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial Highlights fairly reflect the Acquiring Fund’s results of operations, changes in financial position, and financial highlights for the periods covered thereby in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied;
(g) The Acquiring Fund has no known liabilities of a material nature, contingent or otherwise, other than those shown as belonging to it on its statement of assets and liabilities as of October 31, 2020 and those incurred in the ordinary course of the Acquiring Fund’s business as an investment company since October 31, 2020;
(h) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and state securities or blue sky laws;
(i) The Acquiring Fund has filed or will file all federal and state tax returns which, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund’s officers, are required to be filed by the Acquiring Fund and has paid or will pay all federal and state taxes shown to be due on said returns or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of the Acquiring Fund’s knowledge, no such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
(j) The Acquiring Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company for all prior taxable years and intends to meet such requirements for its current taxable year ending on October 31, 2021;
(k) As of the Closing Date, the shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund to be issued to the Acquired Fund will have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, will be legally and validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable (except as disclosed in the Acquiring Fund’s Statement of Additional Information) by the Acquiring Fund, and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof;
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(l) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund;
(m) The Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, on the effective date of the Registration Statement and insofar as they relate to the Acquiring Fund, (i) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (ii) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at the time of the shareholders’ meeting referred to in Section 7 and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Fund, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(n) The issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to this Agreement will be in compliance with all applicable federal securities laws; and
(o) All of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund have been offered for sale and sold in conformity with the federal securities laws.
3. REORGANIZATION.
(a) Subject to the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and to the other terms and conditions contained herein, the Acquired Fund agrees to assign, sell, convey, transfer, and deliver to the Acquiring Fund as of the Closing Date all of the assets of the Acquired Fund of every kind and nature existing on the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to assume all of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities existing on or after the Closing Date, whether or not determinable on the Closing Date, and (ii) to issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of full and fractional shares of the Acquiring Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder, less the value of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, determined as provided for under Section 4.
(b) The assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund shall include, without limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, commodities and futures interests, receivables (including interest or dividends receivables), claims, choses in action, and other property owned by the Acquired Fund, and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund will pay or cause to be paid to the Acquiring Fund any dividend or interest payments received by it on or after the Closing Date with respect to the assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund hereunder, and the Acquiring Fund will retain any dividend or interest payments received by it after the Valuation Time with respect to the assets transferred hereunder without regard to the payment date thereof.
(c) The liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be assumed by the Acquiring Fund shall include (except as otherwise provided for herein) all of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities, debts, obligations, and duties,
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of whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, whether or not determinable on the Closing Date, and whether or not specifically referred to in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Acquired Fund agrees to use its best efforts to discharge all of its known liabilities prior to the Closing Date, other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.
(d) Pursuant to this Agreement, as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable, the Acquired Fund will constructively distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record, determined as of the Valuation Time on the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund Shares in exchange for such shareholders’ shares of beneficial interest in the Acquired Fund and the Acquired Fund will be liquidated in accordance with the Acquired Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust. Such distribution shall be accomplished by the Funds’ transfer agent opening accounts on the Acquiring Fund’s share transfer books in the names of the Acquired Fund shareholders and transferring the Acquiring Fund shares thereto. Each Acquired Fund shareholder’s account shall be credited with the respective pro rata number of full and fractional Acquiring Fund shares due that shareholder. All outstanding Acquired Fund shares, including any represented by certificates, shall simultaneously be canceled on the Acquired Fund’s share transfer records. The Acquiring Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with the Reorganization.
(e) Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and shall remain its responsibility up to and including the date on which it is terminated.
(f) Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of the Acquiring Fund shares in a name other than that of the registered holder on the Acquired Fund’s books of the Acquired Fund shares constructively exchanged for the Acquiring Fund Shares shall be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued, as a condition of such transfer.
4. VALUATION.
(a) The Valuation Time shall be as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date, or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto (the Valuation Time).
(b) As of the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of Acquiring Fund Shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder less the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, determined as provided in this Section 4.
(c) The net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund shares to be delivered to the Acquired Fund, the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder, and the value of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be assumed hereunder shall in each case be determined as of the Valuation Time.
(d) The net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund shares and the value of the assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund shall be computed in the manner set forth in the then–current Acquiring Fund Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
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(e) All computations pursuant to this Section shall be made by or under the direction of Fidelity Service Company, Inc., a wholly–owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund.
5. FEES; EXPENSES.
(a) The Acquired Fund shall be responsible for all expenses, fees and other charges in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that they do not exceed the fund’s or each class’s expense cap, as applicable. Expenses exceeding the fund’s or each class’s contractual expense cap, as applicable, will be paid by the Acquired Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) (but not including transaction costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities).
(b) Any expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which may be attributable to the Acquiring Fund will be borne by the Acquiring Fund provided that they do not exceed the fund’s or each class’s expense cap, as applicable,. Expenses exceeding the fund’s or each class’s contractual expense cap, as applicable, will be paid by the Adviser (but not including transaction costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities).
(c) Each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund represents that there is no person who has dealt with it who by reason of such dealings is entitled to any broker’s or finder’s or other similar fee or commission arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6. CLOSING DATE.
(a) The Reorganization, together with related acts necessary to consummate the same (the Closing), unless otherwise provided herein, shall occur at the principal office of the Trust, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, as of the Valuation Time on May 14, 2021, or at some other time, date, and place agreed to by the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (the Closing Date).
(b) In the event that on the Closing Date: (i) any of the markets for securities held by the Funds is closed to trading, or (ii) trading thereon is restricted, or (iii) trading or the reporting of trading on said market or elsewhere is disrupted, all so that accurate appraisal of the total net asset value of the Acquired Fund and the net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund is impracticable, the Valuation Time and the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when such trading shall have been fully resumed and such reporting shall have been restored, or such other date as the parties may agree.
7. SHAREHOLDER MEETING AND TERMINATION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) The Acquired Fund agrees to call a meeting of its shareholders after the effective date of the Registration Statement, to consider transferring its assets to the Acquiring Fund as herein provided, adopting this Agreement, and authorizing the liquidation of the Acquired Fund.
(b) The Acquired Fund agrees that as soon as reasonably practicable after distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares, the Acquired Fund shall be terminated as a series of the Trust pursuant to its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, any further actions shall be taken in connection therewith as required by applicable law, and on and after the Closing Date the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in connection with its liquidation and termination.
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8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND.
(a) That, as of the Valuation Time and the Closing Date, all representations and warranties of the Acquired Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects and that the Acquired Fund has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such dates;
(b) That this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein are approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund;
(c) That, on or prior to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will declare one or more dividends or distributions which, together with all previous such dividends or distributions attributable to its current taxable year, shall have the effect of distributing to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund substantially all of the Acquired Fund’s investment company taxable income and all of its net realized capital gain, if any, as of the Closing Date;
(d) That the Acquiring Fund at the Closing shall have access to a statement of the Acquired Fund’s assets and liabilities, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing each such security’s adjusted tax basis and holding period by lot, with values determined as provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, all as of the Valuation Time;
(e) That the Acquired Fund’s custodian shall deliver to the Acquiring Fund a certificate identifying the assets of the Acquired Fund held by such custodian as of the Valuation Time on the Closing Date and stating that as of the Valuation Time: (i) the assets held by the custodian will be transferred to the Acquiring Fund; (ii) the Acquired Fund’s assets have been duly endorsed in proper form for transfer in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof; and (iii) to the best of the custodian’s knowledge, all applicable taxes (including stock transfer taxes, if any) in conjunction with the delivery of the assets, that the custodian has been notified are due, have been paid or provision for payment has been made;
(f) That the Acquiring Fund at the Closing shall have access to the number of shares of the Acquired Fund outstanding as of the Valuation Time and the name and address of each holder of record of any such shares and the number of shares held of record by each such shareholder, as maintained by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent;
(g) That the Acquired Fund calls a meeting of its shareholders to be held after the effective date of the Registration Statement, to consider transferring its assets to the Acquiring Fund as herein provided, adopting this Agreement, and authorizing the liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund;
(h) That there has been no material adverse change in the Acquired Fund’s financial position since October 31, 2020, other than changes in the market value of its portfolio securities, or changes due to net redemptions of its shares, dividends paid, or losses from operations; and
(i) That all of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund shall have been offered for sale and sold in conformity with all applicable state securities laws and, to the
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extent that any audit of the records of the Acquired Fund or its transfer agent by the Acquiring Fund or its agents shall have revealed otherwise, the Acquired Fund shall have taken all actions that in the opinion of the Acquiring Fund are necessary to remedy any prior failure on the part of the Acquired Fund to have offered for sale and sold such shares in conformity with such laws.
9. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) That the Acquiring Fund shall have executed and delivered to the Acquired Fund an Assumption of Liabilities, certified by an authorized officer of the Trust, dated as of the Closing Date pursuant to which the Acquiring Fund will assume all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund existing at the Valuation Time in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) That, as of the Valuation Time and the Closing Date, all representations and warranties of the Acquiring Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and the Acquiring Fund has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such dates; and
(c) That the Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Dechert LLP, counsel to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, to the effect that the Acquiring Fund shares are duly authorized and upon delivery to the Acquired Fund as provided in this Agreement will be validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Acquiring Fund (except as disclosed in the Acquiring Fund’s Statement of Additional Information) and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund has any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof.
10. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) That this Agreement shall have been adopted and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund;
(b) That all consents of other parties and all other consents, orders, and permits of federal, state, and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state blue sky and securities authorities, and including “no action” positions of such federal or state authorities) deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order, or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions;
(c) That all proceedings taken by either Fund in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents incidental thereto shall be satisfactory in form and substance to it and its counsel, Dechert LLP;
(d) That there shall not be any material litigation pending with respect to the matters contemplated by this Agreement;
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(e) That the Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop order suspending such effectiveness shall have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, threatened by the Commission; and
(f) That the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Dechert LLP satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
(i) The Reorganization will constitute a tax–free Reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code.
(ii) The Acquired Fund will not recognize gain or loss upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund, except that the Acquired Fund may be required to recognize gain or loss with respect to contracts described in Section 1256(b) of the Code or stock in a passive foreign investment company, as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code.
(iii) The Acquired Fund will not recognize gain or loss upon the distribution to its shareholders of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund in the Reorganization.
(iv) The Acquiring Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving the properties of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
(v) The adjusted basis to the Acquiring Fund of the properties of the Acquired Fund received by the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the adjusted basis of those properties in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately before the exchange.
(vi) The Acquiring Fund’s holding periods with respect to the properties of the Acquired Fund that the Acquiring Fund acquires in the Reorganization will include the respective periods for which those properties were held by the Acquired Fund (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating a holding period with respect to an asset).
(vii) The Acquired Fund shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving the Acquiring Fund Shares solely in exchange for the Acquired Fund shares.
(viii) The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by an Acquired Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Acquired Fund shares surrendered by the Acquired Fund shareholder in exchange therefor.
(ix) An Acquired Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will include the holding period during which the Acquired Fund shareholder held the Acquired Fund shares surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held such shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
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Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquired Fund nor the Acquiring Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this subsection 10(f).
11. COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund each covenants to operate its respective business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include the payment of customary dividends and distributions, [and provided further that during the period between shareholder approval and the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund expects to temporarily depart from its 80% name test policy to facilitate aligning its investments with the Acquiring Fund in preparation for the Closing;
(b) The Acquired Fund covenants that it is not acquiring the Acquiring Fund shares for the purpose of making any distribution other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
(c) The Acquired Fund covenants that it will assist the Acquiring Fund in obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund reasonably requests concerning the beneficial ownership of the Acquired Fund’s shares; and
(d) The Acquired Fund covenants that its liquidation and termination will be effected in the manner provided in its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust in accordance with applicable law, and after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will not conduct any business except in connection with its liquidation and termination.
12. TERMINATION; WAIVER.
The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund may terminate this Agreement by mutual agreement. In addition, either the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date because:
(i) of a material breach by the other of any representation, warranty, or agreement contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or
(ii) a condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the terminating party has not been met and it reasonably appears that it will not or cannot be met.
In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, or their respective Trustees or officers.
13. SOLE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES.
(a) This Agreement supersedes all previous correspondence and oral communications between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof, constitutes the only understanding with respect to such subject matter, may not be changed except by a letter of agreement signed by each party hereto and shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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(b) This Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the respective President, any Vice President, or Treasurer of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund; provided, however, that following the shareholders’ meeting called by the Acquired Fund pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be paid to the Acquired Fund shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
(c) Either Fund may waive any condition to its obligations hereunder, provided that such waiver does not have any material adverse effect on the interests of such Fund’s shareholders.
The representations, warranties, and covenants contained in the Agreement, or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
14. DECLARATIONS OF TRUST.
A copy of each Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Trustees of each Fund as trustees and not individually and that the obligations of each Fund under this instrument are not binding upon any of such Fund’s Trustees, officers, or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of such Fund. Each Fund agrees that its obligations hereunder apply only to such Fund and not to its shareholders individually or to the Trustees of such Fund.
15. ASSIGNMENT.
This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other parties. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm, or corporation other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by an appropriate officer.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
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Attachment 1
INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO
CLASS A, CLASS M, CLASS C, AND CLASS I OF FIDELITY EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Investment Details
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets and other investments that are tied economically 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. 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. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different emerging market countries.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Description of Principal Security Types
Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy of the issuer. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants.
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities (including Treasury securities), repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loans and loan participations, and other securities believed to have debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect the fund’s performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a fund’s performance. The
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fund’s share price changes daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The fund’s reaction to these developments will be affected by the types of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund’s level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Because the fund concentrates its investments in a particular group of countries, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within that group of countries and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in the fund.
The following factors can significantly affect the fund’s performance:
Stock Market Volatility. The value of equity securities fluctuates in response to issuer, political, market, and economic developments. Fluctuations, especially in foreign markets, can be dramatic over the short as well as long term, and different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of equity securities can react differently to these developments. For example, stocks of companies in one sector can react differently from those in another, large cap stocks can react differently from small cap stocks, and “growth” stocks can react differently from “value” stocks. Issuer, political, or economic developments can affect a single issuer, issuers within an industry or economic sector or geographic region, or the market as a whole. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact the market as a whole. Terrorism and related geo-political risks have led, and may in the future lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments, especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Investing in emerging markets can involve risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. The extent of economic development; political stability; market depth, infrastructure, and capitalization; and regulatory oversight can be less than in more developed markets. Emerging markets typically have less established legal, accounting and financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may reduce the scope or quality of financial information available to investors. Emerging market economies can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties. All of these factors can make emerging market securities more volatile and potentially less liquid than securities issued in more developed markets.
Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers or providers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region.
Geographic Concentration. Social, political, and economic conditions and changes in regulatory, tax, or economic policy in a country or region could significantly affect the market in that country or region. From time to time, a small number of companies and industries may represent a large portion of the market in a particular country or region, and these companies and industries can be sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. Similarly, from time to time, a fund
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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 the fund invests in this manner, there is a higher risk that social, political, economic, tax (such as a tax on foreign investments or financial transactions), currency, or regulatory developments in those countries may have a significant impact on the fund’s investment performance.
Special Considerations regarding China. The Chinese economy is dependent on the economies of other countries and can be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. The willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese economy and markets is uncertain. China has yet to develop comprehensive securities, corporate, or commercial laws, its market is relatively new and less developed, and its economy is experiencing a relative slowdown. Also, foreign investments may be subject to certain restrictions. Changes in Chinese government policy and economic growth rates could significantly affect local markets. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, 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. Concerns exist regarding a potential trade war between China and the United States, which 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, all of which may have a negative impact on a fund’s investments.
Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security’s or instrument’s value. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Other Investment Strategies
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Adviser may lend the fund’s securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income for the fund.
The Adviser may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease the fund’s exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values.
Shareholder Notice
The following is subject to change only upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders:
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets and other investments that are tied economically to emerging markets.
Country or Geographic Region
The Adviser considers a number of factors to determine whether an investment is tied economically to a particular country or region, including: the source of government guarantees (if any); the primary trading
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market; the issuer’s domicile, sources of revenue, and location of assets; 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.
Valuing Shares
The fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
The NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The fund’s assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV. Fidelity calculates NAV separately for each class of shares of a multiple class fund.
NAV is not calculated and the fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
To the extent that the fund’s assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund’s assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the fund’s assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
NAV is calculated using the values of other open-end funds, if any, in which the fund invests (referred to as underlying funds). Shares of underlying funds are valued at their respective NAVs. Other assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser’s opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser’s opinion, a security’s value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund’s pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value.
Arbitrage opportunities may exist when trading in a portfolio security or securities is halted and does not resume before a fund calculates its NAV. These arbitrage opportunities may enable short-term traders to dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio security values occur after the close of the overseas markets but prior to the close of the U.S. market. Fair valuation of a fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of NAV by short-term traders.
Policies regarding excessive trading may not be effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts.
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
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Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares
As used in this prospectus, the term “shares” generally refers to the shares offered through this prospectus.
General Information
Ways to Invest
You may buy or sell shares through a retirement account or an investment professional. When you invest through a retirement account or an investment professional, the procedures for buying, selling, and exchanging shares and the account features, policies, and fees may differ. Additional fees may apply to your investment in shares, including a transaction fee if you buy or sell shares through a broker or other investment professional. Your broker may also require you to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of certain share classes of the fund.
Information on Placing Orders
You should include the following information with any order:
| • | | Type of transaction requested |
| • | | Name(s) of fund(s) and class(es) |
| • | | Dollar amount or number of shares |
Certain methods of contacting Fidelity may be unavailable or delayed (for example, during periods of unusual market activity). In addition, the level and type of service available may be restricted.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
The fund may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law, any purchase or exchange, including transactions deemed to represent excessive trading, at any time.
Excessive trading of fund shares can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to the fund (such as brokerage commissions or spreads paid to dealers who sell money market instruments), disrupting portfolio management strategies, and diluting the value of the shares in cases in which fluctuations in markets are not fully priced into the fund’s NAV.
The fund reserves the right at any time to restrict purchases or exchanges or impose conditions that are more restrictive on excessive trading than those stated in this prospectus.
Excessive Trading Policy
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies designed to discourage excessive trading of fund shares. Excessive trading activity in a fund is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in a shareholder’s account and each class of a multiple class fund is treated separately. A roundtrip transaction occurs when a shareholder sells fund shares (including exchanges) within 30 days of the purchase date.
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Shareholders with two or more roundtrip transactions in a single fund within a rolling 90-day period will be blocked from making additional purchases or exchange purchases of the fund for 85 days. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip transactions across all Fidelity® funds within any rolling 12-month period will be blocked for at least 85 days from additional purchases or exchange purchases across all Fidelity® funds. Any roundtrip within 12 months of the expiration of a multi-fund block will initiate another multi-fund block. Repeat offenders may be subject to long-term or permanent blocks on purchase or exchange purchase transactions in any account under the shareholder’s control at any time. In addition to enforcing these roundtrip limitations, the fund may in its discretion restrict, reject, or cancel any purchases or exchanges that, in the Adviser’s opinion, may be disruptive to the management of the fund or otherwise not be in the fund’s interests.
Exceptions
The following transactions are exempt from the fund’s excessive trading policy described above: (i) systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, (ii) mandatory retirement distributions, (iii) transactions initiated by a plan sponsor or sponsors of certain employee benefit plans or other related accounts, (iv) transactions within a qualified advisory program, and (v) transactions initiated by the trustee or adviser to a donor-advised charitable gift fund, qualified fund of fund(s), or other strategy funds.
A qualified advisory program is one that demonstrates to Fidelity that the program has investment strategies and trading policies designed to protect the interests of long-term investors and meets specific criteria outlined by Fidelity.
A qualified fund of fund(s) is a mutual fund, qualified tuition program, or other strategy fund consisting of qualified plan assets that either applies the fund’s excessive trading policies to shareholders at the fund of fund(s) level, or demonstrates that the fund of fund(s) has an investment strategy coupled with policies designed to control frequent trading that are reasonably likely to be effective as determined by the fund’s Treasurer.
Fidelity may choose not to monitor transactions below certain dollar value thresholds.
Omnibus Accounts
Omnibus accounts, in which shares are held in the name of an intermediary on behalf of multiple investors, are a common form of holding shares among retirement plans and financial intermediaries such as brokers, advisers, and third-party administrators. Individual trades in omnibus accounts are often not disclosed to the fund, making it difficult to determine whether a particular shareholder is engaging in excessive trading. Excessive trading in omnibus accounts is likely to go undetected by the fund and may increase costs to the fund and disrupt its portfolio management.
Under policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, intermediaries will be permitted to apply the fund’s excessive trading policy (described above), or their own excessive trading policy if approved by the Adviser. In these cases, the fund will typically not request or receive individual account data but will rely on the intermediary to monitor trading activity in good faith in accordance with its or the fund’s policies. Reliance on intermediaries increases the risk that excessive trading may go undetected. For other intermediaries, the fund will generally monitor trading activity at the omnibus account level to attempt to identify disruptive trades. The fund may request transaction information, as frequently as daily, from any intermediary at any time, and may apply the fund’s policy to transactions that exceed thresholds established by the Board of Trustees. The fund may prohibit purchases of fund shares by an intermediary or by some or all of any intermediary’s clients. There is no assurance that the Adviser will request data with sufficient frequency to detect or deter excessive trading in omnibus accounts effectively.
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If you purchase or sell fund shares through a financial intermediary, you may wish to contact the intermediary to determine the policies applicable to your account.
Retirement Plans
For employer-sponsored retirement plans, only participant directed exchanges count toward the roundtrip limits. Employer-sponsored retirement plan participants whose activity triggers a purchase or exchange block will be permitted one trade every calendar quarter. In the event of a block, employer and participant contributions and loan repayments by the participant may still be invested in the fund.
Other Information about the Excessive Trading Policy
The fund’s Treasurer is authorized to suspend the fund’s policies during periods of severe market turbulence or national emergency. The fund reserves the right to modify its policies at any time without prior notice.
The fund does not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors, except to the extent permitted by the policies described above.
As described in “Valuing Shares,” the fund also uses fair value pricing to help reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance that the fund’s excessive trading policy will be effective, or will successfully detect or deter excessive or disruptive trading.
Buying Shares
Eligibility
Shares are generally available only to investors residing in the United States.
Each class of the fund has different expenses and features, as described in the applicable prospectus. Investors eligible to purchase one class of shares may also be eligible to purchase other classes of shares of the fund. Your investment professional, as applicable, can help you choose the class of shares that best suits your investment needs. However, plan participants may purchase only the classes of shares that are eligible for sale and available through their plan. Certain classes may have higher expenses than those offered by the plan.
Additional Information Regarding Class I Eligibility
Class I shares are offered to:
1. Employee benefit plans investing through an intermediary and employee benefit plans not recordkept by Fidelity. For this purpose, employee benefit plans generally include profit sharing, 401(k), and 403(b) plans, but do not include: IRAs; SIMPLE, SEP, or SARSEP plans; plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans); health savings accounts; or plans investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program;
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2. Insurance company separate accounts;
3. Broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, insurance company, trust institution and bank trust department managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee;
4. Current or former Trustees or officers of a Fidelity® fund or current or retired officers, directors, or regular employees of FMR LLC or FIL Limited or their direct or indirect subsidiaries (Fidelity Trustee or employee), spouses of Fidelity Trustees or employees, Fidelity Trustees or employees acting as a custodian for a minor child, persons acting as trustee of a trust for the sole benefit of the minor child of a Fidelity Trustee or employee, or employee benefit plans sponsored by FMR LLC or an affiliate;
5. Any state, county, or city, or any governmental instrumentality, department, authority or agency;
6. Charitable organizations (as defined for purposes of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) or charitable remainder trusts or life income pools established for the benefit of a charitable organization;
7. Qualified tuition programs for which Fidelity serves as investment manager, or mutual funds managed by Fidelity or other parties;
8. Employer-sponsored health savings accounts investing through an intermediary;
9. Former Destiny® Planholders who exchange, or have exchanged, from Class O to Class I of Fidelity Advisor® funds; and
10. Investors who purchase shares through brokerage programs of certain brokers acting solely as agents for their customers and that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer Class I shares through such programs. An investor transacting in such programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker.
Investors may be able to purchase Class I in other circumstances. Please contact Fidelity or your investment professional for more information about Class I shares.
There is no minimum balance or purchase minimum for fund shares.
Price to Buy
The price to buy one share of Class A or Class M is its offering price or its NAV, depending on whether you pay a front-end sales charge.
The price to buy one share of Class C or Class I is its NAV. Class C shares are sold without a front-end sales charge, but may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. Class shares are sold without a sales charge.
If you pay a front-end sales charge, your price will be Class A’s or Class M’s offering price. When you buy Class A or Class M shares at the offering price, Fidelity deducts the appropriate sales charge and invests the rest in Class A or Class M shares of the fund. If you qualify for a front-end sales charge waiver, your price will be Class A’s or Class M’s NAV.
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The offering price of Class A or Class M is its NAV plus the sales charge. The offering price is calculated by dividing Class A’s or Class M’s NAV by the difference between one and the applicable front-end sales charge percentage and rounding to the nearest cent.
The dollar amount of the sales charge for Class A or Class M is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased and the NAV of those shares. Since the offering price per share is calculated to the nearest cent using standard rounding criteria, the percentage sales charge you actually pay may be higher or lower than the sales charge percentages shown in this prospectus due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV.
Shares will be bought at the offering price or NAV, as applicable, next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
It is the responsibility of your investment professional to transmit your order to buy shares to Fidelity before the close of business on the day you place your order.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to buy shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be bought at the offering price or NAV, as applicable, next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
The fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or Fidelity has incurred.
Shares can be bought or sold through investment professionals using an automated order placement and settlement system that guarantees payment for orders on a specified date.
Certain financial institutions that meet creditworthiness criteria established by FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone, with payment to follow no later than close of business on the next business day. If payment is not received by that time, the order will be canceled and the financial institution will be liable for any losses.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Selling Shares
The price to sell one share of Class A, Class M, or Class C is its NAV, minus any applicable CDSC. The price to sell one share of Class I is its NAV.
Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form, minus any applicable CDSC. Normally, redemptions will be processed by the next business day, but it may take up to seven days to pay the redemption proceeds if making immediate payment would adversely affect the fund.
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It is the responsibility of your investment professional to transmit your order to sell shares to Fidelity before the close of business on the day you place your order.
The fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to sell shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary, minus any applicable CDSC. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
See “Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares” below for additional redemption information.
A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Fidelity may require that your request be made in writing and include a signature guarantee in certain circumstances, such as:
| • | | When you wish to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares. |
| • | | When the address on your account (record address) has changed within the last 15 days or you are requesting that a check be mailed to an address different than the record address. |
| • | | When you are requesting that redemption proceeds be paid to someone other than the account owner. |
| • | | In certain situations when the redemption proceeds are being transferred to a Fidelity® account with a different registration. |
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker-dealer, credit union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
When you place an order to sell shares, note the following:
| • | | Redemption proceeds (other than exchanges) may be delayed until money from prior purchases sufficient to cover your redemption has been received and collected. |
| • | | Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC. |
| • | | Redemption proceeds may be paid in securities or other property rather than in cash if the Adviser determines it is in the best interests of the fund. |
| • | | You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed redemption checks. |
| • | | Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, redemption requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld. |
Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares
If your account is held directly with a fund, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends on the method you have elected to receive such proceeds. A fund typically expects to make payment of redemption proceeds by wire, automated clearing house (ACH) or by issuing a check by the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form. Proceeds from the periodic and automatic sale of shares of a Fidelity® money market fund that are used to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund are settled simultaneously.
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If your account is held through an intermediary, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends, in part, on the terms of the agreement in place between the intermediary and a fund. For redemption proceeds that are paid either directly to you from a fund or to your intermediary for transmittal to you, a fund typically expects to make payments by wire, by ACH or by issuing a check on the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form from the intermediary by a fund. Redemption orders that are processed through investment professionals that utilize the National Securities Clearing Corporation will generally settle one to three business days following receipt of a redemption order in proper form.
As noted elsewhere, payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time a fund typically expects and may take up to seven days from the date of receipt of the redemption order as permitted by applicable law.
Redemption Methods Available. Generally a fund expects to pay redemption proceeds in cash. To do so, a fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests either by using available cash (or cash equivalents) or by selling portfolio securities. On a less regular basis, a fund may also satisfy redemption requests by utilizing one or more of the following sources, if permitted: borrowing from another Fidelity® fund; drawing on an available line or lines of credit from a bank or banks; or using reverse repurchase agreements. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, a fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash (redemption in-kind). Redemption in-kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering the selected securities to the redeeming shareholder within seven days after the receipt of the redemption order in proper form by a fund.
Converting Shares
A conversion will be based on the respective NAVs of the two classes, without the imposition of any fees, on the trade date of the conversion. A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a non-taxable event.
Conversion Feature. After a maximum of 10 years from the initial date of purchase, Class C shares convert automatically to Class A shares of a fund. Conversion to Class A shares will be made at NAV. At the time of conversion, a portion of the Class C shares bought through the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains (Dividend Shares) will also convert to Class A shares. The portion of Dividend Shares that will convert is determined by the ratio of your converting Class C non-Dividend Shares to your total Class C non-Dividend Shares. A fund may convert shares sooner in certain circumstances. A shorter holding period may also apply depending on your intermediary. Please see “Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries” in the “Appendix” section of this prospectus. A fund will permit an intermediary to transition Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, regardless of holding period, if the intermediary is unable to administer this conversion policy. Such transitions to Class A shares will be made at NAV minus any applicable CDSC.
Exchanging Shares
An exchange involves the redemption of all or a portion of the shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund.
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As a Class A shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class A shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares at NAV or for Daily Money Class shares of Fidelity® funds that offer Daily Money Class shares.
As a Class M shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class M shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares at NAV or for Advisor M Class shares of Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund. If you purchased your Class M shares through certain investment professionals that have signed an agreement with FDC, you also have the privilege of exchanging your Class M shares for shares of Fidelity® Capital Appreciation Fund.
As a Class C shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class C shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares or for Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund.
As a Class I shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging Class I shares for the same class of shares of other Fidelity® funds that offer Advisor classes of shares or for shares of Fidelity® funds.
Through your investment professional, you may also move between certain share classes of the same fund. For more information, see the statement of additional information (SAI) or consult your investment professional.
However, you should note the following policies and restrictions governing exchanges:
| • | | The exchange limit may be modified for accounts held by certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits and Department of Labor regulations. See your retirement plan materials for further information. |
| • | | The fund may refuse any exchange purchase for any reason. For example, the fund may refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. |
| • | | An exchange of shares is not subject to any applicable CDSCs. |
| • | | Before any exchange, read the prospectus for the shares you are purchasing, including any purchase and sale requirements. |
| • | | The shares you are acquiring by exchange must be available for sale in your state. |
| • | | Exchanges may have tax consequences for you if you own shares in a taxable account. |
| • | | If you are exchanging between accounts that are not registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN), there may be additional requirements. |
| • | | Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, exchange requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld. |
The fund may terminate or modify exchange privileges in the future.
Other funds may have different exchange restrictions and minimums. Check each fund’s prospectus for details.
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Account Features and Policies
Features
The following features may be available to buy and sell shares of the fund. Visit institutional.fidelity.com or contact your investment professional for more information.
Electronic Funds Transfer (Fidelity Advisor Money Line®): electronic money movement through the Automated Clearing House
| • | | To transfer money between a bank account and your fund account. |
| • | | You can use electronic funds transfer to: |
| • | | Make periodic (automatic) purchases of shares. |
| • | | Make periodic (automatic) redemptions of shares. |
Wire: electronic money movement through the Federal Reserve wire system
| • | | To transfer money between a bank account and your fund account. |
Automatic Transactions: periodic (automatic) transactions
| • | | To make contributions from your fund account to your Fidelity Advisor® IRA. |
| • | | To sell shares of a Fidelity® money market fund and simultaneously to buy shares of a Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares. |
Policies
The following apply to you as a shareholder.
Statements that Fidelity sends to you, if applicable, include the following:
| • | | Confirmation statements (after transactions affecting your fund balance except, to the extent applicable, reinvestment of distributions in the fund or another fund and certain transactions through automatic investment or withdrawal programs). |
| • | | Monthly or quarterly account statements (detailing fund balances and all transactions completed during the prior month or quarter). |
Current regulations allow Fidelity to send a single copy of shareholder documents for Fidelity® funds, such as prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and proxy materials, to certain mutual fund customers whom we believe are members of the same family who share the same address. For certain types of accounts, we will not send multiple copies of these documents to you and members of your family who share the same address. Instead, we will send only a single copy of these documents. This will continue for as long as you are a shareholder, unless you notify us otherwise. If at any time you choose to receive individual copies of any documents, please call 1-877-208-0098. We will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days of receiving your call.
You may initiate many transactions by telephone or electronically. Fidelity will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense, or other liability resulting from unauthorized transactions if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and may also record calls. For transactions conducted through the Internet, Fidelity recommends the use of an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption. You should verify
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the accuracy of your confirmation statements upon receipt and notify Fidelity immediately of any discrepancies in your account activity. If you do not want the ability to sell and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for instructions. Additional documentation may be required from corporations, associations, and certain fiduciaries.
You may also be asked to provide additional information in order for Fidelity to verify your identity in accordance with requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations. In addition, the fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an account in the case of: (i) actual or suspected threatening conduct or actual or suspected fraudulent, illegal or suspicious activity by the account owner or any other individual associated with the account; or (ii) the failure of the account owner to provide information to the fund related to opening the accounts. Your shares will be sold at the NAV, minus any applicable shareholder fees, calculated on the day Fidelity closes your fund position.
Fidelity may charge a fee for certain services, such as providing historical account documents.
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
The fund earns dividends, interest, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
The fund normally pays dividends and capital gain distributions in December.
Distribution Options
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to receive your distributions. The following distribution options are available:
1. Reinvestment Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. If you do not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. Any dividends will be paid in cash.
3. Cash Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
4. Directed Dividends® Option. Any dividends will be automatically invested in the same class of shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in the same class of shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund, automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund, or paid in cash.
Not all distribution options may be available for every account and certain restrictions may apply. If the option you prefer is not listed on your account application, or if you want to change your current option, contact your investment professional directly or call Fidelity.
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If you elect to receive distributions paid in cash by check and the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver your checks, your distribution option may be converted to the Reinvestment Option. You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks.
Any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan participants will be automatically reinvested.
Tax Consequences
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
Taxes on Distributions
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain of the fund’s distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income, while certain of the fund’s distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to you generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met).
If you buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be “buying a dividend” by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions you receive from the fund will normally be taxable to you when you receive them, regardless of your distribution option.
Distributions by the fund to tax-advantaged retirement plan accounts are not taxable currently (but you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive when you sell them.
Exchanges within a tax-advantaged retirement plan account will not result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of distributions from a tax-advantaged retirement plan account.
Fund Distribution
The fund is composed of multiple classes of shares. All classes of the fund have a common investment objective and investment portfolio.
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FDC distributes each class’s shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for their services intended to result in the sale of class shares, including compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services. This compensation may take the form of (as applicable):
| • | | Sales charges and concessions (not applicable to Class I shares). |
| • | | Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees (not applicable to Class I shares). |
| • | | Finder’s fees (not applicable to Class C and Class I shares). |
| • | | Payments for additional distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. |
| • | | Payments for educational seminars and training, including seminars sponsored by Fidelity, or by an intermediary. |
These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI. Please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
You may pay a sales charge when you buy or sell your Class A, Class M, and Class C shares.
FDC collects the sales charge.
As described in detail in this section, you may be entitled to a waiver of your sales charge, or to pay a reduced sales charge, when you buy or sell Class A, Class M, and Class C shares. In the event of changes in sales charges, sales charges, if any, in effect at the time of purchase generally will apply.
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a fund or through an intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC (back-end) waivers. Please see “Sales Charge Waiver Policies Applied by Certain Intermediaries” in the “Appendix” section of the prospectus. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify a fund or the purchaser’s intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from a fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
The front-end sales charge will be reduced for purchases of Class A and Class M shares according to the sales charge schedules below.
Sales Charges and Concessions - Class A
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Sales Charge | | | | |
| | As a % of offering price(a) | | | As an approximate % of net amount invested(a) | | | Investment professional concession as % of offering price | |
Less than $50,000(b) | | | 5.75 | % | | | 6.10 | % | | | 5.00 | % |
$50,000 but less than $100,000 | | | 4.50 | % | | | 4.71 | % | | | 3.75 | % |
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | | | 3.50 | % | | | 3.63 | % | | | 2.75 | % |
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | | | 2.50 | % | | | 2.56 | % | | | 2.00 | % |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | | | 2.00 | % | | | 2.04 | % | | | 1.75 | % |
$1,000,000 but less than $4,000,000 | | | None | | | | None | | | | 1.00 | %(c) |
$4,000,000 but less than $25,000,000 | | | None | | | | None | | | | 0.50 | %(c) |
$25,000,000 or more | | | None | | | | None | | | | 0.25 | %(c) |
(a) | The actual sales charge you pay may be higher or lower than those calculated using these percentages due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV. |
(b) | Purchases of $10.00 or less will not pay a sales charge. |
(c) | Certain conditions and exceptions apply. See “Fund Services - Fund Distribution - Finder’s Fees.” |
Investments in Class A shares of $1 million or more may, upon redemption less than 18 months after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a CDSC of 1.00%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV.
When exchanging Class A shares of one fund for Class A shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares or Daily Money Class shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Daily Money Class shares, your Class A shares retain the CDSC schedule in effect when they were originally bought.
Sales Charges and Concessions - Class M
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Sales Charge | | | | |
| | As a % of offering price(a) | | | As an approximate % of net amount invested(a) | | | Investment professional concession as % of offering price | |
Less than $50,000 (b) | | | 3.50 | % | | | 3.63 | % | | | 3.00 | % |
$50,000 but less than $100,000 | | | 3.00 | % | | | 3.09 | % | | | 2.50 | % |
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | | | 2.50 | % | | | 2.56 | % | | | 2.00 | % |
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | | | 1.50 | % | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.25 | % |
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | 0.75 | % |
$1,000,000 or more | | | None | | | | None | | | | 0.25 | %(c) |
(a) | The actual sales charge you pay may be higher or lower than those calculated using these percentages due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV. |
(b) | Purchases of $10.00 or less will not pay a sales charge. |
(c) | Certain conditions and exceptions apply. See “Fund Services - Fund Distribution - Finder’s Fees.” |
Investments in Class M shares of $1 million or more may, upon redemption less than one year after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a CDSC of 0.25%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV.
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When exchanging Class M shares of one fund for Class M shares of another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares or Advisor M Class shares of Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund, your Class M shares retain the CDSC schedule in effect when they were originally bought.
Class A or Class M shares purchased by an individual or company through the Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, or Letter of Intent program may receive a reduced front-end sales charge according to the sales charge schedules above. To qualify for a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction under one of these programs, you must notify Fidelity in advance of your purchase.
Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, and Letter of Intent Programs. The following qualify as an “individual” or “company” for the purposes of determining eligibility for the Combined Purchase and Rights of Accumulation program: an individual, spouse, and their children under age 21 purchasing for his/her or their own account; a trustee, administrator, or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account or for a single or parent-subsidiary group of “employee benefit plans” (except SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)) and 403(b) programs; and tax-exempt organizations (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). The following qualify as an “individual” or “company” for the purposes of determining eligibility for the Letter of Intent program: an individual, spouse, and their children under age 21 purchasing for his/her or their own account; a trustee, administrator, or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account (except SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)); an IRA or plans covering sole-proprietors (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans); plans investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program; and tax-exempt organizations (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code).
Combined Purchase. To receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction, if you are a new shareholder, you may combine your purchase of Class A or Class M shares with purchases of: (i) Class A, Class M, and Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (ii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, and (iii) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. Purchases may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries on the same day for the purpose of qualifying for the Combined Purchase program.
Rights of Accumulation. To receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction, if you are an existing shareholder, you may add to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares the current value of your holdings in: (i) Class A, Class M, and Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (ii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, (iii) Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares acquired by exchange from any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (iv) Class O shares of Fidelity Advisor® Diversified Stock Fund and Fidelity Advisor® Capital Development Fund, and (v) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. The current value of your holdings is determined at the NAV at the close of business on the day prior to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares. The current value of your holdings will be added to your purchase of Class A or Class M shares for the purpose of qualifying for the Rights of Accumulation program. Purchases and holdings may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries for the purpose of qualifying for the Rights of Accumulation program.
Letter of Intent. You may receive a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction on your purchases of Class A and Class M shares made during a 13-month period by signing a Letter of Intent (Letter). File your Letter with Fidelity no later than the date of the initial purchase toward completing
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your Letter. Each Class A or Class M purchase you make toward completing your Letter will be entitled to the reduced front-end sales charge applicable to the total investment indicated in the Letter. Purchases of the following may be aggregated for the purpose of completing your Letter: (i) Class A and Class M shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares (except those acquired by exchange from Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares that had been previously exchanged from a Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares), (ii) Class C shares of any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, (iii) Advisor C Class shares of Fidelity® Treasury Money Market Fund, and (iv) Class A Units (New and Old), Class C Units, Class D Units, and Class P Units of the Fidelity Advisor® 529 Plan. Reinvested income and capital gain distributions will not be considered purchases for the purpose of completing your Letter. Purchases may be aggregated across multiple intermediaries for the purpose of qualifying for the Letter of Intent program. Your initial purchase toward completing your Letter must be at least 5% of the total investment specified in your Letter. Fidelity will register Class A or Class M shares equal to 5% of the total investment specified in your Letter in your name and will hold those shares in escrow. You will earn income, dividends and capital gain distributions on escrowed Class A and Class M shares. The escrow will be released when you complete your Letter. You are not obligated to complete your Letter. If you do not complete your Letter, you must pay the increased front-end sales charges due in accordance with the sales charge schedule in effect when your shares were originally bought. Fidelity may redeem sufficient escrowed Class A or Class M shares to pay any applicable front-end sales charges. If you purchase more than the amount specified in your Letter and qualify for additional Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reductions, the front-end sales charge will be adjusted to reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months and the surplus amount will be applied to your purchase of additional Class A or Class M shares at the then-current offering price applicable to the total investment.
Detailed information about these programs also is available on institutional.fidelity.com. In order to obtain the benefit of a front-end sales charge reduction for which you may be eligible, you may need to inform your investment professional of other accounts you, your spouse, or your children maintain with your investment professional or other investment professionals from the same intermediary.
Class C shares may, upon redemption less than one year after purchase, for any reason, be assessed a CDSC of 1.00%. The actual CDSC you pay may be higher or lower than that calculated using this percentage due to rounding. The impact of rounding may vary with the amount of your investment and the size of the class’s NAV.
Investment professionals will receive as compensation from FDC, at the time of the sale, a concession equal to 1.00% of your purchase of Class C shares. A concession will not apply to Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
The CDSC for Class A, Class M, and Class C shares will be calculated based on the lesser of the cost of each class’s shares, as applicable, at the initial date of purchase or the value of those shares, as applicable, at redemption, not including any reinvested dividends or capital gains. Class A, Class M, and Class C shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions will not be subject to a CDSC. In determining the applicability and rate of any CDSC at redemption, shares representing reinvested dividends and capital gains will be redeemed first, followed by those shares that have been held for the longest period of time.
A front-end sales charge will not apply to the following Class A or Class M shares:
| 1. | Purchased for an employee benefit plan other than a plan investing through the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program. For this purpose, employee benefit plans generally include 401(a), 401(k), |
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| 403(b), and 457(b) governmental plans, but do not include: IRAs, SIMPLE, SEP, or SARSEP plans; or health savings accounts. |
| 2. | Purchased for an insurance company separate account. |
| 3. | Purchased for managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee by a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, insurance company, trust institution or bank trust department. |
| 4. | Purchased with the proceeds of a redemption of Fidelity® or Fidelity Advisor® fund shares held in (i) an insurance company separate account, or (ii) an employee benefit plan (as described in waiver number 1 above, including the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program), the proceeds of which must be reinvested directly into Fidelity Advisor® fund shares held in an account for which Fidelity Management Trust Company or an affiliate serves as custodian. |
| 5. | Purchased with any proceeds of a distribution from a Fidelity® recordkept employee benefit plan (as described in waiver number 1 above, including the Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program) that is rolled directly into a Fidelity Advisor® IRA for which Fidelity Management Trust Company or an affiliate serves as custodian. |
| 6. | Purchased by a bank trust officer, registered representative, or other employee (or a member of one of their immediate families) of intermediaries having agreements with FDC. A member of the immediate family of a bank trust officer, a registered representative, or other employee of intermediaries having agreements with FDC, is a spouse of one of those individuals, an account for which one of those individuals is acting as custodian for a minor child, and a trust account that is registered for the sole benefit of a minor child of one of those individuals. |
| 7. | Purchased to repay a loan against Class A or Class M shares held in the investor’s Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) program. |
| 8. | Purchased for an employer-sponsored health savings account. |
| 9. | (Applicable only to Class A) Purchased by a former Destiny® Planholder in a Fidelity Advisor® account that was converted directly from a Destiny® Plan account after September 30, 2008. This waiver shall apply as long as the ownership of the Fidelity Advisor® account does not change. If the Fidelity Advisor® account is no longer directly held at Fidelity, your intermediary may be able to apply the waiver, assuming the stated conditions are met. Please contact your investment professional for more information. |
| 10. | Purchased for a mutual fund only brokerage platform that charges a platform entrance fee and where the distributor has agreed with the broker to participate in such platform. |
Pursuant to Rule 22d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act), FDC exercises its right to waive Class A’s and Class M’s front-end sales charge on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions or in connection with a fund’s merger with or acquisition of any investment company or trust. FDC also exercises its right to waive Class A’s and Class M’s front-end sales charge on purchases of $10.00 or less.
The CDSC may be waived on the redemption of shares (applies to Class A, Class M, and Class C, unless otherwise noted):
| 1. | For disability or death. |
| 2. | From employer-sponsored retirement plans (except SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and SARSEPs) in accordance with required minimum distributions as mandated by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. |
| 3. | For required minimum distributions from Traditional IRAs, Rollover IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and SARSEPs (excludes Roth accounts) as mandated by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. |
| 4. | Through the Fidelity Advisor® Systematic Withdrawal Program, if the amount does not exceed 12% of the account balance in a rolling 12-month period. |
| 5. | (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) Held by insurance company separate accounts. |
| 6. | (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) From an employee benefit plan (except SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, SARSEPs, and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees) or 403(b) programs (except Fidelity Advisor® 403(b) programs for which Fidelity or an affiliate serves as custodian). |
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| 7. | (Applicable to Class A and Class M only) On which a finder’s fee was eligible to be paid to an investment professional at the time of purchase, but was not paid because payment was declined (to determine your eligibility for this CDSC waiver, please ask your investment professional if he or she received a finder’s fee at the time of purchase). |
| 8. | (Applicable to Class C only) On which investment professionals did not receive a concession at the time of purchase. |
To qualify for a Class A or Class M front-end sales charge reduction or waiver, you must notify Fidelity in advance of your purchase.
You may be required to notify Fidelity in advance of your redemption to qualify for a Class A, Class M, or Class C CDSC waiver.
Information on sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge on institutional.fidelity.com.
Finder’s Fees. Finder’s fees may be paid to investment professionals who sell Class A and Class M shares in purchase amounts of $1 million or more. For Class A share purchases, investment professionals may be compensated at the time of purchase with a finder’s fee at the rate of 1.00% of the purchase amount for purchases of $1 million up to $4 million, 0.50% of the purchase amount for purchases of $4 million up to $25 million, and 0.25% of the purchase amount for purchases of $25 million or more. For Class M share purchases, investment professionals may be compensated at the time of purchase with a finder’s fee at the rate of 0.25% of the purchase amount.
Investment professionals may be eligible for a finder’s fee on the following purchases of Class A and Class M shares made through broker-dealers and banks: a trade that brings the value of the accumulated account(s) of an investor, including a 403(b) program or an employee benefit plan (except a SEP or SARSEP plan or a plan covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly a Keogh/H.R. 10 plan)), over $1 million; a trade for an investor with an accumulated account value of $1 million or more; and an incremental trade toward an investor’s $1 million Letter. Accumulated account value for purposes of finder’s fees eligibility is determined the same as it is for Rights of Accumulation. Daily Money Class shares of a fund that offers Daily Money Class shares are not counted for this purpose unless acquired by exchange from any Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares. For information, see “Combined Purchase, Rights of Accumulation, and Letter of Intent Programs” above.
Finder’s fees are not paid in connection with purchases of Class A or Class M shares by insurance company separate accounts or managed account programs that charge an asset-based fee, or purchases of Class A or Class M shares made with the proceeds from the redemption of shares of any Fidelity® fund or any retirement plan recordkept at Fidelity.
Investment professionals should contact Fidelity in advance to determine if they qualify to receive a finder’s fee. Finder’s fees will be paid in connection with shares recordkept in a Fidelity Advisor® 401(k) Retirement Plan only at the time of the initial conversion of assets. Investment professionals should contact Fidelity for more information.
Reinstatement Privilege. If you have sold all or part of your Class A, Class M, or Class C shares of the fund, you may reinvest an amount equal to all or a portion of the redemption proceeds in the same class of the fund or another Fidelity® fund that offers Advisor classes of shares, at the NAV next determined after receipt in proper form of your investment order, provided that such reinvestment is made within 90 days of redemption. Under these circumstances, the dollar amount of the CDSC you paid, if any, on shares will be reimbursed to you by reinvesting that amount in Class A, Class M, or Class C shares, as applicable.
66
You must reinstate your shares into an account with the same registration. This privilege may be exercised only once by a shareholder with respect to the fund and certain restrictions may apply. For purposes of the CDSC schedule, the holding period will continue as if the Class A, Class M, or Class C shares had not been redeemed. To qualify for the reinstatement privilege, you must notify Fidelity in writing in advance of your reinvestment.
Distribution and Service Plan(s)
Class A has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class A is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A shares. Class A may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of Class A’s average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class A shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class A plan, Class A pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class A’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Except as provided below, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services. For purchases of Class A shares on which a finder’s fee was paid to intermediaries, after the first year of investment, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (service) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
Class M has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class M is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class M shares. Class M may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Class M currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of its average net assets throughout the month. Class M’s 12b-1 (distribution) fee rate may be increased only when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class M shareholders to do so.
FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (distribution) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class M shares.
In addition, pursuant to the Class M plan, Class M pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class M’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
67
Class C has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class C is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares. Class C currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average net assets throughout the month.
In addition, pursuant to the Class C plan, Class C pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class C’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Normally, after the first year of investment, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (distribution) fees to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares and may reallow up to the full amount of the 12b-1 (service) fee to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
For purchases of Class C shares made through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, during the first year of investment and thereafter, FDC may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (distribution) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares and may reallow up to the full amount of this 12b-1 (service) fee paid by such shares to intermediaries, including its affiliates, for providing shareholder support services.
Any fees paid out of Class A’s, Class M’s, and Class C’s assets on an ongoing basis pursuant to a Distribution and Service Plan will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
In addition to the above payments, each Class A, Class M, and Class C plan specifically recognizes that the Adviser may make payments from its management fee revenue, past profits, or other resources to FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class M, and Class C shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC or one or more affiliates, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for Class A, Class M, and Class C.
Class I has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class I shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for Class I.
If payments made by the Adviser to FDC or to intermediaries under Class I’s Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of Class I’s assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the fund or by FDC to sell shares of the fund to or to buy shares of the fund from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
68
Fidelity, Fidelity Investment & Pyramid Design, and Fidelity Advisor are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2020 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
| | |
1.9901005.100 | | EMEA-PXS-0221 |
Fidelity’s Targeted International Equity Funds®
| | |
Fund | | Ticker |
Fidelity® Canada Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® Canada Fund | | FICDX |
Fidelity® China Region Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® China Region Fund | | FHKCX |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | FSEAX |
|
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | FEMKX |
Fidelity® Europe Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® Europe Fund | | FIEUX |
Fidelity® Japan Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® Japan Fund | | FJPNX |
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund | | FJSCX |
|
Fidelity® Latin America Fund |
Class/Ticker |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | FLATX |
Fidelity® Nordic Fund | | FNORX |
| |
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund | | FPBFX |
In this prospectus, the term “shares” (as it relates to a multiple class fund) means the class of shares offered through this prospectus.
Prospectus
December 30, 2020
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of a fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a financial advisor, broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a fund electronically, by contacting your financial intermediary. For Fidelity customers, visit Fidelity’s web site or call Fidelity using the contact information listed below.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports, you may contact your financial intermediary or, if you are a Fidelity customer, visit Fidelity’s website, or call Fidelity at the applicable toll-free number listed below. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex/your financial intermediary.
| | | | |
Account Type | | Website | | Phone Number |
| | |
Brokerage, Mutual Fund, or Annuity Contracts: | | fidelity.com/mailpreferences | | 1-800-343-3548 |
| | |
Employer Provided Retirement Accounts: | | netbenefits.fidelity.com/preferences (choose ‘no’ under Required Disclosures to continue to print) | | 1-800-343-0860 |
| | |
Advisor Sold Accounts Serviced Through Your Financial Intermediary: | | Contact Your Financial Intermediary | | Your Financial Intermediary’s phone number |
| | |
Advisor Sold Accounts Serviced by Fidelity: | | institutional.fidelity.com | | 1-877-208-0098 |
| | |
Like securities of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. | | 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
Contents
2
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Canada Fund/Fidelity® Canada Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees | | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
3
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee (fluctuates based on the fund’s performance relative to a securities market index) | | | 0.60 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.28 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 0.88 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 90 | |
3 years | | $ | 281 | |
5 years | | $ | 488 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,084 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 11% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Canadian issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Canada. |
| • | | Potentially investing in securities of U.S. issuers. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Investing up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Canadian market. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
4
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Canada. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Canada, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Canada and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
5
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 13.39 | % | | | March 31, 2019 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (19.27 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | (8.03 | )% | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Canada Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 25.78 | % | | | 3.43 | % | | | 4.54 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 24.84 | % | | | 2.86 | % | | | 3.91 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 16.49 | % | | | 2.79 | % | | | 3.74 | % |
S&P/TSX Composite Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | | | 29.42 | % | | | 3.90 | % | | | 4.65 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Ryan Oldham (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since June 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
6
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments | | Fidelity Investments |
P.O. Box 770001 | | P.O. Box 770001 |
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® China Region Fund/Fidelity® China Region Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
7
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
| |
Management fee | | | 0.68 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.25 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 0.93 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 95 | |
3 years | | $ | 296 | |
5 years | | $ | 515 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,143 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 60% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the China region. |
8
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different China region countries. |
| • | | Investing up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese market. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in China. Because the fund concentrates its investments in China, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions in China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in the China Region. Because the fund concentrates its investments in the China region, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within the China region and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
9
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | Returns | | Quarter ended |
Highest Quarter Return | | 19.18% | | September 30, 2010 |
Lowest Quarter Return | | (26.11)% | | September 30, 2015 |
Year-to-Date Return | | 25.09% | | September 30, 2020 |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® China Region Fund | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 35.11 | % | | | 8.94 | % | | | 8.51 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 35.02 | % | | | 8.22 | % | | | 7.48 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 21.06 | % | | | 6.97 | % | | | 6.73 | % |
MSCI Golden Dragon Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 23.73 | % | | | 8.12 | % | | | 6.72 | % |
10
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Stephen Lieu (co-manager) has managed the fund since April 2018.
Ivan Xie (co-manager) has managed the fund since April 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments | | Fidelity Investments |
P.O. Box 770001 | | P.O. Box 770001 |
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
11
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund:
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees | | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee (fluctuates based on the fund’s performance relative to a securities market index) | | | 0.87 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.26 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 1.13 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
12
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 115 | |
3 years | | $ | 359 | |
5 years | | $ | 622 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,375 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 114% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Asian emerging market issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Asian emerging markets. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different Asian countries with emerging markets. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Asia. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Asia, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Asia and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. |
13
| • | | Geographic Concentration in China. Because the fund concentrates its investments in China, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions in China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
| • | | High portfolio turnover (more than 100%) may result in increased transaction costs and potentially higher capital gains or losses. The effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect the fund’s performance. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index and an additional index over various periods of time. The indexes have characteristics relevant to the fund’s investment strategies. Index descriptions appear in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Prior to December 1, 2010, the fund operated under certain different investment policies and compared its performance to a different index. The fund’s historical performance may not represent its current investment policies. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | Returns | | Quarter ended |
Highest Quarter Return | | 18.65% | | September 30, 2010 |
Lowest Quarter Return | | (22.23)% | | September 30, 2011 |
Year-to-Date Return | | 36.79% | | September 30, 2020 |
14
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 30.89 | % | | | 9.49 | % | | | 8.13 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 29.18 | % | | | 9.01 | % | | | 7.83 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 19.70 | % | | | 7.58 | % | | | 6.73 | % |
MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 18.17 | % | | | 6.56 | % | | | 6.07 | % |
Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund Linked IndexSM (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 18.17 | % | | | 6.56 | % | | | 6.06 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Xiaoting Zhao (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since June 2019.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
15
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund/Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks capital appreciation.
16
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
| | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee | | | 0.68 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.24 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 0.92 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 94 | |
3 years | | $ | 293 | |
5 years | | $ | 509 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,131 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets (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) and other investments that are tied economically to emerging markets. |
17
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different emerging market countries. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in China. Because the fund concentrates its investments in China, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions in China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
18
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | Returns | | Quarter ended |
Highest Quarter Return | | 19.52% | | September 30, 2010 |
Lowest Quarter Return | | (24.04)% | | September 30, 2011 |
Year-to-Date Return | | 12.84% | | September 30, 2020 |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 33.65 | % | | | 8.48 | % | | | 5.43 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 33.18 | % | | | 8.38 | % | | | 5.39 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 20.38 | % | | | 6.78 | % | | | 4.49 | % |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 18.47 | % | | | 5.65 | % | | | 3.73 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
19
Portfolio Manager(s)
John Dance (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since February 2019.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
20
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Europe Fund/Fidelity® Europe Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
| | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee (fluctuates based on the fund’s performance relative to a securities market index) | | | 0.78 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.25 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 1.03 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 105 | |
3 years | | $ | 328 | |
5 years | | $ | 569 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,259 | |
21
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 39% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of European issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Europe. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different European countries. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Europe. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Europe, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Europe and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
22
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 21.16 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (24.87 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | 2.01 | % | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Europe Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 24.35 | % | | | 5.54 | % | | | 5.72 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 22.07 | % | | | 4.36 | % | | | 5.02 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 15.66 | % | | | 4.19 | % | | | 4.61 | % |
MSCI Europe Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 24.13 | % | | | 5.33 | % | | | 5.44 | % |
23
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Andrew Sergeant (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since June 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
24
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Japan Fund/Fidelity® Japan Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
Shareholder fees
| | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee (fluctuates based on the fund’s performance relative to a securities market index) | | | 0.80 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.26 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 1.06 | % |
25
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 108 | |
3 years | | $ | 337 | |
5 years | | $ | 585 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,294 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Japanese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Japan. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Japan. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Japan, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Japan and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. |
26
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 12.59 | % | | | December 31, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (16.56 | )% | | | December 31, 2018 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | 8.72 | % | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
27
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Japan Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 25.73 | % | | | 9.22 | % | | | 6.39 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 25.54 | % | | | 9.13 | % | | | 6.25 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 15.64 | % | | | 7.41 | % | | | 5.28 | % |
Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | | | 19.25 | % | | | 8.51 | % | | | 7.26 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Kirk Neureiter (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since March 2014.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
28
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund:
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
29
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee | | | 0.68 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.25 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses(a) | | | 0.93 | % |
(a) | Differs from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus because of acquired fund fees and expenses. For the period, acquired fund fees and expenses are less than 0.01% and are included in other expenses. |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 95 | |
3 years | | $ | 296 | |
5 years | | $ | 515 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,143 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Japanese issuers, and other investments that are tied economically to Japan, with smaller market capitalizations (which, for purposes of this fund, are those companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell/Nomura Mid-Small Cap™ Index or the JASDAQ Index). |
| • | | Potentially investing in securities of Japanese issuers with larger market capitalizations. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
30
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Japan. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Japan, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Japan and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
| • | | Small Cap Investing. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | Returns | | Quarter ended |
Highest Quarter Return | | 25.91% | | March 31, 2013 |
Lowest Quarter Return | | (12.82)% | | December 31, 2018 |
Year-to-Date Return | | (0.52)% | | September 30, 2020 |
31
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 21.94 | % | | | 11.54 | % | | | 10.89 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 20.03 | % | | | 10.50 | % | | | 10.18 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 14.39 | % | | | 9.16 | % | | | 8.97 | % |
Russell/Nomura Mid-Small Cap™ Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | | | 16.47 | % | | | 9.06 | % | | | 8.10 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
David Jenkins (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since March 2014.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
32
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments | | Fidelity Investments |
P.O. Box 770001 | | P.O. Box 770001 |
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund/Class:
Fidelity® Latin America Fund/Fidelity® Latin America Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
33
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees | | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee | | | 0.69 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.37 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses(a) | | | 1.06 | % |
(a) | Differs from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus because of acquired fund fees and expenses. For the period, acquired fund fees and expenses are less than 0.01% and are included in other expenses. |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 108 | |
3 years | | $ | 337 | |
5 years | | $ | 585 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,294 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 54% of the average value of its portfolio.
34
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Latin American issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Latin America. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different Latin American countries. |
| • | | Investing up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Latin American market. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in Latin America. Because the fund concentrates its investments in Latin America, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within Latin America and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
In addition, the fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act), which means that it has the ability to invest a greater portion of assets in securities of a smaller number of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a more diversified fund.
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
35
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 23.25 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (23.22 | )% | | | June 30, 2018 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | (37.39 | )% | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 40.56 | % | | | 6.64 | % | | | (0.24 | )% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 39.50 | % | | | 5.98 | % | | | (1.34 | )% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 24.28 | % | | | 4.97 | % | | | (0.17 | )% |
MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Latin America Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 17.67 | % | | | 4.38 | % | | | (0.45 | )% |
36
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Will Pruett (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since October 2015.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Redemptions: Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
37
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund:
Fidelity® Nordic Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees | | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee | | | 0.68 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.28 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 0.96 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
38
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 98 | |
3 years | | $ | 306 | |
5 years | | $ | 531 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,178 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 29% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Nordic region. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different Nordic countries. |
| • | | Investing up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Nordic market. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in the Nordic Region. Because the fund concentrates its investments in the Nordic region, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within the Nordic region and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because the fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in certain industries, the fund’s performance could be affected to the extent that the particular industry or industries in which the fund invests are sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. |
39
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 23.73 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (25.63 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | 20.70 | % | | | September 30, 2020 | |
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-
40
tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Nordic Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 17.22 | % | | | 6.88 | % | | | 9.26 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 15.93 | % | | | 5.84 | % | | | 8.45 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 11.01 | % | | | 5.33 | % | | | 7.49 | % |
FTSE® Capped Nordic Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | | | 21.44 | % | | | 6.53 | % | | | 8.14 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Andrew Sergeant (portfolio manager) has managed the fund since June 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
| | |
Additional purchases: | | Redemptions: |
| |
Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Fidelity Investments P.O. Box 770001 Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
41
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Summary
Fund:
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund
Investment Objective
The fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Fee Table
The following table describes the fees and expenses that may be incurred when you buy and hold shares of the fund.
| | |
Shareholder fees | | |
(fees paid directly from your investment) | | None |
42
Annual Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | |
Management fee (fluctuates based on the fund’s performance relative to a securities market index) | | | 0.87 | % |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | |
Other expenses | | | 0.24 | % |
| | | | |
Total annual operating expenses | | | 1.11 | % |
This example helps compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the annual return for shares of the fund is 5% and that your shareholder fees and the annual operating expenses for shares of the fund are exactly as described in the fee table. This example illustrates the effect of fees and expenses, but is not meant to suggest actual or expected fees and expenses or returns, all of which may vary. For every $10,000 you invested, here’s how much you would pay in total expenses if you sell all of your shares at the end of each time period indicated:
| | | | |
1 year | | $ | 113 | |
3 years | | $ | 353 | |
5 years | | $ | 612 | |
10 years | | $ | 1,352 | |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
| • | | Normally investing at least 80% of assets in securities of Pacific Basin issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Pacific Basin. |
| • | | Normally investing primarily in common stocks. |
| • | | Allocating investments across different Pacific Basin countries. |
| • | | Using fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments. |
43
Principal Investment Risks
| • | | Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of securities can react differently to these developments. |
| • | | Foreign Exposure. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. Foreign exchange rates also can be extremely volatile. |
| • | | Geographic Concentration in the Pacific Basin. Because the fund concentrates its investments in the Pacific Basin, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within the Pacific Basin and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. |
| • | | Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole. |
An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund.
Performance
The following information is intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the fund. The information illustrates the changes in the performance of the fund’s shares from year to year and compares the performance of the fund’s shares to the performance of a securities market index over various periods of time. The index description appears in the “Additional Index Information” section of the prospectus. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future performance.
Visit www.fidelity.com for more recent performance information.
Year-by-Year Returns
| | | | | | | | |
During the periods shown in the chart: | | | Returns | | | | Quarter ended | |
Highest Quarter Return | | | 17.33 | % | | | September 30, 2010 | |
Lowest Quarter Return | | | (18.86 | )% | | | September 30, 2011 | |
Year-to-Date Return | | | 14.80 | % | | | September 30, 2020 | |
44
Average Annual Returns
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates, but do not reflect the impact of state or local taxes. Actual after-tax returns may differ depending on your individual circumstances. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant if you hold your shares in a retirement account or in another tax-deferred arrangement, such as an employee benefit plan (profit sharing, 401(k), or 403(b) plan). Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other returns for the same period due to a tax benefit of realizing a capital loss upon the sale of fund shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the periods ended December 31, 2019 | | Past 1 year | | | Past 5 years | | | Past 10 years | |
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund | |
Return Before Taxes | | | 32.21 | % | | | 10.64 | % | | | 10.89 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | | | 32.10 | % | | | 9.62 | % | | | 9.64 | % |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | | | 19.36 | % | | | 8.37 | % | | | 8.70 | % |
MSCI AC (All Country) Pacific Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses) | | | 20.15 | % | | | 7.08 | % | | | 6.26 | % |
Investment Adviser
Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) (the Adviser) is the fund’s manager. Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan), and other investment advisers serve as sub-advisers for the fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Bruce MacDonald (co-manager) has managed the fund since June 2019.
Kirk Neureiter (co-manager) has managed the fund since June 2019.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
You may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage or mutual fund account, through a retirement account, or through an investment professional. You may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet
www.fidelity.com
45
Phone
Fidelity Automated Service Telephone (FAST®) 1-800-544-5555
To reach a Fidelity representative 1-800-544-6666
Mail
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Fidelity Investments | | Fidelity Investments |
P.O. Box 770001 | | P.O. Box 770001 |
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0003 | | Cincinnati, OH 45277-0035 |
TDD- Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
1-800-544-0118
The price to buy one share is its net asset value per share (NAV). Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The price to sell one share is its NAV. Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
There is no purchase minimum for fund shares.
Tax Information
Distributions you receive from the fund are subject to federal income tax and generally will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, and may also be subject to state or local taxes, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account (in which case you may be taxed later, upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Fund Basics
Investment Details
Investment Objective
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Fidelity® Canada Fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Canadian issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Canada. The Adviser may also invest the fund’s assets in U.S. issuers. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser may invest up to 35% of the fund’s total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Canadian market as a whole, as represented by an index determined by the Adviser to be an appropriate measure of the Canadian market, currently the S&P/TSX Composite Index. The Adviser intends to measure the percentage of the index represented by each industry no less frequently than once per month.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® China Region Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the China region. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different China region countries.
The Adviser may invest up to 35% of the fund’s total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese market as a whole, as represented by an index determined by the Adviser to be an appropriate measure of the market, currently the MSCI Golden Dragon Index. The Adviser intends to measure the percentage of the index represented by each industry no less frequently than once per month.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
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The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Asian emerging market issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Asian emerging markets. Asian emerging market issuers are those issuers located in an Asian country with an emerging market. Asian countries with emerging markets include Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different Asian countries with emerging markets.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets and other investments that are tied economically 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. 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. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different emerging market countries.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Europe Fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of European issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Europe. Europe includes all member countries of the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, and certain European countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different European countries.
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In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Japan Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Japanese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Japan. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Japanese issuers, and other investments that are tied economically to Japan, with smaller market capitalizations. For purposes of this fund, the Adviser defines smaller market capitalization issuers as those whose market capitalization is similar to the market capitalization of companies in the Russell/Nomura Mid-Small Cap™ Index or the JASDAQ Index. A company’s market capitalization is based on its current market capitalization or its market capitalization at the time of the fund’s investment. The size of the companies in each index changes with market conditions and the composition of the index. The Adviser may also invest the fund’s assets in Japanese issuers with larger market capitalizations. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Latin America Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
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Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Latin American issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Latin America. Latin America includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Panama, and Venezuela. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different Latin American countries.
The Adviser may invest up to 35% of the fund’s total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Latin American market as a whole, as represented by an index determined by the Adviser to be an appropriate measure of the market, currently the MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Latin America Index. The Adviser intends to measure the percentage of the index represented by each industry no less frequently than once per month.
Because the fund is classified as non-diversified, the Adviser may invest a significant percentage of the fund’s assets in relatively few companies and up to 25% in a single issuer.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Nordic Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Nordic region. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different Nordic countries.
The Adviser may invest up to 35% of the fund’s total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Nordic market as a whole, as represented by an index determined by the Adviser to be an appropriate measure of the market, currently the FTSE® Capped Nordic Index. The Adviser intends to measure the percentage of the index represented by each industry no less than once per month.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Investment Objective
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
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Principal Investment Strategies
The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in securities of Pacific Basin issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Pacific Basin. The Pacific Basin includes Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Adviser normally invests the fund’s assets primarily in common stocks.
The Adviser normally allocates the fund’s investments across different Pacific Basin countries.
In buying and selling securities for the fund, the Adviser relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a bottom-up assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors including its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position, and economic and market conditions.
If the Adviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.
Description of Principal Security Types
Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy of the issuer. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants.
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Debt securities include corporate bonds, government securities (including Treasury securities), repurchase agreements, money market securities, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loans and loan participations, and other securities believed to have debt-like characteristics, including hybrids and synthetic securities.
Principal Investment Risks
Many factors affect each fund’s performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a fund’s performance. A fund’s share price changes daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. A fund’s reaction to these developments will be affected by the types of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund’s level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Because each fund concentrates its investments in a particular country or group of countries, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to economic and political conditions within that country or group of countries and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, because Fidelity® Latin America Fund may invest a significant percentage of assets in a single issuer, the fund’s performance could be closely tied to that one issuer and could be more volatile than the performance of more diversified funds. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in a fund.
The following factors can significantly affect a fund’s performance:
Stock Market Volatility. The value of equity securities fluctuates in response to issuer, political, market, and economic developments. Fluctuations, especially in foreign markets, can be dramatic over the short as well as long term, and different parts of the market, including different market sectors, and different types of equity securities can react differently to these developments. For example, stocks of companies in one sector can react differently from those in another, large cap stocks can react differently from small cap stocks, and “growth” stocks can react differently from “value” stocks. Issuer, political, or economic developments can affect a single issuer, issuers within an industry or economic sector or geographic region, or the market as a whole. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact the market as a whole. Terrorism and related geo-political risks have led, and may in the future lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
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Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and the less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments, especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Investing in emerging markets can involve risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. The extent of economic development; political stability; market depth, infrastructure, and capitalization; and regulatory oversight can be less than in more developed markets. Emerging markets typically have less established legal, accounting and financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may reduce the scope or quality of financial information available to investors. Emerging market economies can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties. All of these factors can make emerging market securities more volatile and potentially less liquid than securities issued in more developed markets.
Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers or providers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region.
Geographic Concentration. Social, political, and economic conditions and changes in regulatory, tax, or economic policy in a country or region could significantly affect the market in that country or region. From time to time, a small number of companies and industries may represent a large portion of the market in a particular country or region, and these companies and industries can be sensitive to adverse social, political, economic, currency, or regulatory developments. Similarly, 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 the fund invests in this manner, there is a higher risk that social, political, economic, tax (such as a tax on foreign investments or financial transactions), currency, or regulatory developments in those countries may have a significant impact on the fund’s investment performance.
Special Considerations regarding Asia. Asia includes countries in all stages of economic development, from the highly developed economy of Japan to the emerging market economy of China. Most Asian economies, particularly Asian emerging market economies, are characterized by over-extension of credit, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, and restrictions, unstable employment rates, rapid fluctuation in, among other things, inflation, reliance on exports, and less efficient markets. Currency fluctuations or devaluations in any one country can have a significant effect on the entire region. Recently, the markets in certain Asian countries, particularly those with emerging markets, have suffered significant currency volatility. Furthermore, increased political and social unrest in some Asian countries and slower economic growth could cause further economic and market uncertainty and economic decline in the entire region in the event of economic sanctions or military conflicts.
Special Considerations regarding Canada. The Canadian and U.S. economies are closely integrated. The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner and foreign investor and the Canadian economy is significantly affected by developments in the U.S. economy. Canada is a major producer of forest products, metals, agricultural products, and energy-related products, such as oil, gas, and hydroelectricity. As a result, the Canadian economy is very dependent on the demand for, and supply and price of, natural resources, and the Canadian market is relatively concentrated in issuers involved in the production and distribution of natural resources. Canada’s economic growth may be significantly affected by disruptions in its relationship with major trading partners, fluctuations in currency, and global demand for commodities.
Special Considerations regarding China. The Chinese economy is dependent on the economies of other countries and can be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. The
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willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese economy and markets is uncertain. China has yet to develop comprehensive securities, corporate, or commercial laws, its market is relatively new and less developed, and its economy is experiencing a relative slowdown. Also, foreign investments may be subject to certain restrictions. Changes in Chinese government policy and economic growth rates could significantly affect local markets. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, 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. Concerns exist regarding a potential trade war between China and the United States, which 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, all of which may have a negative impact on a fund’s investments.
Special Considerations regarding the China Region. The Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese economies are dependent on the economies of other countries and can be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. These China region economies can also be significantly affected by general social, economic, and political conditions in China and other countries. In addition, the Taiwanese economy can be significantly affected by security threats from China. The willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Hong Kong and Chinese economies and markets is uncertain. China has yet to develop comprehensive securities, corporate, or commercial laws, its market is relatively new and less developed, and its economy is experiencing a relative slowdown. Also, foreign investments may be subject to certain restrictions. Changes in Chinese government policy and economic growth rates could significantly affect local markets and the entire region. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, 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. Concerns exist regarding a potential trade war between China and the United States, which 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, all of which may have a negative impact on a fund’s investments.
Special Considerations regarding Europe. Europe includes both developed and emerging markets. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union (EU), and many are also members of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls with which EU members and candidates for EMU membership are required to comply. In addition, the private and public sectors’ debt problems of a single EU country can pose economic risks to the EU as a whole. Unemployment in Europe has historically been higher than in the United States, public deficits are an ongoing concern in many European countries, the region is currently facing great political and economic uncertainty and many European economies are experiencing slow economic growth or recession. Eastern European countries generally continue to move toward market economies. However, their markets remain relatively undeveloped and can be particularly sensitive to social, political, and economic developments. The EU faces challenges related to member states seeking to change their relationship with the EU, exemplified by the United Kingdom’s ongoing withdrawal (commonly referred to as “Brexit”). There is significant uncertainty as to the final terms and consequences of Brexit. Among other things, the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU could result in increased volatility and illiquidity in the European and United Kingdom economies, as well as the broader global economy. Companies with a significant amount of business in the United Kingdom or Europe may experience lower revenue and/or profit growth, which may adversely affect the value of a fund’s investments. In addition, uncertainty regarding Brexit may lead to instability in the foreign exchange markets, including volatility in the value of the euro.
Special Considerations regarding Japan. The Japanese economy, at times, has been characterized by government intervention and protectionism, an aging demographic, declining population, and an unstable financial services sector. International trade, particularly with the United States, government support of the financial services sector and other troubled sectors, consistent government policy, natural disasters, and geopolitical developments can significantly affect economic growth. Since a significant portion of Japan’s trade is conducted with developing nations, almost all of which are in East and Southeast Asia, it can be affected by currency fluctuations and other conditions in these other countries.
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Special Considerations regarding Latin America. The majority of the economies of countries in Latin America are considered emerging market economies. High interest, inflation, and unemployment rates generally characterize each economy. Currency fluctuations or devaluations in any country can have a significant effect on the entire region. Because commodities such as, without limitation, agricultural products, minerals, oil, and metals represent a significant percentage of exports of many Latin American countries, the economies of those countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, currencies and global demand for commodities, which has been subject to significant volatility. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin America’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The Latin America Fund’s relatively high exposure to securities issued by Brazilian companies subjects the fund to a higher degree of risk that adverse developments in a single country will negatively impact the fund. Investments in Brazil are subject to the risk of possible regulatory and economic interventions by the Brazilian government, including the imposition of wage and price controls, the limitation of imports and the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment. In addition, the fund’s relatively high exposure to securities issued by Mexican companies subjects the fund to a higher degree of risk that adverse developments in a single country will negatively impact the fund. Political developments in the U.S. have potential implications for trade arrangements between the U.S. and Mexico, which could negatively affect the value of securities held by the fund.
Special Considerations regarding the Nordic Region. The Nordic economies are dependent on the export of natural resources and natural resource products. Finland’s efforts to comply with EMU restrictions may result in reduced government spending and higher unemployment. Denmark and Sweden have elected not to join the final stage of the EMU and Norway has elected not to join either the European Union (EU) or the EMU and, as a result, these countries may have more flexibility to pursue different fiscal and economic goals but may not benefit from full membership in the EMU. The Nordic Region Fund’s relatively high exposure to securities issued by Swedish companies subjects the fund to a higher degree of risk that adverse developments in a single country will negatively impact the fund. While Sweden has not joined the EMU, the Swedish economy is, however, vulnerable to fluctuations in the economies and monetary policies of its trading partners who are members of the EMU. Sweden has a highly developed welfare system and the level of union membership in Sweden is substantial. These factors can negatively impact the Swedish economy by causing increased government spending, higher production costs and lower productivity, among other things. In addition, the fund’s relatively high exposure to securities issued by Danish companies subjects the fund to a higher degree of risk that adverse developments in a single country will negatively impact the fund. Denmark is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including other EU countries and the United States. Denmark’s economy has also been characterized by slow growth and is facing demographic challenges, including an aging population, which could lead to labor supply shortages in the near future.
Special Considerations regarding the Pacific Basin. The Pacific Basin economies are in all stages of economic development. The majority of the economies in the region can be characterized as either developing or newly industrialized. Many of the Pacific Basin economies may be intertwined, so they may experience economic downturns at the same time. Furthermore, many of the Pacific Basin economies are characterized by high inflation, undeveloped financial services sectors, heavy reliance on international trade, frequent currency fluctuations, devaluations, or restrictions, political and social instability, and less efficient markets. The Australia and New Zealand economies are heavily dependent on the economies of Asian countries and on the price and demand for agricultural products and natural resources.
Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security’s or instrument’s value.
Small Cap Investing. The value of securities of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers and can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. Smaller issuers can have more limited product lines, markets, and financial resources.
High Portfolio Turnover. A fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities. High portfolio turnover (more than 100%) may result in increased transaction costs to a fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups, and
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other transaction costs on the sale of securities or reinvestment in other securities. The sale of a fund’s securities may result in the realization and/or distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains or losses as compared to a fund with less active trading policies. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect a fund’s performance.
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance and the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Other Investment Strategies
In addition to the principal investment strategies discussed above, the Adviser may lend a fund’s securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income for the fund.
The Adviser may also use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures contracts and exchange traded funds, to increase or decrease a fund’s exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values.
Fundamental Investment Policies
The following is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval:
Fidelity® Canada Fund seeks growth of capital over the long term.
Fidelity® China Region Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fidelity® Latin America Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fidelity® Nordic Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Shareholder Notice
The following is subject to change only upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders:
Fidelity® Canada Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Canadian issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Canada.
Fidelity® China Region Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Chinese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the China region.
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Asian emerging market issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Asian emerging markets.
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of issuers in emerging markets and other investments that are tied economically to emerging markets.
Fidelity® Europe Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of European issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Europe.
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Fidelity® Japan Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Japanese issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Japan.
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Japanese issuers, and other investments that are tied economically to Japan, with smaller market capitalizations.
Fidelity® Latin America Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Latin American issuers and other investments that are tied economically to Latin America.
Fidelity® Nordic Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Nordic region.
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in securities of Pacific Basin issuers and other investments that are tied economically to the Pacific Basin.
Country or Geographic Region
The Adviser considers a number of factors to determine whether an investment is tied economically to a particular country or region, including: the source of government guarantees (if any); the primary trading market; the issuer’s domicile, sources of revenue, and location of assets; 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.
Valuing Shares
Each fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open.
The NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Each fund’s assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV. Fidelity calculates NAV separately for each class of shares of a multiple class fund.
NAV is not calculated and a fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
To the extent that a fund’s assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund’s assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of a fund’s assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
NAV is calculated using the values of other open-end funds, if any, in which a fund invests (referred to as underlying funds). Shares of underlying funds are valued at their respective NAVs. Other assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser’s opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser’s opinion, a security’s value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund’s pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value.
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Arbitrage opportunities may exist when trading in a portfolio security or securities is halted and does not resume before a fund calculates its NAV. These arbitrage opportunities may enable short-term traders to dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio security values occur after the close of the overseas markets but prior to the close of the U.S. market. Fair valuation of a fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of NAV by short-term traders.
Policies regarding excessive trading may not be effective to prevent short-term NAV arbitrage trading, particularly in regard to omnibus accounts.
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
Shareholder Information
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares
As used in this prospectus, the term “shares” generally refers to the shares offered through this prospectus.
General Information
Information on Fidelity
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America’s first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of America’s leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
Ways to Invest
Subject to the purchase and sale requirements stated in this prospectus, you may buy or sell shares through a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account. If you buy or sell shares (other than by exchange) through a Fidelity® brokerage account, your transactions generally involve your Fidelity® brokerage core (a settlement vehicle included as part of your Fidelity® brokerage account).
If you do not currently have a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account and would like to invest in a fund, you may need to complete an application. For more information about a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account, please visit Fidelity’s web site at www.fidelity.com, call 1-800-FIDELITY, or visit a Fidelity Investor Center (call 1-800-544-9797 for the center nearest you).
You may also buy or sell shares through a retirement account (such as an IRA or an account funded through salary deduction) or an investment professional. Retirement specialists are available at 1-800-544-4774 to answer your questions about Fidelity® retirement products. If you buy or sell shares through a retirement account or an investment professional, the procedures for buying, selling, and exchanging shares and the account features, policies, and fees may differ from those discussed in this prospectus. Fees in addition to those discussed in this prospectus may apply. For example, you may be charged a transaction fee if you buy or sell shares through a non-Fidelity broker or other investment professional.
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Information on Placing Orders
You should include the following information with any order:
| • | | Type of transaction requested |
| • | | Name(s) of fund(s) and class(es) |
| • | | Dollar amount or number of shares |
Certain methods of contacting Fidelity may be unavailable or delayed (for example, during periods of unusual market activity). In addition, the level and type of service available may be restricted.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
A fund may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law, any purchase or exchange, including transactions deemed to represent excessive trading, at any time.
Excessive trading of fund shares can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to a fund (such as brokerage commissions or spreads paid to dealers who sell money market instruments), disrupting portfolio management strategies, and diluting the value of the shares in cases in which fluctuations in markets are not fully priced into the fund’s NAV.
Each fund reserves the right at any time to restrict purchases or exchanges or impose conditions that are more restrictive on excessive trading than those stated in this prospectus.
Excessive Trading Policy
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies designed to discourage excessive trading of fund shares. Excessive trading activity in a fund is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in a shareholder’s account and each class of a multiple class fund is treated separately. A roundtrip transaction occurs when a shareholder sells fund shares (including exchanges) within 30 days of the purchase date.
Shareholders with two or more roundtrip transactions in a single fund within a rolling 90-day period will be blocked from making additional purchases or exchange purchases of the fund for 85 days. Shareholders with four or more roundtrip transactions across all Fidelity® funds within any rolling 12-month period will be blocked for at least 85 days from additional purchases or exchange purchases across all Fidelity® funds. Any roundtrip within 12 months of the expiration of a multi-fund block will initiate another multi-fund block. Repeat offenders may be subject to long-term or permanent blocks on purchase or exchange purchase transactions in any account under the shareholder’s control at any time. In addition to enforcing these roundtrip limitations, the fund may in its discretion restrict, reject, or cancel any purchases or exchanges that, in the Adviser’s opinion, may be disruptive to the management of the fund or otherwise not be in the fund’s interests.
Exceptions
The following transactions are exempt from the fund’s excessive trading policy described above: (i) systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, (ii) mandatory retirement distributions, (iii) transactions initiated by a plan sponsor or sponsors of certain employee benefit plans or other related accounts, (iv) transactions within a qualified advisory program, and (v) transactions initiated by the trustee or adviser to a donor-advised charitable gift fund, qualified fund of fund(s), or other strategy funds.
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A qualified advisory program is one that demonstrates to Fidelity that the program has investment strategies and trading policies designed to protect the interests of long-term investors and meets specific criteria outlined by Fidelity.
A qualified fund of fund(s) is a mutual fund, qualified tuition program, or other strategy fund consisting of qualified plan assets that either applies the fund’s excessive trading policies to shareholders at the fund of fund(s) level, or demonstrates that the fund of fund(s) has an investment strategy coupled with policies designed to control frequent trading that are reasonably likely to be effective as determined by the fund’s Treasurer.
Fidelity may choose not to monitor transactions below certain dollar value thresholds.
Omnibus Accounts
Omnibus accounts, in which shares are held in the name of an intermediary on behalf of multiple investors, are a common form of holding shares among retirement plans and financial intermediaries such as brokers, advisers, and third-party administrators. Individual trades in omnibus accounts are often not disclosed to the fund, making it difficult to determine whether a particular shareholder is engaging in excessive trading. Excessive trading in omnibus accounts is likely to go undetected by the fund and may increase costs to the fund and disrupt its portfolio management.
Under policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, intermediaries will be permitted to apply the fund’s excessive trading policy (described above), or their own excessive trading policy if approved by the Adviser. In these cases, the fund will typically not request or receive individual account data but will rely on the intermediary to monitor trading activity in good faith in accordance with its or the fund’s policies. Reliance on intermediaries increases the risk that excessive trading may go undetected. For other intermediaries, the fund will generally monitor trading activity at the omnibus account level to attempt to identify disruptive trades. The fund may request transaction information, as frequently as daily, from any intermediary at any time, and may apply the fund’s policy to transactions that exceed thresholds established by the Board of Trustees. The fund may prohibit purchases of fund shares by an intermediary or by some or all of any intermediary’s clients. There is no assurance that the Adviser will request data with sufficient frequency to detect or deter excessive trading in omnibus accounts effectively.
If you purchase or sell fund shares through a financial intermediary, you may wish to contact the intermediary to determine the policies applicable to your account.
Retirement Plans
For employer-sponsored retirement plans, only participant directed exchanges count toward the roundtrip limits. Employer-sponsored retirement plan participants whose activity triggers a purchase or exchange block will be permitted one trade every calendar quarter. In the event of a block, employer and participant contributions and loan repayments by the participant may still be invested in the fund.
Other Information about the Excessive Trading Policy
The fund’s Treasurer is authorized to suspend the fund’s policies during periods of severe market turbulence or national emergency. The fund reserves the right to modify its policies at any time without prior notice.
The fund does not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by investors, except to the extent permitted by the policies described above.
As described in “Valuing Shares,” the fund also uses fair value pricing to help reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance that the fund’s excessive trading policy will be effective, or will successfully detect or deter excessive or disruptive trading.
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Buying Shares
Eligibility
Shares are generally available only to investors residing in the United States.
There is no minimum balance or purchase minimum for fund shares.
Price to Buy
The price to buy one share is its NAV. Shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form.
Each fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to buy shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be bought at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
Each fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees a fund or Fidelity has incurred.
Certain financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone, with payment to follow no later than the time when fund shares are priced on the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the order will be canceled and the financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted, or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Selling Shares
The price to sell one share is its NAV.
Shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after an order is received in proper form. Normally, redemptions will be processed by the next business day, but it may take up to seven days to pay the redemption proceeds if making immediate payment would adversely affect a fund.
Each fund has authorized certain intermediaries to accept orders to sell shares on its behalf. When authorized intermediaries receive an order in proper form, the order is considered as being placed with the fund, and shares will be sold at the NAV next calculated after the order is received by the authorized intermediary. If applicable, orders by funds of funds for which Fidelity serves as investment manager will be treated as received by the fund at the same time that the corresponding orders are received in proper form by the funds of funds.
See “Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares” below for additional redemption information.
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A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and Fidelity from fraud. If you hold your shares in a Fidelity® mutual fund account and submit your request to Fidelity by mail, Fidelity may require that your request be made in writing and include a signature guarantee in certain circumstances, such as:
| • | | When you wish to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares. |
| • | | When the address on your account (record address) has changed within the last 15 days or you are requesting that a check be mailed to an address different than the record address. |
| • | | When you are requesting that redemption proceeds be paid to someone other than the account owner. |
| • | | In certain situations when the redemption proceeds are being transferred to a Fidelity® mutual fund account with a different registration. |
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker (including Fidelity® Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
When you place an order to sell shares, note the following:
| • | | Redemption proceeds (other than exchanges) may be delayed until money from prior purchases sufficient to cover your redemption has been received and collected. |
| • | | Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC. |
| • | | Redemption proceeds may be paid in securities or other property rather than in cash if the Adviser determines it is in the best interests of a fund. |
| • | | You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed redemption checks. |
| • | | If you hold your shares in a Fidelity® mutual fund account and your redemption check remains uncashed for six months, the check may be invested in additional shares at the NAV next calculated on the day of the investment. |
| • | | Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, redemption requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld. |
Policies Concerning the Redemption of Fund Shares
If your account is held directly with a fund, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends on the method you have elected to receive such proceeds. A fund typically expects to make payment of redemption proceeds by wire, automated clearing house (ACH) or by issuing a check by the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form. Proceeds from the periodic and automatic sale of shares of a Fidelity® money market fund that are used to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund are settled simultaneously.
If your account is held through an intermediary, the length of time that a fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds depends, in part, on the terms of the agreement in place between the intermediary and a fund. For redemption proceeds that are paid either directly to you from a fund or to your intermediary for transmittal to you, a fund typically expects to make payments by wire, by ACH or by issuing a check on the next business day following receipt of a redemption order in proper form from the intermediary by a fund. Redemption orders that are processed through investment professionals that utilize the National Securities Clearing Corporation will generally settle one to three business days following receipt of a redemption order in proper form.
As noted elsewhere, payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time a fund typically expects and may take up to seven days from the date of receipt of the redemption order as permitted by applicable law.
Redemption Methods Available. Generally a fund expects to pay redemption proceeds in cash. To do so, a fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests either by using available cash (or cash equivalents) or by selling portfolio securities. On a
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less regular basis, a fund may also satisfy redemption requests by utilizing one or more of the following sources, if permitted: borrowing from another Fidelity® fund; drawing on an available line or lines of credit from a bank or banks; or using reverse repurchase agreements. These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.
In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, a fund reserves the right to pay part or all of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash (redemption in-kind). Redemption in-kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering the selected securities to the redeeming shareholder within seven days after the receipt of the redemption order in proper form by a fund.
Exchanging Shares
An exchange involves the redemption of all or a portion of the shares of one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund.
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares for shares of other Fidelity® funds.
However, you should note the following policies and restrictions governing exchanges:
| • | | The exchange limit may be modified for accounts held by certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits and Department of Labor regulations. See your retirement plan materials for further information. |
| • | | Each fund may refuse any exchange purchase for any reason. For example, each fund may refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. |
| • | | Before any exchange, read the prospectus for the shares you are purchasing, including any purchase and sale requirements. |
| • | | The shares you are acquiring by exchange must be available for sale in your state. |
| • | | Exchanges may have tax consequences for you. |
| • | | If you are exchanging between accounts that are not registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN), there may be additional requirements. |
| • | | Under applicable anti-money laundering rules and other regulations, exchange requests may be suspended, restricted, canceled, or processed and the proceeds may be withheld. |
The funds may terminate or modify exchange privileges in the future.
Other funds may have different exchange restrictions and minimums. Check each fund’s prospectus for details.
Features and Policies
Features
The following features may be available to buy and sell shares of a fund or to move money to and from your account, depending on whether you are investing through a Fidelity® brokerage account or a Fidelity® mutual fund account. Please visit Fidelity’s web site at www.fidelity.com or call 1-800-544-6666 for more information.
Electronic Funds Transfer: electronic money movement through the Automated Clearing House
| • | | To transfer money between a bank account and a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
| • | | You can use electronic funds transfer to: |
| • | | Make periodic (automatic) purchases of Fidelity® fund shares or payments to your Fidelity® brokerage account. |
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| • | | Make periodic (automatic) redemptions of Fidelity® fund shares or withdrawals from your Fidelity® brokerage account. |
Wire: electronic money movement through the Federal Reserve wire system
| • | | To transfer money between a bank account and a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
Automatic Transactions: periodic (automatic) transactions
| • | | To directly deposit all or a portion of your compensation from your employer (or the U.S. Government, in the case of Social Security) into a Fidelity® brokerage account or Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
| • | | To make contributions from a Fidelity® mutual fund account to a Fidelity® mutual fund IRA. |
| • | | To sell shares of a Fidelity® money market fund and simultaneously to buy shares of another Fidelity® fund in a Fidelity® mutual fund account. |
Policies
The following apply to you as a shareholder.
Statements that Fidelity sends to you, if applicable, include the following:
| • | | Confirmation statements (after transactions affecting your fund balance except, to the extent applicable, reinvestment of distributions in the fund or another fund and certain transactions through automatic investment or withdrawal programs). |
| • | | Monthly or quarterly account statements (detailing fund balances and all transactions completed during the prior month or quarter). |
Current regulations allow Fidelity to send a single copy of shareholder documents for Fidelity® funds, such as prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, and proxy materials, to certain mutual fund customers whom we believe are members of the same family who share the same address. For certain types of accounts, we will not send multiple copies of these documents to you and members of your family who share the same address. Instead, we will send only a single copy of these documents. This will continue for as long as you are a shareholder, unless you notify us otherwise. If at any time you choose to receive individual copies of any documents, please call 1-800-544-8544. We will begin sending individual copies to you within 30 days of receiving your call.
Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available at Fidelity’s web site. To participate in Fidelity’s electronic delivery program, call Fidelity or visit Fidelity’s web site for more information.
You may initiate many transactions by telephone or electronically. Fidelity will not be responsible for any loss, cost, expense, or other liability resulting from unauthorized transactions if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and may also record calls. For transactions conducted through the Internet, Fidelity recommends the use of an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements upon receipt and notify Fidelity immediately of any discrepancies in your account activity. If you do not want the ability to sell and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for instructions.
You may also be asked to provide additional information in order for Fidelity to verify your identity in accordance with requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations. In addition, each fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an account in the case of: (i) actual or suspected threatening conduct or actual or suspected fraudulent, illegal or suspicious activity by the account owner or any other individual associated with the account; or (ii) the failure of the account owner to provide information to the funds related to opening the accounts. Your shares will be sold at the NAV, minus any applicable shareholder fees, calculated on the day Fidelity closes your fund position.
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Fidelity may charge a fee for certain services, such as providing historical account documents.
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
Each fund earns dividends, interest, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. Each fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions.
Each fund normally pays dividends and capital gain distributions in December.
Distribution Options
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to receive your distributions. The following distribution options are available:
1. Reinvestment Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. If you do not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. Any dividends will be paid in cash.
3. Cash Option. Any dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
4. Directed Dividends® Option. Any dividends will be automatically invested in shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund. Any capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in shares of another identically registered Fidelity® fund, automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund, or paid in cash.
Not all distribution options may be available for every account and certain restrictions may apply. If the distribution option you prefer is not listed on your account application, or if you want to change your current distribution option, visit Fidelity’s web site at www.fidelity.com or call 1-800-544-6666 for more information.
If you elect to receive distributions paid in cash by check and the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver your checks, your distribution option may be converted to the Reinvestment Option. You will not receive interest on amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks.
If your dividend check(s) remains uncashed for six months, your check(s) may be invested in additional shares at the NAV next calculated on the day of the investment.
Tax Consequences
As with any investment, your investment in a fund could have tax consequences for you. If you are not investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account, you should consider these tax consequences.
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Taxes on Distributions
Distributions you receive from each fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes.
For federal tax purposes, certain of each fund’s distributions, including dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income, while certain of each fund’s distributions, including distributions of long-term capital gains, are taxable to you generally as capital gains. A percentage of certain distributions of dividends may qualify for taxation at long-term capital gains rates (provided certain holding period requirements are met).
If you buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be “buying a dividend” by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions you receive from a fund will normally be taxable to you when you receive them, regardless of your distribution option.
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in a fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive when you sell them.
Fund Services
Fund Management
Each fund is a mutual fund, an investment that pools shareholders’ money and invests it toward a specified goal.
Adviser
FMR. The Adviser is each fund’s manager. The address of the Adviser is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
As of January 1, 2020, the Adviser had approximately $2.6 trillion in discretionary assets under management, and as of December 31, 2019, approximately $3.2 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates’ assets under management.
As the manager, the Adviser has overall responsibility for directing each fund’s investments and handling its business affairs.
Sub-Adviser(s)
FMR UK, at 1 St. Martin’s Le Grand, London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom, serves as a sub-adviser for each fund. As of December 31, 2019, FMR UK had approximately $23.9 billion in discretionary assets under management. Currently, FMR UK has day-to-day responsibility for choosing investments for Fidelity® Europe Fund and Fidelity® Nordic Fund. FMR UK may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund. FMR UK is an affiliate of the Adviser.
FMR H.K., at Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong, serves as a sub-adviser for each fund. As of December 31, 2019, FMR H.K. had approximately $16.5 billion in discretionary assets under management. Currently, FMR H.K. has day-to-day responsibility for choosing investments for Fidelity® China Region Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund and for choosing certain types of investments for Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund. FMR H.K. may provide investment research and advice on issuers
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based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Nordic Fund. FMR H.K. is an affiliate of the Adviser.
FMR Japan, at Kamiyacho Prime Place, 1-17, Toranomon-4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, serves as a sub-adviser for each fund. As of March 31, 2020, FMR Japan had approximately $4.2 billion in discretionary assets under management. Currently, FMR Japan has day-to-day responsibility for choosing investments for Fidelity® Japan Fund and Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund and for choosing certain types of investments for Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund. FMR Japan may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Nordic Fund. FMR Japan is an affiliate of the Adviser.
FIL Investment Advisors (FIA), at Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Pembroke HM19, Bermuda, serves as a sub-adviser for each fund. As of June 30, 2020, FIA had approximately $7.1 billion in discretionary assets under management. FIA may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for each fund.
FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK)), at Beech Gate, Millfield Lane, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6RP, United Kingdom, serves as a sub-adviser for each fund. As of June 30, 2020, FIA(UK) had approximately $5.7 billion in discretionary assets under management. FIA(UK) may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for each fund.
FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ), at Tri-Seven Roppongi, 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0032, serves as a sub-adviser for Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund. As of March 31, 2020, FIJ had approximately $0 in discretionary assets under management in the United States. FIJ may provide investment research and advice on issuers based outside the United States and may also provide investment advisory services for Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund.
Portfolio Manager(s)
Ryan Oldham is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Canada Fund, which he has managed since June 2018. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2007, Mr. Oldham has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
Stephen Lieu is co-manager of Fidelity® China Region Fund, which he has managed since April 2018. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2013, Mr. Lieu has worked as a summer intern, research analyst, and portfolio manager.
Ivan Xie is co-manager of Fidelity® China Region Fund, which he has managed since April 2018. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2011, Mr. Xie has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
Xiaoting Zhao is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, which he has managed since June 2019. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2009, Mr. Zhao has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
John Dance is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, which he has managed since February 2019. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2006, Mr. Dance has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
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Andrew Sergeant is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Europe Fund, which he has managed since June 2018 and portfolio manager of Fidelity® Nordic Fund, which he has managed since June 2018. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2004, Mr. Sergeant has worked as an analyst and portfolio manager.
Kirk Neureiter is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Japan Fund, which he has managed since March 2014 and co-manager of Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund, which he has managed since June 2019. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1994, Mr. Neureiter has worked as a research associate, research analyst, associate director of research, director of Japan research, and portfolio manager.
David Jenkins is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, which he has managed since March 2014. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2007, Mr. Jenkins has worked as a global research analyst and portfolio manager.
Will Pruett is portfolio manager of Fidelity® Latin America Fund, which he has managed since October 2015. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2008, Mr. Pruett has worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager.
Bruce MacDonald is co-manager of Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund, which he has managed since June 2019. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2012, Mr. MacDonald has worked as a portfolio manager.
The statement of additional information (SAI) provides additional information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager(s).
From time to time a manager, analyst, or other Fidelity employee may express views regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of Fidelity or any other person in the Fidelity organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Fidelity disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Fidelity® fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Fidelity® fund.
Advisory Fee(s)
Each fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month.
For Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Nordic Fund, the fee is calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, dividing by twelve, and multiplying the result by the fund’s average net assets throughout the month.
For Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund, the fee is determined by calculating a basic fee and then applying a performance adjustment. The performance adjustment either increases or decreases the management fee, depending on how well Fidelity® Canada Fund has performed relative to the S&P/TSX Composite Index, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund has performed relative to the MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index, Fidelity® Europe Fund has performed relative to the MSCI Europe Index, Fidelity® Japan Fund has performed relative to the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), or Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund has performed relative to the MSCI AC (All Country) Pacific Index.
Management Fee = Basic Fee +/- Performance Adjustment
The basic fee is calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, dividing by twelve, and multiplying the result by the fund’s average net assets throughout the month.
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The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of a group of mutual funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above 0.52%, and it drops as total assets under management increase.
For October 2020, the group fee rate was 0.23% for each fund. The individual fund fee rate is 0.45% for each fund.
The basic fee for Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, was 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.68%, and 0.68%, respectively, of the fund’s average net assets.
The performance adjustment rate is calculated monthly by comparing over the performance period Fidelity® Canada Fund’s performance to that of the S&P/TSX Composite Index, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund’s performance to that of the MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index, Fidelity® Europe Fund’s performance to that of the MSCI Europe Index, Fidelity® Japan Fund’s performance to that of the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), or Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund’s performance to that of the MSCI AC (All Country) Pacific Index.
For the purposes of calculating the performance adjustment for each of Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund, the fund’s investment performance will be based on the performance of the class of shares of the fund offered through this prospectus. To the extent that other classes of Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, and Fidelity® Japan Fund have higher expenses, this could result in those classes bearing a larger positive performance adjustment and smaller negative performance adjustment than would be the case if each class’s own performance were considered.
For Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, and Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund, the performance period is the most recent 36 month period.
The maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is ±0.20% of the fund’s average net assets over the performance period. The performance adjustment rate is divided by twelve and multiplied by the fund’s average net assets over the performance period, and the resulting dollar amount is then added to or subtracted from the basic fee.
The total management fee, as a percentage of a fund’s average net assets, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, for each fund is shown in the following table. Because each fund’s management fee rate may fluctuate, a fund’s management fee may be higher or lower in the future.
| | | | |
Fidelity® Canada Fund | | | 0.60 | % |
Fidelity® China Region Fund | | | 0.68 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | 0.87 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 0.68 | % |
Fidelity® Europe Fund | | | 0.78 | % |
Fidelity® Japan Fund | | | 0.80 | % |
Fidelity® Japan Smaller Companies Fund | | | 0.68 | % |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | 0.69 | % |
Fidelity® Nordic Fund | | | 0.68 | % |
Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund | | | 0.87 | % |
The Adviser pays FMR UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan for providing sub-advisory services. The Adviser pays FIA for providing sub-advisory services, and FIA in turn pays FIA(UK). FIA in turn pays FIJ for providing sub-advisory services.
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The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for each fund is available in each fund’s semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2020.
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may agree to reimburse or waive certain fund expenses while retaining the ability to be repaid if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Reimbursement or waiver arrangements can decrease expenses and boost performance.
Fund Distribution
Each of Fidelity® Canada Fund, Fidelity® China Region Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Europe Fund, Fidelity® Japan Fund, and Fidelity® Latin America Fund is composed of multiple classes of shares. All classes of a multiple class fund have a common investment objective and investment portfolio.
FDC distributes each fund’s shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other retirement plan expenses, and compensation for services intended to result in the sale of fund shares. These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the SAI.
Distribution and Service Plan(s)
Each fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its shares that recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of each fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of each fund has authorized such payments for shares of each fund.
If payments made by the Adviser to FDC or to intermediaries under a Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of a fund’s or class’s assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
From time to time, FDC may offer special promotional programs to investors who purchase shares of Fidelity® funds. For example, FDC may offer merchandise, discounts, vouchers, or similar items to investors who purchase shares of certain Fidelity® funds during certain periods. To determine if you qualify for any such programs, contact Fidelity or visit our web site at www.fidelity.com.
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the funds or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the funds or by FDC to sell shares of the funds to or to buy shares of the funds from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
69
Appendix
Financial Highlights
Financial Highlights are intended to help you understand the financial history of fund shares for the past 5 years (or, if shorter, the period of operations). Certain information reflects financial results for a single share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in shares (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The annual information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with fund financial statements, is included in the annual report. Annual reports are available for free upon request.
Fidelity Canada Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 52.21 | | | $ | 50.02 | | | $ | 54.41 | | | $ | 48.35 | | | $ | 45.55 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .76 | | | | .82 | | | | .77 | | | | .66 | | | | .62 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (4.38 | ) | | | 4.58 | | | | (3.90 | ) | | | 6.20 | | | | 2.85 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | (3.62 | ) | | | 5.40 | | | | (3.13 | ) | | | 6.86 | | | | 3.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.92 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.61 | ) | | | (.61 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (1.40 | ) | | | (2.63 | ) | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.06 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (2.33 | )B | | | (3.21 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (.67 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | — | C | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 46.26 | | | $ | 52.21 | | | $ | 50.02 | | | $ | 54.41 | | | $ | 48.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | (7.40 | )% | | | 11.70 | % | | | (5.89 | )% | | | 14.35 | % | | | 7.79 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .88 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .89 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .88 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .89 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .88 | % | | | .87 | % | | | .88 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.58 | % | | | 1.64 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.30 | % | | | 1.37 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 612,716 | | | $ | 803,629 | | | $ | 903,662 | | | $ | 1,130,803 | | | $ | 1,233,050 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 11 | % | | | 8 | %H | | | 29 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 44 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Total distributions per share do not sum due to rounding. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
H | Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. |
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Fidelity China Region Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 36.30 | | | $ | 29.11 | | | $ | 34.64 | | | $ | 25.78 | | | $ | 29.66 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .21 | | | | .25 | | | | .26 | | | | .17 | | | | .26 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 15.28 | | | | 7.19 | | | | (5.65 | ) | | | 9.00 | | | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 15.49 | | | | 7.44 | | | | (5.39 | ) | | | 9.17 | | | | .05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.35 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (.05 | ) | | | (3.59 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (3.93 | )B |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | .01 | | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 51.53 | | | $ | 36.30 | | | $ | 29.11 | | | $ | 34.64 | | | $ | 25.78 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 42.95 | % | | | 25.72 | % | | | (15.62 | )% | | | 36.10 | % | | | .15 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .93 | % | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.02 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .93 | % | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.02 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .91 | % | | | .95 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .99 | % | | | 1.01 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .49 | % | | | .76 | % | | | .74 | % | | | .58 | % | | | 1.06 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 1,518,404 | | | $ | 1,093,827 | | | $ | 969,679 | | | $ | 1,294,775 | | | $ | 1,004,985 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 60 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 68 | % | | | 70 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Total distributions per share do not sum due to rounding. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
71
Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 45.03 | | | $ | 36.69 | | | $ | 43.94 | | | $ | 33.37 | | | $ | 31.20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | (.12 | ) | | | .34 | | | | .41 | | | | .40 | | | | .39 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 21.49 | | | | 9.27 | | | | (7.27 | ) | | | 10.56 | | | | 1.91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 21.37 | | | | 9.61 | | | | (6.86 | ) | | | 10.96 | | | | 2.30 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.29 | )B | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (2.51 | )B | | | (.88 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (2.80 | ) | | | (1.27 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.13 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | — | C | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 63.60 | | | $ | 45.03 | | | $ | 36.69 | | | $ | 43.94 | | | $ | 33.37 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 50.46 | % | | | 26.95 | % | | | (15.75 | )% | | | 33.28 | % | | | 7.42 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.16 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.16 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.16 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (.24 | )% | | | .82 | % | | | .93 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.25 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 1,578,782 | | | $ | 993,620 | | | $ | 913,940 | | | $ | 1,286,331 | | | $ | 922,265 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 114 | % | | | 61 | %H | | | 36 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 77 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | The amounts shown reflect certain reclassifications related to book to tax differences that were made in the year shown. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment advisor, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
H | Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. |
Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 33.03 | | | $ | 26.66 | | | $ | 31.37 | | | $ | 24.25 | | | $ | 22.55 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .15 | | | | .61 | B | | | .24 | | | | .22 | | | | .14 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 7.68 | | | | 5.98 | | | | (4.76 | ) | | | 7.05 | | | | 1.66 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 7.83 | | | | 6.59 | | | | (4.52 | ) | | | 7.27 | | | | 1.80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
72
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | — | | | | — | C | | | (.03 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | — | C | | | .01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 40.26 | | | $ | 33.03 | | | $ | 26.66 | | | $ | 31.37 | | | $ | 24.25 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 24.09 | % | | | 24.91 | % | | | (14.51 | )% | | | 30.21 | % | | | 8.07 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .92 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.01 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .92 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.01 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .91 | % | | | .92 | % | | | .92 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.00 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .43 | % | | | 2.02 | %B | | | .75 | % | | | .83 | % | | | .61 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 4,526,531 | | | $ | 3,104,887 | | | $ | 3,493,583 | | | $ | 3,933,401 | | | $ | 3,014,957 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 34 | % | | | 85 | %H | | | 86 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 79 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Net investment income per share reflects one or more large, non-recurring dividend(s) which amounted to $.34 per share. Such dividends are not annualized in the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets. Excluding such non-recurring dividend(s) the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets would have been .88%. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
H | Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. |
Fidelity Europe Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 36.28 | | | $ | 37.70 | | | $ | 42.53 | | | $ | 34.26 | | | $ | 37.19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .30 | | | | 1.52 | B | | | .48 | | | | .38 | | | | .33 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 1.46 | | | | .81 | | | | (4.24 | )C | | | 8.40 | | | | (2.68 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.76 | | | | 2.33 | | | | (3.76 | ) | | | 8.78 | | | | (2.35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (1.61 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.41 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.43 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (1.08 | ) | | | (3.43 | ) | | | (.66 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.15 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (2.69 | ) | | | (3.75 | ) | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.58 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | D | | | — | D |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
73
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 35.35 | | | $ | 36.28 | | | $ | 37.70 | | | $ | 42.53 | | | $ | 34.26 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnE | | | 4.95 | % | | | 7.56 | % | | | (9.05 | )%C | | | 26.05 | % | | | (6.42 | )% |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsF | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.03 | % | | | .78 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.03 | % | | | .77 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.02 | % | | | .75 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .96 | % | | | 1.06 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .86 | % | | | 4.33 | %B | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | .94 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 755,125 | | | $ | 836,373 | | | $ | 941,670 | | | $ | 1,343,213 | | | $ | 1,066,488 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 39 | % | | | 45 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 73 | % | | | 62 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Net investment income per share reflects one or more large, non-recurring dividend(s) which amounted to $.20 per share. Such dividends are not annualized in the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets. Excluding such non-recurring dividend(s) the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets would have been 3.75%. |
C | Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share reflects proceeds received from litigation which amounted to $.18 per share. Excluding these litigation proceeds, the total return would have been (9.48) %. |
D | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
E | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
F | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
Fidelity Japan Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 15.86 | | | $ | 14.20 | | | $ | 15.13 | | | $ | 12.64 | | | $ | 11.91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .10 | | | | .12 | | | | .07 | | | | .10 | | | | .09 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 1.81 | | | | 1.59 | | | | (.86 | ) | | | 2.54 | | | | .72 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 1.91 | | | | 1.71 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | 2.64 | | | | .81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.07 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.09 | ) | | | — | | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (.19 | )B | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.14 | )B | | | (.15 | )B | | | (.08 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | — | C | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 17.58 | | | $ | 15.86 | | | $ | 14.20 | | | $ | 15.13 | | | $ | 12.64 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 12.16 | % | | | 12.10 | % | | �� | (5.28 | )% | | | 21.13 | % | | | 6.80 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .78 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .78 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .78 | % |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .65 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .45 | % | | | .74 | % | | | .81 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 274,433 | | | $ | 401,344 | | | $ | 297,644 | | | $ | 247,372 | | | $ | 352,936 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 22 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 23 | % | | | 15 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Total distributions per share do not sum due to rounding. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 17.60 | | | $ | 17.12 | | | $ | 18.84 | | | $ | 15.66 | | | $ | 13.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .16 | | | | .22 | | | | .18 | | | | .17 | | | | .17 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | .11 | B | | | 1.10 | | | | (1.00 | ) | | | 3.42 | | | | 1.93 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | .27 | | | | 1.32 | | | | (.82 | ) | | | 3.59 | | | | 2.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (1.00 | ) | | | (.73 | ) | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (1.23 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.90 | ) | | | (.41 | )C | | | (.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | D | | | — | D | | | — | D |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 16.64 | | | $ | 17.60 | | | $ | 17.12 | | | $ | 18.84 | | | $ | 15.66 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnE | | | 1.31 | % | | | 8.22 | % | | | (4.71 | )% | | | 23.68 | % | | | 15.44 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsF,G | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .92 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .92 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .92 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .93 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .96 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.02 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | .95 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 523,774 | | | $ | 685,651 | | | $ | 715,402 | | | $ | 764,052 | | | $ | 587,034 | |
Portfolio turnover rateH | | | 20 | % | | | 16 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 30 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
75
B | The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the aggregate net gain (loss) on investments for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund. |
C | Total distributions per share do not sum due to rounding. |
D | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
E | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
F | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
G | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment advisor, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
H | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
Fidelity Latin America Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 28.30 | | | $ | 21.94 | | | $ | 24.89 | | | $ | 22.41 | | | $ | 18.08 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .10 | | | | .77 | | | | .57 | | | | .49 | | | | .45 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (10.36 | ) | | | 6.09 | | | | (3.15 | ) | | | 2.46 | | | | 4.26 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | (10.26 | ) | | | 6.86 | | | | (2.58 | ) | | | 2.95 | | | | 4.71 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.38 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.38 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | B | | | .01 | | | | — | B |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 17.36 | | | $ | 28.30 | | | $ | 21.94 | | | $ | 24.89 | | | $ | 22.41 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnC | | | (37.13 | )% | | | 32.06 | % | | | (10.50 | )% | | | 13.87 | % | | | 26.65 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsD,E | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.03 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 1.05 | % | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.13 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .48 | % | | | 3.13 | % | | | 2.39 | % | | | 2.19 | % | | | 2.40 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 277,942 | | | $ | 517,901 | | | $ | 445,845 | | | $ | 597,161 | | | $ | 596,514 | |
Portfolio turnover rateF | | | 54 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 53 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 108 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
C | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
D | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
76
E | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
F | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
Fidelity Nordic Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 46.69 | | | $ | 49.64 | | | $ | 54.34 | | | $ | 45.28 | | | $ | 44.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .15 | | | | 1.50 | B | | | .47 | | | | .51 | | | | .64 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 11.86 | | | | .15 | | | | (3.01 | ) | | | 9.32 | | | | .27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 12.01 | | | | 1.65 | | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 9.83 | | | | .91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (1.60 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.57 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.59 | ) | | | (4.55 | ) | | | (1.67 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (2.19 | ) | | | (4.60 | ) | | | (2.17 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.62 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | .01 | | | | — | C | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 56.51 | | | $ | 46.69 | | | $ | 49.64 | | | $ | 54.34 | | | $ | 45.28 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 26.73 | % | | | 3.96 | % | | | (4.80 | )% | | | 22.14 | % | | | 1.97 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .96 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .99 | % | | | .99 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .96 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .99 | % | | | .98 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .96 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .98 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .31 | % | | | 3.28 | %B | | | .89 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | 1.37 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 301,424 | | | $ | 261,896 | | | $ | 290,184 | | | $ | 376,747 | | | $ | 430,020 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 29 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 69 | % | | | 63 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Net investment income per share reflects one or more large, non-recurring dividend(s) which amounted to $.82 per share. Excluding such non-recurring dividend(s), the ratio of net investment income(loss) to average net assets would have been 1.50% |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment advisor, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
77
Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended October 31, | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Selected Per–Share Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 32.65 | | | $ | 29.51 | | | $ | 35.53 | | | $ | 28.82 | | | $ | 27.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)A | | | .16 | | | | .26 | | | | .22 | | | | .25 | | | | .24 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 7.61 | | | | 5.74 | | | | (4.69 | ) | | | 7.09 | | | | 2.88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | 7.77 | | | | 6.00 | | | | (4.47 | ) | | | 7.34 | | | | 3.12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.36 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | — | | | | (2.67 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (.46 | ) | | | (.95 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | (.26 | ) | | | (2.86 | )B | | | (1.55 | ) | | | (.63 | ) | | | (1.31 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Redemption fees added to paid in capitalA | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | C | | | — | C | | | — | C |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 40.16 | | | $ | 32.65 | | | $ | 29.51 | | | $ | 35.53 | | | $ | 28.82 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total ReturnD | | | 23.95 | % | | | 22.37 | % | | | (13.24 | )% | | | 26.22 | % | | | 12.05 | % |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsE,F | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.11 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.11 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.10 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .47 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .62 | % | | | .84 | % | | | .87 | % |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 1,084,673 | | | $ | 891,154 | | | $ | 807,632 | | | $ | 975,259 | | | $ | 688,318 | |
Portfolio turnover rateG | | | 27 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 36 | % | | | 30 | % |
A | Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
B | Total distributions per share do not sum due to rounding. |
C | Amount represents less than $.005 per share. |
D | Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
E | Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
F | Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment advisor, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
G | Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
Additional Index Information
Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund Linked IndexSM represents the performance of the MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index which is a market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors of Asia, excluding Japan. Index returns shown for periods prior to December 1, 2010 are returns of the MSCI AC (All Country) Far East ex Japan Index (Net MA) and are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
78
FTSE® Capped Nordic Index is a modified market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the performance of the investable equity markets of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Constituent weights are capped semi-annually by FTSE to enforce issuer diversification constraints.
MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors of Asia, excluding Japan. Index returns for periods after November 30, 2010 are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
MSCI AC (All Country) Pacific Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors of the developed and emerging markets in the Pacific region. Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Latin America Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors in the emerging markets countries of Latin America. Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors in emerging markets. Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
MSCI Europe Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors of the developed markets in Europe. Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
MSCI Golden Dragon Index is a market capitalization-weighted index designed to represent the performance of the equity markets of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. Index returns are adjusted for tax withholding rates applicable to U.S. based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
Russell/Nomura Mid-Small Cap™ Index measures the performance of medium and small companies that represent the smallest 50% of companies of the Russell/Nomura Total Market™ Index as defined by float-adjusted market capitalization. The Russell/Nomura Total Market™ Index represents 98% of the investable Japan equity market, consisting of common stock securities domiciled in Japan.
S&P/TSX Composite Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the performance of the Canadian equity market. Eligible securities must be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and issued by companies incorporated in Canada.
Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) is a market capitalization-weighted index of the common stock of the large companies that make up the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT), requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account.
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For individual investors opening an account: When you open an account, you will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow Fidelity to identify you. You may also be asked to provide documents that may help to establish your identity, such as your driver’s license.
For investors other than individuals: When you open an account, you will be asked for the name of the entity, its principal place of business and taxpayer identification number (TIN). You will be asked to provide information about the entity’s control person and beneficial owners, and person(s) with authority over the account, including name, address, date of birth and social security number. You may also be asked to provide documents, such as drivers’ licenses, articles of incorporation, trust instruments or partnership agreements and other information that will help Fidelity identify the entity.
You can obtain additional information about the funds. A description of each fund’s policies and procedures for disclosing its holdings is available in its SAI and on Fidelity’s web sites. Each fund’s SAI also includes more detailed information about the fund and its investments. The SAIs are incorporated herein by reference (legally form a part of the prospectus). Each fund’s annual and semi-annual reports also include additional information. Each fund’s annual report includes a discussion of the fund’s holdings and recent market conditions and the fund’s investment strategies that affected performance.
For a free copy of any of these documents or to request other information or ask questions about a fund, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544. In addition, you may visit Fidelity’s web site at www.fidelity.com for a free copy of a prospectus, SAI, or annual or semi-annual report or to request other information.
The SAIs, the funds’ annual and semi-annual reports and other related materials are available from the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) Database on the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You can also review and copy information about the funds, including the funds’ SAIs, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room.
Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number, 811-04008
FDC is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). You may obtain information about SIPC, including the SIPC brochure, by visiting www.sipc.org or calling SIPC at 202-371-8300.
Targeted International Equity Funds, Fidelity, Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design, FAST, and Directed Dividends are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2020 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund Linked Index is a service mark of FMR LLC.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
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1.538563.124 | | TIF-PRO-1220 |
Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund
Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund
(Series of Fidelity Investment Trust)
FORM N-14
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 16, 2021
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) relates to the proposed acquisition of Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, a series of Fidelity Investment Trust], by Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, a series of Fidelity Investment Trust. This SAI contains information that may be of interest to shareholders, but which is not included in the Proxy Statement which relates to the Reorganization. As described in the Proxy Statement, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund will acquire all of the assets of Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and assume all of Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund’s liabilities, in exchange solely for corresponding shares of beneficial interest in Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund.
This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and may be obtained, without charge, from Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917.
This SAI consists of this cover page and the following described documents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference:
Attached hereto as Attachment 1 is the Statement of Additional Information of Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund dated December 30, 2020. Attachment 2 contains additional information relating to Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund shares to be received by Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund shareholders as part of its Reorganization.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The pro forma financial statements required by Rule 11-01 of Regulation S-X have not been prepared and included in this SAI because, as of October 31, 2020, the net asset value of Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the net asset value of Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund.
| | | | | | |
Fund/Class | | Ticker |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | FSEAX |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund/Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | FEMEX |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund/Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | FEDDX |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund/Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | FEMKX |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund/Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | FLATX |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund/Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | FTEMX |
Funds of Fidelity Investment Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December 30, 2020
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. Portions of each fund’s annual report are incorporated herein. The annual reports are supplied with this SAI.
To obtain a free additional copy of a prospectus or SAI, dated December 30, 2020, 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.
EME-PTB-1220
1.861970.114
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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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 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 (other than Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa, (EMEA) Fund and Fidelity® Latin America 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.
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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 Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets 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 the 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 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.
For Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) 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, except that the fund may purchase the securities of any issuer, if as a result, no more than 35% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the EMEA market as a whole, as measured by an index determined by FMR to be an appropriate measure of the EMEA market.
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.
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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.
For Fidelity® Emerging Markets 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.
For Fidelity® Latin America 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, except that the fund may purchase the securities of any issuer, if as a result, no more than 35% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Latin American market as a whole, as measured by an index determined by FMR to be an appropriate measure of the Latin American market.
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).
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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.
Pooled Funds
For each fund (other than Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund):
The fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment policy or limitation, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company managed by FMR or an affiliate or successor with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies, and limitations as the fund.
The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Diversification
For Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and Fidelity® Latin America Fund:
In order to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the fund currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.
Subchapter M generally requires a fund to invest no more than 25% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer or in the securities of certain publicly-traded partnerships and to invest at least 50% of its total assets so that (a) no more than 5% of the fund’s total assets are invested in securities of any one issuer, and (b) the fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. However, Subchapter M allows unlimited investments in cash, cash items, government securities (as defined in Subchapter M) and securities of other regulated investment companies. These tax requirements are generally applied at the end of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year.
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund intend to comply both with the Subchapter M diversification requirements and with the diversification requirements described in the fundamental investment limitations disclosure above.
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.
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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.)
Pooled Funds
For each fund (other than Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund):
The fund does not currently intend to invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company managed by FMR or an affiliate or successor with substantially the same fundamental investment objective, policies, and limitations as the fund.
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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, see “Investment Policies and Limitations - Futures, Options, and Swaps.”
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.
Asset-Backed Securities represent interests in pools of mortgages, loans, receivables, or other assets. Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by other factors including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, these securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO) are a type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CLOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses. For CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CLO trust typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities, however an active dealer market may exist allowing them to qualify for Rule 144A transactions.
Borrowing. If a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash Management. A fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money market funds, including (for Fidelity® funds and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity® central funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
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Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity® funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but do not pay additional management fees. The investment results of the portions of a Fidelity® fund’s assets invested in the central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The trust, on behalf of the Fidelity® 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. However, the CFTC has adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affect the continued availability of this exclusion, and may subject advisers to funds to regulation by the CFTC. As of the date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the 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, 2020, countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets SMID Cap Index (for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund), MSCI Emerging Markets Index (for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund), Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, and Singapore are considered to be emerging.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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A fund may be required to limit its hedging transactions in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options in order to maintain its classification as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Hedging transactions could result in the application of the mark-to-market provisions of the Code, which may cause an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a fund and could affect whether dividends paid by a fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. A fund will cover its exposure to foreign currency transactions with liquid assets in compliance with applicable requirements. There is no assurance that an adviser’s use of currency management strategies will be advantageous to a fund or that it will employ currency management strategies at appropriate times.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed below. A fund may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies. Currency options may also be purchased or written in conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts. Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund’s foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the fund’s investments exactly over time.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.
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 market investments, repurchase agreements with counterparties located in emerging markets or relating to emerging markets may involve issuers or counterparties with lower credit ratings than typical U.S. repurchase agreements.
Funds of Funds and Other Large Shareholders. Certain Fidelity® funds and accounts (including funds of funds) invest in other funds (“underlying funds”) and, as a result, may at times have substantial investments in one or more underlying funds.
An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in its shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund’s performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a fund’s
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portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying fund’s shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund’s expense ratio. Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the underlying fund’s shares.
When possible, Fidelity will consider how to minimize these potential adverse effects, and may take such actions as it deems appropriate to address potential adverse effects, including redemption of shares in-kind rather than in cash or carrying out the transactions over a period of time, although there can be no assurance that such actions will be successful. A high volume of redemption requests can impact an underlying fund the same way as the transactions of a single shareholder with substantial investments. As an additional safeguard, Fidelity® fund of funds may manage the placement of their redemption requests in a manner designed to minimize the impact of such requests on the day-to-day operations of the underlying funds in which they invest. This may involve, for example, redeeming its shares of an underlying fund gradually over time.
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® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets 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.
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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. A fund is also required to segregate liquid assets equivalent to the fund’s outstanding obligations under the contract in excess of the initial margin and variation margin, if any.
Although futures exchanges generally operate similarly in the United States and abroad, foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement, and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the United States may not involve a clearing mechanism or related guarantees and may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to a fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the United States may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts, and may halt trading if a contract’s price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration
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regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a fund’s access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired. These risks may be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund’s current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund’s other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund’s investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in a fund’s futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments. In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts will not vary in direct proportion to the value of the fund’s holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option’s underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts (including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or OTC. The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash payments. A purchaser may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument’s price falls substantially. However, if the underlying instrument’s price does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right (but not the obligation) to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option’s strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the option if the underlying instrument’s price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument’s price does not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
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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. As a result, a fund’s access to other assets held to cover its options positions could also be impaired.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an
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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. It is expected, however, that regulators will adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could reduce the distinction.
A total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument, commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange, the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including the change in market value of other
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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.
A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. In order to cover its outstanding obligations to a swap counterparty, a fund would generally be required to provide margin or collateral for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a fund’s interest. A fund bears the risk that an adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
Hybrid and Preferred Securities. A hybrid security may be a debt security, warrant, convertible security, certificate of deposit or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest on or principal of which is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, index, or business entity such as a financial institution). Another example is contingent convertible securities, which are fixed income securities that, under certain circumstances, either convert into common stock of the issuer or undergo a principal write-down by a predetermined percentage if the issuer’s capital ratio falls below a predetermined trigger level. The liquidation value of such a security may be reduced upon a regulatory action and without the need for a bankruptcy proceeding. Preferred securities may take the form of preferred stock and represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
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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
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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
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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 for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of foreign countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Direct lending and investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution’s interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the lender/purchaser could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a purchaser could be held liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the purchaser has direct recourse against the borrower, the purchaser may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a purchaser were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent’s general creditors, the purchaser might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness may include letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments that obligate lenders/purchasers to make additional cash payments on demand. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a lender/purchaser to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower’s condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
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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.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments that have poor protection with respect to the payment of interest and repayment of principal, or may be in default. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer’s capacity to pay. The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
Because the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities, research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type. Such analysis may focus on relative values based on factors such as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer, in an attempt to identify those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
A fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the fund’s shareholders.
Mortgage Securities are issued by government and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders, or other institutions. A mortgage security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (or “CMOs”), make payments of both principal and interest at a range of specified intervals; others make semi-annual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage securities are based on different types of mortgages, including those on commercial real estate or residential properties. Stripped mortgage securities are created when the interest and principal components of a mortgage security are separated and sold as individual securities. In the case of a stripped mortgage security, the holder of the “principal-only” security (PO) receives the principal payments made by the underlying mortgage, while the holder of the “interest-only” security (IO) receives interest payments from the same underlying mortgage.
Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee payment of interest and repayment of principal on Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs, respectively, are federally chartered corporations supervised by the U.S. Government that act as governmental instrumentalities under authority granted by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations. Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
On June 3, 2019, under the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s “Single Security Initiative”, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will start issuing uniform mortgage-backed securities (UMBS). UMBS will be eligible for delivery into the To-Be-Announced (TBA) market. Each UMBS will have a 55-day remittance cycle and can be used as collateral in either a Fannie Mae® or Freddie Mac®
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security or held for investment. Freddie Mac’s legacy TBA-eligible securities have a 45-day remittance cycle and will not be directly eligible for delivery in settlement of a UMBS trade. Freddie Mac will offer investors the opportunity to exchange outstanding legacy mortgage-backed securities for mirror UMBS with a 55-day remittance period. The exchange offer includes compensation for the 10-day delay in receipt of payments. A fund’s ability to invest in UMBS to the same degree that the fund currently invests in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities is uncertain.
While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken steps for a smooth transition to the issuance of UMBS, the effects of the issuance of UMBS on the mortgage-backed securities and TBA markets are uncertain and there may be factors that affect the timing of the transition to UMBS or the ability of market participants, including a fund, to adapt to the issuance of UMBS. A fund may need to consider the tax and accounting issues raised by investments in UMBS and/or the exchange of legacy Freddie Mac securities for UMBS. Additionally, there could be divergence in prepayment rates of UMBS issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could lead to differences in the prices of Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-issued UMBS if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fail to align programs, policies and practices that affect prepayments.
The value of mortgage securities may change due to shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and changes in interest rates. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government mortgage securities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than government issues. Mortgage securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that early principal payments made on the underlying mortgages, usually in response to a reduction in interest rates, will result in the return of principal to the investor, causing it to be invested subsequently at a lower current interest rate. Alternatively, in a rising interest rate environment, mortgage security values may be adversely affected when prepayments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated, resulting in the extension of the security’s effective maturity and the related increase in interest rate sensitivity of a longer-term instrument. The prices of stripped mortgage securities tend to be more volatile in response to changes in interest rates than those of non-stripped mortgage securities.
A fund may seek to earn additional income by using a trading strategy (commonly known as “mortgage dollar rolls” or “reverse mortgage dollar rolls”) that involves selling (or buying) mortgage securities, realizing a gain or loss, and simultaneously agreeing to purchase (or sell) mortgage securities on a later date at a set price. During the period between the sale and repurchase in a mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold but will invest the proceeds of the sale in other securities that are permissible investments for the fund. During the period between the purchase and subsequent sale in a reverse mortgage dollar roll transaction, a fund is entitled to interest and principal payments on the securities purchased. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the terms of the agreement. If the counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a fund’s right to repurchase or sell securities may be limited. This trading strategy may increase interest rate exposure and result in an increased portfolio turnover rate which increases costs and may increase taxable gains.
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
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obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity® fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund’s adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund’s assets and, if applicable, a fund’s yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Securities Lending. A Fidelity® fund may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or other institutions, including an affiliate, 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.
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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 be required to set aside securities equivalent in kind and amount to those sold short (or securities convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to hold them aside while the short sale is outstanding. 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.
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® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets 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.
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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.
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SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS
Emerging Markets. Investments in companies domiciled in emerging market countries may be subject to potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include: (i) less social, political, and economic stability; (ii) greater illiquidity and price volatility due to smaller or limited local capital markets for such securities, or low or non-existent trading volumes; (iii) foreign exchanges and broker-dealers may be subject to less oversight and regulation by local authorities; (iv) local governments may decide to seize or confiscate securities held by foreign investors, restrict an investor’s ability to sell or redeem securities, decide to suspend or limit an issuer’s ability to make dividend or interest payments; and/or may limit or entirely restrict repatriation of invested capital, profits, and dividends; (v) capital gains may be subject to local taxation, including on a retroactive basis; (vi) 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; (vii) investors may experience difficulty in enforcing legal claims related to the securities, shareholder claims common in the United States may not exist in emerging markets, and/or local judges may favor the interests of the issuer over those of foreign investors; (viii) U.S. authorities may be unable to investigate, bring, or enforce actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons; (ix) bankruptcy judgments may only be permitted to be paid in the local currency; (x) limited public information regarding the issuer may result in greater difficulty in determining market valuations of the securities; and (xi) infrequent financial reporting, substandard disclosure, and differences in accounting standards may make it difficult to ascertain the financial health of an issuer. In addition, unlike developed countries, many emerging countries’ economic growth highly depends on exports and inflows of external capital, making them more vulnerable to the downturns of the world economy. The 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 and 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 involved in such conflicts that limit or restrict foreign investment, the movement of assets or other economic activity in that country. 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.
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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 sought to restructure their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments, or 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 their ability to borrow in the future as well. Emerging markets have also benefited from continued monetary policies adopted by the central banks of developed countries. After a period of continuously raising interest rates, the U.S. Federal Reserve and central banks in other developed countries have reduced interest rates to historically low levels. To the extent the Federal Reserve Board maintains near zero rates, emerging market economies may benefit.
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 increase in U.S. interest rates could restrict the access to relatively inexpensive 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 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the global economy may inhibit growth for emerging market countries.
The risks of investing in emerging markets may be magnified with respect to investments in frontier emerging markets. Frontier emerging markets generally have smaller, less diverse economies and less mature capital markets than larger emerging markets and more established foreign markets. Security prices and currency valuations in frontier emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in larger emerging markets or more established markets of developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less mature markets and economies. In particular, frontier emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of sudden adverse government action including expropriation or nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. Investments in frontier emerging market countries are subject to risks related to political or social instability, religious or ethnic unrest and the potential withdrawal or non-renewal of any license enabling the fund to trade in securities of a particular country. Certain frontier emerging market investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. The economies of frontier emerging market countries may be predominantly based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The local securities markets of frontier emerging market countries may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or impossible at times. Frontier emerging market countries may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial
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reporting standards and there may be less publicly available financial and other information about issuers available to investors. Transaction settlement and dividend collection procedures may be less reliable than in larger emerging markets and developed markets. Securities of issuers located in frontier emerging market countries may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements. Frontier emerging markets generally receive less investor attention than larger emerging markets and developed markets.
From time to time, certain of the companies in which the fund expects to invest may operate in, or have dealings with countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. A company may suffer damage to its reputation if it is identified as such a company and, as an investor in such companies, the fund will be indirectly subject to those risks. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the fund’s ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the fund’s investments in such securities harder to value.
Canada.
Political. Canada’s parliamentary system of government is, in general, stable. Quebec does have a “separatist” opposition party whose objective is to achieve sovereignty and increased self-governing legal and financial powers for the province. To date, referendums on Quebec sovereignty have not been successful. If a referendum in favor of the independence of Quebec were successful, the Canadian federal government may be obliged to negotiate with Quebec.
Economic. Canada 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) (which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement effective July 1, 2020) 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, especially as the prices for commodities, in particular oil, have fallen in recent years, adversely affecting the Canadian economy. Furthermore, enduring volatility in the strength of the Canadian dollar may negatively impact Canada’s ability to export, which could limit Canada’s economic growth.
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
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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. The countries adopting the euro must adjust to a unified monetary system, which has resulted in the loss of exchange rate flexibility and some degree 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 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. Over the last two decades, the EU has extended its membership and influence to the countries of Eastern Europe. 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, and impede both national and supranational governance.
An increasingly assertive Russia poses its own set of risks for the EU. Opposition to EU expansion to members of the former Soviet bloc may prompt more intervention by Russia in the affairs of its neighbors, as seen in Ukraine since 2014 and Georgia in 2008. 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 significant 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 asylum seekers, primarily from Africa, the Middle East and Venezuela, also poses certain risks to the EU. Ongoing conflicts around the world, particularly the civil war in Syria, violence and political instability in Venezuela, and economic hardship across Africa and the developing world have produced an outflow of refugees and migrants seeking resettlement in the EU. 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
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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 and entered an 11-month transition period, which will end on December 31, 2020, during which UK and EU are negotiating the long-term, post transition landscape. As these negotiations are ongoing, there is significant economic and regulatory uncertainty that 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 will depend, in part, on the trade deal being negotiated between the UK and the EU in the limited remaining time-frame including the agreements the UK negotiates to retain long-term access to EU markets as well as the UK’s trade deal negotiations with other non-EU countries. 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 extent of the impact of the trade negotiations in 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. The threat of a no-deal exit now shifts to the expiration of the transition period. Unless the UK and the EU reach a trade deal by that time, trade with the EU on World Trade Organization rules could result in significant tariffs for both sides as well as customs and regulatory checks on borders thus impacting cross-border trade. While it is not currently possible to determine the extent of the impact a no-deal Brexit may have on a fund’s investments, certain measures are being proposed and/or will be introduced, at the EU level or at the member state level, which are designed to minimize disruption in the financial markets. Notwithstanding the foregoing the continued uncertainty could negatively impact 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 has significantly increased bond purchases. It is uncertain whether and to what extent the ECB will continue these bond purchase efforts or what impact these efforts will have on the banking and financial sectors of member states.
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
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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. However, these effects 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 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, while Denmark has pegged its currency to the euro. Faced with stronger global competition, 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.
Eastern Europe. Investing in the securities of Eastern European issuers is highly speculative and involves risks not usually associated with investing in the more developed markets of Western Europe. Political and economic reforms are too recent to establish a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and state-owned industries. Investments in Eastern European countries may involve risks of nationalization, expropriation, and confiscatory taxation.
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 involvement in 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
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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 war in Syria and economic hardship across Africa and the developing world. 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. Despite signs of economic growth in recent years, Japan is still vulnerable to persistent underlying systemic risks. For instance, Japan continues to face massive government debt, an aging and shrinking of the population, an uncertain financial sector, low domestic consumption, and certain corporate structural weaknesses, which remain some of the major long-term problems of the Japanese economy.
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. 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 economic 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.
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Asia Pacific Region (ex Japan). 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, the Asia Pacific geographic region has historically been prone to natural disasters. The occurrence of a natural disaster in the region could negatively impact the economy of any country 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 over the past year and the Reserve Bank of Australia recently 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. Any 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 reduce demand for the natural resources many Asia Pacific economies export. Because 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 a number of 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 lack of available capital for investment resulting from the European debt crisis and 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 the region as a whole.
South Korea’s economic reliance on international trade makes it highly sensitive to fluctuations in international commodity prices, currency exchange rates and government regulation, and vulnerable to downturns of the world economy. South Korea has experienced modest economic growth in recent years, such continued growth may slow due, in part, 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. In particular, 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.
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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, and a decline in the real estate market, which many observers believed to be inflated. 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 weaken due to the effects 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 regulating industrial development and, ultimately, control 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.
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 reduced foreign investments in the country. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a downturn in any of the economies of
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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 further escalation of the trade war between China and the United States, the two countries reached a trade agreement in January 2020. However, it is uncertain if the positive trend in U.S.-China trade relations will continue. 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 kind of events and their consequences are difficult to predict 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, raises 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. However, despite the expanding body of law in China, 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. 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 that limit the maximum daily net purchases and daily limits on permitted price fluctuations. Trading suspensions are more likely in these markets than in
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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. 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 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. 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 a number of 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 for compliance 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.
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. However, Hong Kong is able to participate in international organizations and agreements and it 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. However, as demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, there continues to exist political uncertainty within Hong Kong. For example, in June 2020 China adopted a new security law that 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. There is no guarantee that additional protests will not arise in the future or whether the United States will respond to such protests with additional sanctions.
Hong Kong has experienced strong economic growth in recent years due, in part, 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
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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. However, tensions have lowered, 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 these parts of the region. Significantly, Taiwan and China have entered into agreements covering banking, securities, and insurance. Closer economic links with the mainland 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, 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. 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 this 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
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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.
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. However, such reformation efforts 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, but 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.
Indonesia’s dependence on resource extraction and export 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. 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. However, weakening fiscal discipline, separatist violence in the south, the intervention by the military in civilian spheres, and continued political instability 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. The military junta formally controlled the government
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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. However, international watchdog groups claimed the election was not free and fair. Uncertainty regarding the stability and legitimacy of Thailand’s new elected government 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. 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, 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. However, in recent periods, 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.
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. However, there can be no guarantee 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
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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 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If growth in China remains slow, or if global economic conditions worsen, Latin American countries may face significant economic difficulties. 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.
For certain countries in Latin America, political risks have created significant uncertainty in financial markets and may further limit the economic recovery in the region. For example, in Mexico, uncertainty regarding the recently ratified United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (which replaced NAFTA effective July 1, 2020) may have a significant and adverse impact on Mexico’s economic outlook and the value of a fund’s investments in Mexico. Additionally, recent political and social unrest in Venezuela has resulted in a massive disruption in the Venezuelan economy, including a deep recession and near hyperinflation.
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. Although Argentina settled with its bondholders following the 2014 court ruling, the country defaulted on its debt obligations again in May 2020. While Argentina continues to negotiate with its bondholders, it may continue to experience constraints on its ability to issue new debt, and therefore fund its government. Further, the ruling increases the risk of default on all sovereign debt containing similar clauses.
Because of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin American economies may benefit from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent lowering of interest rates; however the impact of such interest rate cuts remains to be seen. 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 respond to the needs of its citizens. However, to date, 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.
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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 involvement in 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, combined with a collapse in energy and commodity prices, have had the effect of slowing the Russian economy, which has continued to experience recessionary trends. Additionally, the conflict has caused capital flight, loss of confidence in Russian sovereign debt, and a retaliatory import ban by Russia that has helped stoke inflation. Further possible actions by Russia, including restricting gas exports to Ukraine and countries downstream, or provoking another military conflict elsewhere in Eastern Europe 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 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. However, these services 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.
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The recent fall in the price of commodities has demonstrated the sensitivity of the Russian economy to such price volatility, especially in oil and gas markets. During this time, many sectors in the Russian economy fell into turmoil, pushing the whole economy into recession. In addition, prior to the global financial crisis, Russia’s economic policy encouraged excessive foreign currency borrowing as high oil prices increased investor appetite for Russian financial assets. As a result of this credit boom, Russia reached alarming debt levels and suffered from the effects of tight credit markets. Russia continues to face significant economic challenges, including weak levels of investment, falling domestic consumption levels, and low global commodity demand. In the near term, the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis, a continued slowdown in China, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the global economy may continue to result in low prices for Russian exports such as oil and gas, which could limit Russia’s economic growth. 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 devaluation pressure due to the fall in commodity prices and the collapse in the value of Russian exports. The Russian Central Bank has spent significant foreign exchange reserves to maintain the value of the ruble. However, such reserves 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. Although Russia’s foreign exchange reserves have begun to rebound, there can be no guarantee that this trend will continue or that the Russian Central Bank will not need to spend these reserves 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, as a result of 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.
Political. Many Middle Eastern and African countries historically have suffered from political instability. Despite a growing trend towards democratization, especially in Africa, significant political risks continue to affect some Middle Eastern and African
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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, for example, 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 caused a massive exodus of refugees into neighboring states, which further threatens government infrastructure of the refuge countries. Although the conflict is relatively isolated, there is a significant risk of it metastasizing as the civil war draws in more regional states and ISIS spreads an extremist ideology.
Regional instability has not been confined to Syria and Iraq, however. In Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, radical groups have led to a disruptive insurgency in the country’s north. In addition, Africa has experienced a number of regional health crises in recent years, which has demonstrated the vulnerabilities of political institutions and health care systems in the face of crisis.
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.
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 than that 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 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. The demand in global commodities continues to decrease, particularly the decline in the price of oil, causing certain countries in the region to face significant economic difficulties. 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 Fitch and S&P to downgrade South African debt to “junk” status and to downgrade South Africa’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to “negative” in 2017. Additionally, Moody’s downgraded South African debt to “junk” status in 2020. Such downgrades in South African sovereign debt and issuer default could have serious consequences on investments in South Africa.
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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, as a result, 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.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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 securities brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute a fund’s portfolio securities transactions. In selecting securities 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 or venues, including algorithmic trading, crossing networks, direct market access and program trading or by actively working an order. Other possibly relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: price; the size and type of the securities transaction; the reasonableness of compensation to be paid, including spreads and commission rates; the speed and certainty of trade executions, including broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets for the security to
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be purchased or sold, including the degree of specialization of the broker in such markets or securities; the availability of liquidity in the security, including the liquidity provided by individual brokers and the liquidity and depth afforded by a market center or market-maker; the reliability of a market center or broker; the broker’s overall trading relationship with the Adviser or its affiliates; the trader’s assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader’s instructions to the broker; the degree of anonymity that a particular broker or market can provide; the potential for avoiding or lessening market impact; the execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and financial condition of the broker or dealer; arrangements for payment of fund expenses, if applicable; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable and where allowed by law.
In seeking best qualitative execution for portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates may select a broker that uses a trading method, including algorithmic trading, for which the broker may charge a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. The Adviser or its affiliates also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest commission rate available from another broker. The Adviser or its affiliates may execute an entire securities transaction with a broker and allocate all or a portion of the transaction and/or related commissions to a second broker where a client does not permit trading with an affiliate of 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 may choose to execute futures transactions 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-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 may 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”).
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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, the Adviser or its affiliates may have an incentive 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. 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 broker provides. Where commissions paid to a broker include both an execution commission and a research charge, while the broker receives the entire commission, it retains the execution commission and either credits or transmits the research portion to a commission sharing arrangement (CSA) pool, also known as “soft dollars,” which is used to pay research expenses. (In some cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker which is not a party to any particular transaction provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, which would be paid for from the CSA pool.) The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, which means that traders have no responsibility for administering soft dollar activities. Furthermore, 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 may not benefit all funds and certain funds may 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 may 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 may take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither 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, 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 may 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 may still 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
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available from another broker. The Adviser or its affiliates view hard dollar payments for research products and services as likely to reduce the fund’s total commission costs even though it is expected that in such hard dollar arrangements the commissions available for recapture and used to pay fund expenses, as described below will decrease. 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”, and the implementation of MiFID II within 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 European Union by FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) will use research payment accounts (RPAs) to cover costs associated with equity and high yield external research that is consumed by those funds or investment accounts in accordance with MiFID II and FCA regulations. With RPAs, funds pay for external research through a separate research charge that is generally assessed and collected alongside the execution commission1. For funds that use an RPA, FMR UK will establish a research budget. The budget will be 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. In this regard, research budgets are set by research need 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 European Union, external research may be paid using both CSA and an RPA. Determinations of what is eligible research and how costs are allocated will be 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 may vary over time, the overall research charge determined at the fund level on an annual basis will not be exceeded.
FMR UK will be 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.
Impacted funds, like those funds that participate in CSA pools, may make payments to a broker that include both an execution commission and a research charge, but unlike CSAs (for which research charges may be retained by the broker and credited to the CSA, 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 will be 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 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. In the event that 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.
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1 | 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) 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
The Adviser or its affiliates may engage 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 may rebate a portion of the compensation paid by a fund (Commission Recapture Program). Not all brokers with whom a fund trades have been asked to participate in brokerage Commission Recapture Program.
Affiliated Transactions
The Adviser or its affiliates may 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 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, the Adviser or its affiliates may place trades with brokers that use NFS or Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (FCC) as a clearing agent.
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 may 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 may be 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.
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Commissions Paid
A fund may pay compensation including both commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a fund may change from year to year because of, among other things, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
The following table shows each fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2020 and 2019. 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 | | 2020 | | | 2019 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | 114 | % | | | 61 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | 55 | % | | | 49 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | 43 | % | | | 80 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 34 | % | | | 85 | % |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | 54 | % | | | 48 | % |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | 58 | % | | | 75 | % |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, each of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund 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, 2020.
| | | | | | |
Fund | | Regular Broker or Dealer | | Aggregate Value of Securities Held | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | UBS AG | | $ | 458,187 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | Bank of America Corp. | | $ | 1,555,857 | |
The following table shows the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by each fund, comprising commissions paid on securities and/or futures transactions, as applicable, for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018. 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® Emerging Asia Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | | $2,491,272 | | | | 0.21 | % |
| | 2019 | | | $1,142,329 | | | | 0.11 | % |
| | 2018 | | | $1,228,942 | | | | 0.10 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | | $157,758 | | | | 0.19 | % |
| | 2019 | | | $159,471 | | | | 0.15 | % |
| | 2018 | | | $122,663 | | | | 0.11 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | | $329,967 | | | | 0.12 | % |
| | 2019 | | | $580,680 | | | | 0.19 | % |
| | 2018 | | | $1,010,507 | | | | 0.24 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | | $3,731,762 | | | | 0.08 | % |
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| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | $ | 8,521,418 | | | | 0.19 | % |
| | 2018 | | $ | 10,539,880 | | | | 0.21 | % |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | $ | 713,381 | | | | 0.17 | % |
| | 2019 | | $ | 793,130 | | | | 0.15 | % |
| | 2018 | | $ | 1,058,888 | | | | 0.19 | % |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | October 31 | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | $ | 594,168 | | | | 0.10 | % |
| | 2019 | | $ | 798,212 | | | | 0.12 | % |
| | 2018 | | $ | 1,132,783 | | | | 0.14 | % |
The table below shows the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by each fund to an affiliated broker for the past three fiscal years. 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 2020. Affiliated brokers are paid on a commission basis.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund(s) | | Fiscal Year End Oct 31 | | Broker | | Affiliated With | | Commissions | | | Percentage of Aggregate Brokerage Commissions | | | Percentage of Aggregate Dollar Amount of Brokerage Transactions | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | 2020 | | FCM(1) | | FMR LLC | | $ | 16,570 | | | | 0.67 | % | | | 3.81 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 1,055 | | | | 0.04 | % | | | 0.35 | % |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 4,319 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 87 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 590 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 0 | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | 2020 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 142 | | | | 0.09 | % | | | 0.13 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 0 | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 35 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 39 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 15 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 0 | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | 2020 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 1,140 | | | | 0.35 | % | | | 0.97 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 9 | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.01 | % |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 1,318 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 117 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 2,023 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 51 | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | 2020 | | FCM(1) | | FMR LLC | | $ | 9,808 | | | | 0.26 | % | | | 3.73 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 195 | | | | 0.01 | % | | | 0.11 | % |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 23,286 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 1,202 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | FMR LLC | | $ | 23,412 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 2,068 | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | 2020 | | FCM(1) | | FMR LLC | | $ | 1,771 | | | | 0.25 | % | | | 4.54 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | FMR LLC | | $ | 55 | | | | 0.01 | % | | | 0.06 | % |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 724 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 64 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 873 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 680 | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | 2020 | | FCM | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 2,419 | | | | 0.41 | % | | | 1.80 | % |
| | 2020 | | Luminex | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 284 | | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.21 | % |
| | 2019 | | FCM | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 2,861 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | Luminex | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 266 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | FCM | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 4,461 | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | Luminex | | | FMR LLC | | | $ | 210 | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | 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 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Fiscal Year Ended | | $ Amount of Commissions Paid to Firms for Providing Research or Brokerage Services | | | $ Amount of Brokerage Transactions Involved | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 1,664,141 | | | $ | 1,784,765,572 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 50,341 | | | $ | 39,547,330 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 256,418 | | | $ | 197,511,802 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 2,591,187 | | | $ | 2,371,601,540 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 574,010 | | | $ | 328,361,588 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | October 31, 2020 | | $ | 466,757 | | | $ | 428,640,802 | |
The following table shows the brokerage commissions that were allocated for research or brokerage services for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2020.
| | | | | | |
Fund | | Twelve Month Period Ended | | $ Amount of Commissions Allocated for Research or Brokerage Services(1) | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 624,807 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 22,669 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 95,211 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 941,807 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 148,500 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | September 30, 2020 | | $ | 144,938 | |
(1) | 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. |
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VALUATION
The NAV is the value of a single share. For a non-multiple class fund, NAV is computed by adding the value of the fund’s investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding. For a multiple class fund, NAV is computed by adding a class’s pro rata share of the value of the fund’s investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting the class’s pro rata share of the fund’s liabilities, subtracting the liabilities allocated to the class, and dividing the result by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for pricing, but has delegated day-to-day valuation responsibilities to FMR. FMR has established the FMR Fair Value Committee (the Committee) to fulfill these responsibilities.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs. If an underlying fund’s NAV is unavailable, shares of that underlying fund will be fair valued in good faith by the 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 Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available and the funds may use more than one of these services. The funds may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. A fund’s adviser 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 price movements in futures contracts and ADRs, market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading.
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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.
Each fund’s adviser reports to the Board on the Committee’s activities and fair value determinations. The Board monitors the appropriateness of the procedures used in valuing the fund’s investments and ratifies the fair value determinations of the Committee.
BUYING, SELLING, AND EXCHANGING INFORMATION
A fund may make redemption payments in whole or in part in readily marketable securities or other property pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees if 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.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
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, 2020, 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 Name | | Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | |
Capital Loss Carryforward (CLC) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 16,445,112 | | | $ | 20,729,586 | | | $ | 0 | |
Fund Name | | Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | | | | | |
Capital Loss Carryforward (CLC) | | $ | 38,986,386 | | | $ | 57,554,177 | | | | | | | | | |
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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.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
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 305 funds. Mr. Chiel oversees 176 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.
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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 Acting Chairman. The Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders because an interested Chairman has a personal and professional stake in the quality and continuity of services provided to the funds. Independent Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of their choosing to serve as Chairman, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairman and that a key structural component for assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet in executive session. Ned C. Lautenbach and David M. Thomas serve as Co-Lead Independent Trustees and as such each (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
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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.
Robert A. Lawrence (1952)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Trustee
Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Mr. Lawrence also serves as Trustee of other funds. Previously, Mr. Lawrence served as a 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+
Dennis J. Dirks (1948)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2005
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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, a member of the Board of NYC Leadership Academy (2012-present) and a member of the Board of Advisors of Ripple Labs, Inc. (financial services, 2015-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 The Williams Companies, Inc. (natural gas infrastructure, 2018-present), as a member of the Board, Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee of two Blackstone business development companies (2020-present) and as a member of the Board of Treliant, LLC (consulting, 2019-present).
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, Compensation Committee and Executive Committee and as Chair of the Audit Committee of Briggs & Stratton Corporation (manufacturing, 2011-present) and as a member of the Board, Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and Safety, Environmental, Technology and Operations 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 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).
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Alan J. Lacy (1953)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2008
Trustee
Mr. Lacy also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Lacy served as Senior Adviser (2007-2014) of Oak Hill Capital Partners, L.P. (private equity), Chief Executive Officer (2005) and Vice Chairman (2005-2006) of Sears Holdings Corporation (retail), Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Sears, Roebuck and Co. (retail, 2000-2005), Chairman (2014-2017) and a member of the Board (2010-2017) of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (restaurant and entertainment complexes) and a member of the Board of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (global pharmaceuticals, 2008-2020). Mr. Lacy currently serves as a Trustee of the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (2015-present) and a member of the Board of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (2015-present).
Ned C. Lautenbach (1944)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000
Trustee
Co-Lead Independent Trustee
Mr. Lautenbach also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Lautenbach currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors, State University System of Florida (2013-present) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1994-present). He is also a member and has in the past served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Artis-Naples (2012-present). Previously, Mr. Lautenbach served as a member and then Lead Director of the Board of Directors of Eaton Corporation (diversified industrial, 1997-2016). He was also a Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC (private equity investment, 1998-2010); as well as Director of Sony Corporation (2006-2007). In addition, Mr. Lautenbach had a 30-year career with IBM (technology company), during which time he served as Senior Vice President and as a member of the Corporate Executive Committee (1968-1998).
Joseph Mauriello (1944)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2008
Trustee
Mr. Mauriello also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement in January 2006, Mr. Mauriello served in numerous senior management positions including Deputy Chairman and Chief Operating Officer (2004-2005), and Vice Chairman of Financial Services (2002-2004) of KPMG LLP US (professional services, 1965-2005). Mr. Mauriello currently serves as a member of the Independent Directors Council Governing Council (2015-present). Previously, Mr. Mauriello served as a member of the Board of XL Group plc. (global insurance and re-insurance, 2006-2018).
Cornelia M. Small (1944)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2005
Trustee
Ms. Small also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Ms. Small served as Chief Investment Officer, Director of Global Equity Investments and a member of Scudder, Stevens & Clark and Scudder Kemper Investments. Ms. Small previously served as a member of the Board (2009-2019) and Chair of the Investment Committee (2010-2019) of the Teagle Foundation and a member of the Investment Committee of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (2008-2019).
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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
Co-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 Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Fortune Brands Home and Security (home and security products, 2011-present), and a member of the Board (2004-present) and Presiding Director (2013-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, 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). In addition, Ms. Tomasky currently serves as a member of the Board of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (2007-present), as a member 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 of Kenyon College (2016-present). Previously, Ms. Tomasky served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2020), a member of the Board (2011-2019) and as 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).
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+ | 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
Lloyd James Austin, III (1953)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Member of the Advisory Board
General Austin also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, General Austin (United States Army, Retired) held a variety of positions within the U.S. Government, including Commander, U.S. Central Command (2013-2016), Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army (2012-2013) and Commanding General, U.S. Forces – Iraq, Operation New Dawn (2010-2012). General Austin currently serves as a Partner of Pine Island Capital Partners (private equity, 2020-present) and as President of the Austin Strategy Group LLC (consulting, 2016-present). General Austin serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Nucor Corporation (steel products, 2017-present), as a member of the Board of Directors of Tenet Healthcare Corporation (2018-present) and as a member of the Board of Directors of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (aerospace and defense, 2020-present). In addition, General Austin currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Corporation of New York (2017-present) and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Auburn University (2017-present). Previously, General Austin served as a member of the Board of Directors of United Technologies Corporation (aerospace, defense and building, 2016-2020).
Thomas A. Kennedy (1955)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Member of the Advisory Board
Mr. Kennedy also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Kennedy 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).
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).
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Elizabeth Paige Baumann (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2017
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer
Ms. Baumann also serves as AML Officer of other funds. She is Chief AML Officer (2012-present) and Senior Vice President (2014-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Baumann served as AML Officer of certain funds (2017-2019), as AML Officer of the funds (2012-2016), and Vice President (2007-2014) and Deputy Anti-Money Laundering Officer (2007-2012) of FMR LLC.
Craig S. Brown (1977)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Brown also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Brown is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2013-present).
John J. Burke III (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Burke also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Mr. Burke serves as Head of Investment Operations for Fidelity Fund and Investment Operations (2018-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (1998-present). Previously Mr. Burke served as head of Asset Management Investment Operations (2012-2018).
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).
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Jonathan Davis (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2010
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Davis also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Davis serves as Assistant Treasurer of FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-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 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 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); and CLO of Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (investment adviser firms, 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).
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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 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).
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 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.
Marc L. Spector (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Spector also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Spector serves as Assistant Treasurer of FMR Capital, Inc. (2017-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2016-present). Prior to joining Fidelity Investments, Mr. Spector served as Director at the Siegfried Group (accounting firm, 2013-2016), and prior to Siegfried Group as audit senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP (accounting firm, 2005-2013).
Jim Wegmann (1979)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Wegmann also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other funds. Mr. Wegmann is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2011-present).
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. Lautenbach currently serving as Chair and Mr. Thomas and Mr. Wiley each 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
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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. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held 12 meeting(s).
The Fair Value Oversight Committee is composed of Messrs. Donahue (Chair), Mauriello, and Wiley, and Mses. Fuller, Small, and Tomasky. The Fair Value Oversight Committee monitors and establishes policies concerning procedures and controls regarding the valuation of fund investments and monitors matters of disclosure to the extent required to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. The committee also reviews actions taken by FMR’s Fair Value Committee. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held five meeting(s).
The Board of Trustees has established two Fund Oversight Committees: the Equity I Committee (composed of Mses. Small (Chair) and Tomasky, and Messrs. Donahue, Lacy, Smith, and Thomas) and the Equity II Committee (composed of Messrs. Dirks (Chair), Lautenbach, Mauriello, 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. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the Equity I Committee held six meeting(s) and the Equity II Committee held seven meeting(s).
The Shareholder, Distribution, Brokerage and Proxy Voting Committee is composed of Messrs. Dirks (Chair) and Thomas, and Mses. Fuller, Kampling, and Small. Mr. Lautenbach may also attend Shareholder, Distribution, Brokerage and Proxy Voting Committee meetings. 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
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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 Board established the committee effective July 14, 2020. Prior to that date the committee’s responsibilities were divided between separate Shareholder, Distribution and Brokerage and Proxy Voting committees. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the new combined committee held two meeting(s) while the separate Shareholder, Distribution and Brokerage committee and Proxy Voting committee held four and two meeting(s), respectively.
The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Mauriello (Chair), Donahue, and Smith, and Mses. Kampling and 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 will have at least one committee member in common with the Compliance Committee. 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, and with the funds’ outside auditors. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the funds and the funds’ service providers, (to the extent such controls impact the funds’ financial statements); (ii) the funds’ auditors and the annual audits of the funds’ financial statements; (iii) the financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv) whistleblower reports; and (v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. In furtherance of the foregoing, the committee has adopted (and may from time to time amend or supplement) and provides oversight of policies and procedures for non-audit engagements by outside auditors of the funds. The committee is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund’s financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. It oversees and receives reports on the funds’ service providers’ internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers’ accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds’ ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund’s internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds’ or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee will also review any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding the funds’ financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also be reviewed by the 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 outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the funds’ financial reporting process, will discuss with FMR, the funds’ Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC, their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The committee will review with FMR, the funds’ Treasurer, outside auditor, and internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and, as appropriate, legal counsel the results of audits of the funds’ financial statements. The committee will review periodically the funds’ major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held four meeting(s).
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The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Lautenbach (Chair), Dirks, Thomas, 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’
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complex regulatory, operational, and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held seven meeting(s).
The Compliance Committee is composed of Messrs. Lacy (Chair), Lautenbach, Mauriello, and Wiley, and Mses. Fuller, Kampling, and Small. 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 Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of the funds. The committee serves as the primary point of contact between the CCO and the Board, it oversees the annual performance review and compensation of the CCO, and if required, makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the removal of the appointed CCO. 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. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held four meeting(s).
The Research Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Lacy 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, 2020, the committee held seven meeting(s).
Prior to July 14, 2020, the Board also operated through a separate Sector and ETF committee. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the committee held one meeting(s).
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, 2019. (The information is as of May 31, 2020 for Ms. Fuller, Ms. Kampling, Mr. Lawrence, and Ms. Tomasky, Trustees as of June 9, 2020.)
| | | | |
Interested Trustees |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | | JonathanChiel | | Robert A.Lawrence |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | $10,001 - $50,000 | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | over $100,000 | | none |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | none | | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 |
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| | | | | | | | |
Independent Trustees |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | | Dennis J.Dirks | | Donald F.Donahue | | Vicki L.Fuller | | Patricia L.Kampling |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | over $100,000 | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | over $100,000 | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 | | $50,001 - $100,000 | | over $100,000 |
| | | | |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | | Alan J.Lacy | | Ned C.Lautenbach | | JosephMauriello | | Cornelia M.Small |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | over $100,000 | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | none | | over $100,000 | | $50,001-$100,000 | | over $100,000 |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 |
| | | | |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | | Garnett A.Smith | | David M.Thomas | | SusanTomasky | | Michael E.Wiley |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | none | | none | | none | | over $100,000 |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | over $100,000 | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 | | none | | $10,001 - $50,000 |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | none | | none | | none | | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | | over $100,000 | | over $100,000 | | $50,001-$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, 2020, or calendar year ended December 31, 2019, as applicable.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation Table(1) |
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND | | Dennis J.Dirks | | | Donald F.Donahue | | | Vicki L.Fuller(2) | | | LloydJames Austin, III(3) |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | $403 | | | | $403 | | | | $396 | | | — |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | $32 | | | | $32 | | | | $31 | | | — |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | $98 | | | | $98 | | | | $96 | | | — |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | $1,627 | | | | $1,626 | | | | $1,597 | | | — |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | $161 | | | | $161 | | | | $158 | | | — |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | $231 | | | | $230 | | | | $226 | | | — |
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(4) | | | $507,000 | | | | $483,000 | | | | $470,000 | | | — |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND | | Patricia L.Kampling(5) | | | Thomas A.Kennedy(6) | | | Alan J.Lacy | | | Ned C.Lautenbach | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | $306 | | | | — | | | | $393 | | | | $479 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | $22 | | | | — | | | | $31 | | | | $38 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | $69 | | | | — | | | | $96 | | | | $116 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | $1,215 | | | | — | | | | $1,587 | | | | $1,931 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | $108 | | | | — | | | | $156 | | | | $191 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | $162 | | | | — | | | | $224 | | | | $273 | |
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(4) | | | — | | | | — | | | | $472,500 | | | | $572,500 | |
| | | | |
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND | | JosephMauriello | | | Cornelia M.Small | | | Garnett A.Smith | | | David M.Thomas | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | $447 | | | | $394 | | | | $395 | | | | $459 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | $36 | | | | $31 | | | | $31 | | | | $36 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | $109 | | | | $96 | | | | $96 | | | | $110 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | $1,808 | | | | $1,591 | | | | $1,592 | | | | $1,846 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | $180 | | | | $157 | | | | $157 | | | | $179 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | $257 | | | | $224 | | | | $225 | | | | $259 | |
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(4) | | | $534,000 | | | | $479,500 | | | | $481,500 | | | | $507,500 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM A FUND | | SusanTomasky(7) | | | Michael E.Wiley(8) | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | $307 | | | | $417 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | $22 | | | | $33 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | $70 | | | | $101 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | $1,220 | | | | $1,682 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | $108 | | | | $166 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | $163 | | | | $238 | |
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND COMPLEX(4) | | | — | | | | $497,500 | |
(1) | Jonathan Chiel, Robert A. Lawrence, and Peter S. Lynch are interested persons and are compensated by Fidelity. |
(2) | Ms. Fuller served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust from October 1, 2018 through June 8, 2020. Ms. Fuller serves as a Trustee of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 9, 2020. |
(3) | Lloyd James Austin, III serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust effective November 1, 2020. |
(4) | Reflects compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2019 for 302 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, $262,489; Alan J. Lacy, $262,489; Joseph Mauriello, $280,802; Cornelia M. Small, $175,000; Garnett A. Smith, $262,489; and Michael E. Wiley, $240,000. |
(5) | Ms. Kampling served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust from February 1, 2020 through June 8, 2020. Ms. Kampling serves as a Trustee of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 9, 2020. |
(6) | Thomas A. Kennedy serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust effective November 1, 2020. |
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(7) | Ms. Tomasky served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust from February 1, 2020 through June 8, 2020. Ms. Tomasky serves as a Trustee of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 9, 2020. |
(8) | Mr. Wiley served as a Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Investment Trust from March 1, 2018 through June 8, 2020. Mr. Wiley serves as a Trustee of Fidelity Investment Trust effective June 9, 2020. |
As of October 31, 2020, 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.
As of October 31, 2020, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fund or Class Name | | Owner Name | | City | | State | | Ownership% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class A | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 12.71% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class A | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 8.70% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class A | | FIRST CLEARING LLC | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 6.53% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class A | | MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER SMITH INC | | JACKSONVILLE | | FL | | | 5.47% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class A | | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY | | NEW YORK | | NY | | | 5.25% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class C | | RAGER | | BIRMINGHAM | | MI | | | 20.76% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class C | | FIRST CLEARING LLC | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 14.39% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class I | | J P MORGAN SECURITIES INC | | BROOKLYN | | NY | | | 15.56% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund -Class I | | SAXON CO | | PHILADELPHIA | | PA | | | 7.70% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class A | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 20.19% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class A | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 13.84% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class A | | EDWARD D JONES CO | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 10.09% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class A | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 5.38% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class C | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 18.12% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class C | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 16.95% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class C | | RAYMOND JAMES ASSOCIATES INC | | SAINT PETERSBURG | | FL | | | 10.97% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class C | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 8.22% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class C | | STIFEL NICOLAUS CO INC | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 5.77% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class M | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 19.47% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class M | | GREAT WEST LIFE AND ANNUITY | | ENGLEWOOD | | CO | | | 5.69% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class I | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 31.21% | |
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| | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class I | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 17.87% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class I | | UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | WEEHAWKEN | | NJ | | | 10.33% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class I | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 7.15% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class I | | RAYMOND JAMES ASSOCIATES INC | | SAINT PETERSBURG | | FL | | | 5.30% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund* | | VIP FUNDSMANAGER® 60% PORTFOLIO | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 12.51% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund* | | VIP FUNDSMANAGER® 50% PORTFOLIO | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 11.33% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class Z | | FIDELITY RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 5.51% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund - Class Z | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 5.31% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund* | | STRATEGIC ADVISERS® EMERGING MARKETS FUND | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 12.59% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund* | | STRATEGIC ADVISERS® FIDELITY® EMERGING MARKETS FUND | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 12.48% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class A | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 10.40% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class C | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 10.23% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class C | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 7.03% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class M | | CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC | | SAN FRANCISCO | | CA | | | 6.54% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class I | | CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC | | SAN FRANCISCO | | CA | | | 39.63% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class I | | ETRADE CLEARING LLC | | ENGLEWOOD | | CO | | | 12.74% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class I | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 7.55% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Latin America Fund - Class I | | RAYMOND JAMES ASSOCIATES INC | | SAINT PETERSBURG | | FL | | | 5.59% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 18.59% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 12.99% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 8.99% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | WEEHAWKEN | | NJ | | | 6.54% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY | | NEW YORK | | NY | | | 5.42% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class A | | EDWARD D JONES CO | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 5.32% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class C | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 25.49% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class C | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 16.17% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class C | | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY | | NEW YORK | | NY | | | 15.14% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class C | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 7.94% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class C | | RAYMOND JAMES ASSOCIATES INC | | SAINT PETERSBURG | | FL | | | 6.99% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class M | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 13.37% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class M | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 9.38% | |
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| | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class M | | FIRST CLEARING LLC | | SAINT LOUIS | | MO | | | 5.04% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | MINNEAPOLIS | | MN | | | 30.93% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY | | NEW YORK | | NY | | | 15.35% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | | SAN DIEGO | | CA | | | 12.71% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | PERSHING LLC | | JERSEY CITY | | NJ | | | 10.19% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | | WEEHAWKEN | | NJ | | | 8.98% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class I | | CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC | | SAN FRANCISCO | | CA | | | 6.60% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class Z | | RELIANCE TRUST CO | | ATLANTA | | GA | | | 26.09% | |
Fidelity Advisor® Total Emerging Markets Fund - Class Z | | J P MORGAN SECURITIES INC | | BROOKLYN | | NY | | | 6.02% | |
* | The ownership information shown above is for a class of shares of the fund. |
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR UK, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan). The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders’ voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders’ voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC.
At present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are: (i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services; (iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FIL Limited, a Bermuda company formed in 1968, is the ultimate parent company of FIL Investment Advisors (FIA), FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (FIJ), and FIL Investment Advisors (UK) Limited (FIA(UK)). Abigail P. Johnson, other Johnson family members, and various trusts for the benefit of the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting common stock of FIL Limited. At present, the primary business activities of FIL Limited and its subsidiaries are the provision of investment advisory services to non-U.S. investment companies and private accounts investing in securities throughout the world.
FMR, FMR UK, FMR H.K., FMR Japan, FIA, FIA(UK), FIJ, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and the funds have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that set forth employees’ fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establish procedures for personal investing, and restrict certain transactions. Employees subject to the codes of ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the funds.
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MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
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. In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to the transfer agent and pricing and bookkeeping agent, and the costs associated with securities lending, as applicable, a fund or each class thereof, as applicable, pays all of its expenses that are not assumed by those parties. A fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian, auditor, and Independent Trustees. A fund’s management contract further provides that the fund will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. Other expenses paid by a fund include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable, the fund’s proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. A fund is also liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
Management Fees.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund each pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a basic fee, which is the sum of a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate, and a performance adjustment based on a comparison of the fund’s performance to that of a designated index.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of a group of registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts.
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| | | | | | | | | | |
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES |
Average Group Assets | | Annualized Rate | | Group Net Assets | | Effective Annual Fee Rate |
0 | | — | | $3 billion | | .5200% | | $1 billion | | .5200% |
3 | | — | | 6 | | .4900 | | 50 | | .3823 |
6 | | — | | 9 | | .4600 | | 100 | | .3512 |
9 | | — | | 12 | | .4300 | | 150 | | .3371 |
12 | | — | | 15 | | .4000 | | 200 | | .3284 |
15 | | — | | 18 | | .3850 | | 250 | | .3219 |
18 | | — | | 21 | | .3700 | | 300 | | .3163 |
21 | | — | | 24 | | .3600 | | 350 | | .3113 |
24 | | — | | 30 | | .3500 | | 400 | | .3067 |
30 | | — | | 36 | | .3450 | | 450 | | .3024 |
36 | | — | | 42 | | .3400 | | 500 | | .2982 |
42 | | — | | 48 | | .3350 | | 550 | | .2942 |
48 | | — | | 66 | | .3250 | | 600 | | .2904 |
66 | | — | | 84 | | .3200 | | 650 | | .2870 |
84 | | — | | 102 | | .3150 | | 700 | | .2838 |
102 | | — | | 138 | | .3100 | | 750 | | .2809 |
138 | | — | | 174 | | .3050 | | 800 | | .2782 |
174 | | — | | 210 | | .3000 | | 850 | | .2756 |
210 | | — | | 246 | | .2950 | | 900 | | .2732 |
246 | | — | | 282 | | .2900 | | 950 | | .2710 |
282 | | — | | 318 | | .2850 | | 1,000 | | .2689 |
318 | | — | | 354 | | .2800 | | 1,050 | | .2669 |
354 | | — | | 390 | | .2750 | | 1,100 | | .2649 |
390 | | — | | 426 | | .2700 | | 1,150 | | .2631 |
426 | | — | | 462 | | .2650 | | 1,200 | | .2614 |
462 | | — | | 498 | | .2600 | | 1,250 | | .2597 |
498 | | — | | 534 | | .2550 | | 1,300 | | .2581 |
534 | | — | | 587 | | .2500 | | 1,350 | | .2566 |
587 | | — | | 646 | | .2463 | | 1,400 | | .2551 |
646 | | — | | 711 | | .2426 | | 1,450 | | .2536 |
711 | | — | | 782 | | .2389 | | 1,500 | | .2523 |
782 | | — | | 860 | | .2352 | | 1,550 | | .2510 |
860 | | — | | 946 | | .2315 | | 1,600 | | .2497 |
946 | | — | | 1,041 | | .2278 | | 1,650 | | .2484 |
1,041 | | — | | 1,145 | | .2241 | | 1,700 | | .2472 |
1,145 | | — | | 1,260 | | .2204 | | 1,750 | | .2460 |
1,260 | | — | | 1,386 | | .2167 | | 1,800 | | .2449 |
1,386 | | — | | 1,525 | | .2130 | | 1,850 | | .2438 |
1,525 | | — | | 1,677 | | .2093 | | 1,900 | | .2427 |
1,677 | | — | | 1,845 | | .2056 | | 1,950 | | .2417 |
1,845 | | — | | 2,030 | | .2019 | | 2,000 | | .2407 |
Over | | | | 2,030 | | .1982 | | 2,050 | | .2397 |
The group fee rate is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate schedule shown above on the left. The schedule above on the right shows the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For example, the effective annual fee rate at $2,728 billion of group net assets - the approximate level for October 2020 - was 0.2294%, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up to $2,728 billion.
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The individual fund fee rate for each of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund is set forth in the following table. Based on the average group net assets for October 2020, a fund’s annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Group Fee Rate | | Individual Fund Fee Rate | | Management Fee Rate | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.5500% | | | = | | | 0.7794 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.6000% | | | = | | | 0.8294 | % |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.4500% | | | = | | | 0.6794 | % |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.4500% | | | = | | | 0.6794 | % |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.5500% | | | = | | | 0.7794 | % |
The individual fund fee rate for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund is set forth in the following table. Based on the average group net assets for October 2020, a fund’s annual basic fee rate would be calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Group Fee Rate | | Individual Fund Fee Rate | | Basic Fee Rate | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | 0.2294% | | | + | | | 0.4500% | | | = | | | 0.6794% | |
One-twelfth of the basic fee rate or the management fee rate, as applicable, is applied to the fund’s average net assets for the month, giving a dollar amount which is the fee for that month.
Computing the Performance Adjustment. The basic fee for the following fund is subject to upward or downward adjustment, depending upon whether, and to what extent, the fund’s investment performance for the performance period exceeds, or is exceeded by, the record of the designated index over the same period. The performance period consists of the most recent month plus the previous 35 months. The performance comparison is made at the end of each month.
| | |
Fund | | Performance Adjustment Index |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index |
If the Trustees determine that another index is appropriate for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, they may designate a successor index to be substituted, when permitted by applicable law.
For the purposes of calculating the performance adjustment for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, the fund’s investment performance will be based on the performance of the class of shares offered through this SAI.
For Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, each percentage point of difference, calculated to the nearest 0.01% (up to a maximum difference of ±10.00), is multiplied by a performance adjustment rate of 0.02%. The maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is ±0.20% of a fund’s average net assets over the performance period.
One twelfth (1/12) of this rate is then applied to the fund’s average net assets over the performance period, giving a dollar amount which will be added to (or subtracted from) the basic fee.
The performance of a fund or class, as applicable, is calculated based on change in NAV. For purposes of calculating the performance adjustment, any dividends or capital gain distributions paid by the fund or class are treated as if reinvested in that fund’s or class’s shares at the NAV as of the record date for payment.
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The record of an index is based on change in value and is adjusted for any cash distributions from the companies whose securities compose the index. Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on a fund’s performance compared to the investment record of the index, the controlling factor is not whether the fund’s performance is up or down per se, but whether it is up or down more or less than the record of the designated performance adjustment index. Moreover, the comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance over a longer or shorter period of time.
The index returns for the MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index are adjusted for tax withholding at treaty rates applicable to U.S.-based mutual funds organized as Massachusetts business trusts.
The following table shows the amount of management fees paid by a fund for the past three fiscal years to its current manager and prior affiliated manager(s), if any, and the amount of negative or positive performance adjustments to the management fees paid. The total management fees paid includes the amount of any performance adjustment.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Fiscal Years Ended October 31 | | | Performance Adjustment | | | Management Fees Paid to Investment Adviser | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | 2,250,883 | | | $ | 10,182,859 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 1,542,256 | | | $ | 8,491,584 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | 668,265 | | | $ | 9,520,957 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 659,452 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 851,430 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 867,811 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,221,506 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,547,677 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,563,125 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 31,368,578 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 30,275,148 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 35,319,356 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,910,199 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,618,879 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,913,310 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,867,961 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,377,473 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,374,320 | |
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 yield, and repayment of the reimbursement will decrease returns and yield.
Sub-Advisers - FMR UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan. On behalf of each fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR H.K. and 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, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
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Currently, FMR H.K. has day-to-day responsibility for choosing investments for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund and certain types of investments for Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund. Currently, FMR UK has day-to-day responsibility for choosing investments for Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and certain types of investments for Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund.
Sub-Advisers - FIA, FIA(UK), and FIJ. On behalf of each fund, FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FIA, and FIA, in turn, has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FIA(UK). On behalf of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund, FIA, in turn, has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FIJ. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FMR may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services). FMR and FIA, and not the fund, pay the sub-advisers.
John Dance is the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for those services. Adam Kutas is the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and receives compensation for those services. Will Pruett is the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Latin America Fund and receives compensation for those services. As of October 31, 2020, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager’s compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Each portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at FMR or its affiliates. The primary components of each portfolio manager’s bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index and within a defined peer group assigned to each fund or account, if applicable, 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, if applicable. 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 the portfolio manager’s fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against the benchmark index identified below for the fund, and the fund’s pre-tax investment performance (based on the performance of the fund’s retail class) within the peer group identified below for the fund. Each portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR’s parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement, and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
Fund / Benchmark Index / Peer Group
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund / MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net MA) / Morningstar® Diversified Emerging Markets Category
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund / MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Europe, Middle East and Africa Index (net MA) / N/A
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Fidelity® Latin America Fund / MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Latin America Index (net MA) / N/A
A portfolio manager’s compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in a fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate 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.
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 Mr. Dance as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | Other Accounts |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 1 | | | none | | none |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | none | | none |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 5,750 | | | none | | none |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | none | | none |
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* | Includes Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund ($5,750 (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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Dance was over $1,000,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Kutas as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | none | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 151 | | | $ | 63 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund ($63 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Kutas was over $1,000,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Pruett as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | �� | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | none | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 5,404 | | | $ | 1,054 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes Fidelity® Latin America Fund ($308 (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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Latin America Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Pruett was $500,001 - $1,000,000.
Timothy Gill is co-manager of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for those services. Nader Nazmi is co-manager of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for those services. Greg Lee and Sam Polyak are co-managers of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and are co-managers of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund and each receives compensation for their services. Will Pruett is co-manager of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for those services. As of October 31, 2020, portfolio manager compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager’s compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Mr. Gill’s and Mr. Nazmi’s base salary is determined by level of responsibility and tenure at FMR or its affiliates. Each portfolio manager’s bonus is based on several components. The components of each portfolio manager’s bonus are based on (i) the pre-tax
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investment performance of the portfolio manager’s fund(s) and account(s) measured against a benchmark index assigned to each fund or account, and (ii) the investment performance of other FMR emerging market 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, if applicable. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio manager’s bonus is based on the portfolio manager’s overall contribution to management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of the fund’s assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global. Each portfolio manager also is compensated under equity-based compensation plans linked to increases or decreases in the net asset value of the stock of FMR LLC, FMR’s parent company. FMR LLC is a diverse financial services company engaged in various activities that include fund management, brokerage, retirement and employer administrative services. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
Mr. Lee’s, Mr. Polyak’s, and Mr. Pruett’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, if applicable, 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, if applicable. A smaller, subjective component of each portfolio manager’s bonus is based on the portfolio manager’s overall contribution to management of FMR. The portion of each portfolio manager’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against a composite index, the components of which are 60% MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net MA tax) and 40% J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global. 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. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
Manager / Benchmark Index(es)
Greg Lee / MSCI Emerging Markets Energy Index; MSCI Emerging Markets Industrials Index; and MSCI Emerging Markets Utilities Index
Sam Polyak / MSCI Emerging Markets Consumer Discretionary Index; MSCI Emerging Markets Consumer Staples Index; and MSCI Emerging Markets Materials Index
Will Pruett / MSCI Emerging Markets Financials Index
The portion of Mr. Lee’s and Mr. Polyak’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets SMID Cap
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Index (Net MA Tax), and the pre-tax investment performance of the fund (based on the performance of the fund’s retail class) 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. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
Manager / Benchmark Index(es)
Greg Lee / MSCI Emerging Markets Small Mid Cap Energy Index; MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Industrials Index; MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Real Estate Index; and MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Utilities Index
Sam Polyak / MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Consumer Discretionary Index; MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Consumer Staples Index; and MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Materials Index
A portfolio manager’s compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management and a portion of the bonus relates to marketing efforts, which together indirectly link compensation to sales. When a portfolio manager takes over a fund or an account, the time period over which performance is measured may be adjusted to provide a transition period in which to assess the portfolio. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate 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.
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
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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 Mr. Gill as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 10 | | | | 5 | | | | 6 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 26,525 | | | $ | 1,594 | | | $ | 628 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Gill ($140 (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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Gill was $500,001 - $1,000,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Nazmi as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 11 | | | | 5 | | | | 6 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 26,565 | | | $ | 1,594 | | | $ | 628 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Nazmi ($140 (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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Nazmi was none.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Lee as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 4 | | | | 9 | | | | 5 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 3,364 | | | $ | 674 | | | $ | 1 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
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* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Lee ($47 (in millions) assets managed). Includes assets of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund managed by Mr. Lee ($85 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Lee was $10,001 - $50,000. As of October 31, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Lee was $100,001 - $500,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Polyak as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 10 | | | | 10 | | | | none | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | 1 | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 6,741 | | | $ | 3,306 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | $ | 30 | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Polyak ($53 (in millions) assets managed). Includes assets of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund managed by Mr. Polyak ($79 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Polyak was $100,001 - $500,000. As of October 31, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Polyak was $100,001 - $500,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Pruett as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | none | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 5,404 | | | $ | 1,054 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Pruett ($74 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Pruett was none.
Jane Wu is a research analyst and co-manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single compensation plan. Xiaoting Zhao is a research analyst and the portfolio manager of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, co-manager of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, and co-manager of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single compensation plan. Di Chen is a research analyst and co-manager of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single compensation plan. Guillermo de las Casas is a research analyst and co-manager
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of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and receives compensation for services as a research analyst and as a portfolio manager under a single compensation plan. As of October 31, 2020, compensation generally consists of a fixed base salary determined periodically (typically annually), a bonus, in certain cases, participation in several types of equity-based compensation plans, and, if applicable, relocation plan benefits. A portion of each portfolio manager’s compensation may be deferred based on criteria established by FMR or at the election of the portfolio manager.
Each portfolio manager’s base salary is determined 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 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 Ms. Wu’s and Mr. Zhao’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets SMID Cap Index (net MA tax), and the fund’s pre-tax investment performance (based on the performance of the fund’s retail class) within the Morningstar® Diversified Emerging Markets Category. Another component of Ms. Wu’s bonus and Mr. Zhao’s bonus is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund’s assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the benchmark index identified below. The portion of Mr. Zhao’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against the MSCI AC (All Country) Asia ex Japan Index (net MA tax). The portion of each portfolio manager’s bonus that is linked to the investment performance of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund is based on the fund’s pre-tax investment performance measured against a composite index, the components of which are 60% MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net MA tax) and 40% J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global. Another component of each portfolio manager’s bonus is based on the pre-tax investment performance of the portion of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund’s assets the portfolio manager manages measured against the benchmark index identified 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. If requested to relocate their primary residence, portfolio managers also may be eligible to receive benefits, such as home sale assistance and payment of certain moving expenses, under relocation plans for most full-time employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates.
Fund / Manager / Benchmark Index(es)
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund / Jane Wu / MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Health Care Index
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund / Xiaoting Zhao / MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Communication Services Index; MSCI Emerging Market Small Mid Cap Information Technology Index
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund / Jane Wu / MSCI Emerging Market Health Care Index
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Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund / Xiaoting Zhao / MSCI Emerging Market Communication Services Index; MSCI Emerging Market Information Technology Index
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund / Di Chen / MSCI Emerging Market Consumer Discretionary Index
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund / Guillermo de las Casas / MSCI Emerging Market Real Estate Index
A portfolio manager’s compensation plan may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. Although investors in the fund may invest through either tax-deferred accounts or taxable accounts, a portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax performance of the fund, rather than its after-tax performance. A portfolio manager’s base pay and bonus opportunity tend to increase with a 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 Ms. Wu as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) | | $ | 1,224 | | | $ | 244 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
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* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund managed by Ms. Wu ($26 (in millions) assets managed), and assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Ms. Wu ($17 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund beneficially owned by Ms. Wu was $10,001 - $50,000. As of October 31, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Ms. Wu was $50,001 - $100,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. Zhao as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Registered Investment Companies* | | | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | | | Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | | | 6 | | | | 6 | | | | 1 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees | | | 1 | | | | none | | | | none | |
Assets Managed (in millions) | | $ | 11,959 | | | $ | 1,964 | | | $ | 0 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | $ | 1,577 | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund ($1,577 (in millions) assets managed with performance-based advisory fees). Includes assets of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund managed by Mr. Zhao ($53 (in millions) assets managed), and assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. Zhao ($136 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Zhao was $100,001 - $500,000. As of October 31, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Zhao was $10,001 - $50,000. As of October 31, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. Zhao was $100,001 - $500,000.
The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Ms. Chen as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) | | $ | 6,150 | | | $ | 1,242 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Ms. Chen ($87 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Ms. Chen was $100,001 - $500,000.
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The following table provides information relating to other accounts managed by Mr. de las Casas as of October 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) | | $ | 1,334 | | | $ | 135 | | | | none | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Advisory Fees (in millions) | | | none | | | | none | | | | none | |
* | Includes assets of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund managed by Mr. de las Casas ($10 (in millions) assets managed). The amount of assets managed of a 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, 2020, the dollar range of shares of Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by Mr. de las Casas was none.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
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.
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A. Election of Directors
Fidelity will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where a director clearly appears to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity generally will oppose the election of 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. Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a majority of independent directors.
3. The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment.
4. 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.
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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.
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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; |
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• | | 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
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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:
• | | “blank check” preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly determined by the company’s board, for example, with differential voting rights); |
• | | 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); |
• | | 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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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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.
XII. 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.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
For purposes of the following “Distribution Services” discussion, the term “shares” (as it relates to the funds) means, as applicable, the shares of the non-multiple class fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates or one class of shares of a multiple class fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates.
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Each fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The distribution agreements call for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the funds, which are continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by 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 the 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 the fund other than those made to FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares, additional sales of shares or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
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 statement of additional information (SAI) for more information.
FDC or an affiliate may also make payments to banks, broker-dealers and other service-providers (who may be affiliated with FDC) for distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. If you have purchased shares of 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.
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Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
For purposes of the following “Transfer and Service Agent Agreements” discussion, the term “shares” (as it relates to the funds) means, as applicable, the shares of the non-multiple class fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates or the one class of shares of a multiple class fund offered through the prospectus to which this SAI relates.
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 a position fee and an asset-based fee with respect to each position in a fund. For retail accounts, these fees are based on fund type. For certain institutional accounts, these fees are based on size of position and fund type. For institutional retirement accounts, these fees are based on account type and fund type. The position fee is billed monthly on a pro rata basis at one-twelfth of the applicable annual rate as of the end of each calendar month. The asset-based fee is calculated and paid monthly on the basis of average daily net assets of a fund or class, as applicable.
The asset-based fees are subject to adjustment in any month in which the total return of the S&P 500® Index exceeds a positive or negative 15% from a pre-established base value.
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.
Fund shares may be owned by intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. In those instances, a fund may not maintain an account for shareholders, and some or all of the recordkeeping services for these accounts may be performed by third parties. FIIOC or an affiliate may make payments to intermediaries (including affiliates of FIIOC) for recordkeeping and other services.
Retirement plans may also hold fund shares in the name of the plan or its trustee, rather than the plan participant. In situations where FIIOC or an affiliate does not provide recordkeeping services, plan recordkeepers, who may have affiliated financial intermediaries who sell shares of the funds, may, upon direction, be paid for providing recordkeeping services to plan participants. Payments may also be made, upon direction, for other plan expenses. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
In certain situations where FIIOC or an affiliate provides recordkeeping services to a retirement plan, payments may be made to pay for plan expenses. The amount of such payments may be based on investments in particular Fidelity® funds, or may be fixed for a given period of time. Upon direction, payments may be made to plan sponsors, or at the direction of plan sponsors, third parties, for expenses incurred in connection with the plan. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
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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 a monthly fee based on each fund’s average daily net assets throughout the month.
The annual rates for pricing and bookkeeping services for the funds are 0.0518% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.0415% of average net assets between $500 million and $3.5 billion, 0.0041% of average net assets between $3.5 billion and $25 billion, and 0.0019% of average net assets in excess of $25 billion.
Pricing and bookkeeping fees paid by a fund to FSC for the past three fiscal years are shown in the following table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | $ | 534,544 | | | $ | 470,992 | | | $ | 583,938 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | $ | 43,690 | | | $ | 56,002 | | | $ | 56,905 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | $ | 138,358 | | | $ | 157,577 | | | $ | 219,713 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 1,549,208 | | | $ | 1,541,056 | | | $ | 1,570,373 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | $ | 218,130 | | | $ | 269,335 | | | $ | 285,851 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 309,910 | | | $ | 334,899 | | | $ | 386,360 | |
Payments made by a fund to FSC for securities lending for the past three fiscal years are shown in the following table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 332 | (1) | | $ | 330 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | (1) | | $ | 95 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 306 | (1) | | $ | 1,291 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 5,353 | (1) | | $ | 3,920 | |
Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 228 | (1) | | $ | 41 | |
Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 23 | (1) | | $ | 73 | |
(1) | The securities lending administration agreement was terminated effective March 31, 2019 and the services provided under that agreement have moved to the pricing and bookkeeping agreement. |
SECURITIES LENDING
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, 2020, are shown in the following table:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security Lending Activities | | Fund(s) Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund | | | Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | Fidelity® Latin America Fund | | | Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund | |
Gross income from securities lending activities | | $ | 576,696 | | | $ | 14,715 | | | $ | 86,760 | | | $ | 76,888 | | | $ | 186,990 | | | $ | 9,117 | |
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | | | 18,857 | | | | 1,400 | | | | 4,135 | | | | 1,736 | | | | 11 | | | | 14 | |
Administrative fees | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
Rebate (paid to borrower) | | | 75,085 | | | | 663 | | | | 19,535 | | | | 35,561 | | | | 100,778 | | | | 2 | |
Other fees not included in the revenue split (lending agent fees to NFS) | | | 30,642 | | | | 4 | | | | 2,422 | | | | 2,322 | | | | 8,232 | | | | 879 | |
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | | | 124,584 | | | | 2,067 | | | | 26,092 | | | | 39,619 | | | | 109,021 | | | | 895 | |
Net income from securities lending activities | | | 452,112 | | | | 12,648 | | | | 60,668 | | | | 37,269 | | | | 77,969 | | | | 8,222 | |
A fund does not pay cash collateral management fees, separate indemnification fees, or other fees not reflected above.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
Trust Organization. Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund are funds of Fidelity Investment Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated April 20, 1984. The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of the funds.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund, except that liabilities and expenses may be allocated to a particular class. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of its funds or classes.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is an entity commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of a fund’s property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote. Claims asserted against one class of shares may subject holders of another class of shares to certain liabilities.
Voting Rights. Each fund’s capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value they own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
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The shares have no preemptive or, for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund and Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading “Shareholder Liability” above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of the trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
Custodians. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts, is custodian of the assets of Fidelity® Latin America Fund. Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, is custodian of the assets of Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York, is custodian of the assets of Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund. The Northern Trust Company, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, is custodian of the assets of Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund. Each custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of a fund’s assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The Bank of New York Mellon, headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodian of certain assets of taxable funds in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. JPMorgan Chase Bank, headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose custodian of certain assets of taxable funds in connection with repurchase agreement transactions. From time to time, subject to approval by a fund’s Treasurer, a Fidelity® fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and Members of the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks, including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR or an affiliate. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of each fund’s adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 101 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for Fidelity® Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity® Latin America Fund, and Fidelity® Total Emerging Markets Fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits financial statements for Fidelity® Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
FUND HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Each fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FMR to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMR’s Disclosure Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving a fund’s best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about a fund’s portfolio and protecting a fund from potentially harmful disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the funds’ chief compliance officer periodically.
Each fund will provide a full list of holdings, including its top ten holdings, monthly on www.fidelity.com 30 days after the month-end (excluding high income security holdings, which generally will be presented collectively monthly and included in a list of full holdings 60 days after its fiscal quarter-end).
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Each fund will provide its top ten holdings (excluding cash and futures) as of the end of the calendar quarter on Fidelity’s web site 15 or more days after the calendar quarter-end.
Unless otherwise indicated, this information will be available on the web site until updated for the next applicable period.
A fund may also from time to time provide or make available to the Board or third parties upon request specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics. Third parties may include fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations. Nonexclusive examples of performance attribution information and statistics may include (i) the allocation of a fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions among various asset classes, sectors, industries, and countries, (ii) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of a fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions, (iii) the attribution of fund returns by asset class, sector, industry, and country and (iv) the volatility characteristics of a fund.
FMR’s Disclosure Policy Committee may approve a request for fund level performance attribution and statistics as long as (i) such disclosure does not enable the receiving party to recreate the complete or partial portfolio holdings of any Fidelity fund prior to such fund’s public disclosure of its portfolio holdings and (ii) Fidelity has made a good faith determination that the requested information is not material given the particular facts and circumstances. Fidelity may deny any request for performance attribution information and other statistical information about a fund made by any person, and may do so for any reason or for no reason.
Disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information for a Fidelity fund’s portfolio may only be provided pursuant to the guidelines below.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the activities associated with managing Fidelity® funds to: entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed; other parties if legally required; or persons FMR believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: a fund’s trustees; a fund’s manager, its sub-advisers, if any, and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics (including portfolio managers of affiliated funds of funds); contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; a fund’s auditors; a fund’s custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to a fund or its Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; third parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding; and third parties who have submitted a standing request to a money market fund for daily holdings information. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by a fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, each fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by FMR, a sub-adviser, or their affiliates, (ii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iii) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving a fund. Each individual request is reviewed by the Disclosure Policy Committee which must find, in its sole discretion that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to a fund. Entities receiving this information must have in place control mechanisms to reasonably ensure or otherwise agree that, (a) the holdings information will be kept confidential, (b) no employee shall use the information to effect trading or for their personal benefit, and (c) the nature and type of information that they, in turn, may disclose to third parties is limited. FMR relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to a fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are: Factset Research Systems Inc. (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Bloomberg, L.P. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
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FMR, its affiliates, or the funds will not enter into any arrangements with third parties from which they derive consideration for the disclosure of material non-public holdings information. If, in the future, such an arrangement is desired, prior Board approval would be sought and any such arrangements would be disclosed in the funds’ SAI.
There can be no assurance that the funds’ policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of fund portfolio holdings will prevent the misuse of such information by individuals and firms that receive such information.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each fund’s financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, and report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the fund’s annual report and are incorporated herein by reference. Total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table may differ from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the financial highlights because total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table include any acquired fund fees and expenses, whereas the ratios of expenses in the financial highlights do not, except to the extent any acquired fund fees and expenses relate to an entity, such as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with which a fund’s financial statements are consolidated. Acquired funds include other investment companies (such as central funds or other underlying funds) in which a fund has invested, if and to the extent it is permitted to do so. Total annual operating expenses in the prospectus fee table and the financial highlights do not include any expenses associated with investments in certain structured or synthetic products that may rely on the exception from the definition of “investment company” provided by section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.
APPENDIX
Fidelity, Fidelity Investments & Pyramid Design, Fidelity Advisor, VIP FundsManager, and Strategic Advisers are registered service marks of FMR LLC. © 2020 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
Any third-party marks that may appear above are the marks of their respective owners.
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Attachment 2
INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO CLASS A, CLASS M, CLASS C, AND CLASS I
OF FIDELITY EMERGING MARKETS FUND
BUYING, SELLING, AND EXCHANGING INFORMATION
In addition to the exchange privileges listed in the fund’s prospectus, the fund offers the privilege of moving between certain share classes of the same fund, as detailed below. Such transactions are subject to eligibility requirements of the applicable class of shares of a fund, and may be subject to applicable sales loads. An exchange between share classes of the same fund generally is a non-taxable event.
Class A: Shares of Class A may be exchanged for Class I shares of the same fund.
Class M: Shares of Class M may be exchanged for Class A (on a load-waived basis) or Class I shares of the same fund.
Class C: Shares of Class C may be exchanged for Class A, Class M, or Class I shares of the same fund.
Class I: Shares of Class I may be exchanged for Class A shares of the same fund.
The fund may terminate or modify its exchange privileges in the future.
CONTROL PERSONS
As of October 31, 2020, the Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and officers of the fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of each class’s total outstanding shares, with respect to the fund.
As of October 31, 2020, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fund or Class Name | | Owner Name | | City | | State | | Ownership% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund* | | STRATEGIC ADVISERS® EMERGING MARKETS FUND | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 12.59% | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund* | | STRATEGIC ADVISERS® FIDELITY® EMERGING MARKETS FUND | | BOSTON | | MA | | | 12.48% | |
* | The ownership information shown above is for a class of shares of the fund. |
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund has entered into a management contract with FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for directing the investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund’s investments, compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are interested persons of the trust or of FMR, and compensates all personnel of the fund or FMR performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the fund’s organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund’s records and the registration of the fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
Management-Related Expenses. In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to the transfer agent and pricing and bookkeeping agent, and the costs associated with securities lending, as applicable, the fund or each class thereof, as applicable, pays all of its expenses that are not assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting,
printing, and mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian, auditor, and Independent Trustees. The fund’s management contract further provides that the fund will pay for typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable, the fund’s proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. The fund is also liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
Management Fee.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of a group of registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts.
| | | | | | | | | | |
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES |
| | | |
Average Group Assets | | Annualized Rate | | Group Net Assets | | Effective Annual Fee Rate |
0 | | — | | $3 billion | | .5200% | | $1 billion | | .5200% |
3 | | — | | 6 | | .4900 | | 50 | | .3823 |
6 | | — | | 9 | | .4600 | | 100 | | .3512 |
9 | | — | | 12 | | .4300 | | 150 | | .3371 |
12 | | — | | 15 | | .4000 | | 200 | | .3284 |
15 | | — | | 18 | | .3850 | | 250 | | .3219 |
18 | | — | | 21 | | .3700 | | 300 | | .3163 |
21 | | — | | 24 | | .3600 | | 350 | | .3113 |
24 | | — | | 30 | | .3500 | | 400 | | .3067 |
30 | | — | | 36 | | .3450 | | 450 | | .3024 |
36 | | — | | 42 | | .3400 | | 500 | | .2982 |
42 | | — | | 48 | | .3350 | | 550 | | .2942 |
48 | | — | | 66 | | .3250 | | 600 | | .2904 |
66 | | — | | 84 | | .3200 | | 650 | | .2870 |
84 | | — | | 102 | | .3150 | | 700 | | .2838 |
102 | | — | | 138 | | .3100 | | 750 | | .2809 |
138 | | — | | 174 | | .3050 | | 800 | | .2782 |
174 | | — | | 210 | | .3000 | | 850 | | .2756 |
210 | | — | | 246 | | .2950 | | 900 | | .2732 |
246 | | — | | 282 | | .2900 | | 950 | | .2710 |
282 | | — | | 318 | | .2850 | | 1,000 | | .2689 |
318 | | — | | 354 | | .2800 | | 1,050 | | .2669 |
354 | | — | | 390 | | .2750 | | 1,100 | | .2649 |
390 | | — | | 426 | | .2700 | | 1,150 | | .2631 |
426 | | — | | 462 | | .2650 | | 1,200 | | .2614 |
462 | | — | | 498 | | .2600 | | 1,250 | | .2597 |
498 | | — | | 534 | | .2550 | | 1,300 | | .2581 |
534 | | — | | 587 | | .2500 | | 1,350 | | .2566 |
587 | | — | | 646 | | .2463 | | 1,400 | | .2551 |
646 | | — | | 711 | | .2426 | | 1,450 | | .2536 |
711 | | — | | 782 | | .2389 | | 1,500 | | .2523 |
782 | | — | | 860 | | .2352 | | 1,550 | | .2510 |
860 | | — | | 946 | | .2315 | | 1,600 | | .2497 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
946 | | — | | 1,041 | | .2278 | | 1,650 | | .2484 |
1,041 | | — | | 1,145 | | .2241 | | 1,700 | | .2472 |
1,145 | | — | | 1,260 | | .2204 | | 1,750 | | .2460 |
1,260 | | — | | 1,386 | | .2167 | | 1,800 | | .2449 |
1,386 | | — | | 1,525 | | .2130 | | 1,850 | | .2438 |
1,525 | | — | | 1,677 | | .2093 | | 1,900 | | .2427 |
1,677 | | — | | 1,845 | | .2056 | | 1,950 | | .2417 |
1,845 | | — | | 2,030 | | .2019 | | 2,000 | | .2407 |
Over | | | | 2,030 | | .1982 | | 2,050 | | .2397 |
The group fee rate is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate schedule shown above on the left. The schedule above on the right shows the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For example, the effective annual fee rate at $2,728 billion of group net assets - the approximate level for October 2020 - was 0.2294%, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up to $2,728 billion.
The individual fund fee rate for the fund is set forth in the following table. Based on the average group net assets for October 2020, the fund’s annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Group Fee Rate | | | Individual Fund Fee Rate | | | Management Fee Rate | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 0.2294 | % + | | | 0.4500 | % = | | | 0.6794 | % |
One-twelfth of the management fee rate is applied to the fund’s average net assets for the month, giving a dollar amount which is the fee for that month.
The following table shows the amount of management fees paid by the fund for the past three fiscal years to its current manager and prior affiliated manager(s), if any.
| | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Fiscal Years Ended October 31 | | | Management Fees Paid to Investment Adviser | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | | 2020 | | | $ | 31,368,578 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 30,275,148 | |
| | | 2018 | | | $ | 35,319,356 | |
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.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), an affiliate of FMR. The The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
The Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans on behalf of Class A, Class M, Class C, and Class I of the fund (the Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plans, as approved by the Trustees, allow shares of the fund and/or FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute direct or indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
The Plan adopted for each class of the fund is described in the prospectus.
Under the Class I Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Class I Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class I shares and/or shareholder support services. In addition, the Class I Plan provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for Class I shares.
Under each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its shares, such payment is authorized by each Plan. Each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class M, and Class C shares and/or shareholder support services, including payments of significant amounts made to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for Class A, Class M, and Class C shares.
Prior to approving each Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the applicable class of the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the Class I Plan does not authorize payments by Class I of the fund other than those made to FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution of shares, additional sales of shares or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
Each Class A, Class M, and Class C Plan does not provide for specific payments by Class A, Class M, and Class C of any of the expenses of FDC, or obligate FDC or FMR to perform any specific type or level of distribution activities or incur any specific level of expense in connection with distribution activities.
In addition to the distribution and/or service fees paid by FDC to intermediaries, shown in the table above, FDC or an affiliate may compensate intermediaries that distribute and/or service the Advisor funds and the Advisor classes of shares, or upon directions, make payments for certain retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, the placing of the fund on a preferred or recommended fund list, access to an intermediary’s personnel, and other factors. The total amount paid to all intermediaries in the aggregate currently will not exceed 0.05% of the total assets of the Advisor funds and the Advisor classes of shares on an annual basis. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to current products and issues, assistance in training and educating the intermediaries’ personnel, payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC, and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars, including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. FDC anticipates that payments will be made to over a hundred intermediaries, including some of the largest broker-dealers and other financial firms, and certain of the payments described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
The 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 performing recordkeeping and other services. Please see “Transfer and Service Agent Agreements” in this statement of additional information (SAI) for more information.
If you have purchased shares of the fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund or a share class over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT AGREEMENTS
The fund has entered into a transfer agent agreement with Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC (FIIOC), an affiliate of FMR, which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Under the terms of the agreement, FIIOC (or an agent, including an affiliate) performs transfer agency services.
For providing transfer agency services, FIIOC receives a position fee and/or an asset-based fee with respect to each position in the fund. For retail accounts, these fees are based on fund type. For certain institutional accounts, these fees are based on size of position and fund type. For institutional retirement accounts, these fees are based on account type and fund type. For employee benefit plan accounts, FIIOC receives an asset-based fee. The position fee is billed monthly on a pro rata basis at one-twelfth of the applicable annual rate as of the end of each calendar month. The asset-based fee is calculated and paid monthly on the basis of average daily net assets of a fund or class, as applicable.
The asset-based fees are subject to adjustment in any month in which the total return of the S&P 500® Index exceeds a positive or negative 15% from a pre-established base value.
FIIOC may collect fees charged in connection with providing certain types of services such as exchanges, closing out fund balances, maintaining fund positions with low balances, checkwriting, wire transactions, and providing historical account research, as applicable.
In addition, FIIOC receives the pro rata portion of the transfer agency fees applicable to shareholder accounts in a qualified tuition program (QTP), as defined under the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, managed by FMR or an affiliate, and in each Fidelity Advisor Freedom® Fund, a fund of funds managed by FMR, according to the percentage of the QTP’s or Fidelity Advisor Freedom® Fund’s assets that is invested in the fund.
FIIOC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other reports, notices, and statements to existing shareholders, with the exception of proxy statements.
Fund shares may be owned by intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. In those instances, a fund may not maintain an account for shareholders, and some or all of the recordkeeping and/or administrative services for these accounts may be performed by intermediaries.
FIIOC or an affiliate may make payments out of its own resources to intermediaries (including affiliates of FIIOC) for recordkeeping services.
Retirement plans may also hold fund shares in the name of the plan or its trustee, rather than the plan participant. In situations where FIIOC or an affiliate does not provide recordkeeping services, plan recordkeepers, who may have affiliated financial intermediaries who sell shares of the fund, may, upon direction, be paid for providing recordkeeping services to plan participants. Payments may also be made, upon direction, for other plan expenses. FIIOC may also pay an affiliate for providing services that otherwise would have been performed by FIIOC.
FIIOC or an affiliate may make networking payments out of its own resources to intermediaries who perform transactions for the fund through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). NSCC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, provides centralized clearance, settlement, and information services for mutual funds and other financial services companies.
The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with 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 the fund’s portfolio and general accounting records, and administers the fund’s securities lending program.
For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a monthly fee based on the fund’s average daily net assets throughout the month.
The annual rates for pricing and bookkeeping services for the fund are 0.0518% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.0415% of average net assets between $500 million and $3.5 billion, 0.0041% of average net assets between $3.5 billion and $25 billion, and 0.0019% of average net assets in excess of $25 billion.
Pricing and bookkeeping fees paid by the fund to FSC for the past three fiscal years are shown in the following table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 1,549,208 | | | $ | 1,541,056 | | | $ | 1,570,373 | |
Payments made by the fund to FSC for securities lending for the past three fiscal years are shown in the following table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Fidelity® Emerging Markets Fund | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 5,353 | (1) | | $ | 3,920 | |
(1) | The securities lending administration agreement was terminated effective March 31, 2019 and the services provided under that agreement have moved to the pricing and bookkeeping agreement. |
FUND HOLDINGS INFORMATION
The fund will provide a full list of holdings, including its top ten holdings, monthly on institutional.fidelity.com 30 days after the month-end (excluding high income security holdings, which generally will be presented collectively monthly and included in a list of full holdings 60 days after its fiscal quarter-end).
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 15. Indemnification
Article XI, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust sets forth the reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification shall be provided to any past or present Trustee or officer. It states that the Trust shall indemnify any present or past trustee or officer to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability, and all expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of his or her service as a trustee or officer and against any amount incurred in settlement thereof. Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other adjudicatory body to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties (collectively, “disabling conduct”), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination, as specified in the Declaration of Trust, that the officer or trustee did not engage in disabling conduct.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Trust does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Distributor. In no case is the indemnity of the Trust in favor of the Distributor or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which the Distributor or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
Pursuant to the agreement by which Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, LLC (“FIIOC”) is appointed transfer agent, the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold FIIOC harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from:
(1) any claim, demand, action or suit brought by any person other than the Registrant, including by a shareholder, which names FIIOC and/or the Registrant as a party and is not based on and does not result from FIIOC’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and arises out of or in connection with FIIOC’s performance under the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2) any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to by FIIOC’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless disregard of duties) which results from the negligence of the Registrant, or from FIIOC’s acting upon any instruction(s) reasonably believed by it to have been executed or communicated by any person duly authorized by the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOC’s acting in reliance upon advice reasonably believed by FIIOC to have been given by counsel for the Registrant, or as a result of FIIOC’s acting in reliance upon any instrument or stock certificate reasonably believed by it to have been genuine and signed, countersigned or executed by the proper person.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 16. Exhibits
(1)
(4) | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between Fidelity Investment Trust: Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund and Fidelity Investment Trust: Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund is filed herein as Exhibit 1 to the Proxy Statement and Prospectus. |
(5) | Articles III, X, and XI of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated March 14, 2001, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) of Post- Effective Amendment No. 82; Article XII of the Certificate of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust, dated October 14, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) of Post- Effective Amendment No. 90; Article VIII of the Certificate of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust, dated December 13, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) of Post- Effective Amendment No. 105; and Articles IV and V of the Bylaws of the Trust, as amended and dated June 17, 2004, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of Fidelity Summer Street Trust’s (File No.002- 58542) Post-Effective No. 63. |
| (115) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(21) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (116) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of Fidelity Hastings Street Trust’s (File No. 002-11517) Post-Effective Amendment No. 180. |
| (117) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(23) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (118) | Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(24) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (123) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(25) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (124) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(14) of Fidelity Hastings Street Trust’s (File No. 002-11517) Post-Effective Amendment No. 180. |
| (125) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(27) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (126) | Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(28) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (131) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(29) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (132) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity China Region Fund, Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Latin America Fund, Fidelity Nordic Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund is incorporated herein by to Exhibit (d)(20) of Fidelity Hastings Street Trust’s (File No. 002-11517) Post-Effective Amendment No. 180. |
| (133) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(31) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
| (134) | Schedule B to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 1, 2020, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, Fidelity Series Overseas Fund, and Fidelity SAI International SMA Completion Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(32) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 235. |
(7)
| (2) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Fidelity Investment Trust on behalf of Fidelity Diversified International Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Japan Fund, Fidelity Overseas Fund, Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund, and Fidelity Worldwide Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 72. |
| (3) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Investment Trust on behalf of Fidelity Canada Fund, Fidelity Flex International Fund, Fidelity Global Commodity Stock Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation K6 Fund, Fidelity International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series Canada Fund, Fidelity Series International Growth Fund, Fidelity Series International Value Fund, and Fidelity Total International Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 72. |
| (5) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between The Northern Trust Company and Fidelity Investment Trust on behalf of Fidelity Diversified International K6 Fund, Fidelity Emerging Asia Fund, Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fund, Fidelity Enduring Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Europe Fund, Fidelity Infrastructure Fund, Fidelity International Capital Appreciation Fund, Fidelity International Discovery Fund, Fidelity International Discovery K6 Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Fund, Fidelity International Small Cap Opportunities Fund, Fidelity International Value Fund, Fidelity Japan Smaller Companies Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Series Emerging Markets Fund, Fidelity Series International Small Cap Fund and Fidelity Total Emerging Markets Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(9) of Fidelity Financial Trust’s (File No. 002-79910) Post-Effective Amendment No. 45. |
(10)
| (23) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund: Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund: Class A to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (24) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund: Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund: Class M to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (25) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund: Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund: Class C to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (26) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund: Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund: Class I to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (27) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund: Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund: Class Z to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(12) | Opinion and Consent of counsel Dechert LLP, as to tax matters - To be filed by Post-Effective Amendment. |
(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of the prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reoffering by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each Post-Effective Amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
(3) The undersigned Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement upon the closing of the Reorganization described in this Registration Statement that contains an opinion of counsel supporting the tax matters discussed in this Registration Statement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 30th day of December 2020.
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Fidelity Investment Trust |
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| | By | | /s/ Stacie M. Smith |
| | | | Stacie M. Smith, President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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(Signature) | | (Title) | | (Date) |
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/s/ Stacie M. Smith | | President and Treasurer | | December 30, 2020 |
Stacie M. Smith | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | |
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/s/ John J. Burke III | | Chief Financial Officer | | December 30, 2020 |
John J. Burke III | | (Principal Financial Officer) | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Jonathan Chiel | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Dennis J. Dirks | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Donald F. Donahue | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Vicki L. Fuller | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Alan J. Lacy | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Ned C. Lautenbach | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Patricia L. Kampling | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Robert A. Lawrence | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Joseph Mauriello | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Cornelia M. Small | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Garnett A. Smith | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
David M. Thomas | | | | |
| | |
* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Susan Tomasky | | | | |
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* | | Trustee | | December 30, 2020 |
Michael E. Wiley | | | | |
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* | | By: | | /s/ Megan C. Johnson |
| | | | Megan C. Johnson, pursuant to a power of attorney dated December 1, 2020 and filed herewith. |