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Form 485BPOS VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUIT

June 25, 2019 6:05 AM EDT

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form N-1A
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 2-65955-99)  
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 [X]
and
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 811-02688-99) UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940  
Amendment No. 87 [X]
 
 
VANGUARD TRUSTEES’ EQUITY FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Declaration of Trust)
 
P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
 
Registrant’s Telephone Number (610) 669-1000
 
Anne Robinson, Esquire
P.O. Box 876
Valley Forge, PA 19482
 
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:  
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)  
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)  
[X] on June 25, 2019, pursuant to paragraph (b)  
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)  
[ ] on (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)  
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)  
[ ] on (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485  
If appropriate, check the following box:  
[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
  previously filed post-effective amendment.  

 

 

Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund
Prospectus
 
June 25, 2019
 
Admiral™ Shares
Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund Admiral Shares (VCMDX)
 
 
 
 
See the inside front cover for important information about access to your fund’s
annual and semiannual shareholder reports.
This is the Fund’s initial prospectus, so it does not contain performance data.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor the Commodities Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC) have approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of
this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Important information about access to shareholder reports

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the SEC, paper copies of your fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports (once available) will not be sent to you by mail unless you specifically request them. Instead, you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted on the website and will be provided with a link to access the report.

If you have already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and do not need to take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the fund electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you invest directly with the fund, by calling Vanguard at one of the phone numbers on the back cover of this prospectus or by logging on to vanguard.com.

You may elect to receive paper copies of all future shareholder reports free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact the intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies. If you invest directly with the fund, you can call Vanguard at one of the phone numbers on the back cover of this prospectus or log on to vanguard.com. Your election to receive paper copies will apply to all the funds you hold through an intermediary or directly with Vanguard.

Contents

Fund Summary 1 Investing With Vanguard 24
More on the Fund 6 Purchasing Shares 24
The Fund and Vanguard 18 Redeeming Shares 27
Investment Advisor 19 Exchanging Shares 31
Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes 20 Frequent-Trading Limitations 31
Share Price 23 Other Rules You Should Know 33
    Fund and Account Updates 37
    Employer-Sponsored Plans 38
    Contacting Vanguard 40
    Additional Information 41
    Glossary of Investment Terms 42

 

 

Fund Summary

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks to provide broad commodities exposure and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees  
(Fees paid directly from your investment)  
 
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases None
Purchase Fee None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None
Redemption Fee None
Account Service Fee (for certain fund account balances below $10,000) $20/year
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses  
(Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  
 
Management Fees 0.10%
12b-1 Distribution Fee None
Other Expenses 0.08%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 0.02%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses1 0.20%
1 The expense information shown in the table reflects estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.  

 

Example

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you were to invest $10,000 in the Fund’s shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% each year and that total annual fund operating expenses remain as stated in the preceding table. You would incur these hypothetical expenses whether or not you were to redeem your investment at the end of the given period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

1 Year 3 Years
$20 $64

 

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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 more taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the previous expense example, reduce the Fund’s performance. The Fund has no operating history and therefore has no portfolio turnover information.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund’s advisor employs an active investment management approach to invest the Fund’s assets in commodity-linked investments, which are backed by a portfolio of inflation-linked investments and other fixed income securities.

Commodities are real assets, including, but not limited to, agricultural products, livestock, precious and industrial metals, and energy products. The Fund invests in instruments that create long and short exposure to commodities, including commodity-linked total return swaps, commodity futures contracts and options on commodity futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, exchange-traded commodity pools or funds, and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. Particular commodity-linked investments may not necessarily conform to the composition, weighting, roll dates, reset dates, or contract months of the Fund’s benchmark index or any other commodity market index.

The Fund intends to gain exposure to commodities by investing in a wholly owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the subsidiary), which in turn invests in commodity-linked investments and fixed income securities. The Fund may also invest directly in commodity-linked investments. The Fund will generally not invest more than 25% of its assets in the subsidiary.

The Fund invests the remainder of its assets in inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and corporations. The Fund may also invest in other fixed income securities, such as cash or cash equivalent investments and short-term bonds. At a minimum, all bonds purchased by the Fund will be investment-grade, or, if unrated, will be considered by the advisor to be investment-grade. The Fund’s fixed income investments may provide liquidity for the Fund or serve as margin or collateral for its commodity-linked investments.

The Fund’s use of certain commodity-linked investments is expected to have a leveraging effect on the Fund.

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Principal Risks

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short, intermediate, or even long periods of time. Returns may vary substantially over time, and there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective or that its investment strategy will succeed.

The Fund’s investment strategy involves the use of leverage, so its investment program may be considered speculative and is expected to involve considerable risks. The Fund could lose money at any time and may underperform the commodities markets during any given period, regardless of whether such markets rise or fall.

The Fund is subject to the risks described below. Each of these risks, alone or in combination with other risks, has the potential to hurt the Fund’s performance, sometimes significantly.

• Commodity-linked investment risk, which is the chance that the Fund could lose all, or substantially all, of its investments in instruments linked to the returns of commodity investments. The commodities markets are volatile, and even a small movement in market prices could cause large losses. Prices of commodity-linked investments have a historically low correlation with the returns of the stock and bond markets and are subject to change based on a variety of factors that may not be anticipated by the Fund’s advisor.

• Derivatives risk. The Fund’s direct and indirect commodity-linked investments—such as commodity-linked total return swaps, commodity futures contracts and options on commodity futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, exchange-traded commodity pools or funds, and other commodity-linked derivative instruments—subject the Fund to risks associated with derivatives. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying commodity or index. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may increase a loss, potentially causing the Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying commodity or index. Also, a liquid market may not always exist for the Fund’s derivative positions at times when the Fund might wish to terminate or sell such positions. In addition, regulators and futures exchanges have established limits, referred to as position limits, on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person may hold or control in particular derivative contracts. Some contract positions, such as commodity futures contracts, held by the Fund and/or the subsidiary may have to be liquidated at disadvantageous times or prices to avoid exceeding such position limits, which could adversely affect the Fund’s total return. The use of a derivative subjects the investor to the risk of nonperformance by the counterparty (i.e., counterparty risk), potentially resulting in delayed or partial payment or even nonpayment of amounts due under the derivative contract.

• Tax risk, which is the chance that the Fund’s commodity-linked investments could adversely affect the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company.

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Inflation-linked investment risks. The Fund is subject to risks associated with inflation-linked investments. The Fund’s annual income distributions are likely to fluctuate considerably. Under certain conditions, the Fund may not have any income to distribute. Income fluctuations associated with changes in interest rates are expected to be low; however, income fluctuations associated with changes in inflation are expected to be high. Overall, investors can expect income fluctuations to be high for the Fund. The Fund is also subject to interest rate risk, which is the chance that the value of a bond will fluctuate because of a change in the level of interest rates. Although inflation-indexed bonds seek to provide inflation protection, their prices may decline when interest rates rise and vice versa.

Other fixed income investment risks. To the extent that the Fund invests in other fixed income securities, such as cash instruments or short-term bonds, the Fund is subject to additional risks associated with bond investments, including income risk, credit risk, and call risk. These risks are described in the More on the Fund section of this prospectus.

Subsidiary investment risk. The Fund is subject to risks associated with subsidiary investments. In particular, because the subsidiary is not organized as a mutual fund and is not registered under any federal or state securities laws (including the Investment Company Act of 1940), it does not offer the same investor protections available to shareholders of registered investment companies. In addition, the tax treatment of the Fund’s investment in the subsidiary may be adversely affected by changes in the laws or regulations, or interpretations of existing laws or regulations, of the United States and/or the jurisdiction of the subsidiary. The Fund’s ownership of the subsidiary subjects it to the same risks as if it were invested directly in the assets owned by the subsidiary. Risks associated with the subsidiary’s underlying investments have been described elsewhere in this prospectus and include commodity-linked investment risk, derivatives risk, tax risk, inflation-linked investment risks, other fixed income investment risks, and manager risk.

Leverage risk, which is the chance that any leveraged losses will exceed the principal amount invested by the Fund. Returns from a leveraged investment have the potential to be more volatile than returns from traditional stock and bond investments, which exposes the Fund to heightened risks.

Manager risk, which is the chance that poor investment selection and/or poor strategy execution will cause the Fund and/or the subsidiary to fail to achieve its investment objective or to generate lower returns than would be achieved from different investment selections. Poor investment selection by the advisor could also cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar investment objectives.

Nondiversification risk, which is the chance that the Fund’s performance may be hurt disproportionately by the performance of relatively few investments. The Fund is considered nondiversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its

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assets in the instruments of particular issuers as compared with diversified mutual funds.

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.

Annual Total Returns

This is the Fund‘s initial prospectus, so it does not contain performance data.

Investment Advisor
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard)

Portfolio Managers

Anatoly Shtekhman, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Vanguard. He has co-managed the Fund since its inception in 2019.

Fei Xu, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Vanguard. He has co-managed the Fund since its inception in 2019.

Joshua C. Barrickman, CFA, Principal of Vanguard and head of Vanguard’s Fixed Income Indexing Americas. He has co-managed the Fund since its inception in 2019.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may purchase or redeem shares online through our website (vanguard.com), by mail (The Vanguard Group, P.O. Box 1110, Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110), or by telephone (800-662-2739). The minimum investment amount required to open and maintain a Fund account for Admiral Shares is $50,000. The minimum investment amount required to add to an existing Fund account is generally $1. Institutional clients should contact Vanguard for information on special eligibility rules that may apply to them regarding Admiral Shares. If you are investing through an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan, your plan administrator or your benefits office can provide you with detailed information on how you can invest through your plan.

Tax Information

The Fund’s distributions may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gain. If you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan, special tax rules apply.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

The Fund and its investment advisor do not pay financial intermediaries for sales of Fund shares.

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More on the Fund

This prospectus describes the principal risks you would face as a Fund shareholder. It is important to keep in mind one of the main principles of investing: generally, the higher the risk of losing money, the higher the potential reward. The reverse, also, is generally true: the lower the risk, the lower the potential reward. As you consider an investment in any mutual fund, you should take into account your personal tolerance for fluctuations in the securities markets. Look for this  symbol throughout the prospectus. It is used to mark detailed information about the more significant risks that you would confront as a Fund shareholder. To highlight terms and concepts important to mutual fund investors, we have provided Plain Talk® explanations along the way. Reading the prospectus will help you decide whether the Fund is the right investment for you. We suggest that you keep this prospectus for future reference.

 

Plain Talk About Fund Expenses
 
All mutual funds have operating expenses. These expenses, which are deducted
from a fund’s gross income, are expressed as a percentage of the net assets of
the fund. Assuming that operating expenses remain as stated in the Fees and
Expenses section, Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund’s expense ratio would be
0.20%, or $2.00 per $1,000 of average net assets.

 

Plain Talk About Costs of Investing
 
Costs are an important consideration in choosing a mutual fund. That is because
you, as a shareholder, pay a proportionate share of the costs of operating a fund
and any transaction costs incurred when the fund buys or sells securities. These
costs can erode a substantial portion of the gross income or the capital
appreciation a fund achieves. Even seemingly small differences in expenses can,
over time, have a dramatic effect on a fund’s performance.

 

The following sections explain the principal investment strategies and policies that the Fund uses in pursuit of its objective. The Fund‘s board of trustees, which oversees the Fund’s management, may change investment strategies or policies in the interest of shareholders without a shareholder vote, unless those strategies or policies are designated as fundamental. Note that the Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without a shareholder vote.


An investment in the Fund could lose money over any period of time. Returns may vary significantly over time, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective or that its investment strategy will succeed.

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Market Exposure

The Fund seeks to provide broad commodities exposure and capital appreciation. To achieve this objective, the Fund’s advisor employs an active investment management approach to invest the Fund’s assets, either directly or indirectly through a wholly owned subsidiary, in commodity-linked investments. The Fund’s commodity-linked investments are backed by a portfolio of inflation-linked investments and other fixed income securities.

• Commodity-Linked Investments

Commodities are real assets, including, but not limited to, agricultural products, livestock, precious and industrial metals, and energy products. The Fund does not invest in physical commodities, but rather in instruments that create both long and short exposure to commodities. These instruments include commodity-linked total return swaps, commodity futures contracts and options on commodity futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, exchange-traded commodity pools or funds, or other commodity-linked derivative instruments. Particular commodity-linked investments may not necessarily conform to the composition, weighting, roll dates, reset dates, or contract months of the Fund’s benchmark index or any other commodity market index.


The Fund is subject to commodity-linked investment risk, which is the chance that the Fund could lose all, or substantially all, of its investments in instruments linked to the returns of commodity investments. The commodities markets are volatile, and even a small movement in market prices could cause large losses. Prices of commodity-linked investments have a historically low correlation with the returns of the stock and bond markets and are subject to change based on a variety of factors that may not be anticipated by the Fund’s advisor.

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Plain Talk About Commodities
 
Commodities are raw materials used to create the goods that consumers buy.
They include a wide range of physical assets, such as agricultural products,
livestock, precious metals, energy products, and industrial metals. Commodities
can be purchased for immediate delivery (“on the spot”) or delivery within a
specific time period in the future under the terms of a futures contract. An
exchange-traded commodity futures contract provides for the purchase and sale of
a specified type and quantity of a commodity during a stated delivery month. A
futures contract on an index of commodities provides for the payment and receipt
of cash based on the level of the index at settlement or liquidation of the contract.
Unlike equity securities, futures contracts, by their terms, have stated expirations,
and at a specified time prior to expiration, trading in a futures contract for the
current delivery month will cease. As a result, an investor wishing to maintain
exposure to a futures contract on a particular commodity with the nearest
expiration must close out a position in the expiring contract and establish a new
position in the contract for the next delivery month. This process is referred to as
“rolling.” An investor will profit from rolling a futures contract if the cost for the
new contract is lower than the cost of the expiring contract. Conversely, an
investor will lose money by rolling a futures contract if the cost for the new
contract is higher than the cost of the expiring contract.

 

The prices of commodity-linked investments are subject to change based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the following: lack of liquidity; global supply and demand for commodities; disorderly markets; limitations on deliverable supplies; the participation of hedgers and speculators; domestic and foreign interest rates and investors’ expectations concerning interest rates; domestic and foreign inflation rates and investors’ expectations concerning inflation rates; investment and trading activities of institutional investors; global or regional political, economic, or financial events and situations; government regulation and intervention; technical and operational or system failures; nuclear accident; terrorism; and natural disasters.

The Fund gains exposure to commodities primarily by investing in a wholly owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the subsidiary), which in turn invests in commodity-linked investments and fixed income securities. The Fund may also invest directly in commodity-linked investments. The subsidiary’s fixed income investments may include, but are not limited to, inflation-indexed securities, cash and cash equivalent investments, money market instruments, or other short-term instruments. Fixed income investments provide liquidity for the subsidiary and may serve as margin or collateral for the subsidiary’s commodity-linked investments. The Fund’s ownership of the subsidiary exposes it to the same risks as if it were invested directly in the assets owned by the subsidiary.

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The Fund is subject to subsidiary investment risk, which is the risk that because the subsidiary is not registered under any federal or state securities laws, it does not offer the same investor protections available to shareholders of registered investment companies.

The subsidiary is not organized as a mutual fund, i.e., it is not registered under any federal or state securities laws, including the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act), and therefore is not subject to the investor protections of the 1940 Act.

There can be no assurance that the Fund will be permitted to continue to invest indirectly in commodity-linked investments through the subsidiary. Changes in the laws or regulations, or interpretations of existing laws or regulations, of the U.S. and/or the jurisdiction of the subsidiary could limit the Fund’s ability to invest in the subsidiary, impact the way in which the subsidiary operates, increase the subsidiary’s expenses, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund and/or the subsidiary. Moreover, the changes may be retroactive. For example, the subsidiary intends to operate in a manner that satisfies the Fund’s qualifying income requirement under current U.S. tax law. However, there is no assurance that future changes in this law, or interpretations of this law, will not adversely affect the Fund. Also, although the subsidiary is not expected to owe income or other taxes in the jurisdiction in which it is organized, if that jurisdiction’s tax laws were to change and the subsidiary were required to pay taxes, the Fund’s investment returns could decrease. Because Vanguard receives asset-based fees from the subsidiary for services provided to the subsidiary, Fund assets invested in the subsidiary are excluded when allocating to the Fund its share of the costs of Vanguard’s operations.


Tax risk is the chance that the Fund’s commodity-linked investments could adversely affect the Fund’s regulated investment company status.

The Fund’s ability to make direct and indirect investments in commodity-linked investments, including in the subsidiary, is limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company (RIC) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the IRC), including the requirement that 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year constitute “qualifying income.” Additionally, as an RIC, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its assets in the subsidiary.

The Fund generally intends to gain direct or indirect exposure to the commodities markets through investments that generate qualifying income under the IRC by investing directly in commodity-linked investments the Fund believes give rise to qualifying income, or by investing indirectly in commodity-linked investments through the subsidiary. However, if the Fund does not appropriately limit its investments in the subsidiary or in commodity-linked investments, or if the investments (or the income earned on the investments) are recharacterized for U.S. tax purposes, the Fund’s status as an RIC may be jeopardized. Moreover, any recharacterization of these investments (or the income earned on these investments) may be retroactive. If the

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Fund were to fail to qualify as an RIC in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to Fund-level taxation, reducing the amount of income available for distribution to shareholders and reducing the net asset value of its shares.


Subsidiary manager risk is the chance that poor strategy execution will cause the subsidiary to fail to achieve its investment objective.

The subsidiary’s success will depend on its advisor’s ability to successfully invest in commodity-linked investments, such as commodity futures and commodity-linked total return swaps, and a combination of fixed income investments. The subsidiary is subject to the risk that it will not be successful in executing this strategy, and there is no guarantee that the subsidiary will achieve its investment objective. The subsidiary could lose money at any time.


The Fund’s direct and indirect commodity-linked investments—such as commodity-linked total return swaps, commodities futures contracts and options on commodity futures contracts, commodity-linked structured notes, exchange-traded commodity pools or funds, and other commodity-linked derivative instruments—subject the Fund to risks associated with derivatives. Investments in derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, those of investments directly in the underlying commodities or assets.

Losses involving certain derivatives can sometimes be substantial or even greater than the principal amount invested—in part because a relatively small price movement in such derivatives may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the investor. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying securities, assets, reference rates, or indexes. The market for many derivatives is, or can suddenly become, illiquid, which may result in significant, rapid, and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives.

The use of certain derivatives subjects the investor to counterparty risk, which is the risk of nonperformance by the counterparty, potentially resulting in delayed or partial payment or even nonpayment of amounts due under the derivative contract. There are typically contractual remedies that may be pursued under a derivatives agreement in the event of default by a counterparty. The Fund and the subsidiary each expect to hold margin or collateral to secure the obligations of a counterparty in an effort to mitigate this risk.

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Plain Talk About Derivatives
 
Generally speaking, a derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on
the value of a financial asset (such as a stock, a bond, or a currency), a physical
asset (such as gold, oil, or wheat), a market index, or a reference rate. Some
forms of derivatives—such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities,
commodities, or indexes—have been trading on regulated exchanges for
decades. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be
bought and sold and whose market values are determined and published daily.
On the other hand, non-exchange-traded derivatives—such as certain swap
agreements and foreign currency exchange forward contracts—tend to be more
specialized or complex and may be less liquid and more difficult to accurately
value.

 


Liquidity risk is the chance that the markets, assets, and instruments in which the Fund invests are, or may become, illiquid.

The advisor expects that the Fund generally will seek to invest in liquid markets, assets, and instruments, although the Fund may have the ability to invest a portion of its assets in markets, assets, or instruments that are or may become illiquid. There is no assurance that investments that were liquid when purchased will not suddenly become illiquid for an indefinite period of time.

The Fund’s use of commodity-linked derivative instruments is expected to have a leveraging effect on the Fund.


Leverage risk is the chance that any leveraged losses will exceed the principal amount invested by the Fund. Returns from a leveraged investment have the potential to be more volatile than returns from traditional stock and bond investments, which exposes the Fund to heightened risks.

Leverage exists when an investor has the right to a return on a total investment amount that exceeds the cash amount the investor contributed to the investment. Leverage magnifies the effect of gains and losses. The Fund’s losses from its leveraged investments could be considerable.


Leverage-financing risk is the chance that the Fund will be unable to access and maintain financing sufficient to leverage its investments to targeted levels.

It is possible that the prime broker or other counterparties that finance the leverage employed by the Fund may not be willing or able to provide the level of financing that the advisor believes is required to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

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Inflation-Linked and Other Fixed Income Investments

The Fund’s commodity-linked investments are backed by a portfolio of inflation-linked investments and other fixed income securities. These investments include inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and corporations. The Fund may also invest in other fixed income securities, such as cash or cash equivalent investments, short-term bonds, or other debt securities.

Plain Talk About Inflation-Indexed Securities
 
Unlike a conventional bond, whose issuer makes regular fixed interest payments
and repays the face value of the bond at maturity, an inflation-indexed security
(IIS) provides principal and interest payments that are adjusted over time to reflect
a rise (inflation) or a drop (deflation) in the general price level for goods and
services. This adjustment is a key feature, given that inflation has typically
occurred. However, there have been periods of deflation, such as in 1954 when
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined by 0.7%. (Source: Bureau of Labor
Statistics.) Importantly, in the event of deflation, the U.S. Treasury has guaranteed
that it will repay at least the face value of an IIS issued by the U.S. government.
However, if an IIS is purchased by a fund at a premium, deflation could cause a
fund to experience a loss.
 
Inflation measurement and adjustment for an IIS have two important features.
There is a two-month lag between the time that inflation occurs in the economy
and when it is factored into IIS valuations. This is due to the time required to
measure and calculate the CPI and for the U.S. Treasury to adjust the inflation
accrual schedules for an IIS. For example, inflation that occurs in January is
calculated and announced during February and affects IIS valuations throughout
the month of March. In addition, the inflation index used is the nonseasonally
adjusted index. It differs from the CPI that is reported by most news
organizations, which is statistically smoothed to overcome highs and lows
observed at different points each year. The use of the nonseasonally adjusted
index can cause a fund’s income level to fluctuate.

 


The Fund is subject to income fluctuations. The Fund’s annual income distributions are likely to fluctuate considerably. In fact, under certain conditions, the Fund may not have any income to distribute. Income fluctuations associated with changes in interest rates are expected to be low; however, income fluctuations associated with changes in inflation are expected to be high. Overall, investors can expect income fluctuations to be high for the Fund.

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Although fluctuations in the Fund’s annual income distributions are expected to be high, distributions should provide an income yield that adjusts with inflation. In periods of extreme deflation, the Fund may have no income to distribute. If prices throughout the economy decline, the principal and income of an IIS will decline and could result in losses for the Fund.

Changes in interest rates can affect bond income as well as bond prices.

Plain Talk About Inflation-Indexed Securities and Interest Rates
 
Interest rates on conventional bonds have two primary components: a “real”
yield and an increment that reflects investor expectations of future inflation. By
contrast, interest rates on an IIS are adjusted for inflation and, therefore, are not
affected meaningfully by inflation expectations. This leaves only real rates to
influence the price of an IIS. A rise in real rates will cause the price of an IIS to
fall, while a decline in real rates will boost the price of an IIS.

 


The Fund is subject to interest rate risk, which is the chance that the value of a bond will fluctuate because of a change in the level of interest rates. Although inflation-indexed bonds seek to provide inflation protection, their prices may decline when interest rates rise and vice versa.

Plain Talk About Real Returns
 
Inflation-indexed securities are designed to provide a “real rate of return”—a
return after adjusting for the impact of inflation. Inflation—a rise in the general
price level—erodes the purchasing power of an investor’s portfolio. For example,
if an investment provides a “nominal” total return of 5% in a given year and
inflation is 2% during that period, the inflation-adjusted, or real, return is 3%.
Investors should be conscious of both the nominal and the real returns on their
investments. Investors in inflation-indexed bond funds who do not reinvest the
portion of the income distribution that comes from inflation adjustments will not
maintain the purchasing power of the investment over the long term. This is
because interest earned depends on the amount of principal invested, and that
principal will not grow with inflation if the investor does not reinvest the principal
adjustment paid out as part of a fund’s income distributions.

 

At a minimum, all bonds in which the Fund invests will be rated investment-grade, or, if unrated, will be considered by the advisor to be investment-grade.

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The Fund may be subject to credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline.

Plain Talk About Credit Quality
 
A bond’s credit quality rating is an assessment of the issuer’s ability to pay interest
on the bond and, ultimately, to repay the principal. The lower the credit quality, the
greater the perceived chance that the bond issuer will default, or fail to meet its
payment obligations. All things being equal, the lower a bond’s credit quality, the
higher its yield should be to compensate investors for assuming additional risk.

 

To the extent that the Fund invests in other fixed income investments, such as cash instruments, short-term bonds, or other debt securities, the Fund is subject to income risk and call risk.


The Fund may be subject to income risk, which is the chance that the Fund’s income will decline because of falling interest rates. A fund holding bonds will experience a decline in income when interest rates fall because the fund then must invest new cash flow and cash from maturing bonds in lower-yielding bonds. Income risk is generally higher for funds holding short-term bonds than for funds holding long-term bonds.


The Fund may be subject to call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupon rates or interest rates before their maturity dates. If the Fund holds a bond that is called, the Fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond’s call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income.

Security Selection

Vanguard manages the Fund through the use of a continually evolving process that was developed and is managed by Vanguard’s Quantitative Equity Group. All potential enhancements to the process go through rigorous vetting and validation before being implemented. The portfolio managers use the resulting process to determine which instruments to buy long and sell short for the portfolio.

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The Fund is subject to manager risk, which is the chance that poor investment selections and/or poor strategy execution by the advisor will cause the Fund to fail to achieve its investment objective or to generate lower returns than would be achieved from different investment selections. Poor investment selection by the advisor could also cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar investment objectives.

While the Fund predominantly holds long positions, the Fund’s performance depends on the net returns of its long and short positions. It is possible for the Fund to experience a net loss across all positions. If the Fund’s investment program is successful, however, the net returns of its long and short positions will produce long-term capital appreciation.


The Fund is subject to nondiversification risk, which is the chance that the Fund’s performance may be hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few investments. The Fund is considered nondiversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the instruments of particular issuers as compared with diversified mutual funds.

Other Investment Policies and Risks

In addition to investing in commodity-linked investments, inflation-linked investments, and other fixed income securities, the Fund may make other kinds of investments to achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are investments that the Fund reasonably expects 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. Restricted securities are a special type of illiquid security; these securities have not been publicly issued and legally can be resold only to qualified buyers. From time to time, the board of trustees may determine that particular restricted securities are not illiquid, and those securities may then be purchased by the Fund without limit.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in fixed income futures, which are a type of derivative, and/or shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These fixed income futures and ETFs typically provide returns similar to those of bonds. The Fund may purchase fixed income futures or ETFs when doing so will reduce the Fund‘s transaction costs, facilitate cash management, mitigate risk, or have the potential to add value because the instruments are favorably priced. Vanguard receives no additional revenue from Fund assets invested in ETF Shares of other Vanguard funds. Fund assets invested in ETF Shares are excluded when allocating to the Fund its share of the costs of Vanguard operations.

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Cash Management

The Fund‘s daily cash balance may be invested in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and/or Vanguard Municipal Cash Management Fund (each, a CMT Fund), which are low-cost money market funds. When investing in a CMT Fund, the Fund bears its proportionate share of the expenses of the CMT Fund in which it invests. Vanguard receives no additional revenue from Fund assets invested in a CMT Fund.

Methods Used to Meet Redemption Requests

Under normal circumstances, the Fund typically expects to meet redemptions with positive cash flows. When this is not an option, the Fund seeks to maintain its risk exposure by selling a cross section of the Fund’s holdings to meet redemptions, while also factoring in transaction costs. Additionally, the Fund may work with larger clients to implement their redemptions in a manner that is least disruptive to the portfolio; see “Potentially disruptive redemptions” under Redeeming Shares in the Investing With Vanguard section.

Under certain circumstances, including under stressed market conditions, there are additional tools that the Fund may use in order to meet redemptions, including advancing the settlement of market trades with counterparties to match investor redemption payments or delaying settlement of an investor’s transaction to match trade settlement within regulatory requirements. The Fund may also suspend payment of redemption proceeds for up to seven days; see “Emergency circumstances” under Redeeming Shares in the Investing With Vanguard section. Additionally under these unusual circumstances, the Fund may borrow money (subject to certain regulatory conditions and if available under board-approved procedures) through an interfund lending facility or through a bank line-of-credit, including a joint committed credit facility, in order to meet redemption requests.

Temporary Investment Measures

The Fund may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies when the advisor believes that doing so is in the Fund‘s best interest, so long as the strategy or policy employed is consistent with the Fund‘s investment objective. For instance, the Fund may invest beyond its normal limits in derivatives or exchange-traded funds that are consistent with the Fund‘s investment objective when those instruments are more favorably priced or provide needed liquidity, as might be the case if the Fund is transitioning assets from one advisor to another or receives large cash flows that it cannot prudently invest immediately.

In addition, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its normal investment policies and strategies—for instance, by allocating substantial assets to cash equivalent investments or other less volatile instruments—in response to adverse or unusual market, economic, political, or other conditions. In

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doing so, the Fund may succeed in avoiding losses but may otherwise fail to achieve its investment objective.

Frequent Trading or Market-Timing

Background. Some investors try to profit from strategies involving frequent trading of mutual fund shares, such as market-timing. For funds holding foreign securities, investors may try to take advantage of an anticipated difference between the price of the fund’s shares and price movements in overseas markets, a practice also known as time-zone arbitrage. Investors also may try to engage in frequent trading of funds holding investments such as small-cap stocks and high-yield bonds. As money is shifted into and out of a fund by a shareholder engaging in frequent trading, the fund incurs costs for buying and selling securities, resulting in increased brokerage and administrative costs. These costs are borne by all fund shareholders, including the long-term investors who do not generate the costs. In addition, frequent trading may interfere with an advisor’s ability to efficiently manage the fund.

Policies to address frequent trading. The Vanguard funds (other than money market funds and short-term bond funds, but including Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) do not knowingly accommodate frequent trading. The board of trustees of each Vanguard fund (other than money market funds and short-term bond funds, but including Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and discourage frequent trading and, in some cases, to compensate the fund for the costs associated with it. These policies and procedures do not apply to ETF Shares because frequent trading in ETF Shares generally does not disrupt portfolio management or otherwise harm fund shareholders. Although there is no assurance that Vanguard will be able to detect or prevent frequent trading or market-timing in all circumstances, the following policies have been adopted to address these issues:

• Each Vanguard fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request—including exchanges from other Vanguard funds—without notice and regardless of size. For example, a purchase request could be rejected because the investor has a history of frequent trading or if Vanguard determines that such purchase may negatively affect a fund’s operation or performance.

• Each Vanguard fund (other than money market funds and short-term bond funds, but including Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) generally prohibits, except as otherwise noted in the Investing With Vanguard section, an investor’s purchases or exchanges into a fund account for 30 calendar days after the investor has redeemed or exchanged out of that fund account.

• Certain Vanguard funds charge shareholders purchase and/or redemption fees on transactions.

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See the Investing With Vanguard section of this prospectus for further details on Vanguard’s transaction policies.

Each Vanguard fund (other than retail and government money market funds), in determining its net asset value, will use fair-value pricing when appropriate, as described in the Share Price section. Fair-value pricing may reduce or eliminate the profitability of certain frequent-trading strategies.

Do not invest with Vanguard if you are a market-timer.

Turnover Rate

Although the Fund generally seeks to invest for the long term, it may sell securities regardless of how long they have been held. The Fund has no operating history and therefore has no portfolio turnover information.

Plain Talk About Turnover Rate
 
Turnover rate gives an indication of how transaction costs, which are not included
in the fund’s expense ratio, could affect the fund’s future returns. In general, the
greater the volume of buying and selling by the fund, the greater the impact that
brokerage commissions and other transaction costs will have on its return. Also,
funds with high turnover rates may be more likely to generate capital gains,
including short-term capital gains, that must be distributed to shareholders and
will be taxable to shareholders investing through a taxable account.

 

The Fund and Vanguard

The Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group, a family of over 200 funds holding assets of approximately $4.9 trillion. All of the funds that are members of The Vanguard Group (other than funds of funds) share in the expenses associated with administrative services and business operations, such as personnel, office space, and equipment.

Vanguard Marketing Corporation provides marketing services to the funds. Although fund shareholders do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 distribution fees, each fund (other than a fund of funds) or each share class of a fund (in the case of a fund with multiple share classes) pays its allocated share of the Vanguard funds’ marketing costs.

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Plain Talk About Vanguard’s Unique Corporate Structure
 
The Vanguard Group is owned jointly by the funds it oversees and thus indirectly
by the shareholders in those funds. Most other mutual funds are operated by
management companies that are owned by third parties—either public or private
stockholders—and not by the funds they serve.

 

Investment Advisor

The Vanguard Group, Inc., P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482, which began operations in 1975, serves as advisor to the Fund through its Quantitative Equity Group and its Fixed Income Group. As of May 31, 2019, Vanguard served as advisor for approximately $4.9 trillion in assets. Vanguard provides investment advisory services to the Fund pursuant to the Funds’ Service Agreement and subject to the supervision and oversight of the trustees and officers of the Fund.

Under the terms of an SEC exemption, the Fund‘s board of trustees may, without prior approval from shareholders, change the terms of an advisory agreement with a third-party investment advisor or hire a new third-party investment advisor—either as a replacement for an existing advisor or as an additional advisor. Any significant change in the Fund’s advisory arrangements will be communicated to shareholders in writing. As the Fund‘s sponsor and overall manager, Vanguard may provide investment advisory services to the Fund at any time. Vanguard may also recommend to the board of trustees that an advisor be hired, terminated, or replaced or that the terms of an existing advisory agreement be revised. The Fund has filed an application seeking a similar SEC exemption with respect to investment advisors that are wholly owned subsidiaries of Vanguard. If the exemption is granted, the Fund may rely on the new SEC relief.

For a discussion of why the board of trustees approved the Fund’s investment advisory arrangement, see the annual report to shareholders covering the fiscal period ended October 31, 2019, which will be available 60 days after that date.

The managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are:

Anatoly Shtekhman, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Vanguard. He has been with Vanguard since 2007, has managed investment portfolios since 2016, and has co-managed the Fund since its inception in 2019. Education: B.S., University of Scranton; M.S., Boston College; M.B.A., The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Fei Xu, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Vanguard. He has been with Vanguard since 2004, has managed investment portfolios since 2017, and has co-managed the Fund since its

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inception in 2019. Education: B.S., Peking University; M.S., University of California, Los Angeles; M.B.A., Duke University.

Joshua C. Barrickman, CFA, Principal of Vanguard and head of Vanguard’s Fixed Income Indexing Americas. He has been with Vanguard since 1998, has worked in investment management since 1999, has managed investment portfolios since 2005, and has co-managed the Fund since its inception in 2019. Education: B.S., Ohio Northern University; M.B.A., Lehigh University.

The Fund‘s Statement of Additional Information provides information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts under management, and ownership of shares of the Fund.

Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes

Fund Distributions

The Fund distributes to shareholders virtually all of its net income (interest and dividends, less expenses) as well as any net short-term or long-term capital gains realized from the sale of its holdings. From time to time, the Fund may also make distributions that are treated as a return of capital. Income and capital gains distributions, if any, generally occur annually in December. In addition, the Fund may occasionally make a supplemental distribution at some other time during the year. However, the special tax treatment applicable to the Fund’s investments in inflation-indexed bonds increases the Fund’s risk of overdistributing income and paying a return of capital for the year.

You can receive distributions of income or capital gains in cash, or you can have them automatically reinvested in more shares of the Fund. However, if you are investing through an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan, your distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Fund shares.

Plain Talk About Distributions
 
As a shareholder, you are entitled to your portion of a fund’s income from
interest as well as capital gains from the fund’s sale of investments. Income
consists of, among other things, interest the fund earns from its fixed income
investments. Capital gains are realized whenever the fund sells investments for
higher prices than it paid for them. These capital gains are either short-term or
long-term, depending on whether the fund held the investments for one year or
less or for more than one year.

 

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Plain Talk About Return of Capital
 
Return of capital is the portion of a distribution representing the return of your
original investment in a fund. Return of capital reduces your cost basis in the
fund’s shares and is not taxable to you until your cost basis has been reduced
to zero. During periods of deflation, the fund’s inflation-indexed bonds may
experience a downward adjustment in their value. These downward
adjustments can partially or entirely offset, or more than offset, the income
earned on the bonds. Under certain circumstances, these downward
adjustments could require the fund to reclassify a portion of the income
dividends previously distributed to shareholders as return of capital.

 

Basic Tax Points

Investors in taxable accounts should be aware of the following basic federal income tax points:

• Distributions are taxable to you whether or not you reinvest these amounts in additional Fund shares.

• Distributions declared in December—if paid to you by the end of January—are taxable as if received in December.

• Any income distribution or short-term capital gains distribution that you receive is taxable to you as ordinary income.

• Any distribution of net long-term capital gains is taxable to you as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned shares in the Fund.

• Capital gains distributions may vary considerably from year to year as a result of the Fund‘s normal investment activities and cash flows.

• Your cost basis in the Fund will be decreased by the amount of any return of capital that you receive. This, in turn, will affect the amount of any capital gain or loss that you realize when selling or exchanging your Fund shares.

• Return of capital distributions generally are not taxable to you until your cost basis has been reduced to zero. If your cost basis is at zero, return of capital distributions will be treated as capital gains.

• A sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable event. This means that you may have a capital gain to report as income, or a capital loss to report as a deduction, when you complete your tax return.

• Any conversion between classes of shares of the same fund is a nontaxable event. By contrast, an exchange between classes of shares of different funds is a taxable event.

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• Vanguard (or your intermediary) will send you a statement each year showing the tax status of all of your distributions.

Individuals, trusts, and estates whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on “net investment income.” Net investment income takes into account distributions paid by the Fund and capital gains from any sale or exchange of Fund shares.

Income dividends and capital gains distributions that you receive, as well as your gains or losses from any sale or exchange of Fund shares, may be subject to state and local income taxes. Depending on your state’s rules, however, any dividends attributable to interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government may be exempt from state and local taxes. Vanguard will notify you each year how much, if any, of your dividends may qualify for this exemption.

This prospectus provides general tax information only. If you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan, special tax rules apply. Please consult your tax advisor for detailed information about any tax consequences for you.

Plain Talk About Buying a Dividend
 
Unless you are a tax-exempt investor or investing through a tax-advantaged
account (such as an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan),
you should consider avoiding a purchase of fund shares shortly before the fund
makes a distribution, because doing so can cost you money in taxes. This is
known as “buying a dividend.” For example: On December 15, you invest $5,000,
buying 250 shares for $20 each. If the fund pays a distribution of $1 per share on
December 16, its share price will drop to $19 (not counting market change). You
still have only $5,000 (250 shares x $19 = $4,750 in share value, plus 250 shares
x $1 = $250 in distributions), but you owe tax on the $250 distribution you
received—even if you reinvest it in more shares. To avoid buying a dividend, check
a fund’s distribution schedule before you invest.

 

General Information

Backup withholding. By law, Vanguard must withhold 24% of any taxable distributions or redemptions from your account if you do not:

• Provide your correct taxpayer identification number.

• Certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct.

• Confirm that you are not subject to backup withholding.

Similarly, Vanguard (or your intermediary) must withhold taxes from your account if the IRS instructs us to do so.

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Foreign investors. Vanguard funds offered for sale in the United States (Vanguard U.S. funds), including the Fund offered in this prospectus, are not widely available outside the United States. Non-U.S. investors should be aware that U.S. withholding and estate taxes and certain U.S. tax reporting requirements may apply to any investments in Vanguard U.S. funds. Foreign investors should visit the non-U.S. investors page on our website at vanguard.com for information on Vanguard’s non-U.S. products.

Invalid addresses. If an income distribution or capital gains distribution check mailed to your address of record is returned as undeliverable, Vanguard will automatically reinvest the distribution and all future distributions until you provide us with a valid mailing address. Reinvestments will receive the net asset value calculated on the date of the reinvestment.

Share Price

Share price, also known as net asset value (NAV), is calculated each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), generally 4 p.m., Eastern time. The NAV per share is computed by dividing the total assets, minus liabilities, of the Fund by the number of Fund shares outstanding. On U.S. holidays or other days when the NYSE is closed, the NAV is not calculated, and the Fund does not sell or redeem shares.

Debt securities held by a Vanguard fund are valued based on information furnished by an independent pricing service or market quotations. When a fund determines that pricing-service information or market quotations either are not readily available or do not accurately reflect the value of a security, the security is priced at its fair value (the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of the security).

The values of any foreign securities held by a fund are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate obtained from an independent third party as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The values of any mutual fund shares, including institutional money market fund shares, held by a fund are based on the NAVs of the shares. The values of any ETF shares or closed-end fund shares held by a fund are based on the market value of the shares.

A fund also may use fair-value pricing on bond market holidays when the fund is open for business (such as Columbus Day and Veterans Day). Fair-value prices are determined by Vanguard according to procedures adopted by the board of trustees. When fair-value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by a fund to calculate the NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.

Vanguard fund share prices are published daily on our website at vanguard.com/prices.

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Investing With Vanguard

This section of the prospectus explains the basics of doing business with Vanguard. Vanguard fund shares can be held directly with Vanguard or indirectly through an intermediary, such as a bank, a broker, or an investment advisor. If you hold Vanguard fund shares directly with Vanguard, you should carefully read each topic within this section that pertains to your relationship with Vanguard. If you hold Vanguard fund shares indirectly through an intermediary (including shares held in a brokerage account through Vanguard Brokerage Services®), please see Investing With Vanguard Through Other Firms, and also refer to your account agreement with the intermediary for information about transacting in that account. If you hold Vanguard fund shares through an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan, please see Employer-Sponsored Plans. Vanguard reserves the right to change the following policies without notice. Please call or check online for current information. See Contacting Vanguard.

For Vanguard fund shares held directly with Vanguard, each fund you hold in an account is a separate “fund account.” For example, if you hold three funds in a nonretirement account titled in your own name, two funds in a nonretirement account titled jointly with your spouse, and one fund in an individual retirement account, you have six fund accounts—and this is true even if you hold the same fund in multiple accounts. Note that each reference to “you” in this prospectus applies to any one or more registered account owners or persons authorized to transact on your account.

Purchasing Shares

Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to increase or decrease the minimum amount required to open or maintain a fund account or to add to an existing fund account.

Investment minimums may differ for certain categories of investors.

Account Minimums for Admiral Shares

To open and maintain an account. $50,000. Institutional clients should contact Vanguard for information on special eligibility rules that may apply to them regarding Admiral Shares.

To add to an existing account. Generally $1.

How to Initiate a Purchase Request

Be sure to check Exchanging Shares, Frequent-Trading Limitations, and Other Rules You Should Know before placing your purchase request.

Online. You may open certain types of accounts, request a purchase of shares, and request an exchange through our website or our mobile application if you are registered for online access.

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By telephone. You may call Vanguard to begin the account registration process or request that the account-opening forms be sent to you. You may also call Vanguard to request a purchase of shares in your account or to request an exchange. See

Contacting Vanguard.

By mail. You may send Vanguard your account registration form and check to open a new fund account. To add to an existing fund account, you may send your check with an Invest-by-Mail form (from a transaction confirmation or your account statement) or with a deposit slip (available online). For a list of Vanguard addresses, see Contacting Vanguard.

How to Pay for a Purchase

By electronic bank transfer. You may purchase shares of a Vanguard fund through an electronic transfer of money from a bank account. To establish the electronic bank transfer service on an account, you must designate the bank account online, complete a form, or fill out the appropriate section of your account registration form. After the service is set up on your account, you can purchase shares by electronic bank transfer on a regular schedule (Automatic Investment Plan) or upon request. Your purchase request can be initiated online (if you are registered for online access), by telephone, or by mail.

By wire. Wiring instructions vary for different types of purchases. Please call Vanguard for instructions and policies on purchasing shares by wire. See Contacting Vanguard.

By check. You may make initial or additional purchases to your fund account by sending a check with a deposit slip or by utilizing our mobile application if you are registered for online access. Also see How to Initiate a Purchase Request. Make your check payable to Vanguard and include the appropriate fund number (Vanguard—517).

By exchange. You may purchase shares of a Vanguard fund using the proceeds from the simultaneous redemption of shares of another Vanguard fund. You may initiate an exchange online (if you are registered for online access), by telephone, or by mail with an exchange form. See Exchanging Shares.

Trade Date

The trade date for any purchase request received in good order will depend on the day and time Vanguard receives your request, the manner in which you are paying, and the type of fund you are purchasing. Your purchase will be executed using the NAV as calculated on the trade date. NAVs are calculated only on days that the NYSE is open for trading (a business day).

For purchases by check into all funds other than money market funds and for purchases by exchange, wire, or electronic bank transfer (not using an Automatic Investment Plan) into all funds: If the purchase request is received by Vanguard on a

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business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time), the trade date for the purchase will be the same day. If the purchase request is received on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a nonbusiness day, the trade date for the purchase will be the next business day.

For purchases by check into money market funds: If the purchase request is received by Vanguard on a business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time), the trade date for the purchase will be the next business day. If the purchase request is received on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a nonbusiness day, the trade date for the purchase will be the second business day following the day Vanguard receives the purchase request. Because money market instruments must be purchased with federal funds and it takes a money market mutual fund one business day to convert check proceeds into federal funds, the trade date for the purchase will be one business day later than for other funds.

For purchases by electronic bank transfer using an Automatic Investment Plan: Your trade date generally will be the date you selected for withdrawal of funds from your designated bank account. Your bank account generally will be debited on the business day after your trade date. If the date you selected for withdrawal of funds from your bank account falls on a weekend, holiday, or other nonbusiness day, your trade date generally will be the previous business day. For retirement accounts, if the date you selected for withdrawal of funds from your designated bank account falls on the last business day of the year, your trade date will be the first business day of the following year. Please note that if you select the first of the month for automated withdrawals from your designated bank account, trades designated for January 1 will receive the next business day’s trade date.

If your purchase request is not accurate and complete, it may be rejected. See Other Rules You Should Know—Good Order.

For further information about purchase transactions, consult our website at vanguard.com or see Contacting Vanguard.

Other Purchase Rules You Should Know

Admiral Shares. Admiral Shares generally are not available for SIMPLE IRAs and Vanguard Individual 401(k) Plans.

Check purchases. All purchase checks must be written in U.S. dollars, be drawn on a U.S. bank, and be accompanied by good order instructions. Vanguard does not accept cash, traveler’s checks, starter checks, or money orders. In addition, Vanguard may refuse checks that are not made payable to Vanguard.

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New accounts. We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that we will use to verify your identity. If you do not provide the information, we may not be able to open your account. If we are unable to verify your identity, Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to close your account or take such other steps as we deem reasonable. Certain types of accounts may require additional documentation.

Refused or rejected purchase requests. Vanguard reserves the right to stop selling fund shares or to reject any purchase request at any time and without notice, including, but not limited to, purchases requested by exchange from another Vanguard fund. This also includes the right to reject any purchase request because the investor has a history of frequent trading or because the purchase may negatively affect a fund’s operation or performance.

Large purchases. Call Vanguard before attempting to invest a large dollar amount.

No cancellations. Vanguard will not accept your request to cancel any purchase request once processing has begun. Please be careful when placing a purchase request.

Redeeming Shares

How to Initiate a Redemption Request

Be sure to check Exchanging Shares, Frequent-Trading Limitations, and Other Rules You Should Know before placing your redemption request.

Online. You may request a redemption of shares or request an exchange through our website or our mobile application if you are registered for online access.

By telephone. You may call Vanguard to request a redemption of shares or an exchange. See Contacting Vanguard.

By mail. You may send a form (available online) to Vanguard to redeem from a fund account or to make an exchange. See Contacting Vanguard.

How to Receive Redemption Proceeds

By electronic bank transfer. You may have the proceeds of a fund redemption sent directly to a designated bank account. To establish the electronic bank transfer service on an account, you must designate a bank account online, complete a form, or fill out the appropriate section of your account registration form. After the service is set up on your account, you can redeem shares by electronic bank transfer on a regular schedule (Automatic Withdrawal Plan) or upon request. Your redemption request can be initiated online (if you are registered for online access), by telephone, or by mail.

By wire. To receive your proceeds by wire, you may instruct Vanguard to wire your redemption proceeds ($100 minimum) to a previously designated bank account. To

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establish the wire redemption service, you generally must designate a bank account online, complete a form, or fill out the appropriate section of your account registration form.

Please note that Vanguard charges a $10 wire fee for outgoing wire redemptions. The fee is assessed in addition to, rather than being withheld from, redemption proceeds and is paid directly to the fund in which you invest. For example, if you redeem $100 via a wire, you will receive the full $100, and the $10 fee will be assessed to your fund account with an additional redemption of fund shares. If you redeem your entire fund account, your redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of the fee. The wire fee does not apply to accounts held by Flagship and Flagship Select clients; accounts held through intermediaries, including Vanguard Brokerage Services; or accounts held by institutional clients.

By exchange. You may have the proceeds of a Vanguard fund redemption invested directly in shares of another Vanguard fund. You may initiate an exchange online (if you are registered for online access), by telephone, or by mail. See Exchanging Shares.

By check. If you have not chosen another redemption method, Vanguard will mail you a redemption check, generally payable to all registered account owners, normally within two business days of your trade date, and generally to the address of record.

Trade Date

The trade date for any redemption request received in good order will depend on the day and time Vanguard receives your request and the manner in which you are redeeming. Your redemption will be executed using the NAV as calculated on the trade date. NAVs are calculated only on days that the NYSE is open for trading (a business day).

For redemptions by check, exchange, or wire: If the redemption request is received by Vanguard on a business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time), the trade date will be the same day. If the redemption request is received on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a nonbusiness day, the trade date will be the next business day.

• Note on timing of wire redemptions from money market funds: For telephone requests received by Vanguard on a business day before 10:45 a.m., Eastern time (2 p.m., Eastern time, for Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund; 12:30 p.m., Eastern time, for Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund), the redemption proceeds generally will leave Vanguard by the close of business the same day. For telephone requests received by Vanguard on a business day after those cut-off times, or on a nonbusiness day, and for all requests other than by telephone, the redemption proceeds generally will leave Vanguard by the close of business on the next business day.

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• Note on timing of wire redemptions from all other funds: For requests received by Vanguard on a business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time), the redemption proceeds generally will leave Vanguard by the close of business on the next business day. For requests received by Vanguard on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a nonbusiness day, the redemption proceeds generally will leave Vanguard by the close of business on the second business day after Vanguard receives the request.

For redemptions by electronic bank transfer using an Automatic Withdrawal Plan: Your trade date generally will be the date you selected for withdrawal of funds (redemption of shares) from your Vanguard account. Proceeds of redeemed shares generally will be credited to your designated bank account two business days after your trade date. If the date you selected for withdrawal of funds from your Vanguard account falls on a weekend, holiday, or other nonbusiness day, your trade date generally will be the previous business day. For retirement accounts, if the date you selected for withdrawal of funds from your Vanguard account falls on the last day of the year and if that date is a holiday, your trade date will be the first business day of the following year. Please note that if you designate the first of the month for automated withdrawals, trades designated for January 1 will receive the next business day’s trade date.

For redemptions by electronic bank transfer not using an Automatic Withdrawal Plan: If the redemption request is received by Vanguard on a business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time), the trade date will be the same day. If the redemption request is received on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a nonbusiness day, the trade date will be the next business day.

If your redemption request is not accurate and complete, it may be rejected. If we are unable to send your redemption proceeds by wire or electronic bank transfer because the receiving institution rejects the transfer, Vanguard will make additional efforts to complete your transaction. If Vanguard is still unable to complete the transaction, we may send the proceeds of the redemption to you by check, generally payable to all registered account owners, or use your proceeds to purchase new shares of the fund from which you sold shares for the purpose of the wire or electronic bank transfer transaction. See Other Rules You Should Know—Good Order.

If your redemption request is received in good order, we typically expect that redemption proceeds will be paid by the Fund within one business day of the trade date; however, in certain circumstances, investors may experience a longer settlement period at the time of the transaction. For further information, see “Potentially disruptive redemptions” and “Emergency circumstances.”

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For further information about redemption transactions, consult our website at vanguard.com or see Contacting Vanguard.

Other Redemption Rules You Should Know

Documentation for certain accounts. Special documentation may be required to redeem from certain types of accounts, such as trust, corporate, nonprofit, or retirement accounts. Please call us before attempting to redeem from these types of accounts.

Potentially disruptive redemptions. Vanguard reserves the right to pay all or part of a redemption in kind—that is, in the form of securities—if we reasonably believe that a cash redemption would negatively affect the fund’s operation or performance or that the shareholder may be engaged in market-timing or frequent trading. Under these circumstances, Vanguard also reserves the right to delay payment of the redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days. By calling us before you attempt to redeem a large dollar amount, you may avoid in-kind or delayed payment of your redemption. Please see Frequent-Trading Limitations for information about Vanguard’s policies to limit frequent trading.

Recently purchased shares. Although you can redeem shares at any time, proceeds may not be made available to you until the fund collects payment for your purchase. This may take up to seven calendar days for shares purchased by check or by electronic bank transfer. If you have written a check on a fund with checkwriting privileges, that check may be rejected if your fund account does not have a sufficient available balance.

Address change. If you change your address online or by telephone, there may be up to a 14-day restriction on your ability to request check redemptions online and by telephone. You can request a redemption in writing (using a form available online) at any time. Confirmations of address changes are sent to both the old and new addresses.

Payment to a different person or address. At your request, we can make your redemption check payable, or wire your redemption proceeds, to a different person or send it to a different address. However, this generally requires the written consent of all registered account owners and may require additional documentation, such as a signature guarantee or a notarized signature. You may obtain a signature guarantee from some commercial or savings banks, credit unions, trust companies, or member firms of a U.S. stock exchange.

No cancellations. Vanguard will not accept your request to cancel any redemption request once processing has begun. Please be careful when placing a redemption request.

Emergency circumstances. Vanguard funds can postpone payment of redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days. In addition, Vanguard funds can suspend

30

 

redemptions and/or postpone payments of redemption proceeds beyond seven calendar days at times when the NYSE is closed or during emergency circumstances, as determined by the SEC.

Exchanging Shares

An exchange occurs when you use the proceeds from the redemption of shares of one Vanguard fund to simultaneously purchase shares of a different Vanguard fund. You can make exchange requests online (if you are registered for online access), by telephone, or by mail. See Purchasing Shares and Redeeming Shares.

If the NYSE is open for regular trading (generally until 4 p.m., Eastern time, on a business day) at the time an exchange request is received in good order, the trade date generally will be the same day. See Other Rules You Should Know—Good Order for additional information on all transaction requests.

Vanguard will not accept your request to cancel any exchange request once processing has begun. Please be careful when placing an exchange request.

Call Vanguard before attempting to exchange a large dollar amount. By calling us before you attempt to exchange a large dollar amount, you may avoid delayed or rejected transactions.

Please note that Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, limit the amount of any exchange, or reject an exchange, at any time, for any reason. See Frequent-Trading Limitations for additional restrictions on exchanges.

Frequent-Trading Limitations

Because excessive transactions can disrupt management of a fund and increase the fund’s costs for all shareholders, the board of trustees of each Vanguard fund places certain limits on frequent trading in the funds. Each Vanguard fund (other than money market funds and short-term bond funds, but including Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) limits an investor’s purchases or exchanges into a fund account for 30 calendar days after the investor has redeemed or exchanged out of that fund account. ETF Shares are not subject to these frequent-trading limits.

For Vanguard Retirement Investment Program pooled plans, the limitations apply to exchanges made online or by telephone.

These frequent-trading limitations do not apply to the following:

• Purchases of shares with reinvested dividend or capital gains distributions.

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• Transactions through Vanguard’s Automatic Investment Plan, Automatic Exchange Service, Direct Deposit Service, Automatic Withdrawal Plan, Required Minimum Distribution Service, and Vanguard Small Business Online®.

• Discretionary transactions through Vanguard Personal Advisor Services® and Vanguard Institutional Advisory Services®.

• Redemptions of shares to pay fund or account fees.

• Redemptions of shares to remove excess shareholder contributions to certain types of retirement accounts (including, but not limited to, IRAs, certain Individual 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts, and Vanguard Individual 401(k) Plans).

• Transfers and reregistrations of shares within the same fund.

• Purchases of shares by asset transfer or direct rollover.

• Conversions of shares from one share class to another in the same fund.

• Checkwriting redemptions.

• Section 529 college savings plans.

• Certain approved institutional portfolios and asset allocation programs, as well as trades made by funds or trusts managed by Vanguard or its affiliates that invest in other Vanguard funds. (Please note that shareholders of Vanguard’s funds of funds are subject to the limitations.)

For participants in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans,* the frequent-trading limitations do not apply to:

• Purchases of shares with participant payroll or employer contributions or loan repayments.

• Purchases of shares with reinvested dividend or capital gains distributions.

• Distributions, loans, and in-service withdrawals from a plan.

• Redemptions of shares as part of a plan termination or at the direction of the plan.

• Transactions executed through the Vanguard Managed Account Program.

• Redemptions of shares to pay fund or account fees.

• Share or asset transfers or rollovers.

• Reregistrations of shares.

• Conversions of shares from one share class to another in the same fund.

• Exchange requests submitted by written request to Vanguard. (Exchange requests submitted by fax, if otherwise permitted, are subject to the limitations.)

* The following Vanguard fund accounts are subject to the frequent-trading limitations: SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, certain Individual 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts, and Vanguard Individual 401(k) Plans.

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Accounts Held by Institutions (Other Than Defined Contribution Plans)

Vanguard will systematically monitor for frequent trading in institutional clients’ accounts. If we detect suspicious trading activity, we will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include applying to a client’s accounts the 30-day policy previously described, prohibiting a client’s purchases of fund shares, and/or revoking the client’s exchange privilege.

Accounts Held by Intermediaries

When intermediaries establish accounts in Vanguard funds for the benefit of their clients, we cannot always monitor the trading activity of the individual clients. However, we review trading activity at the intermediary (omnibus) level, and if we detect suspicious activity, we will investigate and take appropriate action. If necessary, Vanguard may prohibit additional purchases of fund shares by an intermediary, including for the benefit of certain of the intermediary’s clients. Intermediaries also may monitor their clients’ trading activities with respect to Vanguard funds.

For those Vanguard funds that charge purchase and/or redemption fees, intermediaries will be asked to assess these fees on client accounts and remit these fees to the funds. The application of purchase and redemption fees and frequent-trading limitations may vary among intermediaries. There are no assurances that Vanguard will successfully identify all intermediaries or that intermediaries will properly assess purchase and redemption fees or administer frequent-trading limitations. If you invest with Vanguard through an intermediary, please read that firm’s materials carefully to learn of any other rules or fees that may apply.

Other Rules You Should Know

Prospectus and Shareholder Report Mailings

When two or more shareholders have the same last name and address, just one summary prospectus (or prospectus) and/or shareholder report may be sent in an attempt to eliminate the unnecessary expense of duplicate mailings. You may request individual prospectuses and reports by contacting our Client Services Department in writing, by telephone, or online. See Contacting Vanguard.

Vanguard.com

Registration. If you are a registered user of vanguard.com, you can review your account holdings; buy, sell, or exchange shares of most Vanguard funds; and perform most other transactions through our website. You must register for this service online.

Electronic delivery. Vanguard can deliver your account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses, certain tax forms, and shareholder reports electronically.

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If you are a registered user of vanguard.com, you can consent to the electronic delivery of these documents by logging on and changing your mailing preferences under “Account Maintenance.” You can revoke your electronic consent at any time through our website, and we will begin to send paper copies of these documents within 30 days of receiving your revocation.

Telephone Transactions

Automatic. When we set up your account, we will automatically enable you to do business with us by telephone, unless you instruct us otherwise in writing.

Tele-Account®. To obtain fund and account information through Vanguard’s automated telephone service, you must first establish a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by calling Tele-Account at 800-662-6273.

Proof of a caller’s authority. We reserve the right to refuse a telephone request if the caller is unable to provide the requested information or if we reasonably believe that the caller is not an individual authorized to act on the account. Before we allow a caller to act on an account, we may request the following information:

• Authorization to act on the account (as the account owner or by legal documentation or other means).

• Account registration and address.

• Fund name and account number, if applicable.

• Other information relating to the caller, the account owner, or the account.

Good Order

We reserve the right to reject any transaction instructions that are not in “good order.” Good order generally means that your instructions:

• Are provided by the person(s) authorized in accordance with Vanguard’s policies and procedures to access the account and request transactions.

• Include the fund name and account number.

• Include the amount of the transaction (stated in dollars, shares, or percentage).

Written instructions also must generally be provided on a Vanguard form and include:

• Signature(s) and date from the authorized person(s).

• Signature guarantees or notarized signatures, if required for the type of transaction.

(Call Vanguard for specific requirements.)

• Any supporting documentation that may be required.

Good order requirements may vary among types of accounts and transactions. For more information, consult our website at vanguard.com or see Contacting Vanguard.

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Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to revise the requirements for good order.

Future Trade-Date Requests

Vanguard does not accept requests to hold a purchase, redemption, or exchange transaction for a future date. All such requests will receive trade dates as previously described in Purchasing Shares, Redeeming Shares, and Exchanging Shares. Vanguard reserves the right to return future-dated purchase checks.

Accounts With More Than One Owner

If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, Vanguard generally will accept instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

Responsibility for Fraud

You should take precautions to protect yourself from fraud. Keep your account-related information private, and review any account confirmations, statements, or other information that we provide to you as soon as you receive them. Let us know immediately if you discover unauthorized activity or see something on your account that you do not understand or that looks unusual.

Vanguard will not be responsible for losses that result from transactions by a person who we reasonably believe is authorized to act on your account.

Uncashed Checks

Please cash your distribution or redemption checks promptly. Vanguard will not pay interest on uncashed checks. Vanguard may be required to transfer assets related to uncashed checks to a state under the state’s abandoned property law.

Dormant Accounts

If your account has no activity in it for a period of time, Vanguard may be required to transfer it to a state under the state’s abandoned property law, subject to potential federal or state withholding taxes.

Unusual Circumstances

If you experience difficulty contacting Vanguard online or by telephone, you can send us your transaction request on a Vanguard form by regular or express mail. See Contacting Vanguard for addresses.

Investing With Vanguard Through Other Firms

You may purchase or sell shares of most Vanguard funds through a financial intermediary, such as a bank, a broker, or an investment advisor. Please consult your

35

 

financial intermediary to determine which, if any, shares are available through that firm and to learn about other rules that may apply. Your financial intermediary can provide you with account information and any required tax forms. You may be required to pay a commission on purchases of mutual fund shares made through a financial intermediary.

Please see Frequent-Trading LimitationsAccounts Held by Intermediaries for information about the assessment of any purchase or redemption fees and the monitoring of frequent trading for accounts held by intermediaries.

Account Service Fee

Vanguard may charge a $20 account service fee on fund accounts that have a balance below $10,000 for any reason, including market fluctuation. The account service fee applies to both retirement and nonretirement fund accounts and may be assessed on fund accounts in all Vanguard funds, regardless of the account minimum. The fee, which will be collected by redeeming fund shares in the amount of $20, will be deducted from fund accounts subject to the fee once per calendar year.

If you elect to receive your statements and other materials electronically (i.e., by e-delivery), the account service fee will not be charged, so long as your election remains in effect. You can make your e-delivery election on vanguard.com.

Certain account types have alternative fee structures, including SIMPLE IRAs, Vanguard Retirement Investment Program pooled plans, and Vanguard Individual 401(k)s.

Low-Balance Accounts

The Fund reserves the right to liquidate a fund account whose balance falls below the account minimum for any reason, including market fluctuation. This liquidation policy applies to nonretirement fund accounts and accounts that are held through intermediaries. Any such liquidation will be preceded by written notice to the investor.

Right to Change Policies

In addition to the rights expressly stated elsewhere in this prospectus, Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to (1) alter, add, or discontinue any conditions of purchase (including eligibility requirements), redemption, exchange, service, or privilege at any time and (2) alter, impose, discontinue, or waive any purchase fee, redemption fee, account service fee, or other fee charged to a shareholder or a group of shareholders. Changes may affect any or all investors. These actions will be taken when, at the sole discretion of Vanguard management, Vanguard believes they are in the best interest of a fund.

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Account Restrictions

Vanguard reserves the right to: (1) redeem all or a portion of a fund/account to meet a legal obligation, including tax withholding, tax lien, garnishment order, or other obligation imposed on your account by a court, government agency, or office; (2) redeem shares, close an account, or suspend account privileges, features, or options in case of threatening conduct or activity; (3) redeem shares, close an account, or suspend account privileges, features, or options if Vanguard believes or suspects that not doing so could result in a suspicious, fraudulent, or illegal transaction; (4) place restrictions on the ability to redeem any or all shares in an account if it is required to do so by a court, government agency, or office; (5) place restrictions on the ability to redeem any or all shares in an account if Vanguard believes that doing so will prevent fraud, financial exploitation, or abuse, or to protect vulnerable investors; (6) freeze any account and/or suspend account services if Vanguard has received reasonable notice of a dispute regarding the assets in an account, including notice of a dispute between the registered or beneficial account owners; and (7) freeze any account and/or suspend account services upon initial notification to Vanguard of the death of an account owner.

Fund and Account Updates

Confirmation Statements

We will send (or provide through our website, whichever you prefer) a confirmation of your trade date and the amount of your transaction when you buy, sell, or exchange shares. However, we will not send confirmations reflecting only checkwriting redemptions or the reinvestment of dividend or capital gains distributions. For any month in which you had a checkwriting redemption, a Checkwriting Activity Statement will be sent to you itemizing the checkwriting redemptions for that month. Promptly review each confirmation statement that we provide to you. It is important that you contact Vanguard immediately with any questions you may have about any transaction reflected on a confirmation statement, or Vanguard will consider the transaction properly processed.

Portfolio Summaries

We will send (or provide through our website, whichever you prefer) quarterly portfolio summaries to help you keep track of your accounts throughout the year. Each summary shows the market value of your account at the close of the statement period, as well as all distributions, purchases, redemptions, exchanges, and transfers for the current calendar quarter (or month). Promptly review each summary that we provide to you. It is important that you contact Vanguard immediately with any questions you may have about any transaction reflected on the summary, or Vanguard will consider the transaction properly processed.

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Tax Information Statements

For most accounts, Vanguard (or your intermediary) is required to provide annual tax forms to assist you in preparing your income tax returns. These forms are generally available for each calendar year early in the following year. Registered users of vanguard.com can also view certain forms through our website. Vanguard (or your intermediary) may also provide you with additional tax-related documentation. For more information, consult our website at vanguard.com or see Contacting Vanguard.

Annual and Semiannual Reports

We will send (or provide through our website, whichever you prefer) reports about Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund twice a year, in June and December. These reports include overviews of the financial markets and provide the following specific Fund information:

• Performance assessments and comparisons with industry benchmarks.

• Reports from the advisor.

• Financial statements with listings of Fund holdings.

Portfolio Holdings

Please consult the Fund‘s Statement of Additional Information or our website for a description of the policies and procedures that govern disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

Employer-Sponsored Plans

Your plan administrator or your employee benefits office can provide you with detailed information on how to participate in your plan and how to elect the Fund as an investment option.

• If you have any questions about the Fund or Vanguard, including those about the Fund’s investment objective, strategies, or risks, contact Vanguard Participant Services toll-free at 800-523-1188 or visit our website at vanguard.com.

• If you have questions about your account, contact your plan administrator or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for your plan.

• Be sure to carefully read each topic that pertains to your transactions with Vanguard.

Vanguard reserves the right to change its policies without notice to shareholders.

Transactions

Processing times for your transaction requests may differ among recordkeepers or among transaction and funding types. Your plan’s recordkeeper (which may also be

38

 

Vanguard) will determine the necessary processing time frames for your transaction requests prior to submission to the Fund. Consult your recordkeeper or plan administrator for more information.

If Vanguard is serving as your plan recordkeeper and if your transaction involves one or more investments with an early cut-off time for processing or another trading restriction, your entire transaction will be subject to the restriction when the trade date for your transaction is determined.

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Contacting Vanguard  
 
 
Web  
Vanguard.com For the most complete source of Vanguard news
  For fund, account, and service information
  For most account transactions
  For literature requests
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week
 
Phone  
Vanguard Tele-Account® 800-662-6273 For automated fund and account information
  Toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Investor Information 800-662-7447 For fund and service information
(Text telephone for people with hearing For literature requests
impairment at 800-749-7273)  
Client Services 800-662-2739 For account information
(Text telephone for people with hearing For most account transactions
impairment at 800-749-7273)  
Participant Services 800-523-1188 For information and services for participants in employer-
(Text telephone for people with hearing sponsored plans
impairment at 800-749-7273)  
Institutional Division For information and services for large institutional investors
888-809-8102  
Financial Advisor and Intermediary For information and services for financial intermediaries
Sales Support 800-997-2798 including financial advisors, broker-dealers, trust institutions,
  and insurance companies
Financial Advisory and Intermediary For account information and trading support for financial
Trading Support 800-669-0498 intermediaries including financial advisors, broker-dealers,
  trust institutions, and insurance companies

 

40

 

Vanguard Addresses

Please be sure to use the correct address and the correct form. Use of an incorrect address or form could delay the processing of your transaction.

Regular Mail (Individuals) The Vanguard Group    
  P.O. Box 1110    
  Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110  
Regular Mail (Institutions, Intermediaries, and The Vanguard Group    
Employer-Sponsored Plan Participants) P.O. Box 2900    
  Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900  
Registered, Express, or Overnight Mail The Vanguard Group    
  455 Devon Park Drive    
  Wayne, PA 19087-1815    
 
 
Additional Information        
 
 
Inception Newspaper Vanguard CUSIP
  Date Abbreviation Fund Number Number
Commodity Strategy Fund        
Admiral Shares VgComSgyAdm 517 921939708

 

CFA® is a registered trademark owned by CFA Institute.

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Glossary of Investment Terms

Bond. A debt security (IOU) issued by a corporation, a government, or a government agency in exchange for the money the bondholder lends it. In most instances, the issuer agrees to pay back the loan by a specific date and generally to make regular interest payments until that date.

Capital Gains Distributions. Payments to mutual fund shareholders of gains realized on securities that a fund has sold at a profit, minus any realized losses.

Cash Equivalent Investments. Cash deposits, short-term bank deposits, and money market instruments that include U.S. Treasury bills and notes, bank certificates of deposit (CDs), repurchase agreements, commercial paper, and banker’s acceptances.

Commodities. Bulk goods or raw materials, such as agricultural products, livestock, precious metals, energy products, and industrial metals. Commodities can be purchased for immediate delivery (“on the spot”) or delivery on a future date under a standardized agreement.

Commodity Futures Contract. A legally binding agreement for the purchase or sale of a specified type and quantity of a commodity during a stated delivery month for a fixed price.

Common Stock. A security representing ownership rights in a corporation.

Correlation. The relationship between two variables, such as the relationship between the prices of stocks and bonds. Investments that are positively correlated have prices that tend to move in the same direction at the same time, while investments that are negatively correlated have prices that tend to move in opposite directions at the same time. Investments with low correlation have prices that tend to move independently of each other.

Dividend Distributions. Payments to mutual fund shareholders of income from interest or dividends generated by a fund’s investments.

Expense Ratio. A fund’s total annual operating expenses expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average net assets. The expense ratio includes management and administrative expenses, but it does not include the transaction costs of buying and selling portfolio securities.

Face Value. The amount to be paid at a bond’s maturity; also known as the par value or principal.

Fixed Income Security. An investment, such as a bond, representing a debt that must be repaid by a specified date, and on which the borrower must pay a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest.

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Inception Date. The date on which the assets of a fund are first invested in accordance with the fund’s investment objective. For funds with a subscription period, the inception date is the day after that period ends. Investment performance is generally measured from the inception date.

Investment-Grade Bond. A debt security whose credit quality is considered by independent bond rating agencies, or through independent analysis conducted by a fund’s advisor, to be sufficient to ensure timely payment of principal and interest under current economic circumstances. Debt securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories are considered investment-grade. Other debt securities may be considered by an advisor to be investment-grade.

Joint Committed Credit Facility. The Fund may participate, along with other funds managed by Vanguard, in a committed credit facility provided by a syndicate of lenders pursuant to a credit agreement that may be renewed annually; each Vanguard fund is individually liable for its borrowings, if any, under the credit facility. The amount and terms of the committed credit facility are subject to approval by the Fund‘s board of trustees and renegotiation with the lender syndicate on an annual basis. New funds, such as Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, will generally be added to the agreement during the annual renewal process.

Mutual Fund. An investment company that pools the money of many people and invests it in a variety of securities in an effort to achieve a specific objective over time.

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). A stock exchange based in New York City that is open for regular trading on business days, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern time.

Nominal Return. The total return of an investment without taking into account the expected impact of inflation.

Principal. The face value of a debt instrument or the amount of money put into an investment.

Record Date. The date used to determine who is eligible to receive a fund’s next distribution of dividends or capital gains.

Real Return. The total return of an investment when reduced to take into account the expected impact of inflation.

Total Return. A percentage change, over a specified time period, in a mutual fund’s net asset value, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions of dividends and capital gains.

Volatility. The fluctuations in value of a mutual fund or other security. The greater a fund’s volatility, the wider the fluctuations in its returns.

Yield. Income (interest or dividends) earned by an investment, expressed as a percentage of the investment’s price.

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P.O. Box 2600

Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600

Connect with Vanguard® > vanguard.com

For More Information

If you would like more information about Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, the following documents are available free upon request:

Annual/Semiannual Reports to Shareholders

Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

The SAI provides more detailed information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into (and thus legally a part of) this prospectus.

To receive a free copy of the latest annual or semiannual report (once available) or the SAI, or to request additional information about the Fund or other Vanguard funds, please visit vanguard.com or contact us as follows:

If you are an individual investor:

The Vanguard Group

Investor Information Department P.O. Box 2600 Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600

Telephone: 800-662-7447; Text telephone for people with hearing impairment: 800-749-7273

If you are a participant in an employer-sponsored plan:

The Vanguard Group Participant Services P.O. Box 2900 Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900

Telephone: 800-523-1188; Text telephone for people with hearing impairment: 800-749-7273

If you are a current Vanguard shareholder and would like information about your account, account transactions, and/or account statements, please call:

Client Services Department

Telephone: 800-662-2739; Text telephone for people with hearing impairment: 800-749-7273

Information Provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Reports and other information about the Fund are available in the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or you can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following email address: [email protected].

Fund’s Investment Company Act file number: 811-02968-99

© 2019 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

P 517 062019

 

PART B
 
VANGUARD® TRUSTEES‘ EQUITY FUND
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
June 25, 2019

 
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s
current prospectus (dated June 25, 2019). To obtain, without charge, a prospectus or, once available, the most recent
Annual Report to Shareholders, which will contain the Fund’s financial statements, please contact The Vanguard Group,
Inc. (Vanguard).    
Phone: Investor Information Department at 800-662-7447
Online: vanguard.com
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description of the Trust   B-1
Fundamental Policies   B-4
Investment Strategies, Risks, and Nonfundamental Policies   B-4
Share Price   B-23
Purchase and Redemption of Shares   B-23
Management of the Fund   B-25
Investment Advisory and Other Services   B-37
Portfolio Transactions   B-39
Vanguard‘s Proxy Voting Guidelines   B-39
Financial Statements   B-41
Description of Bond Ratings   B-42
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
 
Vanguard Trustees’ Equity Fund (the Trust) currently offers the following funds and share classes (identified by ticker
symbol):    
 
  Share Classes1
Fund Investor Admiral
Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund VDEQX
Vanguard International Value Fund VTRIX
Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund VMMSX
Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund VASFX
Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund VCMDX
1 Individually, a class; collectively, the classes.    
 
The Trust has the ability to offer additional funds or classes of shares. There is no limit on the number of full and  
fractional shares that may be issued for a single fund or class of shares.    
This SAI relates only to Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund (the Fund). A separate SAI dated February 27, 2019, which
relates to the remaining Funds offered by the Trust, can be obtained free of charge by contacting Vanguard.  
The Fund offers only one class of shares. Throughout this document, any references to “class” indicate how the Fund
would operate if, in the future, the Fund issued more than one class of shares.    

 

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Organization

The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation in 1979, was reorganized as a Pennsylvania statutory trust in 1984, and then was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust in 1998. Prior to its reorganization as a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust was known as Vanguard/Trustees’ Equity Fund, Inc. The Trust is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company. Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund is classified as nondiversified within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

Service Providers

Custodians. State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as the Fund‘s custodian. The custodian is responsible for maintaining the Fund‘s assets, keeping all necessary accounts and records of Fund assets, and appointing any foreign subcustodians or foreign securities depositories.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042, serves as the Fund‘s independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm audits the Fund‘s annual financial statements and provides other related services.

Transfer and Dividend-Paying Agent. The Fund‘s transfer agent and dividend-paying agent is Vanguard, P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482.

Characteristics of the Fund‘s Shares

Restrictions on Holding or Disposing of Shares. There are no restrictions on the right of shareholders to retain or dispose of the Fund’s shares, other than those described in the Fund’s current prospectus and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information. The Fund or class may be terminated by reorganization into another mutual fund or class or by liquidation and distribution of the assets of the Fund or class. Unless terminated by reorganization or liquidation, the Fund and share class will continue indefinitely.

Shareholder Liability. The Trust is organized under Delaware law, which provides that shareholders of a statutory trust are entitled to the same limitations of personal liability as shareholders of a corporation organized under Delaware law. This means that a shareholder of the Fund generally will not be personally liable for payment of the Fund’s debts. Some state courts, however, may not apply Delaware law on this point. We believe that the possibility of such a situation arising is remote.

Dividend Rights. The shareholders of each class of the Fund are entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions declared by the Fund for each such class. No shares of the Fund have priority or preference over any other shares of the Fund with respect to distributions. Distributions will be made from the assets of the Fund and will be paid ratably to all shareholders of a particular class according to the number of shares of the class held by shareholders on the record date. The amount of dividends per share may vary between separate share classes of the Fund based upon differences in the net asset values of the different classes and differences in the way that expenses are allocated between share classes pursuant to a multiple class plan approved by the Fund’s board of trustees.

Voting Rights. Shareholders are entitled to vote on a matter if (1) the matter concerns an amendment to the Declaration of Trust that would adversely affect to a material degree the rights and preferences of the shares of the Fund or any class; (2) the trustees determine that it is necessary or desirable to obtain a shareholder vote; (3) a merger or consolidation, share conversion, share exchange, or sale of assets is proposed and a shareholder vote is required by the 1940 Act to approve the transaction; or (4) a shareholder vote is required under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires a shareholder vote under various circumstances, including to elect or remove trustees upon the written request of shareholders representing 10% or more of the Fund’s net assets, to change any fundamental policy of the Fund (please see Fundamental Policies), and to enter into certain merger transactions. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, shareholders of the Fund receive one vote for each dollar of net asset value owned on the record date and a fractional vote for each fractional dollar of net asset value owned on the record date. However, only the shares of the Fund or class affected by a particular matter are entitled to vote on that matter. In addition, each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to that class, and each class has separate voting rights on any

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matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of another. Voting rights are noncumulative and cannot be modified without a majority vote by the shareholders.

Liquidation Rights. In the event that the Fund is liquidated, shareholders will be entitled to receive a pro rata share of the Fund’s net assets. In the event that a class of shares is liquidated, shareholders of that class will be entitled to receive a pro rata share of the Fund’s net assets that are allocated to that class. Shareholders may receive cash, securities, or a combination of the two.

Preemptive Rights. There are no preemptive rights associated with the Fund‘s shares.

Conversion Rights. There are no conversion rights associated with the Fund‘s shares.

Redemption Provisions. The Fund’s redemption provisions are described in its current prospectus and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information.

Sinking Fund Provisions. The Fund has no sinking fund provisions.

Calls or Assessment. The Fund’s shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable.

Tax Status of the Fund

The Fund expects to qualify each year for treatment as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the IRC). This special tax status means that the Fund will not be liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to preserve its tax status, the Fund must comply with certain requirements relating to the source of its income and the diversification of its assets. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements in any taxable year, the Fund will, in some cases, be able to cure such failure, including by paying a fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, and/or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund is ineligible to or otherwise does not cure such failure for any year, it will be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before regaining its tax status as a regulated investment company.

Dividends received and distributed by the Fund on shares of stock of domestic corporations (excluding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)) and certain foreign corporations generally may be eligible to be reported by the Fund, and treated by individual shareholders, as “qualified dividend income” taxed at long-term capital gain rates instead of at higher ordinary income tax rates. Individuals must satisfy holding period and other requirements in order to be eligible for such treatment. Capital gains distributed by the Fund are not eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

Under recent tax legislation, individuals (and certain other noncorporate entities) are generally eligible for a 20% deduction with respect to taxable ordinary dividends from REITs and certain taxable income from publicly traded partnerships. Currently, there is not a regulatory mechanism for regulated investment companies to pass through the 20% deduction to shareholders. As a result, in comparison, investors investing directly in REITs or publicly traded partnerships would generally be eligible for the 20% deduction for such taxable income from these investments while investors investing in REITs or publicly traded partnerships indirectly through the Fund would not be eligible for the 20% deduction for their share of such taxable income.

Dividends received and distributed by the Fund on shares of stock of domestic corporations (excluding REITs) may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction applicable to corporate shareholders. Corporations must satisfy certain requirements in order to claim the deduction. Capital gains distributed by the Fund are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

The Fund may declare a capital gain dividend consisting of the excess (if any) of net realized long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. Net capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforwards of the Fund. Capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and retain their character as either short-term or long-term.

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FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

The Fund is subject to the following fundamental investment policies, which cannot be changed in any material way without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s shares. For these purposes, a “majority” of shares means shares representing the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the Fund’s net assets voted, so long as shares representing more than 50% of the Fund’s net assets are present or represented by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the Fund’s net assets.

Borrowing. The Fund may borrow money only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

Commodities. The Fund may invest in commodities only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

Industry Concentration. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in the securities of issuers whose principal business activities are in the same industry or group of industries.

Loans. The Fund may make loans to another person only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

Real Estate. The Fund may not invest directly in real estate unless it is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments (1) issued by companies that invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or (2) backed or secured by real estate or interests in real estate.

Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

Underwriting. The Fund may not act as an underwriter of another issuer’s securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 (the 1933 Act), in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

Compliance with the fundamental policies previously described is generally measured at the time the securities are purchased. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act (as is the case with borrowing), if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time the investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market value of assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction. All fundamental policies must comply with applicable regulatory requirements. For more details, see Investment Strategies, Risks, and Nonfundamental Policies.

None of these policies prevents the Fund from having an ownership interest in Vanguard. As a part owner of Vanguard, the Fund may own securities issued by Vanguard, make loans to Vanguard, and contribute to Vanguard’s costs or other financial requirements. See Management of the Fund for more information.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, RISKS, AND NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

Some of the investment strategies and policies described on the following pages and in the Fund’s prospectus set forth percentage limitations on the Fund’s investment in, or holdings of, certain securities or other assets. Unless otherwise required by law, compliance with these strategies and policies will be determined immediately after the acquisition of such securities or assets by the Fund. Subsequent changes in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the Fund’s investment strategies and policies.

The following investment strategies, risks, and policies supplement the Fund’s investment strategies, risks, and policies set forth in the prospectus. With respect to the different investments discussed as follows, the Fund may acquire such investments to the extent consistent with its investment strategies and policies.

Borrowing. A fund’s ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations; by the 1940 Act; and by applicable exemptions, no-action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (i.e., total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the fund’s total assets (at the time of borrowing) made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the fund’s total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days

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(excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.

Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased with the proceeds of such borrowing. A fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include entering into reverse repurchase agreements; engaging in mortgage-dollar-roll transactions; selling securities short (other than short sales “against-the-box”); buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and standby-commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and participating in other similar trading practices. (Additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found on the following pages.) A borrowing transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund maintains an offsetting financial position; segregates liquid assets (with such liquidity determined by the advisor in accordance with procedures established by the board of trustees) in the manner provided below; or otherwise “covers” the transaction in accordance with applicable SEC or SEC-staff guidance (collectively, “covers” the transaction). A fund may segregate liquid assets equal in value to the fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the fund’s daily net liability) with respect to derivatives and similar instruments that are required to settle in cash. With respect to derivatives and similar instruments that do not settle in cash, a fund is required to segregate liquid assets equal in value to the full notional amount of the instrument (to the extent not otherwise covered). However, these instruments will be treated as cash settled for asset segregation purposes when a fund has entered into a contractual arrangement with a third party futures commission merchant (FCM) pursuant to which the FCM will close out the contract prior to expiration and, failing that, to assume the fund’s obligation under the contract. A fund that segregates liquid assets equal in value to only its net obligations under an instrument will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the fund were required to segregate liquid assets equal in value to the full notional amount of the instrument. The funds may, from time to time, modify their asset segregation policies without prior notification, consistent with the 1940 Act or other governing statute, the Rules thereunder or any guidance from the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the funds (or their respective staffs). A fund may have to buy or sell a security at a disadvantageous time or price in order to cover a borrowing transaction. In addition, segregated assets may not be available to satisfy redemptions or to fulfill other obligations.

Commodity Futures. Commodities are raw materials used to create the goods that consumers buy. They include a wide range of physical assets, such as agricultural products, livestock, precious metals, energy products, and industrial metals. Commodities can be purchased for immediate delivery (“on the spot”) or delivered at a specific time in the future under the terms of a commodity futures contract. An exchange-traded commodity futures contract is a derivative that provides for the purchase and sale of a specified type and quantity of a commodity during a stated delivery month for a fixed price. A futures contract on an index of commodities provides for the payment and receipt of cash based on the level of the index at settlement or liquidation of the contract. Futures contracts, by their terms, have stated expirations, and at a specified point in time prior to expiration, trading in a futures contract for the current delivery month will cease. As a result, an investor wishing to maintain exposure to a futures contract on a particular commodity with the nearest expiration must close out the position in the expiring contract and establish a new position in the contract for the next delivery month, a process referred to as “rolling.” The process of rolling a futures contract can be profitable or unprofitable depending in large part on whether the futures price for the next delivery month is less than or more than the price of the expiring contract. If the price for the new futures contract is less than the price of the expiring contract, then the market for the commodity is said to be in “backwardation.” In these markets, roll returns are positive because the proceeds from the expiring futures contract will be greater than the price of the new contract, resulting in a net gain. Roll returns from a long, passive strategy (such as maintaining exposure to a specific commodity futures contract) will be positive when markets are persistently backwardated. The term “contango” is used to describe a market in which the price for a new futures contract is more than the price of the expiring contract. In these markets, roll returns are negative because the proceeds from the expiring futures contract will be less than the price of the new contract, resulting in a net

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loss. Roll returns from a long, passive strategy will be negative when markets are persistently in contango. Finally, if the market is neither backwardated nor in contango, the roll return will be close to zero.

Commodity futures contracts are subject to the risks of derivatives and futures contracts. Commodity-linked structured notes are subject to the risks of commodity futures contracts and the risks of debt securities. Commodity futures trading is volatile, and even a small movement in market prices could cause large losses. Consequently, an investor in commodity futures could lose all, or substantially all, of the investment in such contracts. The prices of commodity futures are subject to change based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the following: the lack of liquidity; global supply and demand for commodities; congestion; disorderly markets; limitations on deliverable supplies; the participation of hedgers and speculators; domestic and foreign interest rates and investors’ expectations concerning interest rates; domestic and foreign inflation rates and investors’ expectations concerning inflation rates; investment and trading activities of institutional investors; global or regional political, economic, or financial events and situations; government regulation and intervention; technical and operational or system failures; nuclear accidents; terrorism; riots; and natural disasters. In addition, U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices that may occur during a single business day. These limits are generally referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits,” and the maximum or minimum price of a contract on any given day as a result of these limits is referred to as a “limit price.” Once the limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. It is not certain how long any such price limits may remain in effect. Limit prices may have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices, consequently affecting the value of commodity futures. Although the performance of commodity futures may be largely independent of the general stock and bond markets, there is no assurance that commodity futures will be consistently independent or noncorrelated. An investment in commodity futures could increase rather than reduce overall portfolio losses during periods when commodity futures as well as stocks and bonds decline in value. There is no way of predicting whether commodity futures will lose more or less than stocks and bonds in declining markets.

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Common stock typically entitles the owner to vote on the election of directors and other important matters, as well as to receive dividends on such stock. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds, other debt holders, and owners of preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are hybrid securities that combine the investment characteristics of bonds and common stocks. Convertible securities typically consist of debt securities or preferred stock that may be converted (on a voluntary or mandatory basis) within a specified period of time (normally for the entire life of the security) into a certain amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer at a predetermined price. Convertible securities also include debt securities with warrants or common stock attached and derivatives combining the features of debt securities and equity securities. Other convertible securities with features and risks not specifically referred to herein may become available in the future. Convertible securities involve risks similar to those of both fixed income and equity securities. In a corporation’s capital structure, convertible securities are senior to common stock but are usually subordinated to senior debt obligations of the issuer.

The market value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” and its “conversion value.” A security’s “investment value” represents the value of the security without its conversion feature (i.e., a nonconvertible debt security). The investment value may be determined by reference to its credit quality and the current value of its yield to maturity or probable call date. At any given time, investment value is dependent upon such factors as the general level of interest rates, the yield of similar nonconvertible securities, the financial strength of the issuer, and the seniority of the security in the issuer’s capital structure. A security’s “conversion value” is determined by multiplying the number of shares the holder is entitled to receive upon conversion or exchange by the current price of the underlying security. If the conversion value of a convertible security is significantly below its investment value, the convertible security will trade like nonconvertible debt or preferred stock and its market value will not be influenced greatly by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security. In that circumstance, the convertible security takes on the characteristics of a bond, and its price moves in the opposite direction from interest rates. Conversely, if the conversion value of a convertible security is near or above its investment value, the market value of the convertible security will be more heavily influenced by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security. In that case, the convertible security’s price may be as volatile as that of common stock. Because both interest rates and market movements can influence its value, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rates as a similar debt security, nor is it as sensitive

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to changes in share price as its underlying equity security. Convertible securities are often rated below investment-grade or are not rated, and they are generally subject to a high degree of credit risk.

Although all markets are prone to change over time, the generally high rate at which convertible securities are retired (through mandatory or scheduled conversions by issuers or through voluntary redemptions by holders) and replaced with newly issued convertible securities may cause the convertible securities market to change more rapidly than other markets. For example, a concentration of available convertible securities in a few economic sectors could elevate the sensitivity of the convertible securities market to the volatility of the equity markets and to the specific risks of those sectors. Moreover, convertible securities with innovative structures, such as mandatory-conversion securities and equity-linked securities, have increased the sensitivity of the convertible securities market to the volatility of the equity markets and to the special risks of those innovations, which may include risks different from, and possibly greater than, those associated with traditional convertible securities. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price set in the governing instrument of the convertible security. If a convertible security held by a fund is subject to such redemption option and is called for redemption, the fund must allow the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell the security to a third party.

Cybersecurity Risks. The increased use of technology to conduct business could subject a fund and its third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, investment advisors and custodians) to risks associated with cybersecurity. In general, a cybersecurity incident can occur as a result of a deliberate attack designed to gain unauthorized access to digital systems. If the attack is successful, an unauthorized person or persons could misappropriate assets or sensitive information, corrupt data, or cause operational disruption. A cybersecurity incident could also occur unintentionally if, for example, an authorized person inadvertently released proprietary or confidential information. Vanguard has developed robust technological safeguards and business continuity plans to prevent, or reduce the impact of, potential cybersecurity incidents. Additionally, Vanguard has a process for assessing the information security and/or cybersecurity programs implemented by a fund’s third-party service providers, which helps minimize the risk of potential incidents. Despite these measures, a cybersecurity incident still has the potential to disrupt business operations, which could negatively impact a fund and/or its shareholders. Some examples of negative impacts that could occur as a result of a cybersecurity incident include, but are not limited to, the following: a fund may be unable to calculate its net asset value (NAV), a fund’s shareholders may be unable to transact business, a fund may be unable to process transactions on behalf of its shareholders, or a fund may be unable to safeguard its data or the personal information of its shareholders.

Debt Securities. A debt security, sometimes called a fixed income security, consists of a certificate or other evidence of a debt (secured or unsecured) on which the issuing company or governmental body promises to pay the holder thereof a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest for a specified length of time and to repay the debt on the specified maturity date. Some debt securities, such as zero-coupon bonds, do not make regular interest payments but are issued at a discount to their principal or maturity value. Debt securities include a variety of fixed income obligations, including, but not limited to, corporate bonds, government securities, municipal securities, convertible securities, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. Debt securities include investment-grade securities, non-investment-grade securities, and unrated securities. Debt securities are subject to a variety of risks, such as interest rate risk, income risk, call risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, inflation risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and (in the case of foreign securities) country risk and currency risk. The reorganization of an issuer under the federal bankruptcy laws or an out-of-court restructuring of an issuer’s capital structure may result in the issuer’s debt securities being cancelled without repayment, repaid only in part, or repaid in part or in whole through an exchange thereof for any combination of cash, debt securities, convertible securities, equity securities, or other instruments or rights in respect to the same issuer or a related entity.

Debt Securities—Non-Investment-Grade Securities. Non-investment-grade securities, also referred to as “high-yield securities” or “junk bonds,” are debt securities that are rated lower than the four highest rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (e.g., lower than Baa3/P-2 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or below BBB–/A-2 by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (Standard & Poor’s)) or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the fund’s advisor. These securities are generally considered to be, on balance, predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation, and they will generally involve more credit risk than securities in the investment-grade categories. Non-investment-grade securities generally provide greater income and opportunity for capital appreciation than higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk.

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Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high-yield securities may be more complex than for issuers of investment-grade securities. Thus, reliance on credit ratings in making investment decisions entails greater risks for high-yield securities than for investment-grade securities. The success of a fund’s advisor in managing high-yield securities is more dependent upon its own credit analysis than is the case with investment-grade securities.

Some high-yield securities are issued by smaller, less-seasoned companies, while others are issued as part of a corporate restructuring such as an acquisition, a merger, or a leveraged buyout. Companies that issue high-yield securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with investment-grade securities. Some high-yield securities were once rated as investment-grade but have been downgraded to junk bond status because of financial difficulties experienced by their issuers.

The market values of high-yield securities tend to reflect individual issuer developments to a greater extent than do investment-grade securities, which in general react to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. High-yield securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are investment-grade securities. An actual or anticipated economic downturn or sustained period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in junk bond prices because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its debt securities. If an issuer of high-yield securities defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, a fund investing in such securities may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

The secondary market on which high-yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for investment-grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the ability of a fund’s advisor to sell a high-yield security or the price at which a fund’s advisor could sell a high-yield security, and it could also adversely affect the daily net asset value of fund shares. When secondary markets for high-yield securities are less liquid than the market for investment-grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation of the securities.

Except as otherwise provided in a fund’s prospectus, if a credit rating agency changes the rating of a portfolio security held by a fund, the fund may retain the portfolio security if the advisor deems it in the best interests of shareholders.

Debt Securities—Structured and Indexed Securities. Structured securities (also called “structured notes”) and indexed securities are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured and indexed securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of a specific asset, reference rate, or index (the reference) or the relative change in two or more references. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased, depending upon changes in the applicable reference. The terms of the structured and indexed securities may provide that, in certain circumstances, no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the reference may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the structured or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the reference; therefore, the value of such security may be very volatile. Structured and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference. Structured or indexed securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities, which could lead to an overvaluation or an undervaluation of the securities.

Debt Securities—U.S. Government Securities. The term “U.S. government securities” refers to a variety of debt securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. The term also refers to repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.

U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, meaning that the U.S. government is required to repay the principal in the event of default. Other types of securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The U.S. government, however, does not guarantee the market price of any U.S. government securities. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the

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investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.

Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Government National Mortgage Association, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Debt Securities—Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable and floating rate securities are debt securities that provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate paid on the security. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer’s credit quality. There is a risk that the current interest rate on variable and floating rate securities may not accurately reflect current market interest rates or adequately compensate the holder for the current creditworthiness of the issuer. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with liquidity features such as (1) put options or tender options that permit holders (sometimes subject to conditions) to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries or (2) auction-rate features, remarketing provisions, or other maturity-shortening devices designed to enable the issuer to refinance or redeem outstanding debt securities (market-dependent liquidity features). Variable or floating rate securities that include market-dependent liquidity features may have greater liquidity risk than other securities. The greater liquidity risk may exist, for example, because of the failure of a market-dependent liquidity feature to operate as intended (as a result of the issuer’s declining creditworthiness, adverse market conditions, or other factors) or the inability or unwillingness of a participating broker-dealer to make a secondary market for such securities. As a result, variable or floating rate securities that include market-dependent liquidity features may lose value, and the holders of such securities may be required to retain them until the later of the repurchase date, the resale date, or the date of maturity. A demand instrument with a demand notice exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market for such security.

Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts (also sold as participatory notes) are securities that evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities that have been deposited with a “depository.” Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored and include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S. financial institution, and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other depositary receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs are issued in registered form, denominated in U.S. dollars, and designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. Other depositary receipts, such as GDRs and EDRs, may be issued in bearer form and denominated in other currencies, and they are generally designed for use in securities markets outside the United States. Although the two types of depositary receipt facilities (sponsored and unsponsored) are similar, there are differences regarding a holder’s rights and obligations and the practices of market participants.

A depository may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or acquiescence of) the underlying issuer; typically, however, the depository requests a letter of nonobjection from the underlying issuer prior to establishing the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depository usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of noncash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through voting rights to depositary receipt holders with respect to the underlying securities.

Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depository and the underlying issuer through a deposit agreement. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the underlying issuer, the depository, and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depository), although most sponsored depositary receipt holders may bear costs such as deposit and withdrawal fees. Depositories of most sponsored depositary receipts agree

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to distribute notices of shareholder meetings, voting instructions, and other shareholder communications and information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer’s request.

For purposes of a fund’s investment policies, investments in depositary receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts do not eliminate all of the risks associated with directly investing in the securities of foreign issuers.

Derivatives. A derivative is a financial instrument that has a value based on—or “derived from”—the values of other assets, reference rates, or indexes. Derivatives may relate to a wide variety of underlying references, such as commodities, stocks, bonds, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and related indexes. Derivatives include futures contracts and options on futures contracts, certain forward-commitment transactions, options on securities, caps, floors, collars, swap agreements, and certain other financial instruments. Some derivatives, such as futures contracts and certain options, are traded on U.S. commodity and securities exchanges, while other derivatives, such as swap agreements, may be privately negotiated and entered into in the over-the-counter market (OTC Derivatives) or may be cleared through a clearinghouse (Cleared Derivatives) and traded on an exchange or swap execution facility. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), certain swap agreements, such as certain standardized credit default and interest rate swap agreements, must be cleared through a clearinghouse and traded on an exchange or swap execution facility. This could result in an increase in the overall costs of such transactions. While the intent of derivatives regulatory reform is to mitigate risks associated with derivatives markets, the new regulations could, among other things, increase liquidity and decrease pricing for more standardized products while decreasing liquidity and increasing pricing for less standardized products. The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the securities or assets on which the derivatives are based.

Derivatives may be used for a variety of purposes, including—but not limited to—hedging, managing risk, seeking to stay fully invested, seeking to reduce transaction costs, seeking to simulate an investment in equity or debt securities or other investments, and seeking to add value by using derivatives to more efficiently implement portfolio positions when derivatives are favorably priced relative to equity or debt securities or other investments. Some investors may use derivatives primarily for speculative purposes while other uses of derivatives may not constitute speculation. There is no assurance that any derivatives strategy used by a fund’s advisor will succeed. The other parties to a fund’s OTC Derivatives contracts (usually referred to as “counterparties”) will not be considered the issuers thereof for purposes of certain provisions of the 1940 Act and the IRC, although such OTC Derivatives may qualify as securities or investments under such laws. A fund’s advisors, however, will monitor and adjust, as appropriate, the fund’s credit risk exposure to OTC Derivative counterparties.

Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions.

When a fund enters into a Cleared Derivative, an initial margin deposit with a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) is required. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of a Cleared Derivative over a fixed period. If the value of the fund’s Cleared Derivatives declines, the fund will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to the FCM to settle the change in value. If the value of the fund’s Cleared Derivatives increases, the FCM will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to the fund to settle the change in value. This process is known as “marking-to-market” and is calculated on a daily basis.

For OTC Derivatives, a fund is subject to the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. Additionally, the use of credit derivatives can result in losses if a fund’s advisor does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer on which the credit derivative is based.

Derivatives may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular derivative is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with certain OTC Derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.

Derivatives may be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a particular derivative becomes extraordinarily expensive relative to historical prices or the prices of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market

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conditions, it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity.

Because certain derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. A derivative transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.”

Like most other investments, derivative instruments 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 its advisor will incorrectly forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other financial or economic factors in establishing derivative positions for the fund. If the advisor attempts to use a derivative as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the fund will be exposed to the risk that the derivative will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the fund. Although hedging strategies involving derivative 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. Many derivatives (in particular, OTC Derivatives) are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a fund.

Exchange-Traded Funds. A fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Typically, a fund would purchase ETF shares for the same reason it would purchase (and as an alternative to purchasing) futures contracts: to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. ETF shares enjoy several advantages over futures. Depending on the market, the holding period, and other factors, ETF shares can be less costly and more tax-efficient than futures. In addition, ETF shares can be purchased for smaller sums, offer exposure to market sectors and styles for which there is no suitable or liquid futures contract, and do not involve leverage.

An investment in an ETF generally presents the same principal risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and a fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of an ETF’s shares may trade at a discount or a premium to their net asset value; (2) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (3) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted by the activation of individual or marketwide trading halts (which halt trading for a specific period of time when the price of a particular security or overall market prices decline by a specified percentage). Trading of an ETF’s shares may also be halted if the shares are delisted from the exchange without first being listed on another exchange or if the listing exchange’s officials determine that such action is appropriate in the interest of a fair and orderly market or for the protection of investors.

Most ETFs are investment companies. Therefore, a fund’s purchases of ETF shares generally are subject to the limitations on, and the risks of, a fund’s investments in other investment companies, which are described under the heading “Other Investment Companies.”

Foreign Securities. Typically, foreign securities are considered to be equity or debt securities issued by entities organized, domiciled, or with a principal executive office outside the United States, such as foreign corporations and governments. Securities issued by certain companies organized outside the United States may not be deemed to be foreign securities if the company’s principal operations are conducted from the United States or when the company’s equity securities trade principally on a U.S. stock exchange. Foreign securities may trade in U.S. or foreign securities markets. A fund may make foreign investments either directly by purchasing foreign securities or indirectly by purchasing depositary receipts or depositary shares of similar instruments (depositary receipts) for foreign securities. Direct investments in foreign securities may be made either on foreign securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Investing in foreign securities involves certain special risk considerations that are not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. companies or governments.

Because foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers, there may be less publicly available information about certain foreign issuers than about U.S. issuers. Evidence of securities ownership may be uncertain in many foreign countries. As

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a result, there are multiple risks that could result in a loss to the fund, including, but not limited to, the risk that a fund’s trade details could be incorrectly or fraudulently entered at the time of a transaction. Securities of foreign issuers are generally more volatile and less liquid than securities of comparable U.S. issuers, and foreign investments may be effected through structures that may be complex or confusing. In certain countries, there is less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. The risk that securities traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by government authorities, is also heightened. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, war, terrorism, nationalization, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic developments that could affect U.S. investments in those countries. Additionally, economic or other sanctions imposed on the United States by a foreign country, or imposed on a foreign country or issuer by the United States, could impair a fund’s ability to buy, sell, hold, receive, deliver, or otherwise transact in certain investment securities. Sanctions could also affect the value and/or liquidity of a foreign security.

Although an advisor will endeavor to achieve the most favorable execution costs for a fund’s portfolio transactions in foreign securities under the circumstances, commissions and other transaction costs are generally higher than those on U.S. securities. In addition, it is expected that the custodian arrangement expenses for a fund that invests primarily in foreign securities will be somewhat greater than the expenses for a fund that invests primarily in domestic securities. Additionally, bankruptcy laws vary by jurisdiction and cash deposits may be subject to a custodian’s creditors. Certain foreign governments levy withholding or other taxes against dividend and interest income from, capital gains on the sale of, or transactions in foreign securities. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is recoverable by the fund, the nonrecovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce the income received from such securities.

The value of the foreign securities held by a fund that are not U.S. dollar-denominated may be significantly affected by changes in currency exchange rates. The U.S. dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated, and it tends to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency (as discussed under the heading “Foreign Securities—Foreign Currency Transactions,” a fund may attempt to hedge its currency risks). In addition, the value of fund assets may be affected by losses and other expenses incurred from converting between various currencies in order to purchase and sell foreign securities, as well as by currency restrictions, exchange control regulations, currency devaluations, and political and economic developments.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are derivatives. A futures contract is a standardized agreement between two parties to buy or sell at a specific time in the future a specific quantity of a commodity at a specific price. The commodity may consist of an asset, a reference rate, or an index. A security futures contract relates to the sale of a specific quantity of shares of a single equity security or a narrow-based securities index. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying commodity. The buyer of a futures contract enters into an agreement to purchase the underlying commodity on the settlement date and is said to be “long” the contract. The seller of a futures contract enters into an agreement to sell the underlying commodity on the settlement date and is said to be “short” the contract. The price at which a futures contract is entered into is established either in the electronic marketplace or by open outcry on the floor of an exchange between exchange members acting as traders or brokers. Open futures contracts can be liquidated or closed out by physical delivery of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount on the settlement date, depending on the terms of the particular contract. Some financial futures contracts (such as security futures) provide for physical settlement at maturity. Other financial futures contracts (such as those relating to interest rates, foreign currencies, and broad-based securities indexes) generally provide for cash settlement at maturity. In the case of cash-settled futures contracts, the cash settlement amount is equal to the difference between the final settlement or market price for the relevant commodity on the last trading day of the contract and the price for the relevant commodity agreed upon at the outset of the contract. Most futures contracts, however, are not held until maturity but instead are “offset” before the settlement date through the establishment of an opposite and equal futures position.

The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying commodity unless the contract is held until the settlement date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commission merchant (FCM) when the futures contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of a contract over a fixed period. If the value of the fund’s position declines, the fund will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to the FCM to settle the change in value. If the value of the fund’s position increases, the FCM will be required to make additional “variation

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margin” payments to the fund to settle the change in value. This process is known as “marking-to-market” and is calculated on a daily basis. A futures transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.”

An option on a futures contract (or futures option) conveys the right, but not the obligation, to purchase (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a specific futures contract at a specific price (called the “exercise” or “strike” price) any time before the option expires. The seller of an option is called an option writer. The purchase price of an option is called the premium. The potential loss to an option buyer is limited to the amount of the premium plus transaction costs. This will be the case, for example, if the option is held and not exercised prior to its expiration date. Generally, an option writer sells options with the goal of obtaining the premium paid by the option buyer. If an option sold by an option writer expires without being exercised, the writer retains the full amount of the premium. The option writer, however, has unlimited economic risk because its potential loss, except to the extent offset by the premium received when the option was written, is equal to the amount the option is “in-the-money” at the expiration date. A call option is in-the-money if the value of the underlying futures contract exceeds the exercise price of the option. A put option is in-the-money if the exercise price of the option exceeds the value of the underlying futures contract. Generally, any profit realized by an option buyer represents a loss for the option writer.

A fund that takes the position of a writer of a futures option is required to deposit and maintain initial and variation margin with respect to the option, as previously described in the case of futures contracts. A futures option transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.” The Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options that are traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity or that are quoted on an automated quotation system.

Under Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), a mutual fund may be excluded from the definition of the term Commodity Pool Operator (CPO) if the fund meets certain conditions, such as limiting its investments in certain CEA-regulated instruments (e.g. futures, options, or swaps) and complying with certain marketing restrictions. Vanguard is registered as a Commodity Pool Operator (CPO) and will be subject to regulation as a CPO with respect to the Fund.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts—Risks. The risk of loss in trading futures contracts and in writing futures options can be substantial because of the low margin deposits required, the extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures and options pricing, and the potential high volatility of the futures markets. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures position may result in immediate and substantial loss (or gain) for the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract, and the writing of a futures option, may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the position. In the event of adverse price movements, a fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if the fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements (and segregation requirements, if applicable) at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, on the settlement date, a fund may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying the futures positions it holds.

A fund could suffer losses if it is unable to close out a futures contract or a futures option because of an illiquid secondary market. Futures contracts and futures options may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for such products. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures product at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures or option position. Moreover, most futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day, and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for

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several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of future positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses. The inability to close futures and options positions also could have an adverse impact on the ability to hedge a portfolio investment or to establish a substitute for a portfolio investment. U.S. Treasury futures are generally not subject to such daily limits.

A fund bears the risk that its advisor will incorrectly predict future market trends. If the advisor attempts to use a futures contract or a futures option as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the fund will be exposed to the risk that the futures position will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the fund. Although hedging strategies involving futures products 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.

A fund could lose margin payments it has deposited with its FCM if, for example, the FCM breaches its agreement with the fund or becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In that event, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund.

Interfund Borrowing and Lending. The SEC has granted an exemption permitting registered open-end Vanguard funds to participate in Vanguard’s interfund lending program. This program allows the Vanguard funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, the requirements that (1) no fund may borrow or lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than is typically available from a bank for a comparable transaction, (2) no fund may lend money if the loan would cause its aggregate outstanding loans through the program to exceed 15% of its net assets at the time of the loan, and (3) a fund’s interfund loans to any one fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending fund’s net assets. In addition, a Vanguard fund may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the fund’s investment objective and investment policies. The boards of trustees of the Vanguard funds are responsible for overseeing the interfund lending program. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.

Investing for Control. Each Vanguard fund invests in securities and other instruments for the sole purpose of achieving a specific investment objective. As such, a Vanguard fund does not seek to acquire, individually or collectively with any other Vanguard fund, enough of a company’s outstanding voting stock to have control over management decisions. A Vanguard fund does not invest for the purpose of controlling a company’s management. This policy does not prevent Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund from having an ownership interest in a wholly owned subsidiary.

Loan Interests and Direct Debt Instruments. Loan interests and direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates (in the case of loans and loan participations); to suppliers of goods or services (in the case of trade claims or other receivables); or to other parties. These investments involve a risk of loss in case of the default, the insolvency, or the bankruptcy 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 purchaser supply additional cash to a borrower on demand.

Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. Direct debt instruments may not be rated by a rating agency. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, or are not made in a timely manner, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured provide more protections than unsecured loans 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 they may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when due.

Corporate loans and other forms of direct corporate indebtedness in which a fund may invest generally are made to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, refinancing of existing debt, leveraged buyouts, and other corporate activities. A significant portion of the corporate indebtedness purchased by a fund may represent interests in loans or debt made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions (known as “leveraged buyout” transactions), leveraged recapitalization loans, and other types of acquisition financing. Another portion may also

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represent loans incurred in restructuring or “work-out” scenarios, including super-priority debtor-in-possession facilities in bankruptcy and acquisition of assets out of bankruptcy. Loans in restructuring or work-out scenarios may be especially vulnerable to the inherent uncertainties in restructuring processes. In addition, the highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in any such transactions, whether in acquisition financing or restructuring, may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse or unusual economic or market conditions.

Loans and other forms of direct indebtedness generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell them in secondary markets. As a result, a fund may be unable to sell loans and other forms of direct indebtedness at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at a price that is less than their fair value.

Options. An option is a derivative. An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for the payment of a “premium,” the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (in the case of a call option) or sell to (in the case of a put option) the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value of the index) at a specified exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price (in the case of a call option) or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security (in the case of a put option). The writer of an option on an index has the obligation upon exercise of the option to pay an amount equal to the cash value of the index minus the exercise price, multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index option. The multiplier for an index option determines the size of the investment position the option represents. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract. Although this type of arrangement allows the purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally involve credit risk to the counterparty, whereas for exchange-traded, centrally cleared options, credit risk is mutualized through the involvement of the applicable clearing house.

The buyer (or holder) of an option is said to be “long” the option, while the seller (or writer) of an option is said to be “short” the option. A call option grants to the holder the right to buy (and obligates the writer to sell) the underlying security at the strike price, which is the predetermined price at which the option may be exercised. A put option grants to the holder the right to sell (and obligates the writer to buy) the underlying security at the strike price. The purchase price of an option is called the “premium.” The potential loss to an option buyer is limited to the amount of the premium plus transaction costs. This will be the case if the option is held and not exercised prior to its expiration date. Generally, an option writer sells options with the goal of obtaining the premium paid by the option buyer, but that person could also seek to profit from an anticipated rise or decline in option prices. If an option sold by an option writer expires without being exercised, the writer retains the full amount of the premium. The option writer, however, has unlimited economic risk because its potential loss, except to the extent offset by the premium received when the option was written, is equal to the amount the option is “in-the-money” at the expiration date. A call option is in-the-money if the value of the underlying position exceeds the exercise price of the option. A put option is in-the-money if the exercise price of the option exceeds the value of the underlying position. Generally, any profit realized by an option buyer represents a loss for the option writer. The writing of an option will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.”

If a trading market, in particular options, were to become unavailable, investors in those options (such as the funds) would be unable to close out their positions until trading resumes, and they may be faced with substantial losses if the value of the underlying instrument moves adversely during that time. Even if the market were to remain available, there may be times when options prices will not maintain their customary or anticipated relationships to the prices of the underlying instruments and related instruments. Lack of investor interest, changes in volatility, or other factors or conditions might adversely affect the liquidity, efficiency, continuity, or even the orderliness of the market for particular options.

A fund bears the risk that its advisor will not accurately predict future market trends. If the advisor attempts to use an option as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the fund will be exposed to the risk that the option will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for the fund. Although hedging strategies involving options can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the

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opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Many options, in particular OTC options, are complex and often valued based on subjective factors. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a fund.

OTC Swap Agreements. An over-the-counter (OTC) swap agreement, which is a type of derivative, is an agreement between two parties (counterparties) to exchange payments at specified dates (periodic payment dates) on the basis of a specified amount (notional amount) with the payments calculated with reference to a specified asset, reference rate, or index.

Examples of OTC swap agreements include, but are not limited to, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, equity swaps, commodity swaps, foreign currency swaps, index swaps, excess return swaps, and total return swaps. Most OTC swap agreements provide that when the periodic payment dates for both parties are the same, payments are netted and only the net amount is paid to the counterparty entitled to receive the net payment. Consequently, a fund’s current obligations (or rights) under an OTC swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty. OTC swap agreements allow for a wide variety of transactions. For example, fixed rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments; U.S. dollar-denominated payments may be exchanged for payments denominated in a different currency; and payments tied to the price of one asset, reference rate, or index may be exchanged for payments tied to the price of another asset, reference rate, or index.

An OTC option on an OTC swap agreement, also called a “swaption,” is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium.” A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

The use of OTC swap agreements by a fund entails certain risks, which may be different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the securities and other investments that are the referenced asset for the swap agreement. OTC swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of an OTC swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions.

OTC swap agreements may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular swap is difficult to purchase or sell. If an OTC swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many OTC swaps), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. In addition, OTC swap transactions may be subject to a fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

OTC swap agreements may be subject to pricing risk, which exists when a particular swap becomes extraordinarily expensive or inexpensive relative to historical prices or the prices of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market conditions, it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity or to realize the intrinsic value of the OTC swap agreement.

Because certain OTC swap agreements have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Certain OTC swaps have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. A leveraged OTC swap transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.”

Like most other investments, OTC 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 its advisor will not accurately forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing OTC swap positions for the fund. If the advisor attempts to use an OTC swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the fund will be exposed to the risk that the OTC swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the fund. Although hedging strategies involving OTC swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses

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by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Many OTC swaps are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a fund.

The use of an OTC swap agreement also involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. Additionally, the use of credit default swaps can result in losses if a fund’s advisor does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer on which the credit swap is based.

The market for OTC swaps and swaptions is a relatively new market. It is possible that developments in the market could adversely affect a fund, including its ability to terminate existing OTC swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. As previously noted under the heading “Derivatives,” under the Dodd-Frank Act, certain swaps that may be used by a fund may be cleared through a clearinghouse and traded on an exchange or swap execution facility.

Other Investment Companies. A fund may invest in other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law or SEC exemption. Under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, a fund generally may invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one investment company, as long as no investment represents more than 3% of the voting stock of an acquired investment company. In addition, no funds for which Vanguard acts as an advisor may, in the aggregate, own more than 10% of the voting stock of a closed-end investment company. The 1940 Act and related rules provide certain exemptions from these restrictions, for example, for funds that invest in other funds within the same group of investment companies. If a fund invests in other investment companies, shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the fund’s expenses (including operating expenses and the fees of the advisor), but they also may indirectly bear similar expenses of the underlying investment companies. Certain investment companies, such as business development companies (BDCs), are more akin to operating companies and, as such, their expenses are not direct expenses paid by fund shareholders and are not used to calculate the fund’s net asset value. SEC rules nevertheless require that any expenses incurred by a BDC be included in a fund’s expense ratio as “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” The expense ratio of a fund that holds a BDC will thus overstate what the fund actually spends on portfolio management, administrative services, and other shareholder services by an amount equal to these Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. The Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are not included in a fund’s financial statements, which provide a clearer picture of a fund’s actual operating expenses. Shareholders would also be exposed to the risks associated not only with the investments of the fund but also with the portfolio investments of the underlying investment companies. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that typically trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or discount to their net asset value. Others are continuously offered at net asset value but also may be traded on the secondary market.

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stock normally pays dividends at a specified rate and has precedence over common stock in the event the issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy. However, in the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, often has a stated dividend rate payable from the corporation’s earnings. Preferred stock dividends may be cumulative or noncumulative, participating, or auction rate. “Cumulative” dividend provisions require all or a portion of prior unpaid dividends to be paid before dividends can be paid to the issuer’s common stock. “Participating” preferred stock may be entitled to a dividend exceeding the stated dividend in certain cases. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of such stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions allowing the stock to be called or redeemed, which can limit the benefit of a decline in interest rates. Preferred stock is subject to many of the risks to which common stock and debt securities are subject. In addition, preferred stock may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than common stock or debt securities because preferred stock may trade with less frequency and in more limited volume.

Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a fund acquires a debt security (generally a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance, or a certificate of deposit) from a bank, a broker, or a dealer and simultaneously agrees to resell such security to the seller at an agreed-upon price and date (normally, the next business day). Because the security purchased constitutes collateral for the repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement may be considered a loan that is collateralized by the security purchased.

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The resale price reflects an agreed-upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument. In these transactions, the securities acquired by a fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and be held by a custodian bank until repurchased. In addition, the investment advisor will monitor a fund’s repurchase agreement transactions generally and will evaluate the creditworthiness of any bank, broker, or dealer party to a repurchase agreement relating to a fund. The aggregate amount of any such agreements is not limited, except to the extent required by law.

The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. One risk is the seller’s ability to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the repurchase date. If the seller defaults, the fund may incur costs in disposing of the collateral, which would reduce the amount realized thereon. If the seller seeks relief under bankruptcy laws, the disposition of the collateral may be delayed or limited. For example, if the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under bankruptcy or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the fund not within its control, and therefore the realization by the fund on such collateral may be automatically stayed. Finally, it is possible that the fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Illiquid securities are investments that a fund reasonably expects 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. The SEC generally limits aggregate holdings of illiquid securities by a mutual fund to 15% of its net assets (5% for money market funds). A fund may experience difficulty valuing and selling illiquid securities and, in some cases, may be unable to value or sell certain illiquid securities for an indefinite period of time. Illiquid securities may include a wide variety of investments, such as (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days (unless the agreements have demand/redemption features), (2) OTC options contracts and certain other derivatives (including certain swap agreements), (3) fixed time deposits that are not subject to prepayment or do not provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), (4) certain loan interests and other direct debt instruments, (5) certain municipal lease obligations, (6) private equity investments, (7) commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, and (8) securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws. Illiquid securities include restricted, privately placed securities that, under the federal securities laws, generally may be resold only to qualified institutional buyers. If a substantial market develops for a restricted security held by a fund, it may be treated as a liquid security in accordance with procedures and guidelines approved by the board of trustees. This generally includes securities that are unregistered, that can be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, or that are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act, such as commercial paper. Although a fund’s advisor monitors the liquidity of restricted securities, the board of trustees oversees and retains ultimate responsibility for the advisor’s liquidity determinations. Several factors that the trustees consider in monitoring these decisions include the valuation of a security; the availability of qualified institutional buyers, brokers, and dealers that trade in the security; and the availability of information about the security’s issuer.

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. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund continues to receive any principal and interest payments on the underlying security during the term of the agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities retained by the fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the fund that it is obligated to repurchase. In addition to the risk of such a loss, fees charged to the fund may exceed the return the fund earns from investing the proceeds received from the reverse repurchase agreement transaction. A reverse repurchase agreement may be considered a borrowing transaction for purposes of the 1940 Act. A reverse repurchase agreement transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.” A fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the advisor. If the buyer in a reverse repurchase agreement becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, a fund’s use of proceeds from the sale may be restricted while the other party or its trustee or receiver determines if it will honor the fund’s right to repurchase the securities. If the fund is unable to recover the securities it sold in a reverse repurchase agreement, it would realize a loss equal to the difference between the value of the securities and the payment it received for them.

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Securities Lending. A fund may lend its investment securities to qualified institutional investors (typically brokers, dealers, banks, or other financial institutions) who may need to borrow securities in order to complete certain transactions, such as covering short sales, avoiding failures to deliver securities, or completing arbitrage operations. By lending its investment securities, a fund attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest on the securities lent. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities lent that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the fund. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities lent because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities lent 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 lent, 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. Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities. Investing this cash subjects that investment to market appreciation or depreciation. Currently, Vanguard funds that lend securities invest the cash collateral received in Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund and/or Vanguard Municipal Cash Management Fund, which are low-cost money market funds.

The terms and the structure of the loan arrangements, as well as the aggregate amount of securities loans, must be consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules or interpretations of the SEC thereunder. These provisions limit the amount of securities a fund may lend to 33 1/3% of the fund’s total assets and require that (1) the borrower pledge and maintain with the fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government having at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; (2) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the securities lent rises (i.e., the borrower “marks to market” on a daily basis); (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the fund at any time; and (4) the fund receives reasonable interest on the loan (which may include the fund investing any cash collateral in interest-bearing short-term investments), any distribution on the lent securities, and any increase in their market value. Loan arrangements made by a fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements, including the requirement to redeliver the securities within the standard settlement time applicable to the relevant trading market. The advisor will consider the creditworthiness of the borrower, among other things, in making decisions with respect to the lending of securities, subject to oversight by the board of trustees. At the present time, the SEC does not object if an investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with lent securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and approved by the investment company’s trustees. In addition, voting rights pass with the lent securities, but if a fund has knowledge that a material event will occur affecting securities on loan, and in respect to which the holder of the securities will be entitled to vote or consent, the lender must be entitled to call the loaned securities in time to vote or consent. A fund bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities, which may impair the fund’s ability to vote on such a matter.

Pursuant to Vanguard’s securities lending policy, Vanguard’s fixed income and money market funds are not permitted to, and do not, lend their investment securities.

Subsidiary Investments. Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund may invest in a wholly owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund is the sole beneficial owner of the subsidiary, and the Fund’s investment in the subsidiary will generally not exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets.

The Fund intends to invest in the subsidiary primarily to obtain exposure to the commodity markets in compliance with the IRC. The subsidiary seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in commodity-linked investments, including commodity futures and swaps. The subsidiary may also invest in fixed income securities, including cash instruments or other short-term investments, such as U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities, certificates of deposit, money market instruments, and short-term fixed and floating-rate bonds for the purpose of providing margin or collateral for its commodity-linked derivative investments, providing liquidity in the portfolio, and earning interest. By investing in the wholly owned subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to all of the risks to which the subsidiary is exposed.

The subsidiary is not a registered investment company and, accordingly, is not subject to the 1940 Act. Therefore, the Fund’s investment in the subsidiary has none of the protections provided to investors in funds registered under the federal securities laws of the United States. In addition, if the laws of the United States or the Cayman Islands change, there is no guarantee that the subsidiary could continue to operate or that the Fund would be permitted to invest in the subsidiary. See “Tax Matters—Federal Tax Treatment of Commodity-Linked Investments and Subsidiary Investments” for information about special tax considerations and risks applicable to the Fund’s investment in its subsidiary.

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Tax Matters—Federal Tax Discussion. Discussion herein of U.S. federal income tax matters summarizes some of the important, generally applicable U.S. federal tax considerations relevant to investment in a fund based on the IRC, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authorities. These authorities are subject to change by legislative, administrative, or judicial action, possibly with retroactive effect. The Fund has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as to the U.S. federal income tax matters discussed in this Statement of Additional Information. In some cases, a fund’s tax position may be uncertain under current tax law and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to such a position could adversely affect the fund and its shareholders, including the fund’s ability to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company or to continue to pursue its current investment strategy. A shareholder should consult his or her tax professional for information regarding the particular situation and the possible application of U.S. federal, state, local, foreign, and other taxes.

Tax Matters—Federal Tax Treatment of Commodity-Linked Investments and Subsidiary Investments. Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund may invest a portion of its assets in investments that create exposure to the commodity markets. The Fund may invest directly in commodity-linked investments that provide this exposure or indirectly in such investments through a wholly owned subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund’s ability to make direct and indirect investments in certain commodity-related investments, including its subsidiary, is limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under the IRC. The subsidiary will be operated in a manner that is intended to enable the Fund to comply with these IRC requirements applicable to regulated investment companies.

In particular, in order for a fund to continue to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income for a taxable year must be derived from qualifying income—i.e., dividends, interest, income derived from securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to the fund’s business of investing in securities or currencies. Income and gains from certain commodity-linked investments do not constitute qualifying income to a regulated investment company for purposes of this qualifying income test, and the tax treatment of other commodity-linked investments is uncertain, in particular with respect to whether the income or gains from such investments constitute qualifying income. The Fund generally intends to gain direct or indirect exposure to the commodities markets through investments that generate qualifying income by investing directly in commodity-linked investments that the Fund believes give rise to qualifying income or by investing indirectly in commodity-linked investments through the subsidiary. If the Fund, however, were to treat income or gain from a particular investment as qualifying income and the income or gain were later determined not to constitute qualifying income and, when aggregated with any other nonqualifying income, caused the Fund’s nonqualifying income to exceed 10% of its gross income in any taxable year, the Fund would fail to qualify as a regulated investment company unless it were eligible to, and did, pay a tax at the fund-level.

The Fund intends to comply with the current requirements under the IRC for income derived from its investment in its subsidiary to be treated as qualifying income. There is no assurance that the applicable provisions of the IRC will remain in effect; these provisions (and interpretations thereof) are subject to change, potentially with retroactive effect. The Fund could be required to restructure or liquidate its investment in its subsidiary accordingly. In the case of such liquidation, there is no guarantee that the Fund would be able to reinvest such investments in securities with comparable returns.

In addition, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund generally cannot invest more than 25% of its assets in its subsidiary.

The subsidiary will be classified as a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. tax purposes and, because it is not expected to be deemed to carry on a U.S. trade or business, generally should not be subject to U.S. tax, although no assurance is given in that regard. However, the Fund will be required to include in its income annually amounts earned by the subsidiary during that year. Gains from the sales of investments by the subsidiary will not be eligible for capital gain treatment, but instead will be treated as ordinary income when included in the Fund’s income. Net losses incurred by the subsidiary during a tax year do not flow through to the Fund and thus will not be available to offset income or capital gain generated from the Fund’s other investments. In addition, net losses incurred by the subsidiary during a tax year generally cannot be carried forward by the subsidiary to offset gains realized by it in subsequent taxable years.

The subsidiary is not expected to owe income tax in its jurisdiction of organization, the Cayman Islands. Changes in the tax laws, or interpretations of existing laws, of the United States or the Cayman Islands could adversely affect the subsidiary and/or the Fund’s investment in the subsidiary.

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Tax Matters—Federal Tax Treatment of Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions. A fund’s transactions in derivative instruments (including, but not limited to, options, futures, forward contracts, and swap agreements), as well as any of the fund’s hedging, short sale, securities loan, or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules that accelerate income to the fund, defer losses to the fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains, or convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders.

Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax.

Tax Matters—Federal Tax Treatment of Futures Contracts. For federal income tax purposes, a fund generally must recognize, as of the end of each taxable year, any net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts, as well as any gains and losses actually realized during the year. In these cases, any gain or loss recognized with respect to a futures contract is considered to be 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, without regard to the holding period of the contract. Gains and losses on certain other futures contracts (primarily non-U.S. futures contracts) are not recognized until the contracts are closed and are treated as long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the contract. Sales of futures contracts that are intended to hedge against a change in the value of securities held by a fund may affect the holding period of such securities and, consequently, the nature of the gain or loss on such securities upon disposition. A fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on one position, such as futures contracts, to the extent of any unrecognized gains on a related offsetting position held by the fund.

A fund will distribute to shareholders annually any net capital gains that have been recognized for federal income tax purposes on futures transactions. Such distributions will be combined with distributions of capital gains realized on the fund’s other investments, and shareholders will be advised on the nature of the distributions.

Tax Matters—Foreign Tax Credit. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and interest paid with respect to foreign securities held by a fund. Foreign governments may also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of a fund’s total assets are invested in securities of foreign issuers, the fund may elect to pass through to shareholders the ability to deduct or, if they meet certain holding period requirements, take a credit for foreign taxes paid by the fund. Similarly, if at the close of each quarter of a fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of its total assets consist of interests in other regulated investment companies, the fund is permitted to elect to pass through to its shareholders the foreign income taxes paid by the fund in connection with foreign securities held directly by the fund or held by a regulated investment company in which the fund invests that has elected to pass through such taxes to shareholders.

Tax Matters—Passive Foreign Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). A foreign company is generally a PFIC if 75% or more of its gross income is passive or if 50% or more of its assets produce passive income. Capital gains on the sale of an interest in a PFIC will be deemed ordinary income regardless of how long the Fund held it. Also, the Fund may be subject to corporate income tax and an interest charge on certain dividends and capital gains earned in respect to PFIC interests, whether or not such amounts are distributed to shareholders. To avoid such tax and interest, the Fund may elect to “mark to market” its PFIC interests, that is, to treat such interests as sold on the last day of the Fund’s fiscal year, and to recognize any unrealized gains (or losses, to the extent of previously recognized gains) as ordinary income each year. Distributions from the Fund that are attributable to income or gains earned in respect to PFIC interests are characterized as ordinary income.

Tax Matters—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits. If a fund invests directly or indirectly, including through a REIT or other pass-through entity, in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (TMPs), a portion of the fund’s income that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (such portion referred to in the IRC as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all eventsincluding potentially at the fund levelunder a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and U.S. Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a registered investment company will be allocated to shareholders of the registered investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (1) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for

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certain thrift institutions); (2) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan, or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity, which otherwise might not be required, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income; and (3) in the case of a non-U.S. investor, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the IRC. As a result, a fund investing in such interests may not be suitable for charitable remainder trusts. See “Tax Matters—Tax-Exempt Investors.”

Tax Matters—Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Investors. U.S. withholding and estate taxes and certain U.S. tax reporting requirements may apply to any investments made by non-U.S. investors in Vanguard funds. Certain properly reported distributions of qualifying interest income or short-term capital gain made by a fund to its non-U.S. investors are exempt from U.S. withholding taxes, provided the investors furnish valid tax documentation (i.e., IRS Form W-8) certifying as to their non-U.S. status.

A fund is permitted, but is not required, to report any of its distributions as eligible for such relief, and some distributions (e.g., distributions of interest a fund receives from non-U.S. issuers) are not eligible for this relief. For some funds, Vanguard has chosen to report qualifying distributions and apply the withholding exemption to those distributions when made to non-U.S. shareholders who invest directly with Vanguard. For other funds, Vanguard may choose not to apply the withholding exemption to qualifying fund distributions made to direct shareholders, but may provide the reporting to such shareholders. In these cases, a shareholder may be able to reclaim such withholding tax directly from the IRS.

If shareholders hold fund shares (including ETF shares) through a broker or intermediary, their broker or intermediary may apply this relief to properly reported qualifying distributions made to shareholders with respect to those shares. If a shareholder’s broker or intermediary instead collects withholding tax where the fund has provided the proper reporting, the shareholder may be able to reclaim such withholding tax from the IRS. Please consult your broker or intermediary regarding the application of these rules.

This relief does not apply to any withholding required under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which generally requires a fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders. If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA, a fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on fund distributions. Please consult your tax advisor for more information about these rules.

Tax Matters—Tax-Exempt Investors. Income of a fund that would be UBTI if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the fund. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a fund if shares in the fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of IRC Section 514(b).

A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if a fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. See “Tax Matters—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits.”

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts that invest in a fund that invests directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Charitable remainder trusts and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in a fund.

Time Deposits. Time deposits are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issuers of money market instruments, most notably credit risk (and, to a lesser extent, income risk, market risk, and liquidity risk). Additionally, time deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign branches of foreign banks may be subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of U.S. dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign withholding taxes, and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers. However, time deposits of such issuers will undergo the same type of credit analysis as domestic issuers in which a Vanguard fund invests and will have at least the same financial strength as the domestic issuers approved for the fund.

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Warrants. Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, 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.

When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery, and Forward-Commitment Transactions. When-issued, delayed-delivery, and forward-commitment transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield in which payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. When purchasing securities pursuant to one of these transactions, payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date. However, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the security will not be issued as anticipated. When a fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss. A fund may renegotiate a when-issued or forward-commitment transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the fund. When-issued, delayed-delivery, and forward-commitment transactions will not be considered to constitute the issuance, by a fund, of a “senior security,” as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the fund, if the fund covers the transaction in accordance with the requirements described under the heading “Borrowing.”

SHARE PRICE

The Fund’s share price, called its net asset value, or NAV, is calculated each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the Exchange), generally 4 p.m., Eastern time. NAV per share is computed by dividing the total assets, minus liabilities, of the Fund by the number of Fund shares outstanding. On U.S. holidays or other days when the Exchange is closed, the NAV is not calculated, and the Fund does not sell or redeem shares. However, on those days the value of the Fund’s assets may be affected to the extent that the Fund holds securities that change in value on those days (such as foreign securities that trade on foreign markets that are open).

The Exchange typically observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr., Day; Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday); Good Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day. Although the Fund expects the same holidays to be observed in the future, the Exchange may modify its holiday schedule or hours of operation at any time.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

Purchase of Shares

The purchase price of shares of the Fund is the NAV per share next determined after the purchase request is received in good order, as defined in the Fund’s prospectus.

Exchange of Securities for Shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund may be purchased “in kind” (i.e., in exchange for securities, rather than for cash) at the discretion of the Fund’s portfolio manager. Such securities must not be restricted as to transfer and must have a value that is readily ascertainable. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in the Fund’s prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of NAV after such acceptance. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. A gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, depending upon the cost of the securities tendered, would be realized by the investor upon the exchange. Investors interested in purchasing fund shares in kind should contact Vanguard.

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Redemption of Shares

The redemption price of shares of the Fund is the NAV per share next determined after the redemption request is received in good order, as defined in the Fund’s prospectus.

The Fund can postpone payment of redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days. In addition, the Fund can suspend redemptions and/or postpone payments of redemption proceeds beyond seven calendar days (1) during any period that the Exchange is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (2) during any period when an emergency exists, as defined by the SEC, as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities it owns or to fairly determine the value of its assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may permit.

The Trust has filed a notice of election with the SEC to pay in cash all redemptions requested by any shareholder of record limited in amount during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund at the beginning of such period.

If Vanguard determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of readily marketable securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC and in accordance with procedures adopted by the Fund’s board of trustees. Investors may incur brokerage charges on the sale of such securities received in payment of redemptions.

The Fund does not charge redemption fees. Shares redeemed may be worth more or less than what was paid for them, depending on the market value of the securities held by the Fund.

Vanguard processes purchase and redemption requests through a pooled account. Pending investment direction or distribution of redemption proceeds, the assets in the pooled account are invested and any earnings (the “float”) are allocated proportionately among the Vanguard funds in order to offset fund expenses. Other than the float, Vanguard treats assets held in the pooled account as the assets of each shareholder making such purchase or redemption request.

Right to Change Policies

Vanguard reserves the right, without notice, to (1) alter, add, or discontinue any conditions of purchase (including eligibility requirements), redemption, exchange, service, or privilege at any time and (2) alter, impose, discontinue, or waive any purchase fee, redemption fee, account service fee, or other fee charged to a shareholder or a group of shareholders. Changes may affect any or all investors. These actions will be taken when, at the sole discretion of Vanguard management, Vanguard believes they are in the best interest of a fund.

Account Restrictions

Vanguard reserves the right to: (1) redeem all or a portion of a fund/account to meet a legal obligation, including tax withholding, tax lien, garnishment order, or other obligation imposed on your account by a court, government agency, or office; (2) redeem shares, close an account, or suspend account privileges, features, or options in case of threatening conduct or activity; (3) redeem shares, close an account, or suspend account privileges, features, or options if Vanguard believes or suspects that not doing so could result in a suspicious, fraudulent, or illegal transaction; (4) place restrictions on the ability to redeem any or all shares in an account if it is required to do so by a court, government agency, or office; (5) place restrictions on the ability to redeem any or all shares in an account if Vanguard believes that doing so will prevent fraud, financial exploitation, or abuse, or to protect vulnerable investors; (6) freeze any account and/or suspend account services if Vanguard has received reasonable notice of a dispute regarding the assets in an account, including notice of a dispute between the registered or beneficial account owners; and (7) freeze any account and/or suspend account services upon initial notification to Vanguard of the death of an account owner.

Investing With Vanguard Through Other Firms

The Fund has authorized certain agents to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders, and those agents are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf (collectively, Authorized Agents). The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an Authorized Agent accepts the order in accordance with the Fund’s instructions. In most instances, a customer order that

B-24

 

is properly transmitted to an Authorized Agent will be priced at the NAV per share next determined after the order is received by the Authorized Agent.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Vanguard

The Fund is part of the Vanguard group of investment companies, which consists of over 200 funds. Each Vanguard fund is a series of a Delaware statutory trust. The funds obtain virtually all of their corporate management, administrative, and distribution services through the trusts’ jointly owned subsidiary, Vanguard. Vanguard also provides investment advisory services to certain Vanguard funds. All of these services are provided at Vanguard’s total cost of operations pursuant to the Fifth Amended and Restated Funds’ Service Agreement (the Agreement).

Vanguard was established and operates under the Agreement. Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management and administrative personnel needed to provide the requisite services to the funds and also furnishes the funds with necessary office space, furnishings, and equipment. The funds’ officers are also employees of Vanguard.

Vanguard, Vanguard Marketing Corporation (VMC), the funds, and the funds’ advisors have adopted codes of ethics designed to prevent employees who may have access to nonpublic information about the trading activities of the funds (access persons) from profiting from that information. The codes of ethics permit access persons to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be held by a fund, but place substantive and procedural restrictions on the trading activities of access persons. For example, the codes of ethics require that access persons receive advance approval for most securities trades to ensure that there is no conflict with the trading activities of the funds.

Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund. Vanguard provides corporate management, administrative, and distribution services. Each fund (other than a fund of funds) pays its share of Vanguard’s total expenses, which are allocated among the funds under methods approved by the board of trustees of each fund. In addition, each fund bears its own direct expenses, such as legal, auditing, and custodial fees. The Agreement provides that each Vanguard fund may be called upon to invest up to 0.40% of its net assets in Vanguard. The amounts that each fund has invested are adjusted from time to time in order to maintain the proportionate relationship between each fund’s relative net assets and its contribution to Vanguard’s capital.

Under a separate agreement, Vanguard provides corporate management, administrative, and investment advisory services to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Commodity Strategy Fund for an annual fee of 0.10% of average net assets of the subsidiary. In addition, the subsidiary pays an unaffiliated third party, VGMF I (Cayman) Limited, an affiliate of MaplesFS Limited, a fee plus reasonable additional expenses for trustee services.

Management. Corporate management and administrative services include (1) executive staff, (2) accounting and financial, (3) legal and regulatory, (4) shareholder account maintenance, (5) monitoring and control of custodian relationships, (6) shareholder reporting, and (7) review and evaluation of advisory and other services provided to the funds by third parties.

Distribution. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vanguard, is the principal underwriter for the funds and in that capacity performs and finances marketing, promotional, and distribution activities (collectively, marketing and distribution activities) that are primarily intended to result in the sale of the funds’ shares. VMC offers shares of each fund for sale on a continuous basis and will use all reasonable efforts in connection with the distribution of shares of the funds. VMC performs marketing and distribution activities in accordance with the conditions of a 1981 SEC exemptive order that permits the Vanguard funds to internalize and jointly finance the marketing, promotion, and distribution of their shares. The funds’ trustees review and approve the marketing and distribution expenses incurred by the funds, including the nature and cost of the activities and the desirability of each fund’s continued participation in the joint arrangement.

To ensure that each fund’s participation in the joint arrangement falls within a reasonable range of fairness, each fund contributes to VMC’s marketing and distribution expenses in accordance with an SEC-approved formula. Under that formula, one half of the marketing and distribution expenses are allocated among the funds based upon their relative net assets. The remaining half of those expenses are allocated among the funds based upon each fund’s sales for the preceding 24 months relative to the total sales of the funds as a group, provided, however, that no fund’s aggregate quarterly rate of contribution for marketing and distribution expenses shall exceed 125% of the average marketing and

B-25

 

distribution expense rate for Vanguard and that no fund shall incur annual marketing and distribution expenses in excess of 0.20% of its average month-end net assets. Each fund’s contribution to these marketing and distribution expenses helps to maintain and enhance the attractiveness and viability of the Vanguard complex as a whole, which benefits all of the funds and their shareholders.

VMC’s principal marketing and distribution expenses are for advertising, promotional materials, and marketing personnel. Other marketing and distribution activities of an administrative nature that VMC undertakes on behalf of the funds may include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting or publishing Vanguard-generated research and analysis concerning the funds, other investments, the financial markets, or the economy.

  • Providing views, opinions, advice, or commentary concerning the funds, other investments, the financial markets, or the economy.

  • Providing analytical, statistical, performance, or other information concerning the funds, other investments, the financial markets, or the economy.

  • Providing administrative services in connection with investments in the funds or other investments, including, but not limited to, shareholder services, recordkeeping services, and educational services.

  • Providing products or services that assist investors or financial service providers (as defined below) in the investment decision-making process.

  • Providing promotional discounts, commission-free trading, fee waivers, and other benefits to clients of Vanguard Brokerage Services® who maintain qualifying investments in the funds.

  • Sponsoring, jointly sponsoring, financially supporting, or participating in conferences, programs, seminars, presentations, meetings, or other events involving fund shareholders, financial service providers, or others concerning the funds, other investments, the financial markets, or the economy, such as industry conferences, prospecting trips, due diligence visits, training or education meetings, and sales presentations.

VMC performs most marketing and distribution activities itself. Some activities may be conducted by third parties pursuant to shared marketing arrangements under which VMC agrees to share the costs and performance of marketing and distribution activities in concert with a financial service provider. Financial service providers include, but are not limited to, investment advisors, broker-dealers, financial planners, financial consultants, banks, and insurance companies. Under these cost- and performance-sharing arrangements, VMC may pay or reimburse a financial service provider (or a third party it retains) for marketing and distribution activities that VMC would otherwise perform. VMC’s cost- and performance-sharing arrangements may be established in connection with Vanguard investment products or services offered or provided to or through the financial service providers. VMC’s arrangements for shared marketing and distribution activities may vary among financial service providers, and its payments or reimbursements to financial service providers in connection with shared marketing and distribution activities may be significant. VMC participates in an offshore arrangement established with a third party to provide marketing, promotional, and other services to qualifying Vanguard funds that are distributed in certain foreign countries on a private-placement basis to government-sponsored and other institutional investors. In exchange for such services, the third party receives an annual base (fixed) fee and may also receive discretionary fees or performance adjustments.

In connection with its marketing and distribution activities, VMC may give financial service providers (or their representatives) (1) promotional items of nominal value that display Vanguard’s logo, such as golf balls, shirts, towels, pens, and mouse pads; (2) gifts that do not exceed $100 per person annually and are not preconditioned on achievement of a sales target; (3) an occasional meal, a ticket to a sporting event or the theater, or comparable entertainment that is neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety and is not preconditioned on achievement of a sales target; and (4) reasonable travel and lodging accommodations to facilitate participation in marketing and distribution activities.

VMC, as a matter of policy, does not pay asset-based fees, sales-based fees, or account-based fees to financial service providers in connection with its marketing and distribution activities for the Vanguard funds. VMC policy also prohibits marketing and distribution activities that are intended, designed, or likely to compromise suitability determinations by, or the fulfillment of any fiduciary duties or other obligations that apply to, financial service providers. Nonetheless, VMC’s marketing and distribution activities are primarily intended to result in the sale of the funds’ shares, and, as such, its activities, including shared marketing and distribution activities, may influence participating financial service providers (or their representatives) to recommend, promote, include, or invest in a Vanguard fund or share class. In addition, Vanguard

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or any of its subsidiaries may retain a financial service provider to provide consulting or other services, and that financial service provider also may provide services to investors. Investors should consider the possibility that any of these activities or relationships may influence a financial service provider’s (or its representatives’) decision to recommend, promote, include, or invest in a Vanguard fund or share class. Each financial service provider should consider its suitability determinations, fiduciary duties, and other legal obligations (or those of its representatives) in connection with any decision to consider, recommend, promote, include, or invest in a Vanguard fund or share class.

Officers and Trustees

Each Vanguard fund is governed by the board of trustees of its trust and a single set of officers. Consistent with the board’s corporate governance principles, the trustees believe that their primary responsibility is oversight of the management of each fund for the benefit of its shareholders, not day-to-day management. The trustees set broad policies for the funds; select investment advisors; monitor fund operations, regulatory compliance, performance, and costs; nominate and select new trustees; and elect fund officers. Vanguard manages the day-to-day operations of the funds under the direction of the board of trustees.

The trustees play an active role, as a full board and at the committee level, in overseeing risk management for the funds. The trustees delegate the day-to-day risk management of the funds to various groups, including portfolio review, investment management, risk management, compliance, legal, fund accounting, and fund financial services. These groups provide the trustees with regular reports regarding investment, valuation, liquidity, and compliance, as well as the risks associated with each. The trustees also oversee risk management for the funds through regular interactions with the funds’ internal and external auditors.

The full board participates in the funds’ risk oversight, in part, through the Vanguard funds’ compliance program, which covers the following broad areas of compliance: investment and other operations; recordkeeping; valuation and pricing; communications and disclosure; reporting and accounting; oversight of service providers; fund governance; and codes of ethics, insider trading controls, and protection of nonpublic information. The program seeks to identify and assess risk through various methods, including through regular interdisciplinary communications between compliance professionals and business personnel who participate on a daily basis in risk management on behalf of the funds. The funds’ chief compliance officer regularly provides reports to the board in writing and in person.

The audit committee of the board, which is composed of F. Joseph Loughrey, Mark Loughridge, Sarah Bloom Raskin, and Peter F. Volanakis, each of whom is an independent trustee, oversees management of financial risks and controls. The audit committee serves as the channel of communication between the independent auditors of the funds and the board with respect to financial statements and financial reporting processes, systems of internal control, and the audit process. Vanguard’s head of internal audit reports directly to the audit committee and provides reports to the committee in writing and in person on a regular basis. Although the audit committee is responsible for overseeing the management of financial risks, the entire board is regularly informed of these risks through committee reports.

All of the trustees bring to each fund’s board a wealth of executive leadership experience derived from their service as executives (in many cases chief executive officers), board members, and leaders of diverse public operating companies, academic institutions, and other organizations. In determining whether an individual is qualified to serve as a trustee of the funds, the board considers a wide variety of information about the trustee, and multiple factors contribute to the board’s decision. Each trustee is determined to have the experience, skills, and attributes necessary to serve the funds and their shareholders because each trustee demonstrates an exceptional ability to consider complex business and financial matters, evaluate the relative importance and priority of issues, make decisions, and contribute effectively to the deliberations of the board. The board also considers the individual experience of each trustee and determines that the trustee’s professional experience, education, and background contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the board. The business acumen, experience, and objective thinking of the trustees are considered invaluable assets for Vanguard management and, ultimately, the Vanguard funds’ shareholders. The specific roles and experience of each board member that factor into this determination are presented on the following pages. The mailing address of the trustees and officers is P.O. Box 876, Valley Forge, PA 19482.

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      Principal Occupation(s) Number of
    Vanguard During the Past Five Years, Vanguard Funds
  Position(s) Funds’ Trustee/ Outside Directorships, Overseen by
Name, Year of Birth Held With Fund Officer Since and Other Experience Trustee/Officer
Interested Trustee1        
Mortimer J. Buckley Chairman of the January 2018 Chairman of the board (January 2019–present) of 212
(1969) Board, Chief   Vanguard and of each of the investment companies  
  Executive Officer,   served by Vanguard; chief executive officer (2018–  
  and President   present) of Vanguard; chief executive officer,  
      president, and trustee (2018–present) of each of the  
      investment companies served by Vanguard; president  
      and director (2017–present) of Vanguard; and president  
      (2018–present) of Vanguard Marketing Corporation.  
      Chief investment officer (2013–2017), managing  
      director (2002–2017), head of the Retail Investor Group  
      (2006–2012), and chief information officer (2001–2006)  
      of Vanguard. Chairman of the board (2011–2017) and  
      trustee (2009–2017) of the Children’s Hospital of  
      Philadelphia; trustee (2018–present) of The Shipley  
School.
 
1 Mr. Buckley is considered an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act because he is an officer of the Trust.  
Independent Trustees        
Emerson U. Fullwood Trustee January 2008 Executive chief staff and marketing officer for North 212
(1948)     America and corporate vice president (retired 2008) of  
      Xerox Corporation (document management products  
      and services). Former president of the Worldwide  
      Channels Group, Latin America, and Worldwide  
      Customer Service and executive chief staff officer of  
      Developing Markets of Xerox. Executive in residence  
      and 2009–2010 Distinguished Minett Professor at the  
      Rochester Institute of Technology. Director of SPX  
      FLOW, Inc. (multi-industry manufacturing). Director of  
      the University of Rochester Medical Center, the  
      Monroe Community College Foundation, the United  
      Way of Rochester, North Carolina A&T University, and  
      Roberts Wesleyan College. Trustee of the University of  
      Rochester.  
 
Amy Gutmann Trustee June 2006 President (2004–present) of the University of 212
(1949)     Pennsylvania. Christopher H. Browne Distinguished  
      Professor of Political Science, School of Arts and  
      Sciences, and professor of communication,  
      Annenberg School for Communication, with secondary  
      faculty appointments in the Department of Philosophy,  
      School of Arts and Sciences, and at the Graduate  
      School of Education, University of Pennsylvania.  
      Trustee of the National Constitution Center.  
 
F. Joseph Loughrey Trustee October 2009 President and chief operating officer (retired 2009) and 212
(1949)     vice chairman of the board (2008–2009) of Cummins  
      Inc. (industrial machinery). Chairman of the board of  
      Hillenbrand, Inc. (specialized consumer services) and  
      the Lumina Foundation. Director of the V Foundation  
      and Oxfam America. Member of the advisory council  
      for the College of Arts and Letters and chair of the  
      advisory board to the Kellogg Institute for International  
      Studies, both at the University of Notre Dame.  

 

B-28

 

      Principal Occupation(s) Number of
    Vanguard During the Past Five Years, Vanguard Funds
  Position(s) Funds’ Trustee/ Outside Directorships, Overseen by
Name, Year of Birth Held With Fund Officer Since and Other Experience Trustee/Officer
Mark Loughridge Lead Independent March 2012 Senior vice president and chief financial officer (retired 212
(1953) Trustee   2013) of IBM (information technology services).  
      Fiduciary member of IBM’s Retirement Plan  
      Committee (2004–2013), senior vice president and  
      general manager (2002–2004) of IBM Global  
      Financing, vice president and controller (1998–2002) of  
      IBM, and a variety of other prior management roles at  
      IBM. Member of the Council on Chicago Booth.  
 
Scott C. Malpass Trustee March 2012 Chief investment officer (1989–present) and vice 212
(1962)     president (1996–present) of the University of Notre  
      Dame. Assistant professor of finance at the Mendoza  
      College of Business, University of Notre Dame, and  
      member of the Notre Dame 403(b) Investment  
      Committee. Chairman of the board of TIFF Advisory  
      Services, Inc. Member of the board of Catholic  
      Investment Services, Inc. (investment advisors), the  
      board of advisors for Spruceview Capital Partners, and  
      the board of superintendence of the Institute for the  
      Works of Religion.  
 
Deanna Mulligan Trustee January 2018 President (2010–present) and chief executive officer 212
(1963)     (2011–present) of The Guardian Life Insurance  
      Company of America. Chief operating officer (2010–  
      2011) and executive vice president (2008–2010) of  
      Individual Life and Disability of The Guardian Life  
      Insurance Company of America. Member of the board  
      of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America,  
      the American Council of Life Insurers, the Partnership  
      for New York City (business leadership), and the  
      Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy.  
      Trustee of the Economic Club of New York and the  
      Bruce Museum (arts and science). Member of the  
      Advisory Council for the Stanford Graduate School of  
      Business.  
 
André F. Perold Trustee December 2004 George Gund Professor of Finance and Banking, 212
(1952)     Emeritus at the Harvard Business School (retired  
      2011). Chief investment officer and co-managing  
      partner of HighVista Strategies LLC (private  
      investment firm). Board of Advisors and investment  
      committee member of the Museum of Fine Arts  
      Boston. Board member (2018–present) of RIT Capital  
      Partners (investment firm); investment committee  
      member of Partners Health Care System.  
 
Sarah Bloom Raskin Trustee January 2018 Deputy secretary (2014–2017) of the United States 212
(1961)     Department of the Treasury. Governor (2010–2014) of  
      the Federal Reserve Board. Commissioner (2007–  
      2010) of financial regulation for the State of Maryland.  
      Member of the board of directors (2012–2014) of  
      Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Director  
      (2017–present) of i(x) Investments, LLC; director  
      (2017–present) of Reserve Trust. Rubinstein Fellow  
      (2017–present) of Duke University; trustee (2017–  
      present) of Amherst College.  

 

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      Principal Occupation(s) Number of
    Vanguard During the Past Five Years, Vanguard Funds
  Position(s) Funds’ Trustee/ Outside Directorships, Overseen by
Name, Year of Birth Held With Fund Officer Since and Other Experience Trustee/Officer
Peter F. Volanakis Trustee July 2009 President and chief operating officer (retired 2010) of 212
(1955)     Corning Incorporated (communications equipment)  
      and director of Corning Incorporated (2000–2010) and  
      Dow Corning (2001–2010). Director (2012) of SPX  
      Corporation (multi-industry manufacturing). Overseer  
      of the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration,  
      Dartmouth College (2001–2013). Chairman of the  
      board of trustees of Colby-Sawyer College. Member of  
      the Board of Hypertherm Inc. (industrial cutting  
      systems, software, and consumables).  
 
Executive Officers        
Glenn Booraem Investment February 2001 Principal of Vanguard. Investment stewardship officer 212
(1967) Stewardship   (2017–present), treasurer (2015–2017), controller  
  Officer   (2010–2015), and assistant controller (2001–2010) of  
      each of the investment companies served by  
      Vanguard.  
 
Christine M. Buchanan Treasurer November 2017 Principal of Vanguard and global head of Fund 212
(1970)     Administration at Vanguard. Treasurer (2017–present)  
      of each of the investment companies served by  
      Vanguard. Partner (2005–2017) at KPMG LLP (audit,  
      tax, and advisory services).  
 
Thomas J. Higgins Chief Financial July 1998 Principal of Vanguard. Chief financial officer (2008– 212
(1957) Officer   present) and treasurer (1998–2008) of each of the  
      investment companies served by Vanguard.  
 
Peter Mahoney Controller May 2015 Principal of Vanguard. Controller (2015–present) of 212
(1974)     each of the investment companies served by  
      Vanguard. Head of International Fund Services (2008–  
      2014) at Vanguard.  
 
Anne E. Robinson Secretary September 2016 General counsel (2016–present) of Vanguard. 212
(1970)     Secretary (2016–present) of Vanguard and of each of  
      the investment companies served by Vanguard.  
      Managing director (2016–present) of Vanguard.  
      Director and senior vice president (2016–2018) of  
      Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Managing director  
      and general counsel of Global Cards and Consumer  
      Services (2014–2016) at Citigroup. Counsel (2003–  
      2014) at American Express.  
 
Michael Rollings Finance Director February 2017 Finance director (2017–present) and treasurer (2017) of 212
(1963)     each of the investment companies served by  
      Vanguard. Managing director (2016–present) of  
      Vanguard. Chief financial officer (2016–present) of  
      Vanguard. Director (2016–present) of Vanguard  
      Marketing Corporation. Executive vice president and  
      chief financial officer (2006–2016) of MassMutual  
      Financial Group.  

 

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      Principal Occupation(s) Number of
    Vanguard During the Past Five Years, Vanguard Funds
  Position(s) Funds’ Trustee/ Outside Directorships, Overseen by
Name, Year of Birth Held With Fund Officer Since and Other Experience Trustee/Officer
John E. Schadl Chief Compliance March 2019 Principal of Vanguard. Chief compliance officer (March 212
(1972) Officer   2019–present) of Vanguard and of each of the  
      investment companies served by Vanguard. Assistant  
      vice president (May 2019–present) of Vanguard  
      Marketing Corporation.  

 

All but one of the trustees are independent. The independent trustees designate a lead independent trustee. The lead independent trustee is a spokesperson and principal point of contact for the independent trustees and is responsible for coordinating the activities of the independent trustees, including calling regular executive sessions of the independent trustees; developing the agenda of each meeting together with the chairman; and chairing the meetings of the independent trustees. The lead independent trustee also chairs the meetings of the audit, compensation, and nominating committees. The board also has two investment committees, which consist of independent trustees and the sole interested trustee.

The independent trustees appoint the chairman of the board. The roles of chairman of the board and chief executive officer currently are held by the same person; as a result, the chairman of the board is an “interested” trustee. The independent trustees generally believe that the Vanguard funds’ chief executive officer is best qualified to serve as chairman and that fund shareholders benefit from this leadership structure through accountability and strong day-to-day leadership.

Board Committees: The Trust‘s board has the following committees:

  • Audit Committee: This committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting policies, the systems of internal controls, and the independent audits of each fund. The following independent trustees serve as members of the committee: Mr. Loughrey, Mr. Loughridge, Ms. Raskin, and Mr. Volanakis. The committee held six meetings during the Trust’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

  • Compensation Committee: This committee oversees the compensation programs established by each fund for the benefit of its trustees. All independent trustees serve as members of the committee. The committee held one meeting during the Trust’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

  • Investment Committees: These committees assist the board in its oversight of investment advisors to the funds and in the review and evaluation of materials relating to the board’s consideration of investment advisory agreements with the funds. Each trustee serves on one of two investment committees. Each investment committee held four meetings during the Trust’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

  • Nominating Committee: This committee nominates candidates for election to the board of trustees of each fund. The committee also has the authority to recommend the removal of any trustee. All independent trustees serve as members of the committee. The committee held five meetings during the Trust’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

The Nominating Committee will consider shareholder recommendations for trustee nominees. Shareholders may send recommendations to Mr. Loughridge, chairman of the committee.

Trustee Compensation

The same individuals serve as trustees of all Vanguard funds and each fund pays a proportionate share of the trustees’ compensation. Vanguard funds also employ their officers on a shared basis; however, officers are compensated by Vanguard, not the funds.

Independent Trustees. The funds compensate their independent trustees (i.e., the ones who are not also officers of the funds) in three ways:

  • The independent trustees receive an annual fee for their service to the funds, which is subject to reduction based on absences from scheduled board meetings.

  • The independent trustees are reimbursed for the travel and other expenses that they incur in attending board meetings.

  • Upon retirement (after attaining age 65 and completing five years of service), the independent trustees who began their service prior to January 1, 2001, receive a retirement benefit under a separate account arrangement. As of January 1, 2001, the opening balance of each eligible trustee’s separate account was generally equal to the net

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present value of the benefits he or she had accrued under the trustees’ former retirement plan. Each eligible trustee’s separate account will be credited annually with interest at a rate of 7.5% until the trustee receives his or her final distribution. Those independent trustees who began their service on or after January 1, 2001, are not eligible to participate in the plan.

“Interested” Trustee. Mr. Buckley serves as trustee, but is not paid in this capacity. He is, however, paid in his role as an officer of Vanguard.

Compensation Table. The following table provides compensation details for each of the trustees. We list the amounts paid as compensation and accrued as retirement benefits for each trustee. In addition, the table shows the total amount of benefits that we expect each trustee to receive from all Vanguard funds upon retirement and the total amount of compensation paid to each trustee by all Vanguard funds.

VANGUARD COMMODITY STRATEGY FUND
TRUSTEES’ COMPENSATION TABLE
 
    Pension or Retirement Accrued Annual Total Compensation
  Aggregate Benefits Accrued Retirement From all Vanguard
  Compensation as Part of the Benefit at Funds Paid
Trustee From the Fund1 Fund’s Expenses1 January 1, 20192 to Trustees3
F. William McNabb III4
Mortimer J. Buckley5
Emerson U. Fullwood $287,500
Amy Gutmann 287,500
JoAnn Heffernan Heisen4 $8,678 307,500
F. Joseph Loughrey 307,500
Mark Loughridge 357,500
Scott C. Malpass 280,530
Deanna Mulligan5 287,500
André F. Perold 287,500
Sarah Bloom Raskin5 307,500
Peter F. Volanakis 307,500

 

1 The amounts in this column are based on the Trust’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. As of this date, the Fund had not yet commenced operations.

2 Each trustee is eligible to receive retirement benefits only after completing at least 5 years (60 consecutive months) of service as a trustee for the Vanguard funds. The annual retirement benefit will be paid in monthly installments, beginning with the month following the trustee’s retirement from service, and will cease after 10 years of payments (120 monthly installments). Trustees who began their service on or after January 1, 2001, are not eligible to participate in the retirement benefit plan.

3 The amounts reported in this column reflect the total compensation paid to each trustee for his or her service as trustee of 212 Vanguard funds for the 2018 calendar year.

4 Mr. McNabb and Ms. Heisen retired from service effective December 31, 2018.

5 Mr. Buckley, Ms. Mulligan, and Ms. Raskin began service effective January 1, 2018.

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Ownership of Fund Shares

All current trustees allocate their investments among the various Vanguard funds based on their own investment needs. The following table shows each trustee’s ownership of shares of the Fund and of all Vanguard funds served by the trustee as of December 31, 2018.

    Dollar Range Aggregate Dollar Range
    of Fund Shares of Vanguard Fund Shares
Vanguard Fund Trustee Owned by Trustee1 Owned by Trustee
Commodity Strategy Fund Mortimer J. Buckley Over $100,000
  Emerson U. Fullwood Over $100,000
  Amy Gutmann Over $100,000
  F. Joseph Loughrey Over $100,000
  Mark Loughridge Over $100,000
  Scott C. Malpass Over $100,000
  Deanna Mulligan Over $100,000
  André F. Perold Over $100,000
  Sarah Bloom Raskin Over $100,000
  Peter F. Volanakis Over $100,000
1 The Fund commenced operations on June 25, 2019.      

 

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policies and Procedures

Introduction

Vanguard and the boards of trustees of the Vanguard funds (Boards) have adopted Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policies and Procedures (Policies and Procedures) to govern the disclosure of the portfolio holdings of each Vanguard fund. Vanguard and the Boards considered each of the circumstances under which Vanguard fund portfolio holdings may be disclosed to different categories of persons under the Policies and Procedures. Vanguard and the Boards also considered actual and potential material conflicts that could arise in such circumstances between the interests of Vanguard fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the fund’s investment advisor, distributor, or any affiliated person of the fund, its investment advisor, or its distributor, on the other. After giving due consideration to such matters and after the exercise of their fiduciary duties and reasonable business judgment, Vanguard and the Boards determined that the Vanguard funds have a legitimate business purpose for disclosing portfolio holdings to the persons described in each of the circumstances set forth in the Policies and Procedures and that the Policies and Procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that disclosure of portfolio holdings and information about portfolio holdings is in the best interests of fund shareholders and appropriately addresses the potential for material conflicts of interest.

The Boards exercise continuing oversight of the disclosure of Vanguard fund portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Policies and Procedures, the Code of Ethics, and the Policies and Procedures Designed to Prevent the Misuse of Inside Information (collectively, the portfolio holdings governing policies) by the chief compliance officer of Vanguard and the Vanguard funds; (2) considering reports and recommendations by the chief compliance officer concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) that may arise in connection with any portfolio holdings governing policies; and (3) considering whether to approve or ratify any amendment to any portfolio holdings governing policies. Vanguard and the Boards reserve the right to amend the Policies and Procedures at any time and from time to time without prior notice at their sole discretion. For purposes of the Policies and Procedures, the term “portfolio holdings” means the equity and debt securities (e.g., stocks and bonds) held by a Vanguard fund and does not mean the cash investments, derivatives, and other investment positions (collectively, other investment positions) held by the fund.

Online Disclosure of Ten Largest Stock Holdings

Each actively managed Vanguard fund generally will seek to disclose the fund’s ten largest stock portfolio holdings and the percentage of the fund’s total assets that each of these holdings represents as of the end of the most recent calendar quarter (quarter-end ten largest stock holdings with weightings) online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 15 calendar days after the end of the calendar quarter. Each

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Vanguard index fund generally will seek to disclose the fund’s ten largest stock portfolio holdings and the percentage of the fund’s total assets that each of these holdings represents as of the end of the most recent month (month-end ten largest stock holdings with weightings) online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 15 calendar days after the end of the month. In addition, Vanguard funds generally will seek to disclose the fund’s ten largest stock portfolio holdings and the aggregate percentage of the fund’s total assets (and, for balanced funds, the aggregate percentage of the fund’s equity securities) that these holdings represent as of the end of the most recent month (month-end ten largest stock holdings) online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 10 business days after the end of the month. Together, the quarter-end and month-end ten largest stock holdings are referred to as the ten largest stock holdings. Online disclosure of the ten largest stock holdings is made to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, affiliated persons of a Vanguard fund, and all other persons.

Online Disclosure of Complete Portfolio Holdings

Each actively managed Vanguard fund, unless otherwise stated, generally will seek to disclose the fund’s complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the most recent calendar quarter online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar quarter. In accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, each of the Vanguard money market funds will disclose the fund’s complete portfolio holdings as of the last business day of the prior month online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, no later than the fifth business day of the current month. The complete portfolio holdings information for money market funds will remain available online for at least six months after the initial posting. Vanguard Market Neutral Fund and Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund generally will seek to disclose the Fund’s complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the most recent calendar quarter online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the Fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 60 calendar days after the end of the calendar quarter. Each Vanguard index fund generally will seek to disclose the fund’s complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the most recent month online at vanguard.com, in the “Portfolio” section of the fund’s Portfolio & Management page, 15 calendar days after the end of the month. Online disclosure of complete portfolio holdings is made to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, affiliated persons of a Vanguard fund, and all other persons. Vanguard will review complete portfolio holdings before disclosure is made and, except with respect to the complete portfolio holdings of the Vanguard money market funds, may withhold any portion of the fund’s complete portfolio holdings from disclosure when deemed to be in the best interests of the fund after consultation with a Vanguard fund’s investment advisor.

Disclosure of Complete Portfolio Holdings to Service Providers Subject to Confidentiality and Trading Restrictions

Vanguard, for legitimate business purposes, may disclose Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings at times it deems necessary and appropriate to rating and ranking organizations; financial printers; proxy voting service providers; pricing information vendors; issuers of guaranteed investment contracts for stable value portfolios; third parties that deliver analytical, statistical, or consulting services; and other third parties that provide services (collectively, Service Providers) to Vanguard, Vanguard subsidiaries, and/or the Vanguard funds. Disclosure of complete portfolio holdings to a Service Provider is conditioned on the Service Provider being subject to a written agreement imposing a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the basis of any material nonpublic information.

The frequency with which complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed to a Service Provider, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed to the Service Provider, is determined based on the facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the nature of the portfolio holdings information to be disclosed, the risk of harm to the funds and their shareholders, and the legitimate business purposes served by such disclosure. The frequency of disclosure to a Service Provider varies and may be as frequent as daily, with no lag. Disclosure of Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings by Vanguard to a Service Provider must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal in Vanguard’s Portfolio Review Department or Legal and Compliance Division. Any disclosure of Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings to a Service Provider as previously described may also include a list of the other investment positions that make up the fund, such as cash investments and derivatives.

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Currently, Vanguard discloses Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings to the following Service Providers as part of ongoing arrangements that serve legitimate business purposes: Abel/Noser Corporation; Advisor Software, Inc.; Alcom Printing Group Inc.; Apple Press, L.C.; Bloomberg L.P.; Brilliant Graphics, Inc.; Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.; Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.; Canon Business Process Services; FactSet Research Systems Inc.; Innovation Printing & Communications; Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.; Intelligencer Printing Company; Investment Technology Group, Inc.; Lipper, Inc.; Markit WSO Corporation; McMunn Associates Inc.; Reuters America Inc.; R.R. Donnelley, Inc.; State Street Bank and Trust Company; Trade Informatics LLC; Triune Color Corporation; and Tursack Printing Inc.

Disclosure of Complete Portfolio Holdings to Vanguard Affiliates and Certain Fiduciaries Subject to Confidentiality and Trading Restrictions

Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed between and among the following persons (collectively, Affiliates and Fiduciaries) for legitimate business purposes within the scope of their official duties and responsibilities, subject to such persons’ continuing legal duty of confidentiality and legal duty not to trade on the basis of any material nonpublic information, as such duties are imposed under the Code of Ethics, the Policies and Procedures Designed to Prevent the Misuse of Inside Information, by agreement, or under applicable laws, rules, and regulations: (1) persons who are subject to the Code of Ethics or the Policies and Procedures Designed to Prevent the Misuse of Inside Information; (2) an investment advisor, distributor, administrator, transfer agent, or custodian to a Vanguard fund; (3) an accounting firm, an auditing firm, or outside legal counsel retained by Vanguard, a Vanguard subsidiary, or a Vanguard fund; (4) an investment advisor to whom complete portfolio holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes when the advisor is in merger or acquisition talks with a Vanguard fund’s current advisor; and (5) a newly hired investment advisor or sub-advisor to whom complete portfolio holdings are disclosed prior to the time it commences its duties.

The frequency with which complete portfolio holdings may be disclosed between and among Affiliates and Fiduciaries, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed between and among the Affiliates and Fiduciaries, is determined by such Affiliates and Fiduciaries based on the facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the nature of the portfolio holdings information to be disclosed, the risk of harm to the funds and their shareholders, and the legitimate business purposes served by such disclosure. The frequency of disclosure between and among Affiliates and Fiduciaries varies and may be as frequent as daily, with no lag. Any disclosure of Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings to any Affiliates and Fiduciaries as previously described may also include a list of the other investment positions that make up the fund, such as cash investments and derivatives. Disclosure of Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings or other investment positions by Vanguard, Vanguard Marketing Corporation, or a Vanguard fund to Affiliates and Fiduciaries must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal of Vanguard.

Currently, Vanguard discloses Vanguard fund complete portfolio holdings to the following Affiliates and Fiduciaries as part of ongoing arrangements that serve legitimate business purposes: Vanguard and each investment advisor, custodian, and independent registered public accounting firm identified in each fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings to Broker-Dealers in the Normal Course of Managing a Fund’s Assets

An investment advisor, administrator, or custodian for a Vanguard fund may, for legitimate business purposes within the scope of its official duties and responsibilities, disclose portfolio holdings (whether partial portfolio holdings or complete portfolio holdings) and other investment positions that make up the fund to one or more broker-dealers during the course of, or in connection with, normal day-to-day securities and derivatives transactions with or through such broker-dealers subject to the broker-dealer’s legal obligation not to use or disclose material nonpublic information concerning the fund’s portfolio holdings, other investment positions, securities transactions, or derivatives transactions without the consent of the fund or its agents. The Vanguard funds have not given their consent to any such use or disclosure and no person or agent of Vanguard is authorized to give such consent except as approved in writing by the Boards of the Vanguard funds. Disclosure of portfolio holdings or other investment positions by Vanguard to broker-dealers must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal of Vanguard.

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Disclosure of Nonmaterial Information

The Policies and Procedures permit Vanguard fund officers, Vanguard fund portfolio managers, and other Vanguard representatives (collectively, Approved Vanguard Representatives) to disclose any views, opinions, judgments, advice, or commentary, or any analytical, statistical, performance, or other information, in connection with or relating to a Vanguard fund or its portfolio holdings and/or other investment positions (collectively, commentary and analysis) or any changes in the portfolio holdings of a Vanguard fund that occurred after the end of the most recent calendar quarter (recent portfolio changes) to any person if (1) such disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose, (2) such disclosure does not effectively result in the disclosure of the complete portfolio holdings of any Vanguard fund (which can be disclosed only in accordance with the Policies and Procedures), and (3) such information does not constitute material nonpublic information. Disclosure of commentary and analysis or recent portfolio changes by Vanguard, Vanguard Marketing Corporation, or a Vanguard fund must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal of Vanguard.

An Approved Vanguard Representative must make a good faith determination whether the information constitutes material nonpublic information, which involves an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. Vanguard believes that in most cases recent portfolio changes that involve a few or even several securities in a diversified portfolio or commentary and analysis would be immaterial and would not convey any advantage to a recipient in making an investment decision concerning a Vanguard fund. Nonexclusive examples of commentary and analysis about a Vanguard fund include (1) the allocation of the fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions among various asset classes, sectors, industries, and countries; (2) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of the fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions; (3) the attribution of fund returns by asset class, sector, industry, and country; and (4) the volatility characteristics of the fund. Approved Vanguard Representatives may, at their sole discretion, deny any request for information made by any person, and may do so for any reason or for no reason. Approved Vanguard Representatives include, for purposes of the Policies and Procedures, persons employed by or associated with Vanguard or a subsidiary of Vanguard who have been authorized by Vanguard’s Portfolio Review Department to disclose recent portfolio changes and/or commentary and analysis in accordance with the Policies and Procedures.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Related Information to the Issuer of a Security for Legitimate Business Purposes

Vanguard, at its sole discretion, may disclose portfolio holdings information concerning a security held by one or more Vanguard funds to the issuer of such security if the issuer presents, to the satisfaction of Vanguard’s Fund Financial Services unit, convincing evidence that the issuer has a legitimate business purpose for such information. Disclosure of this information to an issuer is conditioned on the issuer being subject to a written agreement imposing a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the basis of any material nonpublic information. The frequency with which portfolio holdings information concerning a security may be disclosed to the issuer of such security, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed to the issuer, is determined based on the facts and circumstances, including, without limitation, the nature of the portfolio holdings information to be disclosed, the risk of harm to the funds and their shareholders, and the legitimate business purposes served by such disclosure. The frequency of disclosure to an issuer cannot be determined in advance of a specific request and will vary based upon the particular facts and circumstances and the legitimate business purposes, but in unusual situations could be as frequent as daily, with no lag. Disclosure of portfolio holdings information concerning a security held by one or more Vanguard funds to the issuer of such security must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal in Vanguard’s Portfolio Review Department or Legal and Compliance Division.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings as Required by Applicable Law

Vanguard fund portfolio holdings (whether partial portfolio holdings or complete portfolio holdings) and other investment positions that make up a fund shall be disclosed to any person as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of such required disclosure include, but are not limited to, disclosure of Vanguard fund portfolio holdings (1) in a filing or submission with the SEC or another regulatory body, (2) in connection with seeking recovery on defaulted bonds in a federal bankruptcy case, (3) in connection with a lawsuit, or (4) as required by court order. Disclosure of portfolio holdings or other investment positions by Vanguard, Vanguard Marketing Corporation, or a Vanguard fund as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations must be authorized by a Vanguard fund officer or a Principal of Vanguard.

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Prohibitions on Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

No person is authorized to disclose Vanguard fund portfolio holdings or other investment positions (whether online at vanguard.com, in writing, by fax, by email, orally, or by other means) except in accordance with the Policies and Procedures. In addition, no person is authorized to make disclosure pursuant to the Policies and Procedures if such disclosure is otherwise unlawful under the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act). Furthermore, Vanguard’s management, at its sole discretion, may determine not to disclose portfolio holdings or other investment positions that make up a Vanguard fund to any person who would otherwise be eligible to receive such information under the Policies and Procedures, or may determine to make such disclosures publicly as provided by the Policies and Procedures.

Prohibitions on Receipt of Compensation or Other Consideration

The Policies and Procedures prohibit a Vanguard fund, its investment advisor, and any other person or entity from paying or receiving any compensation or other consideration of any type for the purpose of obtaining disclosure of Vanguard fund portfolio holdings or other investment positions. “Consideration” includes any agreement to maintain assets in the fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the investment advisor or by any affiliated person of the investment advisor.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

The Fund receives investment advisory services from Vanguard, through its Quantitative Equity Group and its Fixed Income Group. These services are provided by an experienced advisory staff employed directly by Vanguard. The compensation and other expenses of the advisory staff are allocated among the funds utilizing these services.

1. Other Accounts Managed

Anatoly Shtekhman, Fei Xu, and Joshua C. Barrickman co-manage Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, which commenced operations on June 25, 2019. As of May 31, 2019, Mr. Shtekhman also co-managed all or a portion of 2 other registered investment companies with total assets of $2.1 billion (none of which had advisory fees based on account performance); Mr. Xu also co-managed all or a portion of 1 other registered investment company with total assets of $315 million (advisory fees not based on account performance); and Mr. Barrickman also managed 16 other registered investment companies with total assets of $742 billion and co-managed all or a portion of 5 other registered investment companies with total assets of $46 billion (none of which had advisory fees based on account performance).

2. Material Conflicts of Interest

At Vanguard, individual portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition to mutual funds, these accounts may include separate accounts, collective trusts, or offshore funds. Managing multiple funds or accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities. Vanguard manages potential conflicts between funds or accounts through allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and oversight by trustees and independent third parties. Vanguard has developed trade allocation procedures and controls to ensure that no one client, regardless of type, is intentionally favored at the expense of another. Allocation policies are designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities.

3. Description of Compensation

All Vanguard portfolio managers are Vanguard employees. This section describes the compensation of the Vanguard employees who manage Vanguard mutual funds. As of the date of this SAI, a Vanguard portfolio manager’s compensation generally consists of base salary, bonus, and payments under Vanguard’s long-term incentive compensation program. In addition, portfolio managers are eligible for the standard retirement benefits and health and welfare benefits available to all Vanguard employees. Also, certain portfolio managers may be eligible for additional retirement benefits under several supplemental retirement plans that Vanguard adopted in the 1980s to restore dollar-for-dollar the benefits of management employees that had been cut back solely as a result of tax law changes. These plans are structured to provide the same retirement benefits as the standard retirement plans.

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In the case of portfolio managers responsible for managing multiple Vanguard funds or accounts, the method used to determine their compensation is the same for all funds and investment accounts. A portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by the manager’s experience and performance in the role, taking into account the ongoing compensation benchmark analyses performed by Vanguard’s Human Resources Department. A portfolio manager’s base salary is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of an annual review, upon assumption of new duties, or in response to a market adjustment of the position.

A portfolio manager’s bonus is determined by a number of factors. One factor is gross, pre-tax performance of the fund relative to expectations for how the fund should have performed, given the fund’s investment objective, policies, strategies, and limitations and the market environment during the measurement period. This performance factor is not based on the amount of assets held in the fund’s portfolio. For Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, the performance factor depends on how closely each portfolio manager outperforms these expectations and maintains the risk parameters of the Fund over a three-year period. Additional factors include the portfolio manager’s contributions to the investment management functions within the sub-asset class, contributions to the development of other investment professionals and supporting staff, and overall contributions to strategic planning and decisions for the investment group. The target bonus is expressed as a percentage of base salary. The actual bonus paid may be more or less than the target bonus, based on how well the manager satisfies the objectives previously described. The bonus is paid on an annual basis.

Under the long-term incentive compensation program, all full-time employees receive a payment from Vanguard’s long-term incentive compensation plan based on their years of service, job level, and, if applicable, management responsibilities. Each year, Vanguard’s independent directors determine the amount of the long-term incentive compensation award for that year based on the investment performance of the Vanguard funds relative to competitors and Vanguard’s operating efficiencies in providing services to the Vanguard funds.

4. Ownership of Securities

Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on June 25, 2019.

Duration and Termination of Investment Advisory Agreements

Vanguard provides investment advisory services to the Fund pursuant to the terms of the Fifth Amended and Restated Funds’ Service Agreement. This agreement will continue in full force and effect until terminated or amended by mutual agreement of the Vanguard funds and Vanguard.

Securities Lending

The Fund commenced operations on June 25, 2019; therefore, it does not yet have securities lending activities to report.

The services provided by Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and Vanguard, each acting separately as securities lending agents for certain Vanguard funds, include coordinating the selection of securities to be loaned to approved borrowers; negotiating the terms of the loan; monitoring the value of the securities loaned and corresponding collateral, marking to market daily; coordinating the investment of cash collateral in the funds’ approved cash collateral reinvestment vehicle; monitoring dividends and coordinating material proxy votes relating to loaned securities; and transferring, recalling, and arranging the return of loaned securities to the funds upon termination of the loan.

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The advisor decides which securities to buy and sell on behalf of Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund and then selects the brokers or dealers that will execute the trades on an agency basis or the dealers with whom the trades will be effected on a principal basis. For each trade, the advisor must select a broker-dealer that it believes will provide “best execution.” Best execution does not necessarily mean paying the lowest spread or commission rate available. In seeking best execution, the SEC has said that an advisor should consider the full range of a broker-dealer’s services. The factors considered by the advisor in seeking best execution include, but are not limited to, the broker-dealer’s execution capability, clearance and settlement services, commission rate, trading expertise, willingness and ability to commit capital, ability to provide anonymity, financial responsibility, reputation and integrity, responsiveness, access to underwritten offerings and secondary markets, and access to company management, as well as the value of any research provided by the broker-dealer. In assessing which broker-dealer can provide best execution for a particular trade, the advisor also may consider the timing and size of the order and available liquidity and current market conditions. Subject to applicable legal requirements, the advisor may select a broker based partly on brokerage or research services provided to the advisor and its clients, including the Fund. The advisor may cause the Fund to pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if the advisor determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of services provided. The advisor also may receive brokerage or research services from broker-dealers that are provided at no charge in recognition of the volume of trades directed to the broker. To the extent research services or products may be a factor in selecting brokers, services and products may include written research reports analyzing performance or securities, discussions with research analysts, meetings with corporate executives to obtain oral reports on company performance, market data, and other products and services that will assist the advisor in its investment decision-making process. The research services provided by brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions may be used by the advisor in servicing all of its accounts, and some of the services may not be used by the advisor in connection with the Fund.

Some securities that are considered for investment by the Fund may also be appropriate for other Vanguard funds or for other clients served by the advisor. If such securities are compatible with the investment policies of the Fund and one or more of the advisor’s other clients, and are considered for purchase or sale at or about the same time, then transactions in such securities may be aggregated by the advisor and the purchased securities or sale proceeds may be allocated among the participating Vanguard funds and the other participating clients of the advisor in a manner deemed equitable by the advisor. Although there may be no specified formula for allocating such transactions, the allocation methods used, and the results of such allocations, will be subject to periodic review by the Fund’s board of trustees.

The ability of Vanguard to purchase or dispose of investments in regulated industries, certain derivatives markets, certain international markets, and certain issuers that limit ownership by a single shareholder or group of related shareholders, or to exercise rights on behalf of the Fund, may be restricted or impaired because of limitations on the aggregate level of investment unless regulatory or corporate consents or ownership waivers are obtained. As a result, Vanguard on behalf of the Fund may be required to limit purchases, sell existing investments, or otherwise restrict or limit the exercise of shareholder rights by the Fund, including voting rights. If the Fund is required to limit its investment in a particular issuer, the Fund may seek to obtain economic exposure to that issuer through alternative means, such as through a derivative, which may be more costly than owning securities of the issuer directly.

VANGUARD‘S PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

The Board of Trustees (the Board) of each Vanguard fund has adopted proxy voting procedures and guidelines to govern proxy voting by the fund. The Board has delegated oversight of proxy voting to the Investment Stewardship Oversight Committee (the Committee), made up of senior officers of Vanguard and subject to these procedures and guidelines. The Committee reports directly to the Board. Vanguard is subject to these procedures and guidelines to the extent that they call for Vanguard to administer the voting process and implement the resulting voting decisions, and for these purposes the guidelines have also been approved by the Board of Directors of Vanguard.

The overarching objective in voting is simple: to support proposals and director nominees that maximize the value of a fund’s investments—and those of fund shareholders—over the long term. Although the goal is simple, the proposals the funds receive are varied and frequently complex. As such, the guidelines adopted by the Board provide a rigorous framework for assessing each proposal. Under the guidelines, each proposal must be evaluated on its merits, based on the particular facts and circumstances as presented.

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For ease of reference, the procedures and guidelines often refer to all funds. However, our processes and practices seek to ensure that proxy voting decisions are suitable for individual funds. For most proxy proposals, particularly those involving corporate governance, the evaluation will result in the same position being taken across all of the funds and the funds voting as a block. In some cases, however, a fund may vote differently, depending upon the nature and objective of the fund, the composition of its portfolio, and other factors.

The guidelines do not permit the Board to delegate voting responsibility to a third party that does not serve as a fiduciary for the funds. Because many factors bear on each decision, the guidelines incorporate factors the Committee should consider in each voting decision. A fund may refrain from voting some or all of its shares or vote in a particular way if doing so would be in the fund’s and its shareholders’ best interests. These circumstances may arise, for example, if the expected cost of voting exceeds the expected benefits of voting, if exercising the vote would result in the imposition of trading or other restrictions, or if a fund (or all Vanguard funds in the aggregate) were to own more than the permissible maximum percentage of a company’s stock (as determined by the company’s governing documents or by applicable law, regulation, or regulatory agreement).

In evaluating proxy proposals, we consider information from many sources, including, but not limited to, the investment advisor for the fund, the management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal, and independent proxy research services. We will give substantial weight to the recommendations of the company’s board, absent guidelines or other specific facts that would support a vote against management. In all cases, however, the ultimate decision rests with the members of the Committee, who are accountable to the fund’s Board.

While serving as a framework, the guidelines cannot contemplate all possible proposals with which a fund may be presented. In the absence of a specific guideline for a particular proposal (e.g., in the case of a transactional issue or contested proxy), the Committee will evaluate the issue and cast the fund’s vote in a manner that, in the Committee’s view, will maximize the value of the fund’s investment, subject to the individual circumstances of the fund.

The guidelines are available at about.vanguard.com/investment-stewardship.

I. Voting in Markets Outside the United States

Corporate governance standards, disclosure requirements, and voting mechanics vary greatly among the markets outside the United States in which the funds may invest. Each fund’s votes will be used, where applicable, to advocate for improvements in governance and disclosure by each fund’s portfolio companies. We will evaluate issues presented to shareholders for each fund’s foreign holdings in the context with the guidelines, as well as local market standards and best practices. The funds will cast their votes in a manner believed to be philosophically consistent with these guidelines, while taking into account differing practices by market. In addition, there may be instances in which the funds elect not to vote, as described below.

Many other markets require that securities be “blocked” or reregistered to vote at a company’s meeting. Absent an issue of compelling economic importance, we will generally not subject the fund to the loss of liquidity imposed by these requirements.

The costs of voting (e.g., custodian fees, vote agency fees) in other markets may be substantially higher than for U.S. holdings. As such, the fund may limit its voting on foreign holdings in instances in which the issues presented are unlikely to have a material impact on shareholder value.

II. Voting Shares of a Company That Has an Ownership Limitation

Certain companies have provisions in their governing documents that restrict stock ownership in excess of a specified limit. Typically, these ownership restrictions are included in the governing documents of real estate investment trusts, but may be included in other companies’ governing documents.

A company’s governing documents normally allow the company to grant a waiver of these ownership limits, which would allow a fund (or all Vanguard-advised funds) to exceed the stated ownership limit. Sometimes a company will grant a waiver without restriction. From time to time, a company may grant a waiver only if a fund (or funds) agrees to not vote the company’s shares in excess of the normal specified limit. In such a circumstance, a fund may refrain from voting shares if owning the shares beyond the company’s specified limit is in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.

B-40

 

In addition, applicable law may require prior regulatory approval to permit ownership of certain regulated issuer’s voting securities above certain limits or may impose other restrictions on owners of more than a certain percentage of a regulated issuer’s voting shares. The Board has authorized the funds to vote shares above these limits in the same proportion as votes cast by the issuer’s entire shareholder base (i.e., mirror vote) or to refrain from voting excess shares if mirror voting is not practicable.

III. Voting on a Fund’s Holdings of Other Vanguard Funds

Certain Vanguard funds (owner funds) may, from time to time, own shares of other Vanguard funds (underlying funds). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a vote of its shareholders, votes for and against such matters on behalf of the owner funds will be cast in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders in the underlying fund.

IV. Investment Stewardship Team

The Board has delegated the day-to-day administration of the funds’ proxy voting process to the Investment Stewardship Team, which the Committee oversees. Although most votes will be determined, subject to the individual circumstances of each fund, by reference to the guidelines as separately adopted by each of the funds, there may be circumstances when the Investment Stewardship Team will refer proxy issues to the Committee for consideration. In addition, at any time, the Board has the authority to vote proxies, when, at the Board’s or the Committee’s discretion, such action is warranted.

The Investment Stewardship Team performs the following functions: (1) managing and conducting due diligence of proxy voting vendors; (2) reconciling share positions; (3) analyzing proxy proposals using factors described in the guidelines; (4) determining and addressing potential or actual conflicts of interest that may be presented by a particular proxy; and (5) voting proxies. The Investment Stewardship Team also prepares periodic and special reports to the Board, and any proposed amendments to the procedures and guidelines.

V. Investment Stewardship Oversight Committee

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees, appoints the members of the Committee who are senior officers of Vanguard.

The Committee does not include anyone whose primary duties include external client relationship management or sales. This clear separation between the proxy voting and client relationship functions is intended to eliminate any potential conflict of interest in the proxy voting process. In the unlikely event that a member of the Committee believes he or she might have a conflict of interest regarding a proxy vote, that member must recuse himself or herself from the committee meeting at which the matter is addressed, and not participate in the voting decision.

The Committee works with the Investment Stewardship Team to provide reports and other guidance to the Board regarding proxy voting by the funds. The Committee has an obligation to conduct its meetings and exercise its decision-making authority subject to the fiduciary standards of good faith, fairness, and Vanguard’s Code of Ethics. The Committee shall authorize proxy votes that the Committee determines, at its sole discretion, to be in the best interests of each fund’s shareholders. In determining how to apply the guidelines to a particular factual situation, the Committee may not take into account any interest that would conflict with the interest of fund shareholders in maximizing the value of their investments.

The Board may review the procedures and guidelines and modify them from time to time.

To obtain a free copy of a report that details how the funds voted the proxies relating to the portfolio securities held by the funds for the prior 12-month period ended June 30, log on to vanguard.com or visit the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund commenced operations on June 25, 2019; therefore, Financial Statements are not yet available for the Fund. For a discussion of the Fund’s performance, please see the Fund’s Annual and Semiannual Reports to Shareholders, which, once available, may be obtained without charge

B-41

 

DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS

Moody’s Rating Symbols

The following describe characteristics of the global long-term (original maturity of 1 year or more) bond ratings provided by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s):

Aaa—Judged to be obligations of the highest quality, they are subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa—Judged to be obligations of high quality, they are subject to very low credit risk. Together with the Aaa group, they make up what are generally known as high-grade bonds.

A—Judged to be upper-medium-grade obligations, they are subject to low credit risk.

Baa—Judged to be medium-grade obligations, subject to moderate credit risk, they may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba—Judged to be speculative obligations, they are subject to substantial credit risk.

B—Considered to be speculative obligations, they are subject to high credit risk.

Caa—Judged to be speculative obligations of poor standing, they are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca—Viewed as highly speculative obligations, they are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C—Viewed as the lowest rated obligations, they are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal and interest.

Moody’s also supplies numerical indicators (1, 2, and 3) to rating categories. The modifier 1 indicates that the security is in the higher end of its rating category, the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking, and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking toward the lower end of the category.

The following describe characteristics of the global short-term (original maturity of 13 months or less) bond ratings provided by Moody’s. This ratings scale also applies to U.S. municipal tax-exempt commercial paper.

Prime-1 (P-1)—Judged to have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. Prime-2 (P-2)—Judged to have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. Prime-3 (P-3)—Judged to have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations. Not Prime (NP)—Cannot be judged to be in any of the prime rating categories.

The following describe characteristics of the U.S. municipal short-term bond ratings provided by Moody’s:

Moody’s ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term (up to 3 years) obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG).

MIG 1—Indicates superior quality, enjoying the excellent protection of established cash flows, liquidity support, and broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2—Indicates strong credit quality with ample margins of protection, although not as large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3—Indicates acceptable credit quality, with narrow liquidity and cash-flow protection and less well-established market access for refinancing.

SG—Indicates speculative credit quality with questionable margins of protection.

Standard and Poor’s Rating Symbols

The following describe characteristics of the long-term (original maturity of 1 year or more) bond ratings provided by Standard and Poor’s:

AAA—These are the highest rated obligations. The capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

B-42

 

AA—These also qualify as high-grade obligations. They have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

A—These are regarded as upper-medium-grade obligations. They have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.

BBB—These are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity in this regard. This group is the lowest that qualifies for commercial bank investment.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and C—These obligations range from speculative to significantly speculative with respect to the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest.

D—These obligations are in default, and payment of principal and/or interest is likely in arrears.

The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (–) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

The following describe characteristics of short-term (original maturity of 365 days or less) bond and commercial paper ratings designations provided by Standard and Poor’s:

A-1—These are the highest rated obligations. The capacity of the obligor to pay interest and repay principal is strong. The addition of a plus sign (+) would indicate a very strong capacity.

A-2—These obligations are somewhat susceptible to changing economic conditions. The obligor has a satisfactory capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

A-3—These obligations are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changing economic conditions, which could lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

B—These obligations are vulnerable to nonpayment and are significantly speculative, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C—These obligations are vulnerable to nonpayment, but the obligor must rely on favorable economic conditions to meet its financial commitment.

D—These obligations are in default, and payment of principal and/or interest is likely in arrears.

The following describe characteristics of U.S. municipal short-term (original maturity of 3 years or less) note ratings provided by Standard and Poor’s:

SP-1—This designation indicates a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. SP-2—This designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest. SP-3—This designation indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

B-43

 

SAI 517 062019

 

PART C
 
VANGUARD TRUSTEES’ EQUITY FUND
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 28. Exhibits
(a) Articles of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, is filed
  herewith.
(b) By-Laws, Amended and Restated By-Laws, filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 82
  dated February 22, 2018, are hereby incorporated by reference.
(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, reference is made to Articles III and V of the
  Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, refer to Exhibit (a)
  above.
(d) Investment Advisory Contracts, for Lazard Asset Management LLC, filed with Post-Effective
  Amendment No. 44 dated July 27, 2006; for Edinburgh Partners Limited, filed with Post-
  Effective Amendment No. 49 dated July 21, 2008; and for ARGA Invesment Management, LP,
  filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 dated August 2, 2012, are hereby incorporated by
  reference. For Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., Pzena Investment Management, LLC, and
  Wellington Management Company, LLP, filed with Post Effective Amendment No. 69 dated
  February 26, 2014, are hereby incorporated by reference. The Vanguard Group, Inc. provides
  investment advisory services to Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund, Vanguard Commodity
  Strategy Fund, and Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund pursuant to the Amended and Restated
  Funds’ Service Agreement, refer to Exhibit (h) below.
(e) Underwriting Contracts, not applicable.
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts, reference is made to the section entitled “Management of
  the Funds” in the Registrant’s Statement of Additional Information.
(g) Custodian Agreements, for JPMorgan Chase Bank filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
  84 dated February 22, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference. For State Street Bank and
  Trust Company, is filed herewith.
(h) Other Material Contracts, Fifth Amended and Restated Funds’ Service Agreement, filed with
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 dated February 22, 2018, is hereby incorporated by
  reference.
(i) Legal Opinion, not applicable.
(j) Other Opinions, Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, not applicable.
(k) Omitted Financial Statements, not applicable.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements, not applicable.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan, not applicable.
(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan, is filed herewith.
(o) Reserved.
(p) Codes of Ethics, for Wellington Management Company, LLP, filed with Post-Effective
  Amendment No. 82 dated February 22, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference. For ARGA
  Invesment Management, LP; Edinburgh Partners Limited; Lazard Asset Management LLC;
  Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.; Pzena Investment Management, LLC; and The Vanguard
  Group, Inc., filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 dated February 22, 2018, are hereby
  incorporated by reference.

 

C-1

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

None.

Item 30. Indemnification

The Registrant’s organizational documents contain provisions indemnifying Trustees and officers against liability incurred in their official capacities. Article VII, Section 2 of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Registrant may indemnify and hold harmless each and every Trustee and officer from and against any and all claims, demands, costs, losses, expenses, and damages whatsoever arising out of or related to the performance of his or her duties as a Trustee or officer. Article VI of the By-Laws generally provides that the Registrant shall indemnify its Trustees and officers from any liability arising out of their past or present service in that capacity. Among other things, this provision excludes any liability arising by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or the reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the Trustee’s or officer’s office with the Registrant.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) may be permitted for directors, officers, or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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 Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor

ARGA Investment Management, LP (ARGA) is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act). The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of ARGA, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by ARGA pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-77018)

Edinburgh Partners Limited (Edinburgh Partners) is an investment advisor registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Edinburgh Partners, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Edinburgh Partners pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-63714).

Lazard Asset Management, LLC (Lazard) is an investment advisor registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Lazard, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Lazard pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-61701).

Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (Oaktree), is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and partners of Oaktree, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and partners during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Oaktree pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-48923).

Pzena Investment Management, LLC (Pzena) is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Pzena, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Pzena pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-50838).

C-2

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (Wellington Management) is an investment advisor registered under the Advisers Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and partners of Wellington Management, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and partners during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Wellington Management pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File No. 801-15908).

The Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard) is an investment advisor registered under the Advisors Act. The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of Vanguard, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by Vanguard pursuant to the Advisors Act (SEC File No. 801-11953).

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

(a)     

Vanguard Marketing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the principal underwriter of each fund within the Vanguard group of investment companies, a family of over 200 funds.

(b)     

The principal business address of each named director and officer of Vanguard Marketing Corporation is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355.

Name Positions and Office with Underwriter Positions and Office with Funds
Karin A.Risi Director, Chairman, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer None
  Designee  
Scott A. Conking Director and Principal None
Kevin Jestice Director and Principal None
Christopher D. McIsaac Director and Principal None
Thomas M. Rampulla Director and Principal None
Michael Rollings Director and Principal Finance Director
Caroline Cosby Director and Principal and General Counsel None
Mortimer J. Buckley President Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief
    Executive Officer, and President
John E. Schadl Assistant Vice President Chief Compliance Officer
Beth Morales Singh Secretary None
Michael Kimmel Assistant Secretary None
Aisling Murphy Chief Compliance Officer None
John T. Marcante Chief Information Officer None
Alonzo Ellis Chief Information Security Officer None
Salvatore L. Pantalone Financial and Operations Principal and Treasurer None
Amy M. Laursen Financial and Operations Principal None
Danielle Corey Annuity and Insurance Officer None
Jeff Seglem Annuity and Insurance Officer None
Matthew Benchener Principal None
John Bendl Principal None
Saundra K. Cusumano Principal None

 

C-3

 

Name   Positions and Office with Underwriter Positions and Office with Funds
James M. Delaplane Jr. Principal None
Andrew Kadjeski Principal None
Martha G. King Principal None
Mike Lucci Principal None
Brian McCarthy Principal None
James M. Norris Principal None
Douglas Mento Principal None
David Petty Principal None
Tammy Virnig Principal None
 
(c) Not Applicable.  

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

The books, accounts, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31 (a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder will be maintained at the offices of the Registrant, 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355; the Registrant’s Transfer Agent, The Vanguard Group, Inc., 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355; the Registrant’s Custodians, JPMorgan Chase Bank, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111; and the Registrant’s investment advisors at their respective locations identified in this Registration Statement.

Item 34. Management Services

Other than as set forth in the section entitled “Management of the Funds” in Part B of this Registration Statement, the Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.

Item 35. Undertakings

Not Applicable.

C-4

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Town of Valley Forge and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 24th day of June 2019.

VANGUARD TRUSTEES’ EQUITY FUND

BY:_______/s/ Mortimer J. Buckley*__________

Mortimer J. Buckley
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

Signature Title Date
 
/s/ Mortimer J. Buckley* Chairman and Chief June 24, 2019
Executive Officer
Mortimer J. Buckley    
/s/ Emerson U. Fullwood* Trustee June 24, 2019
Emerson U. Fullwood    
/s/ Amy Gutmann* Trustee June 24, 2019
Amy Gutmann    
/s/ Mark Loughridge* Trustee June 24, 2019
Mark Loughridge    
/s/ Joseph Loughrey* Trustee June 24, 2019
Joseph Loughrey    
/s/ Scott C. Malpass* Trustee June 24, 2019
Scott C. Malpass    
/s/ Deanna Mulligan* Trustee June 24, 2019
Deanna Mulligan    
/s/ André F. Perold* Trustee June 24, 2019
André F. Perold    
/s/ Sarah Bloom Raskin* Trustee June 24, 2019
Sarah Bloom Raskin    
/s/ Peter F. Volanakis* Trustee June 24, 2019
Peter F. Volanakis    
/s/ Thomas J. Higgins* Chief Financial Officer June 24, 2019
Thomas J. Higgins    

 

*By: /s/ Anne E. Robinson

Anne E. Robinson, pursuant to a Power of Attorney filed on January 18, 2018, see File Number 33-32216, Incorporated by Reference.

C-5

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Articles of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust Ex-99.A
Custodian Agreements, State Street Bank and Trust Company Ex-99.G
Rule 18f-3 Plan Ex-99.N

 

C-6


AMENDMENT NO. 3

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND

     This Amendment No. 3 (the "Amendment") to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Vanguard Trustees' Equity Fund (the "Trust") amends, effective June 25, 2019, the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of November 19, 2008, as amended (the "Agreement").

     By resolutions adopted at a meeting of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") on February 21 & 22, 2019, the Board approved this Amendment. Under Article VIII, Section 4 of the Agreement, this Amendment may be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust.

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to amend the Agreement to reflect the addition of Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, a new series of the Trust;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1. Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Amendment.

2. All references in the Agreement to the "Amended Declaration of Trust" or "Declaration of Trust" shall mean the Agreement as amended by this

Amendment.

3. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is hereby confirmed and remains in full force and effect.


 

EXHIBIT 1

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND

"SCHEDULE A

VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND

SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST

SERIES CLASSES
 
Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund Investor
Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund Investor
Vanguard International Value Fund Investor
Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund Investor
Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund Admiral

 

 

     AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

     This Amendment No. 2 (the "Amendmenr) to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Vanguard Trustees' Equity Fund (the "Truse) amends, effective May 28, 2015, the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of November 19, 2008, as amended (the "Agreement").

     By resolutions adopted at a meeting of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") on February 19 & 20, 2015, the Board approved this Amendment. Under Article VIII, Section 4 of the Agreement, this Amendment may be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust.

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to amend the Agreement to reflect the addition of Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund, a new series of the Trust;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1. Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Amendment.

2. All references in the Agreement to the "Amended Declaration of Truse' or "Declaration of Trust" shall mean the Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

3. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is hereby confirmed and remains in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the Trust, has executed this Amendment as of April 27, 2015.

107935

 

EXHIBIT 1

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

"SCHEDULE A

VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND

SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST

SERIES CLASSES
 
Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund Investor
Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund Investor
Vanguard International Value Fund Investor
Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund Investor

 

107935, v0.2 2

 

     AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

     This Amendment No. 1 (the "Amendment") to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Vanguard Trustees' Equity Fund (the "Trusr) amends, effective March 28, 2011, the Arnended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of November 19, 2008, as amended (the "Agreement").

     By resolutions adopted at a meeting of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") on March 25, 2011, the Board approved this Amendment. Under Article VIII, Section 4 of the Agreement, this Amendment may be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Trust.

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to amend the Agreement to reflect the addition of Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund, a new series of the Trust;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1 Schedule A of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit 1 to this Amendment.

2. All references in the Agreement to the "Amended Declaration of Trust" or "Declaration of Truse' shall mean the Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

3. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is hereby confirmed and remains in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the Trust, has executed this Amendment as of March 28, 2011.

107935,

 

EXHIBIT 1

     TO AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

"SCHEDULE A

VANGUAIZD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND

SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST

SERIES CLASSES
 
Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund Investor
Vanguard International Value Fund Investor
Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund Investoe'

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

     WHEREAS, this AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST of Vanguard Trustees' Equity Fund (the "Trust") is made and entered into as of the date set forth below by the Trustees named hereunder for the purpose of continuing the Trust as a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth;

     WHEREAS, the Trust was formed upon the filing of a certificate of trust in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 28, 1998 pursuant to a declaration of trust dated January 23, 1998 (the "Original Declaration of Trust");

     WHEREAS, the Original Declaration of Trust was amended on July 19, 2002 (as so amended, the "Amended Declaration of Trust"); and

     WHEREAS, the Trustees consider it appropriate to amend and restate the Amended Declaration of Trust in accordance with the terms of the Amended Declaration of Trust and the Delaware Act.

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Amended Declaration of Trust is hereby amended and restated as follows and the Trustees do hereby declare that the Trustees will hold IN TRUST all cash, securities and other assets that the Trust now possesses or may hereafter acquire from time to time in any manner and manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions.

ARTICLE I.

Name and Definitions

     Section 1. Name. The name of the Trust is "VANGUARD TRUSTEES' EQUITY FUND" and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name as they may from time to time determine. If the Trustees determine to change the name of the Trust, they may adopt such other name for the Trust as they deem proper. Any name change shall become effective upon approval by the Trustees of such change and the filing of a certificate of amendment under the Delaware Act. Any such action shall have the status of an amendment to this Declaration of Trust.

     Section 2. Definitions. Whenever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided:

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     (a) "Amended Declaration of Trust" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Declaration of Trust;

     (b) "By-Laws" shall mean the By-Laws of the Trust as amended from time to time;

     (c) "Commissioe shall have the respective meanings given it in Section 2(a)(7) and Section (2)(a)(29) of the 1940 Act;

     (d) "Declaration of Trust" shall mean this Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended or restated from time to time;

     (e) "Delaware Acr refers to Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. § 3801 et. seq. (as amended and in effect from time to time);

     (0 "Interested Person?' shall have the meaning given it in Section 2(0(19) of the 1940 Act;

     (g) "Investment Adviser or "Adviser means a party furnishing services to the Trust pursuant to any contract described in Article IV, Section 6(a) hereof;

     (h) "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, all as amended from time to time. References herein to specific sections of the 1940 Act shall be deemed to include such Rules and Regulations as are applicable to such sections as determined by the Trustees or their designees;

     "Original Declaration of Trust" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Declaration of Trust;

     (j) "Principal Underwriter shall have the respective meanings given it in Section 2(a)(7) and Section (2)(a)(29) of the 1940 Act;

     (k) "Prior Declaration of Trust" refers to the original Declaration of Trust and the Amended Declaration of Trust, each as from time to time in effect prior to the date hereof;

     (1) "Person" means and includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, foundations, plans, associations, joint ventures, estates and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof, whether domestic or foreign;

     (m) "Series" refers to each Series of Shares referenced in, or established under or in accordance with, the provisions of Article III.

(n) "Shareholder means a record owner of outstanding Shares;

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     (o) "Shares" means the shares of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time and includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares;

(p) "Trust" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this

Declaration of Trust;

     (q) "Trustees" or "Board of Trustees" refers to the persons who have signed this Declaration of Trust and all other persons who were or may from time to time be duly elected or appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof or of the Prior Declaration of Trust, so long as they continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof and reference herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall refer to such person or persons in their capacity as trustees hereunder; and

     (r) "Trust Property" means any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account of the Trust.

ARTICLE II.

Purpose of Trust

     The purpose of the Trust is to conduct, operate and carry on the business of a management investment company registered under the 1 940 Act through one or more Series investing primarily in securities.

ARTICLE III.

Shares

     Section 1. Division of Beneficial Interest. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall at all times be divided into an unlimited number of Shares, with a par value of $ .001 per Share unless the Trustees shall designate another par value in connection with the issuance of Shares or with respect to outstanding Shares as provided in Section 5 of this Article III. The Trustees may authorize the division of Shares into separate Series and the division of Series into separate classes of Shares. The different Series shall be established and designated, and the variations in the relative rights and preferences as between the different Series shall be fixed and determined, by the Trustees. If no Series shall be established or if only one Series shall be established, the Shares shall have the rights and preferences provided for herein and in Article III, Section 6 hereof to the extent relevant and not otherwise provided for herein.

     Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Article III, each Share shall have voting rights as provided in Article V hereof, and holders of the Shares of any Series shall be entitled to receive dividends, when, if and as declared with respect thereto in the manner provided in Article VI, Section 1 hereof. No Share shall have any priority or preference over any other Share of the same Series with respect to dividends or distributions of the Trust or

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otherwise. All dividends and distributions shall be made ratably among all Shareholders of a Series (or class) from the assets held with respect to such Series according to the number of Shares of such Series (or class) held of record by such Shareholders on the record date for any dividend or distribution. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Trust or any Series. The Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares of a Series into a greater or lesser number of Shares of such Series without thereby materially changing the proportionate beneficial interest of such Shares in the assets held with respect to that Series or materially affecting the rights of Shares of any other Series.

     All references to Shares in this Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to be Shares of the Trust and of any or all Series or classes thereof, as the context may require. All provisions herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Series of the Trust and each class thereof, except as the context otherwise requires.

     All Shares issued hereunder, including Shares issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a split or reverse split of Shares, shall be fully paid and non-assessable.

     Section 2. Ownership of Shares. The ownership of Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or a transfer or similar agent for the Trust, which books shall be maintained separately for the Shares of each Series (and class). No certificates evidencing the ownership of Shares shall be issued except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise determine from time to time. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider appropriate for the transfer of Shares of each Series (and class) and similar matters. The record books of the Trust as kept by the Trust or any transfer or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be conclusive as to the identity of the Shareholders of each Series (and class) and as to the number of Shares of each Series (and class) held from time to time by each Shareholder.

     Section 3. Investments in the Trust. Investments may be accepted by the Tmst from such Persons, at such times, on such terms, and for such consideration as the Trustees from time to time may authorize. Each investment shall be credited to the Shareholder's account in the form of full and fractional Shares of the Trust, in such Series (or class) as the purchaser shall select, at the net asset value per Share next determined for such Series (or class) after receipt of the investment; provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, impose a sales charge or reimbursement fee upon investments in the Trust.

     Section 4. Status of Shares and Limitation of Personal Liability. Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving only the rights provided in this Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws of the Trust. Every Shareholder by virtue of having become a Shareholder shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms hereof. The death, incapacity, dissolution, termination or bankruptcy of a Shareholder during the existence of the Trust shall not operate to terminate the Trust, nor entitle the representative of any such Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but shall entitle such representative only to the rights of such Shareholder under this Declaration of Trust. Ownership of Shares shall not entitle a Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of

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the Trust Property or right to call for a partition or division of the same or for an accounting, nor shall the ownership of Shares constitute the Shareholders as partners or joint venturers. Neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee nor agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any Shareholder, or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time agree to pay.

     Section 5. Power of Board of Trustees to Change Provisions Relating to Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, and without limiting the power of the Board of Trustees to amend the Declaration of Trust as provided elsewhere herein, the Board of Trustees shall have the power to amend this Declaration of Trust, at any time and from time to time, in such manner as the Board of Trustees may determine in their sole discretion, without the need for Shareholder action, so as to add to, delete, replace or otherwise modify any provisions relating to the Shares contained in this Declaration of Trust, provided that before adopting any such amendment without Shareholder approval the Board of Trustees shall determine that it is consistent with the fair and equitable treatment of all Shareholders and that Shareholder approval is not required by the 1940 Act or other applicable federal law. If Shares have been issued, Shareholder approval shall be required to adopt any amendments to this Declaration of Trust which would adversely affect to a material degree the rights and preferences of the Shares of any Series (or class) or to increase or decrease the par value of the Shares of any Series (or class).

     Section 6. Establishment and Designation of Shares. The Series and classes of Shares existing as of the date of this Declaration of Trust are those Series and classes that have been established under the Prior Declaration of Trust and not heretofore terminated which are indicated on Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof ('Schedule A"). The establishment of any additional Series (or class) of Shares shall be effective upon the adoption by the Trustees of a resolution that sets forth the designation of, or otherwise identifies, such Series (or class), whether directly in such resolution or by reference to, or approval of, another document that sets forth the designation of, or otherwise identifies, such Series (or class) including any registration statement of the Trust or such Series (or class), any amendment and/or restatement of this Declaration of Trust and/or Schedule A or as otherwise provided in such resolution. Upon the establishment of any additional Series (or class) of Shares or the termination of any existing Series (or class) of Shares, Schedule A shall be amended to reflect the addition or termination of such Series (or class) and any officer of the Trust is hereby authorized to make such amendment; provided that amendment of Schedule A shall not be a condition precedent to the establishment or termination of any Series (or class) in accordance with this Declaration of Trust. The relative rights and preferences of the Shares of the Trust and each Series and each class thereof shall be as set forth herein and as set forth in any registration statement relating thereto, unless otherwise provided in the resolution establishing such Series or class.

     Shares of each Series (or class) established pursuant to this Section 6, unless otherwise provided in the resolution establishing such Series (or class) or in any registration statement relating thereto, shall have the following relative rights and preferences:

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     (a) Assets Held with Respect to a Particular Series. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a Series, including dividends and distributions paid by, and reinvested in, such Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof from whatever source derived, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall irrevocably be held with respect to that Series for all purposes, and shall be so recorded upon the books of account of the Trust. Such consideration, assets, income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, from whatever source derived, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, in whatever form the same may be, are herein referred to as "assets held with respect to" that Series. In the event that there are any assets, income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, funds or payments that are not readily identifiable as assets held with respect to the Trust or any particular Series (collectively "General Assets"), the Trustees shall allocate such General Assets to, between or among the Trust and/or any one or more of the Series in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable, and any General Asset so allocated to a particular Series shall be held with respect to that Series. Each such allocation by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes in absence of manifest error.

     (b) Liabilities Held with Respect to a Particular Series. The assets of the Trust held with respect to each Series shall be charged with the liabilities of the Trust with respect to such Series and all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to such Series, and any general liabilities of the Trust that are not readily identifiable as being held in respect of a Series shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees to and among the Trust and/or any one or more Series in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable. The liabilities, expenses, costs, charges, and reserves so charged to a Series are herein referred to as "liabilities held with respect to" that Series. Each allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes in absence of manifest error. All liabilities held with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the assets held with respect to such Series only and not against the assets of the Trust generally or against the assets held with respect to any other Series and, except as otherwise provided in this Declaration of Trust, none of the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to the Trust generally or any other Series thereof shall be enforceable against the assets of such Series. As and to the extent provided in Section 3804(a) of the Delaware Act, separate and distinct records shall be maintained for each Series and the assets held with respect to each Series shall be held in such separate and distinct records (directly or indirectly, including through a nominee or otherwise) and accounted for in such separate and distinct records separately from the assets held with respect to all other Series and the General Assets of the Trust not allocated to such Series. Notice of this limitation on inter-Series liabilities shall be set forth in the certificate of trust of the Trust (whether originally or by amendment).

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     (c) Dividends, Distributions, Redemptions, and Repurchases. No dividend or distribution including any distribution paid in connection with termination of the Trust or of any Series (or class) with respect to, or any redemption or repurchase of, the Shares of any Series (or class) shall be effected by the Trust other than from the assets held with respect to such Series, nor shall any Shareholder of any Series otherwise have any right or claim against the assets held with respect to any other Series except to the extent that such Shareholder has such a right or claim hereunder as a Shareholder of such other Series. The Trustees shall have full discretion to determine which items shall be treated as income and which items as capital; and each such determination and allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders in absence of manifest error.

     (d) Voting. All Shares entitled to vote on a matter shall vote without differentiation between the separate Series on a one-vote-per-each dollar (and a fractional vote for each fractional dollar) of the net asset value of each Share (including fractional shares) basis; provided however, if a matter to be voted on affects only the interests of one or more but not all Series (or one or more but not all of a class of a Series), then only the Shareholders of such affected Series (or class) shall be entitled to vote on the matter.

     (e) Equality. All the Shares of each Series shall represent an equal proportionate undivided interest in the assets held with respect to such Series (subject to the liabilities of such Series and such rights and preferences as may have been established and designated with respect to classes of Shares within such Series), and each Share of a Series shall be equal to each other Share of such Series.

     (0 Fractions. Any fractional Share of a Series shall have proportionately all the rights and obligations of a whole share of such Series, including rights with respect to voting, receipt of dividends and distributions and redemption of Shares.

     (g) Exchange Privilege. The Trustees shall have the authority to provide that the Shareholders of any Series shall have the right to exchange such Shares for Shares of one or more other Series in accordance with such requirements and procedures as may be established by the Trustees.

     (h) Combination of Series. The Trustees shall have the authority, without the approval of the Shareholders of any Series unless otherwise required by applicable federal law, to combine the assets and liabilities held with respect to any two or more Series into assets and liabilities held with respect to a single Series.

     (i) Elimination of Series. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of a Series (or class), the Trustees may abolish such Series (or class).

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ARTICLE IV.

The Board of Trustees

     Section 1. Number, Election and Tenure. The number of Trustees constituting the Board of Trustees shall be fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed, or by resolution approved at a duly constituted meeting, by a majority of the Board of Trustees, provided, however, that the number of Trustees shall at all times be at least one (1). Subject to the requirements of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act, the Board of Trustees, by action of a majority of the then Trustees at a duly constituted meeting, may fill vacancies in the Board of Trustees and remove Trustees with or without cause. Each Trustee shall serve during the continued lifetime of the Trust until he or she dies, resigns, is declared bankrupt or incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, or is removed. Any Trustee may resign at any time by written instrument signed by him and delivered to any officer of the Trust or to a meeting of the Trustees. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time. Except to the extent expressly provided in a written agreement with the Trust, no Trustee resigning and no Trustee removed shall have any right to any compensation for any period following his or her resignation or removal, or any right to damages or other payment on account of such removal. Any Trustee may be removed at any meeting of Shareholders by a vote of two-thirds of the total combined net asset value of all Shares of the Trust issued and outstanding. A meeting of Shareholders for the purpose of electing or removing one or more Trustees may be called (i) by the Trustees upon their own vote, or (ii) upon the demand of Shareholders owning 10% or more of the Shares entitled to vote.

     Section 2. Effect of Death, Resignation, etc. of a Trustee. The death, declination, resignation, retirement, removal, or incapacity of one or more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided in Article IV, Section 1, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration of Trust.

     Section 3. Powers. Subject to the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the business of the Trust shall be managed by the Board of Trustees, and such Board of Trustees shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out that responsibility including the power to engage in transactions of all kinds on behalf of the Trust. Trustees, in all instances, shall act as principals and are and shall be free from the control of the Shareholders. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make and execute any and all contracts, documents and instruments that they may consider desirable, necessary or appropriate in connection with the administration of the Trust. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trustees may: adopt, amend and repeal By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration of Trust providing for the regulation and management of the affairs of the Trust; elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate; appoint from their own number and establish and terminate one or more committees consisting of one or more Trustees who may exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Trustees to the extent that the Trustees

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determine; employ one or more custodians of the assets of the Trust and may authorize such custodians to employ subcustodians and to deposit all or any part of such assets in a system or systems for the central handling of securities or with a Federal Reserve Bank, retain a transfer agent or a shareholder servicing agent, or both; provide for the issuance and distribution of Shares by the Trust directly or through one or more Principal Underwriters or otherwise; redeem, repurchase and transfer Shares pursuant to applicable federal law; set record dates for the determination of Shareholders with respect to various matters; declare and pay dividends and distributions to Shareholders of each Series from the assets of such Series; establish from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Section 6 hereof, any Series of Shares, each such Series to operate as a separate and distinct investment medium and with separately defined investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purpose; and in general delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officer of the Trust, to any committee of the Trustees and to any agent or employee of the Trust or to any such custodian, transfer or shareholder servicing agent, Investment Adviser or Principal Underwriter. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Declaration of Trust, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.

Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust shall have power and authority:

     (a) To invest and reinvest cash and cash items, to hold cash uninvested, and to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, own, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute, write options on, lend or otherwise deal in or dispose of contracts for the future acquisition or delivery of all types of securities, futures contracts and options thereon, and forward currency contracts of every nature and kind, including all types of bonds, debentures, stocks, preferred stocks, negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations, evidences of indebtedness, certificates of deposit or indebtedness, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, bankers acceptances, and other securities of any kind, issued, created, guaranteed, or sponsored by any and all Persons, including states, territories, and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, any foreign government or any political subdivision of the U.S. Government or any foreign government, or any international instrumentality or organization, or by any bank or savings institution, or by any corporation or organization organized under the laws of the United States or of any state, territory, or possession thereof, or by any corporation or organization organized under any foreign law, or in "when issued" contracts for any such securities, futures contracts and options thereon, and forward currency contracts, to change the investments of the assets of the Trust; and to exercise any and all rights, powers, and privileges of ownership or interest in respect of any and all such investments of every kind and description, including the right to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons, to exercise any of said rights, powers, and privileges in respect of any of said instruments;

     (b) To sell, exchange, lend, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, lease, or write options with respect to or otherwise deal in any property rights relating to any or all of the assets of the Trust or any Series;

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     (c) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and deliver proxies or powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;

     (d) To exercise powers and right of subscription or otherwise which in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;

     (e) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating that it is trust property, whether in bearer, unregistered or other negotiable form, or in its own name or in the name of a custodian or subcustodian or a nominee or nominees or otherwise or to authorize the custodian or a subcustodian or a nominee or nominees to deposit the same in a securities depository, subject in each case to the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act;

     (0 To consent to, or participate in, any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer of any security which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase or sale of property by such corporation or issuer; and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;

     (g) To join with other security holders in acting through a committee, depository, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depository or trustee, and to delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and compensation of such committee, depository or trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper;

     (h) To litigate, compromise, arbitrate, settle or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or a Series, or any matter in controversy, including but not limited to claims for taxes;

     (i) To enter into joint ventures, general or limited partnerships and any other combinations or associations;

     To borrow funds or other property in the name of the Trust or Series exclusively for Trust (or such Series) purposes;

     (k) To endorse or guarantee the payment of any notes or other obligations of any Person; to make contracts of guaranty or suretyship, or otherwise assume liability for payment thereof;

     To purchase and pay for entirely out of Trust Property such insurance as the Trustees may deem necessary, desirable or appropriate for the conduct of the business, including insurance policies insuring the assets of the Trust or payment of distributions

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and principal on its portfolio investments, and insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, Investment Adviser, principal underwriters, or independent contractors of the Trust, individually against all claims and liabilities of every nature arising by reason of holding Shares, holding, being or having held any such office or position, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted by any such Person as Trustee, officer, employee, agent, Investment Adviser, Principal Underwriter, or independent contractor, including any action taken or omitted that may be determined to constitute negligence, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against liability;

     (m) To adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing, share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive and benefit plans, trusts and provisions, including the purchasing of life insurance and annuity contracts as a means of providing such retirement and other benefits, for any or all of the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust; and

     (n) Subject to the 1 940 Act, to engage in any other lawful act or activity in which a statutory trust organized under the Delaware Act may engage.

     The Trust shall not be limited to investing in obligations maturing before the possible termination of the Trust or one or more of its Series. The Trust shall not in any way be bound or limited by any present or future law or custom in regard to investment by fiduciaries. The Trust shall not be required to obtain any court order to deal with any assets of the Trust or take any other action hereunder.

     Section 4. Payment of Expenses by the Trust. Subject to the provisions of Article III, Section 6(b), the Trustees are authorized to pay or cause to be paid out of the principal or income of the Trust or Series, or partly out of the principal and partly out of income, and to charge or allocate the same to, between or among such one or more of the Series that may be established or designated pursuant to Article III, Section 6, all expenses, fees, charges, taxes and liabilities incurred or arising in connection with the Trust or Series, or in connection with the management thereof, including, but not limited to, the Trustees compensation and such expenses and charges for the services of the Trust's officers, employees, Investment Adviser, Principal Underwriter, auditors, counsel, custodian, transfer agent, Shareholder servicing agent, and such other agents or independent contractors and such other expenses and charges as the Trustees may deem necessary or proper to incur.

     Section 5. Ownership of Assets of the Trust. Title to all of the assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as vested in the Trust, except that the Trustees shall have power to cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of one or more of the Trustees, or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any other Person as nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine. Upon the resignation, incompetency, bankruptcy, removal, or death of a Trustee he or she shall automatically cease to have any such title in any of the Trust Property, and the title of such Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered. The Trustees may determine that

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the Trust or the Trustees, acting for and on behalf of the Trust, shall be deemed to hold beneficial ownership of any income earned on the securities owned by the Trust, whether domestic or foreign.

Section 6. Service Contracts.

     (a) The Trustees may, at any time and from time to time, contract for exclusive or nonexclusive advisory, managernent and/or administrative services for the Trust or for any Series with any Person; and any such contract may contain such other terms as the Trustees may determine, including authority for the Investment Adviser to determine from time to time without prior consultation with the Trustees what investments shall be purchased, held, sold or exchanged and what portion, if any, of the assets of the Trust shall be held uninvested and to make changes in the Trust's investments, and such other responsibilities as may specifically be delegated to such Person.

     (b) The Trustees may also, at any time and from time to time, contract with any Persons, appointing such Persons exclusive or nonexclusive distributor or Principal Underwriter for the Shares of one or more of the Series or other securities to be issued by the Trust. Every such contract may contain such other terms as the Trustees may determine.

     (c) The Trustees are also empowered, at any time and from time to time, to contract with any Persons, appointing such Person(s) to serve as custodian(s), transfer agent and/or shareholder servicing agent for the Trust or one or more of its Series. Every such contract shall comply with such terms as may be required by the Trustees.

     (d) The Trustees are further empowered, at any time and from time to time, to contract with any Persons to provide such other services to the Trust or one or more of the Series, as the Trustees determine to be in the best interests of the Trust and the applicable Series.

(e) The fact that:

     (i) any of the Shareholders, Trustees, or officers of the Trust is a shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, Investment Adviser, Principal Underwriter, distributor, or affiliate or agent of or for any Person with which an advisory, management or administration contract, or Principal Underwriter's or distributor's contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing or other type of service contract may be made, or that

     (ii) any Person with which an advisory, management or administration contract or Principal Underwriter's or distributor's contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing or other type of service contract may be made also has an advisory, management or administration contract, or principal underwriter's or distributor's contract, or transfer, shareholder servicing or other service contract, or has other business or interests with any other Person,

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shall not affect the validity of any such contract or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the same, or create any liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders, provided approval of each such contract is made pursuant to the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

ARTICLE V.

Shareholders Voting Powers and Meetings

     Subject to the provisions of Article III, Sections 5 and 6(d), the Shareholders shall have right to vote only (i) for the election or removal of Trustees as provided in Article W, Section 1, and (ii) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, including Section 16(a) thereof, and (iii) on such other matters as the Trustees may consider necessary or desirable. Provisions relating to meetings, quorum, required vote, record date and other matters relating to Shareholder voting rights are as provided in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VI.

Net Asset Value, Distributions, and Redernptions

     Section 1. Determination of Net Asset Value, Net Income, and Distributions. Subject to Article III, Section 6 hereof, the Trustees, in their absolute discretion, may prescribe and shall set forth in the By-Laws or in a duly adopted resolution of the Trustees such bases and time for determining the per Share net asset value of the Shares of the Trust or any Series (or class) and the declaration and payment of dividends and distributions on the Shares of the Trust or any Series (or class), as they may deem necessary or desirable.

     Section 2. Redemptions and Repurchases. The Trust shall purchase such Shares as are offered by any Shareholder for redemption, upon receipt by the Trust or a Person designated by the Trust that the Trust redeem such Shares or in accordance with such procedures for redemption as the Trustees may from time to time authorize; and the Trust will pay therefor the net asset value thereof, in accordance with the By-Laws and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. Payment for said Shares shall be made by the Trust to the Shareholder within seven days after the date on which the request for redemption is received in proper form. The obligation set forth in this Section 2 is subject to the provision that in the event that any time the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is closed for other than weekends or holidays, or if permitted by the Rules of the Commission during periods when trading on the Exchange is restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for the Trust to dispose of the investments of the applicable Series or to determine fairly the value of the net assets held with respect to such Series or during any other period permitted by order of the Commission for the protection of investors, such obligations may be suspended or postponed by the Trustees.

The redemption price may in any case or cases be paid in cash or wholly or partly

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in kind in accordance with Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act if the Trustees determine that such payment is advisable in the interest of the remaining Shareholders of the Series of which the Shares are being redeemed. Subject to the foregoing, the selection and quantity of securities or other property so paid or delivered as all or part of the redemption price shall be determined by or under authority of the Trustees. In no case shall the Trust be liable for any delay of any corporation or other Person in transferring securities selected for delivery as all or part of any payment in kind.

     Section 3. Redemptions at the Option of the Trust. The Trust shall have the right, at its option, upon 30 days notice to the affected Shareholder at any time to redeem Shares of any Shareholder at the net asset value thereof as described in Section 1 of this Article VI: (i) if at such time such Shareholder owns Shares of any Series having an aggregate net asset value of less than a minimum value determined from time to time by the Trustees; or (ii) to the extent that such Shareholder owns Shares of a Series equal to or in excess of a maximum percentage of the outstanding Shares of such Series determined from time to time by the Trustees; or (iii) to the extent that such Shareholder owns Shares equal to or in excess of a maximum percentage, determined from time to time by the Trustees, of the outstanding Shares of the Trust.

     Section 4. Transfer of Shares. The Trust shall transfer shares held of record by any Person to any other Person upon receipt by the Trust or a Person designated by the Trust of a written request therefore in such form and pursuant to such procedures as may be approved by the Trustees.

ARTICLE VII.

Compensation and Limitation of Liability

     Section 1. Compensation of Trustees. Any Trustee, whether or not he is a salaried officer or employee of the Trust, may be compensated for his services as Trustee or as a member of a committee of Trustees, or as chairman of a committee by fixed periodic payments or by fees for attendance at meetings, by both or otherwise, and in addition may be reimbursed for transportation and other expenses, all in such manner and amounts as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the employment of any Trustee to provide advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking or other services to the Trust and to be specially compensated for such services by the Trust.

     Section 2. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification. A Trustee, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any Person, other than the Trust or a Shareholder to the extent provided in this Article VII, for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust, of such Trustee or of any other Trustee.=The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrong-doing of any officer, agent, employee, Investment Adviser or Principal Underwriter of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be responsible for the act or omission of any other Trustee, and, subject to the provisions of the By-Laws, the Trust out of its assets may indemnify and hold harmless each and every Trustee and officer of the Trust from and against any and all claims, demands, costs, losses, expenses, and damages whatsoever arising out of or

107935, v0.2 16

 

related to such Trustee's or officer's performance of his or her duties as a Trustee or officer of the Trust.

     Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in or with respect to their or his or her capacity as Trustees or Trustee, and such Trustees or Trustee shall not be personally liable thereon.

     Section 3. Trustee's Good Faith Action, Expert Advice, No Bond or Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers hereunder shall be binding upon everyone interested in or dealing with the Trust. A Trustee shall be liable to the Trust and to any Shareholder solely for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice nor for failing to follow such advice. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is required.

     Section 4. Insurance. The Trustees shall be entitled and empowered to the fullest extent permitted by law to purchase with Trust assets insurance for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or expected to be paid by a Trustee or officer in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved by virtue of his or her capacity or former capacity with the Trust, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE VIII.

Miscellaneous

     Section 1. Liability of Third Persons Dealing with Trustees. No Person dealing with the Trustees shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made or to be made by the Trustees or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its order.

     Section 2. Termination of the Trust or Any Series. Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue without limitation of time. The Trust may be dissolved at any time by the Trustees upon 60 days prior written notice to the Shareholders. Any Series of Shares may be dissolved at any time by the Trustees upon 60 days prior written notice to the Shareholders of such Series. Any action to dissolve the Trust shall be deemed to also be an action to dissolve each Series and each class thereof.

     In accordance with Section 3808 of the Delaware Act, upon dissolution of the Trust or any Series, as the case may be, after paying or otherwise providing for all charges, taxes,

107935, v0.2 17

 

expenses and liabilities held, severally, with respect to each Series or the applicable Series, as the case may be, whether due or accrued or anticipated as may be determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall, in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees consider appropriate, reduce the remaining assets held, severally, with respect to each Series or the applicable Series, as the case may be, to distributable form in cash or shares or other securities, and any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds held with respect to each Series or the applicable Series, as the case may be, to the Shareholders of that Series, as a Series, ratably according to the number of Shares of that Series held by the several Shareholders on the date of termination.

Section 3. Reorganization and Master/Feeder.

     (a) Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval unless such approval is required by the 1940 Act, (i) cause the Trust to convert or merge, reorganize or consolidate with or into one or more trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, corporations or other business entities (or a series of any of the foregoing to the extent permitted by law) (including trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, corporations or other business entities created by the Trustees to accomplish such conversion, merger, reorganization or consolidation) so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, to the extent permitted by law, and that, in the case of any trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity created by the Trustees to accomplish such conversion, merger, reorganization or consolidation, may succeed to or assume the Trust's registration under the 1940 Act and that, in any case, is formed, organized or existing under the laws of the United States or of a state, commonwealth, possession or colony of the United States, (ii) cause the Shares to be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal statute to the extent permitted by law, (iii) cause the Trust to incorporate under the laws of a state, commonwealth, possession or colony of the United States (iv) sell or convey all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any Series or Class to another Series or Class of the Trust or to another trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity (or a series of any of the foregoing to the extent permitted by law) (including a trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity created by the Trustees to accomplish such sale and conveyance), organized under the laws of the United States or of any state, commonwealth, possession or colony of the United States so long as such trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity is an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and, in the case of any trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity created by the Trustees to accomplish such sale and conveyance, may succeed to or assume the Trust's registration under the 1940 Act, for adequate consideration as determined by the Trustees which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent of the Trust or any affected Series or Class, and which may include Shares of such other Series or Class of the Trust or shares of beneficial interest, stock or other ownership interest of such trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation or other business entity (or series thereof) or (v) at any time sell or convert into money all or any part of the assets of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof. Any agreement of merger, reorganization, consolidation or conversion or exchange or certificate of merger,

107935, v0.2 18

 

certificate of conversion or other applicable certificate may be signed by a majority of the Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid.

     (b) Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Declaration of Trust, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees in accordance with this Section 3 may effect any amendment to this Declaration of Trust or effect the adoption of a new governing instrument of the Trust if the Trust is the surviving or resulting entity in the merger or consolidation.

     (c) Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval unless such approval is required by the 1940 Act, invest all or a portion of the Trust Property of any Series, or dispose of all or a portion of the Trust Property of any Series, and invest the proceeds of such disposition in interests issued by one or more other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act. Any such other investment company may (but need not) be a trust (formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state or jurisdiction) (or subtrust thereof) which is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval unless such approval is required by the 1940 Act, cause a Series that is organized in the master/feeder fund structure to withdraw or redeem its Trust Property from the master fund and cause such Series to invest its Trust Property directly in securities and other financial instruments or in another master fund.

     Section 4. Amendments. Subject to the provisions of Section 5 of Article III relating to the requirement of Shareholder approval for certain amendments to this Declaration of Trust or requirements for certain determinations by the Board of Trustees for certain amendments hereto without Shareholder approval and any requirements under the 1940 Act requiring Shareholder approval of an amendment to this Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may, without any Shareholder vote or approval, amend this Declaration of Trust by making an amendment to this Declaration of Trust (including Schedule A), an agreement supplemental hereto, or an amended and restated trust instrument. Unless otherwise provided by the Trustees, any such amendment will be effective (i) upon the adoption by a majority of the Trustees then holding office of a resolution specifying the amendment, supplemental agreement or amendment and restatement or (ii) upon the execution in writing of an instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees then holding office specifying the amendment, supplemental agreement or amended and restated trust instrument. A certification signed by an officer of the Trust setting forth an amendment to this Declaration of Trust and reciting that it was duly adopted by the Trustees as aforesaid, or a copy of the instrument referenced above executed by the Trustees as aforesaid, shall be conclusive evidence of such amendment when lodged among the records of the Trust. The certificate of trust of the Trust may be restated and/or amended by any Trustee as necessary or desirable to reflect any change in the information set forth therein, and any such restatement and/or amendment shall be effective immediately upon filing with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or upon such future date as may be stated therein.

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     Section 5. Filing of Copies, References, Headings. The original or a copy of this Declaration of Trust shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by an officer of the Trust as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder; and, with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer of the Trust to be a copy of this Declaration of Trust. In this Declaration of Trust, references to this Declaration of Trust, and all expressions like ``herein," "hereof and "hereunder," shall be deemed to refer to this Declaration of Trust. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not be taken as a part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Declaration of Trust. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders shall include each other, as applicable. This Declaration of Trust may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, (i) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated by this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws that is to be executed by one or more Trustees may be executed by means of original, facsimile or electronic signature and (ii) any document, consent, instrument or notice referenced in or contemplated by this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws that is to be delivered by one or more Trustees may be delivered by facsimile or electronic means (including e-mail), unless, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), otherwise expressly provided herein or in the By-Laws or determined by the Trustees. The terms "include," "includes" and "including" and any comparable terms shall be deemed to mean "including, without limitation."

     Section 6. Applicable Law. This Agreement and Declaration of Trust is created under and is to be governed by and construed and administered according to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Delaware Act. The Trust shall be a Delaware statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act, and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a statutory trust.

Section 7. Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations.

     (a) The provisions of the Declaration of Trust are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable federal laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of the Declaration of Trust; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of the Declaration of Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

     (b) If any provision of the Declaration of Trust shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of the Declaration of Trust in any jurisdiction.

     Section 8. Statutory Trust Only. It is the intention of the Trustees to create a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act, and thereby to create only the relationship of trustee

107935, v0.2 20

 

and beneficial owners within the meaning of such Act between the Trustees and each Shareholder. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment, joint venture, or any form of legal relationship other than a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Act. Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.

     Section 9. Use of the Name "The Vanguard Group, Inc.". The name "The Vanguard Group, Inc." and any variants thereof and all rights to the use of the name "The Vanguard Group, Inc." or any variants thereof shall be the sole and exclusive property of The Vanguard Group, Inc. ("VGI"). VGI has permitted the use by the Trust of the identifying word Vanguare and the use of the name "Vanguare as part of the name of the Trust and the name of any Series of Shares. Upon the Trust's withdrawal from the Amended and Restated Funds' Service Agreement among the Trust, the other investment companies within the Vanguard Group of Investment Companies and VGI, and upon the written request of VGI, the Trust and any Series of Shares thereof shall cease to use or in any way to refer to itself as related to "The Vanguard Group, Inc." or any variant thereof.

     Section 10. Derivative Actions. In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the following conditions are met:

     (a) The Shareholder or Shareholders must make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed. For purposes of this Section 10(a), a demand on the Trustees shall only be deemed not likely to succeed and therefore excused if a majority of the Board of Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, is composed of Trustees who are not "independent trustees" (as that term is defined in the Delaware Act).

     (b) Unless a demand is not required under paragraph (a) of this Section 10, Shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under the Delaware Act who collectively hold at least 10% of the outstanding Shares of the Trust, or who collectively hold at least 10% of the outstanding Shares of the Series or class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and

     (c) Unless a demand is not required under paragraph (a) of this Section 10, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisors in considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the Shareholders making such request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any such advisors in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.

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SCHEDULE A

VANGUARD TRUSTEES EQUITY FUND

SERMS AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST

SERIES CLASSES
 
Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund Investor
Vanguard International Value Fund Investor

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
    Page
 
ARTICLE I . Name and Definitions 1
Section 1. Name 1
Section 2. Definitions 1
(a) Amended Declaration of Trust 2
(b) By-Laws 2
(c) Commission 2
(d) Declaration of Trust 2
(e) Delaware Act 2
(0 Interested Person 2
(g) Investment Adviser or Adviser 2
(h) 1940 Act 2
(i) Original Declaration of Trust 2
(i) Principal Underwriter 2
(k) Prior Declaration of Trust 2
(1) Person 2
(m) Series 2
(n) Shareholder 2
(o) Shares 3
(p) Trust 3
(q) Trustees or Board of Trustees 3
(r) Trust Property 3
 
ARTICLE II. Purpose of Tmst 3
 
ARTICLE III. Shares 3
 
Section 1. Division of Beneficial Interest 3
Section 2. Ownership of Shares 4
Section 3. Investments in the Trust 4
Section 4. Status of Shares and Limitation of Personal  
 
Liability 4
Section 5. Power of Board of Trustees to Change  
 
Provisions Relating to Shares 5
Section 6. Establishment and Designation of Shares 5
(a) Assets Held with Respect to a Particular Series 6
(b) Liabilities Held with Respect to a  
  Particular Series 6
(c) Dividends, Distributions, Redemptions, and  
  Repurchases 7
(d) Voting 7
(e) Equality 7
(0 Fractions 7
(g) Exchange Privilege 7

 

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(h) Combination of Series 7
  Elimination of Series 7
 
ARTICLE IV. The Board of Trustees 8
Section 1. Number, Election and Tenure 8
Section 2. Effect of Death, Resignation, etc.  
  of a Trustee 8
Section 3. Powers 8
Section 4. Payment of Expenses by the Trust 11
Section 5. Ownership of Assets of the Tmst 11
Section 6. Service Contracts 12
 
ARTICLE V. Shareholders Voting Powers and Meetings I 3
 
ARTICLE VI. Net Asset Value, Distributions, and Redemptions 13
Section 1. Determination of Net Asset Value, Net  
  Income, and Distributions 13
Section 2. Redemptions and Repurchases 13
Section 3. Redemptions at the Option of the Trust 14
Section 4. Transfer of Shares 14
 
ARTICLE VII. Compensation and Limitation of Liability 14
Section 1. Compensation of Trustees 14
Section 2. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification 14
Section 3. Trustee's Good Faith Action, Expert  
  Advice, No Bond or Surety 15
Section 4. Insurance 1 5
 
ARTICLE VIII. Miscellaneous 15
Section 1. Liability of Third Persons Dealing  
  with Trustees 1 5
Section 2. Termination of the Trust or Any Series 1 5
Section 3. Reorganization and Master/Feeder 16
Section 4. Amendments 17
Section 5. Filing of Copies, References, Headings 18
Section 6. Applicable Law 18
Section 7. Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations 18
Section 8. Statutory Trust Only 19
Section 9. Use of the Name "The Vanguard Group, Inc " 19
Section 10. Derivatives Actions 19

 

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AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

     This Agreement is made as of September 15, 2017 by and among each management investment company identified on Appendix A hereto (each such management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 19.5 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Fund”), and STATE STREET BANK and TRUST COMPANY, a Massachusetts trust company (the “Custodian”). Each Fund and the Custodian agree that this Agreement merges, integrates and supersedes all prior agreements, side letters and understandings between the parties with respect to the matters contained herein; provided, however, that the continuation of any other agreements that may reference the Master Custodian Agreement between the Custodian and the Fund dated prior to the date hereof (“Prior Agreement”) is not intended to be affected by the fact of this amendment and restatement of the Master Custodian Agreement, and reference in such other agreements to a Prior Agreement shall be considered to be a reference to this Agreement effective as of the date of this Agreement (provided that matters relating to the time period prior to the date of this Agreement are governed by the terms of the Prior Agreement).

WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, each Fund is authorized to issue shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest in separate series (“Shares”), with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;

     WHEREAS, each Fund so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to each of its series set forth on Appendix A hereto (such series together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 19.6 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Portfolio(s)”).

     WHEREAS, each Fund not so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to it and all references hereinafter to one or more “Portfolio(s)” shall be deemed to refer to such Fund(s); and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter
contained, the parties hereto intending to be legally bound hereby agree as follows:  
 
SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT  

 

Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as a custodian of assets of the Portfolios, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, desires to be held in places within the United States (“domestic securities”) and securities which the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio desires to be held outside the United States (“foreign securities”). Each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolio(s), agrees to deliver to the Custodian all securities, other financial assets and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities or other financial assets owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for such Shares as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio which is not received by it or which is delivered out in accordance with Proper Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 8 hereof) including, without limitation, Portfolio property (i) held by brokers, private bankers or other entities on behalf of the Portfolio (each a “Local Agent”), (ii) held by Special Sub-Custodians (as such term is defined in Section 6 hereof), (iii) held by entities which have advanced monies to or on behalf of the Portfolio and which have received Portfolio property as security for such advance(s) (each a “Pledgee”), or (iv) delivered or otherwise removed from the custody of the Custodian (a) in connection with any Free Trade (as such term is defined in Sections 2.2(14) and 2.6(7) hereof) or (b) pursuant to Special Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 8 hereof). With

 

respect to uncertificated shares (the “Underlying Shares”) of (i) registered “investment companies” (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time (the “1940 Act”)), whether in the same “group of investment companies” (as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the 1940 Act) or otherwise, including pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act or (ii) investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act (the entities listed in clauses (i) and (ii) being hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Underlying Portfolios”) the holding of confirmation statements that identify the shares as being recorded in the Custodian’s name on behalf of the Portfolios will be deemed custody for purposes hereof.

Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians located in the United States for a Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s. The Custodian may place and maintain each Fund’s foreign securities with foreign banking institution sub-custodians employed by the Custodian and/or foreign securities depositories, all as designated in Schedules A and B hereto, but only in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 3 and 4 hereof.

SECTION 2.

DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIOS TO BE HELD IN THE UNITED STATES

 

     SECTION 2.1 HOLDING SECURITIES. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in the United States, including all domestic securities owned by such Portfolio other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.8 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (each, a “U.S. Securities System”) and (b) Underlying Shares owned by each Fund which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof in an account with State Street Bank and Trust Company or such other entity which may from time to time act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions (the “Underlying Transfer Agent”). Except as precluded by Section 8-501(d) of the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”), the Custodian shall hold all securities and other financial assets, other than cash, of a Portfolio that are delivered to it in a “securities account” with the Custodian for and in the name of such Portfolio and shall treat all such assets other than cash as “financial assets” as those terms are used in the UCC. The Custodian shall identify on its books and records as belonging to a Portfolio the securities and other financial assets, constituting Portfolio assets held by (a) the Custodian, its delegates and sub-custodians, (b) a U.S. Securities System, or (c) an Underlying Transfer Agent in accordance with Section 2.10. To the extent that the Custodian or any of its sub-custodians holds securities constituting the Portfolio’s assets in an omnibus account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, the records of the Custodian shall identify which of such securities constitute a Portfolio’s assets.

     SECTION 2.2 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic securities and other financial assets owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian, in a U.S. Securities System account of the Custodian or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

1)     

Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio in accordance with customary or established market practices and procedures, including, without limitation, delivery to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent of such purchaser or dealer) against expectation of receiving later payment;

2)     

Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;

Information Classification: Limited Access

2

 

3)     

In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 hereof;

4)     

To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;

5)     

To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;

6)     

To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.7 or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1; or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;

7)     

Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination in accordance with “street delivery” custom; provided that in any such case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian’s own negligence or willful misconduct;

8)     

For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

9)     

In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

10)     

For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the Portfolio (a) against

receipt     

of collateral as agreed from time to time by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,

except     

that in connection with any loans for which collateral is to be credited to the

Custodian’s     

account in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the

Treasury,     

the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the delivery of securities

owned     

by the Portfolio prior to the receipt of such collateral or (b) to the lending agent, or

the     

lending agent’s custodian, in accordance with written Proper Instructions (which need

not     

provide for the receipt by the Custodian of collateral therefor) agreed upon from time

to     

time by the Custodian and the Fund;

11)     

For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by a Fund on behalf of a

Portfolio     

requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

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12)     

For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf

  of     

the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange

  Act     

of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory

  Authority,     

Inc. (“FINRA”), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing

  Corporation     

and of any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar

  organization     

or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with

  transactions     

by the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio;

13)     

For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among a Fund on behalf

  of     

the Portfolio, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant registered under the

  Commodity     

Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures

  Trading     

Commission (the “CFTC”) and/or any contract market, or any similar organization

  or     

organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund

  on     

behalf of a Portfolio;

14)     

Upon the sale or other delivery of such investments (including, without limitation, to one

  or     

more (a) Special Sub-Custodians or (b) additional custodians appointed by the Fund,

  and     

communicated to the Custodian from time to time via a writing duly executed by an

  authorized     

officer of the Fund, for the purpose of engaging in repurchase agreement

  transactions(s),     

each a “Repo Custodian”), and prior to receipt of payment therefor, as set

  forth     

in written Proper Instructions (such delivery in advance of payment, along with

  payment     

in advance of delivery made in accordance with Section 2.6(7), as applicable,

  shall     

each be referred to herein as a “Free Trade”), provided that such Proper Instructions

  shall     

set forth (a) the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (b) the person(s) to

  whom     

delivery of such securities shall be made;

15)     

Upon receipt of instructions from the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) for

  delivery     

to such Transfer Agent or to the holders of Shares in connection with distributions

  in     

kind, as may be described from time to time in the currently effective prospectus and

  statement     

of additional information of the Fund related to the Portfolio (the “Prospectus”),

  in     

satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption;

16)     

In the case of a sale processed through the Underlying Transfer Agent of Underlying

  Shares,     

in accordance with Section 2.10 hereof;

17)     

For delivery as initial or variation margin in connection with futures or options on futures

  contracts     

entered into by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; and

18)     

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf

  of     

the applicable Portfolio specifying (a) the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and

  (b)     

the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

     SECTION 2.3 REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES. Domestic securities or other financial assets held by the Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other registered management investment companies having the same investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.7 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be

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in “street name” or other good delivery form. If, however, a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in “street name”, the Custodian shall utilize its best efforts to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and shall utilize its best efforts to timely notify the Fund of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.

     SECTION 2.4 BANK ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the 1940 Act and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees or the Board of Directors of the Fund (as appropriate, and in each case, the “Board”). Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.

     SECTION 2.5 COLLECTION OF INCOME. Except with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7), and subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered domestic securities and other financial assets held hereunder to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. The Custodian shall credit income to the Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodian’s then current payable date income schedule. The Custodian may reverse any income credited by the Custodian to a Portfolio after the Custodian reasonably determines that actual payment of income will not occur in due course, and the Custodian may charge the Portfolio a rate agreed upon by the parties for the amount of unpaid income credited to the Portfolio. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the applicable Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.

     The Custodian shall notify a Fund, at the frequency agreed upon by the parties, in writing by facsimile transmission, electronic communication, or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing, if any amount payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets of the Portfolios of a Fund is not received by the Custodian when due. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and agree upon any compensation and expenses payable to the Custodian as a result of taking such measures. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets that are in default.

SECTION 2.6 PAYMENT OF FUND MONIES. The Custodian shall pay out monies of a Portfolio as

provided in Section 5 and otherwise upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable

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Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

1)     

Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts or options on futures

  contracts     

for the account of the Portfolio but only (a) in accordance with customary or

  established     

market practices and procedures, including, without limitation, delivering

  money     

to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such seller or dealer)

  against     

expectation of receiving later delivery of such securities or evidence of title to such

  options,     

futures contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank,

  banking     

firm or trust company doing business in the United States or abroad which is

  qualified     

under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian and has been designated by the Custodian

  as     

its agent for this purpose) registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a

  nominee     

of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer;

  (b)     

in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S. Securities System, in accordance with

  the     

conditions set forth in Section 2.8 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase of Underlying

  Shares,     

in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (d) in the case

  of     

repurchase agreements entered into between the applicable Fund on behalf of a Portfolio

  and     

the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of FINRA, (i)

  against     

delivery of the securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the

  Custodian’s     

account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against

  delivery     

of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by the

  Custodian     

along with written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase

  such     

securities from the Portfolio; or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund

  in     

any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of

  a     

confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions

  from     

the Fund as defined herein;

2)     

In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned by the Portfolio

  as     

set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;

3)     

For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued as set forth in Section 7 hereof;

4)     

For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Portfolio, including but not

  limited     

to the following payments for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes,

  management,     

accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund

  whether     

or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part capitalized or treated as deferred

  expenses;     

5)     

For the payment of any dividends on Shares declared pursuant to the Fund’s articles of

  incorporation     

or organization and by-laws or agreement or declaration of trust, as

  applicable,     

and Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (collectively,

  Governing     

Documents”);

6)     

For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of securities sold short;

7)     

Upon the purchase of domestic investments including, without limitation, repurchase

  agreement     

transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to Repo Custodian(s), and

  prior     

to receipt of such investments, as set forth in written Proper Instructions (such

  payment     

in advance of delivery, along with delivery in advance of payment made in

  accordance     

with Section 2.2(14), as applicable, shall each be referred to herein as a “Free

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Trade”), provided that such Proper Instructions shall also set forth (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person(s) to whom such payment is made;

8)     

For payment as initial or variation margin in connection with futures or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; and

9)     

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio specifying (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

     SECTION 2.7 APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) agents to carry out such of the provisions of this Agreement as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its duties or obligations hereunder and the Custodian shall be fully responsible and liable for the actions and omissions of any agent (which shall not be deemed to be U.S. Securities Systems, Special Sub-Custodians, U.S. sub-custodians designated pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 1, or Foreign Sub-Custodians and sub-custodians and other agents of the Fund or Portfolio) appointed hereunder. The Underlying Transfer Agent shall not be deemed an agent or sub-custodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Section 2.7 or any other provision of this Agreement.

     SECTION 2.8 DEPOSIT OF FUND ASSETS IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a U.S. Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

     SECTION 2.9 SEGREGATED ACCOUNT. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash, in the case of a deposit account, or securities and other financial assets (other than cash), in the case of a securities account, of the Portfolio and collateral provided to the Portfolio by its counterparties, including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof, (a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the FINRA, relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (b) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (registered under the Commodity Exchange Act) relating to compliance with the rules of the CFTC or any registered contract market, or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (c) for purposes of segregating cash or government securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contract options thereon purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (d) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or no-action letter of the staff of the SEC, relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered management investment companies, and (e) for any other purpose in accordance with Proper Instructions. 

     SECTION 2.10 DEPOSIT OF FUND ASSETS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRANSFER AGENT. Underlying Shares beneficially owned by the Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall be deposited and/or maintained in an account or accounts maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent and the Custodian’s only responsibilities with respect thereto shall be limited to the following:

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1)     

Upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from an Underlying Transfer Agent that such Underlying Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall identify by book-entry that such Underlying Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of such Portfolio.

2)     

In respect of the purchase of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay out monies of such Portfolio as so directed, and record such payment from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

3)     

In respect of the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer such Underlying Shares as so directed, record such transfer from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records and, upon the Custodian’s receipt of the proceeds therefor, record such payment for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

     The Custodian shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund or any Portfolio resulting from the maintenance of Underlying Shares with an Underlying Transfer Agent except to the extent the loss or damage results directly from the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of its or their employees.

     SECTION 2.11 OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES. The Custodian shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with transfers of securities.

     SECTION 2.12 PROXIES. The Custodian shall deliver to a Fund all forms of proxies, all proxy solicitation materials, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by one or more of a Fund’s Portfolios that are received by the Custodian, any sub-custodian, or any nominee of either of them (or with the exercise of reasonable care that the Custodian, any sub-custodian, or any nominee of either of them should have become aware), and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and deliver, or cause such sub-custodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any sub-custodian or nominee shall vote upon any such securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto. In the event that the Custodian is unable to vote upon any such securities in accordance with Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall promptly notify (subject to market practices and rules) a Fund. Each Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of the Fund to exercise shareholder rights.

     SECTION 2.13 COMMUNICATIONS. Subject to the domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States being registered as provided in Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to a Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets being held for the Portfolio, including among other things, maturities of domestic securities and notices of exercise of call and put options. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party or its agent making the tender or exchange offer.

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The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to Portfolio securities or other financial assets issued in the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Custodian’s services with respect to class actions do not extend beyond the timely forwarding of written information so received by the Custodian.

     SECTION 2.14 EXERCISE OF RIGHTS; TENDER OFFERS. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to the agent of such issuer or trustee, for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided that the new securities, cash or other assets, if any, acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered securities are to be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall take all necessary action, unless otherwise directed to the contrary in Proper Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security ownership (“Mandatory Corporate Actions”), and shall promptly notify a Fund of such Mandatory Corporate Action in writing by facsimile transmission, electronic communication, or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing.

     In the event that Custodian is provided notice (in industry standard form) of (a) a proposed merger, recapitalization, reorganization, conversion, consolidation, subdivision, tender offer, takeover offer or other electable or voluntary corporate action or (b) a proposed issuance of securities or rights to participate in the issuance of securities, in each case by or with respect to the issuer of securities held by it for the account of a Portfolio (each a “Voluntary Corporate Action”), the Custodian shall provide written notice to the Fund or its designee promptly upon being provided such notice of the Voluntary Corporate Action. The notice provided by the Custodian shall include (i) a copy, or if a copy is not available, a synopsis of the offering materials provided to the Custodian by the issuer or its agent in connection with the Voluntary Corporate Action and (ii) the date on which the Custodian is required to take action to exercise rights or powers with respect to the Voluntary Corporate Action. Provided that the Custodian shall have delivered timely notice of the Voluntary Corporate Action to the Fund, the Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any Voluntary Corporate Action or other right or power in connection with domestic securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian is in actual possession of such securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least two (2) business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such right or power. If the Fund provides the Custodian with such notification after such deadline, the Custodian shall use its reasonable best efforts to process such election.

     SECTION 2.15 SECURITIES LENDING. To the extent that a Fund engages in a securities lending program other than with the Custodian, the Fund and the Custodian will agree to procedures that will apply to such securities lending program.

SECTION 3. PROVISIONS RELATING TO RULES 17F-5 AND 17F-7
SECTION 3.1 DEFINITIONS. As used throughout this Agreement, the capitalized terms set forth

 

below shall have the indicated meanings:

Country Risk” means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to, such country’s political environment, economic and

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financial infrastructure (including any Eligible Securities Depository operating in the country), nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, prevailing or developing custody and settlement practices, and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.

Eligible Foreign Custodian” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5, including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as defined in Rule 17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the SEC), or a foreign branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act; the term does not include any Eligible Securities Depository.

Eligible Securities Depository” has the meaning set forth in section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7.

Foreign Assets” means any of the Portfolios’ investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios’ transactions in such investments.

Foreign Custody Manager” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5.

Rule 17f-5” means Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

Rule 17f-7” means Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

SECTION 3.2 THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

     3.2.1 DELEGATION TO THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER. Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this Section 3.2 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolios.

     3.2.2 COUNTRIES COVERED. The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities defined below only with respect to the countries and custody arrangements for each such country listed on Schedule A to this Agreement, which list of countries may be amended from time to time by any Fund with the agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A the Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the assets of the Portfolios, which list of Eligible Foreign Custodians may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager will provide amended versions of Schedule A in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereof.

Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open an account or to place or maintain Foreign Assets in a country listed on Schedule A, and the fulfillment by each Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), of the applicable account opening requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to have been delegated by such Fund’s Board on behalf of such Portfolio(s) responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation. Execution of this Agreement by each Fund shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in each country listed on Schedule A. The Custodian will assist a Fund in satisfying the account opening requirements for a country as may be reasonably requested by the Fund. Following the receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Foreign

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Custody Manager to close the account of a Portfolio with the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board on behalf of such Portfolio to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager for that country shall be deemed to have been withdrawn, and such withdrawal shall be deemed to be effective, and the Custodian shall cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to such Portfolio with respect to that country as of the date that is ninety days (or such other period to which the parties may agree in writing) after receipt of any such Proper Instructions by the Foreign Custody Manager.

The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon written notice to the Fund. Ninety days (or such longer period to which the parties agree in writing) after receipt of any such notice by the Fund, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Fund with respect to the country as to which the Custodian’s acceptance of delegation is withdrawn.

3.2.3 SCOPE OF DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITIES:

     (a) SELECTION OF ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS. Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.2, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each country listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time. In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to place or maintain Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Eligible Foreign Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).

     (b) CONTRACTS WITH ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS. The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract governing the foreign custody arrangements with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).

     (c) MONITORING. In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager, the Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with such Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the contract governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager with the Eligible Foreign Custodian. In the event the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian it has selected are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall notify the Board in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereunder.

     3.2.4 GUIDELINES FOR THE EXERCISE OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY. For purposes of this Section 3.2, the Board shall be deemed to have considered and determined to accept such Country Risk as is incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets in each country for which the Custodian is serving as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

     3.2.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to such Schedule has occurred. The Foreign Custody Manager shall make written reports notifying the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 3.2 after the occurrence of the material change. The

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Foreign Custody Manager will also provide the Fund with global market information bulletins on a timely basis.

     3.2.6 STANDARD OF CARE AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER OF A PORTFOLIO. In performing the responsibilities delegated to it, the Foreign Custody Manager agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of assets of management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act would exercise (unless a higher standard of care is required by Rule 17f-5). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian acting as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolio is subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement.

     3.2.7 REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO RULE 17F-5. The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has determined that it is reasonable for such Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

     3.2.8 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION OF THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER. Each Board’s delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall remain in effect until terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party. Termination will become effective ninety (90) days after receipt by the non-terminating party of such notice. The provisions of Section 3.2.2 hereof shall govern the delegation to and termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios with respect to designated countries.

     3.2.9 CERTIFICATION REGARDING ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS. Each report presented to a Fund’s Board by the Custodian pursuant to Section 3.2.5 above shall be accompanied by a certificate representing that (a) the Custodian has established a system to monitor the appropriateness of maintaining a Portfolio’s Foreign Assets with each Eligible Foreign Custodian pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 and to monitor the performance of each Eligible Foreign Custodian under the sub-custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Eligible Foreign Custodian, (b) the Custodian has monitored all Eligible Foreign Custodians and each Eligible Foreign Custodian continues to be an Eligible Foreign Custodian, (c) each Eligible Foreign Custodian continues to provide the standard of care set forth in Section 3.2.6 hereof, after considering all relevant factors, including without limitation, those factors set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5, (d) all foreign custody agreements between the Custodian and the Eligible Foreign Custodians continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 17f-5, (e) since the submission of the last report pursuant to Section 3.2.5 above, there have been no material adverse changes to the Custodian’s foreign custody network or arrangements other than those reported to the Board or other governing body or entity of the Fund, on behalf of itself or its applicable Portfolios, in the accompanying report or notified to the Fund through the Custodian’s Global Market Bulletins, distributed to designated officers of the Fund and available on the Custodian’s internet client portal, my.statestreet.com (which information shall be included in the accompanying report to the Board), and (f) the information included in the report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects.

SECTION 3.3

ELIGIBLE SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES.

     3.3.1 ANALYSIS AND MONITORING. The Custodian shall (a) provide the Fund (or its duly-authorized investment manager or investment adviser) with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Eligible Securities Depositories set forth on Schedule B hereto in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(A) of Rule 17f-7, and (b) monitor such risks on a continuing basis, and

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promptly notify the Fund (or its duly-authorized investment manager or investment adviser) of any material change in such risks, in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7.

     3.3.2 STANDARD OF CARE. The Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in performing the duties set forth in Section 3.3.1 (unless a higher standard of care is required by Rule 17f-7). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian, in performing the duties set forth in Section 3.3.1, is subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement.

     SECTION 3.4 LOCAL REGULATORY MATTERS. The Custodian shall assist a Fund in complying with regulations and market practices of jurisdictions other than the United States of America applicable to a Fund’s Foreign Assets as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time. Such assistance may include, but not be limited to, soliciting information and guidance from depositories, exchanges and regulators; obtaining legal opinions at the expense of the relevant Fund but only after a Fund has been notified and agrees in writing to the amount of such expenses; acting as a Fund’s representative (if required by local law) in making filings; and providing such other assistance with respect to its Foreign Assets as a Fund may reasonably request. Based on what the Custodian considers to be reasonably reliable sources of information, including its Eligible Foreign Custodians, Custodian shall inform a Fund as to the Custodian’s understanding of a Fund’s rights, duties and obligations under regulations and market practices of jurisdictions other than the United States of America in connection with actions taken by a Fund or the Custodian, including, but not limited to, corporate actions involving a Fund’s securities.

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIOS TO BE HELD
  OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
 
SECTION 4.1 DEFINITIONS. As used throughout this Agreement, the capitalized terms set forth

 

below shall have the indicated meanings:

Foreign Securities System” means an Eligible Securities Depository listed on Schedule B hereto.

Foreign Sub-Custodian” means a foreign banking institution serving as an Eligible Foreign Custodian.

     SECTION 4.2 HOLDING SECURITIES. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the foreign securities and other financial assets held by each Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities and other financial assets for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Foreign Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities and other financial assets of the Portfolios which are maintained in such account shall identify those securities as belonging to the Portfolios and (ii), to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities so held by the Foreign Sub-Custodian be held separately from any assets of such Foreign Sub-Custodian or of other customers of such Foreign Sub-Custodian.

     SECTION 4.3 FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS. Foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a designated country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian, as applicable, in such country.

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SECTION 4.4 TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT.

     4.4.1 DELIVERY OF FOREIGN ASSETS. The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall release and deliver foreign securities of the Portfolios held by the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

(i)     

Upon the sale of such foreign securities for the Portfolio in accordance with commercially reasonable market practice in the country where such foreign securities are held or traded, including, without limitation: (A) delivery against expectation of receiving later payment; or (B) in the case of a sale effected through a Foreign Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of the Foreign Securities System;

(ii)     

In connection with any repurchase agreement related to foreign securities;

(iii)     

To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for foreign securities of the Portfolios;

(iv)     

To the issuer thereof or its agent when such foreign securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;

(v)     

To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Custodian (or the name of the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian) or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;

(vi)     

To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any such case, the Foreign Sub-Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such foreign securities prior to receiving payment for such foreign securities except as may arise from the Foreign Sub-Custodian’s own negligence or willful misconduct;

(vii)     

For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;

(viii)     

In the case of warrants, rights or similar foreign securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities;

(ix)     

For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

(x)     

In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original margin and variation margin;

(xi)     

Upon the sale or other delivery of such foreign securities (including, without limitation, to one or more Special Sub-Custodians or Repo Custodians) as a Free Trade, provided that

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applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the foreign securities to be delivered and

  (B)     

the person or persons to whom delivery shall be made;

(xii)     

In connection with the lending of foreign securities; and

(xiii)     

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying (A) the foreign securities to be delivered and (B) the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

  4.4.2     

PAYMENT OF PORTFOLIO MONIES. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may

be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to pay out, monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

(i)     

Upon the purchase of foreign securities for the Portfolio, unless otherwise directed by

  Proper     

Instructions, by (A) delivering money to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or

  an     

agent for such seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later delivery of such

  foreign     

securities; or (B) in the case of a purchase effected through a Foreign Securities

  System,     

in accordance with the rules governing the operation of such Foreign Securities

  System;     

(ii)     

In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender of foreign securities of the

  Portfolio;     

(iii)     

For the payment of any expense or liability of the Portfolio, including but not limited to

  the     

following payments: interest, taxes, investment advisory fees, transfer agency fees, fees

  under     

this Agreement, legal fees, accounting fees, and other operating expenses;

(iv)     

For the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign exchange contracts for the Portfolio,

  including     

transactions executed with or through the Custodian or its Foreign Sub-

  Custodians;     

(v)     

In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original

  margin     

and variation margin;

(vi)     

Upon the purchase of foreign investments including, without limitation, repurchase

  agreement     

transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to Repo Custodian(s), as a

  Free     

Trade, provided that applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the amount of

  such     

payment and (B) the person or persons to whom payment shall be made;

(vii)     

For payment of part or all of the dividends received in respect of securities sold short;

(viii)     

In connection with the borrowing or lending of foreign securities; and

(ix)     

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying (A) the

  amount     

of such payment and (B) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be

  made.     

  4.4.3     

MARKET CONDITIONS. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the

contrary, settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery

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of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer but in all events subject to the standard of care set forth in Section 16 of this Agreement.

The Custodian shall provide to each Board the information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian described on Schedule C hereto at the time or times set forth on such Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time, provided that no such revision shall result in a Board being provided with substantively less information than had been previously provided hereunder.

     SECTION 4.5 REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN SECURITIES. The foreign securities maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Foreign Sub-Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the foregoing provided that the use of a nominee is customary market practice. The applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. To the extent that the use of nominee names is not customary market practice, foreign securities shall not be registered in a nominee name, and the Funds shall not have any obligation to hold harmless any such nominee where the use is not customary market practice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the prior written consent of the applicable Fund is given the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio shall hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall not be obligated to accept securities on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of such securities and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with reasonable market practice.

     SECTION 4.6 BANK ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the applicable Portfolio cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. Where the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance of, cash on the books of the Custodian, a bank account or bank accounts shall be opened and maintained outside the United States on behalf of a Portfolio with a Foreign Sub-Custodian. All accounts referred to in this Section shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian (or, if applicable, such Foreign Sub-Custodian) acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to hold cash received by or from or for the account of the Portfolio. Cash maintained on the books of the Custodian (including its branches, subsidiaries and affiliates), regardless of currency denomination, is maintained in bank accounts established under, and subject to the laws of, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The foregoing constitutes the disclosure required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 167D, Section 36.

     SECTION 4.7 COLLECTION OF INCOME. The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which the Portfolios shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the applicable Portfolio. The Custodian shall notify the Fund, at the frequency agreed to by the parties, in writing by facsimile transmission, electronic communication or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing, if any amount payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets of the Portfolio of a Fund are not received by the Custodian when due. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other assets that are in default. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures.

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Income on securities loaned other than from the Custodian’s securities lending program shall be credited as received.

     SECTION 4.8 SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS. With respect to the foreign securities held pursuant to this Section 4, the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued, including but not limited to proxy services not being available in certain markets. Each Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors, may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of a Fund to exercise shareholder rights. The Custodian shall, however, as soon as is reasonably practicable communicate information received as to the foregoing to the applicable Fund. In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian agrees to provide the Funds with annual and periodic market updates.

     SECTION 4.9 COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities being held for the account of the Portfolios (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of foreign securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith). With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials so received by the Custodian from issuers of the foreign securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with foreign securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian or the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian is in actual possession of such foreign securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least two (2) business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such right or power. For avoidance of doubt, upon and after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, with respect to a Fund or its Portfolio(s), as may be applicable, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to so transmit any information under this Section 4.9.

The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. In the event that the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities in a market in which the Custodian does not offer proxy voting services, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian through Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside of the United States and being held for the account of the Portfolio regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to the Portfolio’s foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian via a Foreign Sub-Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the Custodian’s services with respect to class actions do not extend beyond the timely forwarding of written information so received by the Custodian.

     SECTION 4.10 LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS. The Custodian shall not employ a Foreign Sub-Custodian unless such employment is memorialized in a written agreement. Each such written agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall, to the extent possible using best efforts, require the Foreign Sub-Custodian to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties, and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the Foreign Sub-Custodian’s performance of

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such obligations. At a Fund’s election, the Portfolios shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Portfolios have not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.

     SECTION 4.11 TAX LAW. The Fund or its Portfolio shall be liable for all taxes, assessments, duties and other government charges, including any interest or penalty with respect thereto, with respect to any cash or securities held on behalf of the Fund or its Portfolios or any transaction related thereto. The Custodian shall withhold or cause to withhold the amount of tax which is required to be withheld under applicable law upon collection of any dividend, interest or other distribution with respect to any domestic security or foreign security and proceeds or income from the sale or other transfer of any domestic security or foreign security in custody at the Custodian. The Custodian shall assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or reclaim under the tax laws of the designated countries listed on Schedule A upon request by a Fund. In providing such services, the Custodian does not act as the Fund’s tax adviser or tax counsel.

SECTION 5. CONTRACTUAL SETTLEMENT SERVICES (PURCHASE / SALES)

     SECTION 5.1 With respect to each cash account designated in writing by a Portfolio, the Custodian shall, in accordance with the terms set out in this Section 5, debit or credit the appropriate cash account of each Portfolio in connection with (i) the purchase of securities for such Portfolio, and (ii) proceeds of the sale of securities held on behalf of such Portfolio, on a contractual settlement basis (the “Contractual Settlement Services”).

     SECTION 5.2 The Contractual Settlement Services shall be provided for such instruments and in such markets as the Custodian may advise from time to time. The Custodian may terminate or suspend any part of the provision of the Contractual Settlement Services under this Agreement at its sole discretion immediately upon notice to the applicable Fund on behalf of each Portfolio, including, without limitation, in the event of force majeure events affecting settlement, any disorder in markets, or other changed external business circumstances affecting the markets or the Fund.

     SECTION 5.3 The consideration payable in connection with a purchase transaction shall be debited from the appropriate cash account of the Portfolio as of the time and date that monies would ordinarily be required to settle such transaction in the applicable market. The Custodian shall promptly recredit such amount at the time that the Portfolio or the Fund notifies the Custodian by Proper Instruction that such transaction has been canceled.

     SECTION 5.4 With respect to the settlement of a sale of securities, a provisional credit of an amount equal to the net sale price for the transaction (the “Settlement Amount”) shall be made to the account of the Portfolio as if the Settlement Amount had been received as of the close of business on the date that monies would ordinarily be available in good funds in the applicable market. Such provisional credit will be made conditional upon the Custodian having received Proper Instructions with respect to, or reasonable notice of, the transaction, as applicable; and the Custodian or its agents having possession of the asset(s) (which shall exclude assets subject to any third party lending arrangement entered into by a Portfolio) associated with the transaction in good deliverable form and not being aware of any facts which would lead them to reasonably believe that the transaction will not settle in the time period ordinarily applicable to such transactions in the applicable market.

SECTION 5.5 Subject to the relevant requirements of Section 16, the Custodian shall have the

right to reverse any provisional credit or debit given in connection with the Contractual Settlement Services

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when the Custodian believes, in its reasonable judgment, that such transaction will not settle in accordance with its terms or amounts due pursuant thereto will not be collectable or where the Custodian has not been provided Proper Instructions with respect thereto, as applicable. Upon such reversal, a sum equal to the credited or debited amount shall become immediately payable by the Portfolio to the Custodian and may be debited from any cash account held for benefit of the Portfolio. Prior to any such reversal, the Custodian will provide notice to the Fund pursuant to the relevant requirements of Section 16. Following such reversal, the Custodian will promptly notify the Fund of any action taken pursuant to this Section 5.5, which notice shall include a description of the facts forming the basis for the Custodian’s decision to reverse the provisional credit.

SECTION 5A. ACTUAL SETTLEMENT SERVICES (PURCHASE / SALES)

     SECTION 5A.1 With respect to each cash account designated in writing by a Portfolio, the Custodian shall, in accordance with the terms set out in this Section 5A, debit or credit the appropriate cash account of each Portfolio in connection with (i) the purchase of securities for such Portfolio, and (ii) proceeds of the sale of securities held on behalf of such Portfolio, on an actual settlement basis.

     SECTION 5A.2 The consideration payable in connection with a purchase transaction shall be debited from the appropriate cash account of the Portfolio as of the time and date that monies are actually payable.

     SECTION 5A.3 With respect to the settlement of a sale of securities, the Custodian shall credit the appropriate cash account of the Portfolio as of the time and date that the cash received as consideration for the transaction is actually received by Custodian.

SECTION 6.

SPECIAL SUB-CUSTODIANS

Upon receipt of Special Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 8 hereof), the Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more Portfolios, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions to act as a sub-custodian for the purposes of effecting such transaction(s) as may be designated by a Fund in Special Instructions. Each such designated sub-custodian is referred to herein as a “Special Sub-Custodian.” Each such duly appointed Special Sub-Custodian shall be listed on Schedule D hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by a Fund, with the acknowledgment of the Custodian. In connection with the appointment of any Special Sub-Custodian, and in accordance with Special Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into a sub-custodian agreement with the Fund and the Special Sub-Custodian in form and substance approved by such Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 6A.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

     SECTION 6A.1. GENERALLY. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which for purposes of this Section may also include security trade advices, the Custodian shall facilitate the processing and settlement of foreign exchange transactions. Such foreign exchange transactions do not constitute part of the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement.

     SECTION 6A.2. FUND ELECTIONS. Each Fund (or its investment manager or investment advisor (“Investment Advisor”) acting on its behalf) may elect to enter into and execute foreign exchange transactions with third parties that are not affiliated with the Custodian, with State Street Global Markets, which is the foreign exchange division of State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliated companies

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(“SSGM”), or with a sub-custodian. Where the Fund or its Investment Advisor gives Proper Instructions for the execution of a foreign exchange transaction using an indirect foreign exchange service described in the Client Publications (as defined below), the Fund (or its Investment Advisor) instructs the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund, to direct the execution of such foreign exchange transaction to SSGM or, when the relevant currency is not traded by SSGM, to the applicable sub-custodian. The Custodian shall not have any agency (except as contemplated in preceding sentence), trust or fiduciary obligation to the Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other person in connection with the execution of any foreign exchange transaction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility under this Agreement for the selection of the counterparty to, or the method of execution of, any foreign exchange transaction entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) or the reasonableness of the execution rate on any such transaction. “Client Publications” means the general client publications of State Street Bank and Trust Company available from time to time to clients.

     SECTION 6A.3. FUND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Each Fund acknowledges that in connection with all foreign exchange transactions entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) with SSGM or any sub-custodian, SSGM and each such sub-custodian:

(i)     

shall be acting in a principal capacity and not as broker, agent or fiduciary to the Fund or its Investment Advisor;

(ii)     

shall seek to profit from such foreign exchange transactions, and are entitled to retain and not disclose any such profit to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; and

(iii)     

shall enter into such foreign exchange transactions pursuant to the terms and conditions, including pricing or pricing methodology, (a) agreed with the Fund or its Investment Advisor from time to time or (b) in the case of an indirect foreign exchange service, (i) as established by SSGM and set forth in the Client Publications with respect to the particular foreign exchange execution services selected by the Fund or the Investment Advisor or (ii) as established by the sub-custodian from time to time.

     SECTION 6A.4. TRANSACTIONS BY STATE STREET. The Custodian or its affiliates, including SSGM, may trade based upon information that is not available to the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf), and may enter into transactions for its own account or the account of clients in the same or opposite direction to the transactions entered into with the Fund (or its Investment Advisor), and shall have no obligation, under this Agreement, to share such information with or consider the interests of their respective counterparties, including, where applicable, the Fund or the Investment Advisor.

SECTION 7. PAYMENTS FOR SALES OR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES

The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of the Shares or from the Transfer Agent and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares thereof issued or sold from time to time by the applicable Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to such Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.

From such funds as may be available for the purpose, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection

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with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by a Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between such Fund and the Custodian.

SECTION 8. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proper Instructions,which may also be standing instructions, as such term is used throughout this Agreement shall mean instructions received by the Custodian from a Fund, a Fund’s duly authorized investment manager or investment adviser, or a person or entity duly authorized by either of them. Such instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized person or persons or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed from time to time by the Custodian and the person(s) or entity giving such instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures agreed to from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian. Oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to provide such instructions with respect to the transaction involved; the Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any multi-party agreement which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof.

Special Instructions,” as such term is used throughout this Agreement, means Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the applicable Fund or any other person designated in writing by the Treasurer of such Fund, which countersignature or confirmation shall be (a) included on the same instrument containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument clearly relating thereto and (b) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission, or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified by such Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, a certificate setting forth: (i) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund and (ii) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized to give Special Instructions. Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary.

SECTION 9.

EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY

The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund provided that the Custodian exercised reasonable care without negligence in following or acting upon such instruction, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument. The Custodian may receive and accept a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of any Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to act in accordance with such resolution or (b) of any determination or of any action by the applicable Board as described in such resolution, and such resolution may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.

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SECTION 10. ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY

The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:

1)     

Surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive form;

2)     

Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

3)     

In general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the applicable Board.

SECTION 11. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT

The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or entities appointed by the applicable Board to keep the books of account of each Portfolio and to compute its net asset value. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to investments maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent, the Underlying Transfer Agent is the sole source of information on the number of shares of a fund held by it on behalf of a Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information furnished by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Agreement, including without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 11 and in Section 12 hereof; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to reconcile information as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report promptly any discrepancies to the Underlying Transfer Agent. Each Fund acknowledges that, in keeping the books of account of the Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon information provided to it by the Fund, the Fund’s counterparty(ies), or the agents of either of them.

SECTION 12.

RECORDS

The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the 1940 Act, with particular attention to section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of such Fund, including such Fund’s independent public accountants, and employees and agents of the SEC. The Custodian shall, at a Fund’s request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations. Each Fund acknowledges that, in creating and maintaining the records as set forth herein with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14), or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, the Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon information provided to it by the Fund, the Fund’s counterparty(ies), or the agents of either of them.

SECTION 13.

RESERVED

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SECTION 14. REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Custodian shall provide the applicable Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios at such times as such Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a U.S. Securities System or a Foreign Securities System (either, a “Securities System”), relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.

SECTION 15.

COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN

The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between each Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.

SECTION 16.

RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN

So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties. The Custodian shall perform the services provided for in this Agreement without negligence, fraud or willful misconduct and with reasonable care. The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for any failure by the Custodian to satisfy the foregoing standard of care. The Custodian shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to any Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence, fraud or willful misconduct, including, without limitation, acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction without negligence, fraud or willful misconduct. The indemnification obligations of this Section shall survive termination of this Agreement.

Except as may arise from the Custodian’s own negligence, fraud or willful misconduct or the negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent, the Custodian shall be without liability to any Fund for any loss, liability, claim or expense resulting from or caused by: (i) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or Securities System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing (a “Force Majeure Event”), including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, or other similar events or acts, except to the extent that the Custodian fails to maintain and keep updated the business and continuity and disaster recovery plan as set forth in Section 19.7 and such failure causes such loss; (ii) errors by any Fund or its duly authorized investment manager or investment adviser in their instructions to the Custodian provided such instructions have been in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any act or omission of a Special Sub-Custodian including, without limitation, reliance on reports prepared by a Special Sub-Custodian; (v) any delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian’s sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities sold; (vi) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of the Custodian, any Fund, the Custodian’s sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any consequential losses arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (vii)

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delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security or Securities System; and (viii) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.

The Custodian shall be liable to a Fund for the acts or omissions of any sub-custodian selected by the Custodian, whether domestic or foreign (but excluding any Special Sub-Custodian or U.S. sub-custodian designated by a Fund pursuant to Special Instructions or Proper Instructions), to the same extent that the Custodian would be liable to the Fund as if such action or omission was performed by the Custodian itself, taking into account the facts and circumstances and the established local market practices and laws prevailing in the relevant jurisdiction at the time of the action or omission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall in no event be liable for losses arising from Country Risk or from the insolvency or other financial default with respect to (a) any sub-custodian that is not an affiliate of the Custodian or (b) any depositary bank holding in a deposit account cash denominated in any currency other than an “on book” currency for that market.

If a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in the reasonable opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of money, such Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form to be mutually agreed upon between such Fund and Custodian if and when necessary.

If the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents, advances cash or securities for any purpose (including, but not limited to, securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement, but not including amounts payable to the Custodian pursuant to Section 15 of this Agreement) or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed from a third party any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the investment activities of a Fund and the Custodian’s related performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from the Custodian’s or its nominee’s own negligent action, negligent failure to act, fraud, or willful misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to apply available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio’s assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement. In addition, the Custodian may at any time decline to follow Proper Instructions to deliver out cash, securities or other financial assets if the Custodian reasonably determines that, after giving effect to the Proper Instructions, the cash, securities or other financial assets remaining will not have sufficient value fully to secure the Fund’s reimbursement of the relevant advances or other liabilities.

Except as may arise from the Custodian’s own negligence, fraud or willful misconduct, each Fund severally and not jointly shall indemnify and hold the Custodian harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, charges, counsel fees, payments and liabilities which may be asserted against the Custodian (a) acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction or Special Instruction including, without limitation, any Proper Instruction with respect to Free Trades including, but not limited to, cost, expense, loss, damage, charge, counsel fee, payment or liability resulting from the Custodian’s reasonable reliance upon information provided by the applicable Fund, such Fund’s counterparty(ies) or the agents of either of them with respect to Fund property released, delivered or purchased pursuant to either of Section 2.2(14) or Section 2.6(7) hereof; (b) for the acts or omissions of any Special Sub-Custodian; or (c) for the acts or omissions of any Local Agent or Pledgee.

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None of the parties shall be liable for indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages. Upon the occurrence of any event that causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to a Fund, the Custodian shall (i) promptly notify a Fund of the occurrence of such event and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause any sub-custodian to use all commercially reasonable efforts and to take all reasonable steps under the circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm to a Fund.

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

This Agreement shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than sixty (60) days after the date of such delivery or mailing if termination is being sought by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio and not sooner than one hundred twenty (120) days if termination is being sought by the Custodian; provided, however, that no Fund shall amend or terminate this Agreement in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of such Fund’s Governing Documents, and further provided, that any Fund on behalf of one or more of the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee or a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction. Termination of this Agreement with respect to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio.

Upon termination of the Agreement, the applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for the transaction costs of delivering out the securities of such applicable Portfolio to the successor custodian appointed pursuant to Section 18 of this Agreement, if any.

In connection with any termination of the Agreement for any reason whatsoever, the parties shall also reasonably cooperate with respect to the development of a transition plan setting forth a reasonable timetable for the transition and describing the parties’ respective responsibilities for transitioning the services back to the Fund or any successor custodian in an orderly and uninterrupted fashion.

If the Custodian is prevented from carrying out its obligations under the Agreement as a result of a Force Majeure Event for a period of 30 days, a Fund may terminate the Agreement by giving the Custodian not less than 30 days' notice, without prejudice to any of the rights of any party accrued prior to the date of termination; provided, however, that if the Force Majeure Event is a regional wide or market wide event that has similarly affected substantially all other providers of services to funds substantially similar to the services provided hereunder in such region or market, the Fund’s termination right shall only arise at such time that two (2) or more of such providers are reasonably able and have begun to recommence the provision of such services. If the Custodian recommences the provision of the affected services in all material respects prior to the exercise by a Fund of its termination right, such termination right shall lapse if the Custodian gives notice to the Fund that it has done so (and it has in fact so recommenced the provision of services) and a Fund has not already provided notice of termination prior to such notice by the Custodian that it has recommenced the services in all material respects.

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SECTION 18.

SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN

If a successor custodian for one or more Portfolios shall be appointed by the applicable Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the Custodian (or such other location as shall mutually be agreed upon by the Custodian and the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio), duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities, cash, and other assets of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.

If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the office of the Custodian (or such other location as shall mutually be agreed upon by the Custodian and the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio) and transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such resolution.

In the event that no Proper Instructions designating a successor custodian or alternative arrangements shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Agreement on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Agreement.

In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of any Fund to provide Proper Instructions as aforesaid, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 19.

GENERAL

SECTION 19.1 NEWYORK LAW TO APPLY. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions
thereof interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The State of New York.

 

     SECTION 19.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. All information provided under this Agreement by a party (the “Disclosing Party”) to the other party (the “Receiving Party”) regarding the Disclosing Party’s business and operations shall be treated as confidential. All confidential information provided under this Agreement by Disclosing Party shall be used, including disclosure to third parties, by the Receiving Party, or its agents or service providers, solely for the purpose of performing or receiving the services and discharging the Receiving Party’s other obligations under the Agreement or managing the internal business of the Receiving Party and its affiliates, including financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (a) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (b) that is independently derived by the Receiving Party without the use of any information provided by the Disclosing Party in connection with this Agreement, (c) that is disclosed to comply with any proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative

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demand or other similar process that is initiated, authorized, or conducted by a court of law, regulatory agency, or other governmental or administrative body with appropriate jurisdiction over either party, (d) that is disclosed as required by operation of law or regulation or as required to comply with the requirements of any market infrastructure that the Disclosing Party or its agents direct the Custodian or its affiliates to employ (or which is required in connection with the holding or settlement of instruments included in the assets subject to this Agreement), or (e) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information.

     SECTION 19.3 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by (a) any Fund without the written consent of the Custodian or (b) by the Custodian without the written consent of each applicable Fund.

     SECTION 19.4 INTERPRETIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement.

     SECTION 19.5 ADDITIONAL FUNDS. In the event that any management investment company in addition to those listed on Appendix A hereto desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such management investment company shall become a Fund hereunder and be bound by all terms and conditions and provisions hereof including, without limitation, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 19.7 below.

     SECTION 19.6 ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIOS. In the event that any Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in addition to those set forth on Appendix A hereto with respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.

     SECTION 19.7 THE PARTIES. All references herein to the “Fund” are to each of the management investment companies listed on Appendix A hereto, and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 19.5 above, individually, as if this Agreement were between such individual Fund and the Custodian. In the case of a series corporation, trust or other entity, all references herein to the “Portfolio” are to the individual series or portfolio of such corporation, trust or other entity, or to such corporation, trust or other entity on behalf of the individual series or portfolio, as appropriate. Any reference in this Agreement to “the parties” shall mean the Custodian and such other individual Fund as to which the matter pertains. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its Governing Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid, binding and enforceable agreement; and (e) its entrance into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Fund or any law or regulation applicable to it. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its declaration of trust or other governing documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid, binding and enforceable agreement;

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and (e) its entrance into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Custodian or any law or regulation applicable to it.

The Custodian hereby represents to each of the Funds, on behalf of each of such Fund’s Portfolios, that it (a) has and shall maintain and update a disaster recovery and business continuation plan that is reasonably designed to enable the Custodian to perform its duties and obligations set forth under this Agreement in the event of a significant business disruption affecting the Custodian, including a Force Majeure Event; (b) shall test the operability of such plan at least once every twelve (12) months and revise such plan as Custodian reasonably believes is necessary to ensure that the plan, in general, continues to be reasonably designed to enable the Custodian to perform its duties and obligations as set forth under this Agreement; and (c) shall activate such plan if Custodian reasonably believes (i) an event has occurred which would materially affect the Custodian’s timely discharge of its duties and performance of its obligations under this Agreement and (ii) activation of such plan would allow Custodian to discharge its duties hereunder. The Custodian shall enter into and shall maintain in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provision for (i) periodic back-up of the computer files and data with respect to the Fund and (ii) emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to provide services under this Agreement. Upon reasonable request, the Custodian shall discuss with the Fund the business continuity/disaster recovery plan of the Custodian. The Custodian represents that its business continuity plan is appropriate for its business as a provider of custodian services to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

SECTION 19.8 REMOTEACCESS SERVICES ADDENDUM. The Custodian and each Fund agree to be
bound by the terms of the Remote Access Services Addendum hereto.

 

     SECTION 19.9 NOTICES. Any notice, instruction or other instrument required to be given hereunder may be delivered in person to the offices of the parties as set forth herein during normal business hours or delivered prepaid registered mail or by telex, cable or telecopy to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.

To any Fund:

c/o THE VANGUARD GROUP, INC. 400 Devon Park Drive, A29 Wayne, PA 19087 Attention: Chief Financial Officer Telecopy: (610) 669-6112

 

With a copy to:

THE VANGUARD GROUP, INC. 400 Devon Park Drive, V26 Wayne, PA 19087 Attention: General Counsel Telecopy: (610) 669-6600

 

To the Custodian:

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02210 Attention: Jay Fulchino Telephone: 617-662-0934

 

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With a copy to:

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Legal Division – Global Services Americas One Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111 Attention: Senior Vice President

 

Such notice, instruction or other instrument shall be deemed to have been served in the case of a registered letter at the expiration of five business days after posting, in the case of cable twenty-four hours after dispatch and, in the case of facsimile, immediately on dispatch and if delivered outside normal business hours it shall be deemed to have been received at the next time after delivery when normal business hours commence and in the case of cable, facsimile or telecopy on the business day after the receipt thereof. Evidence that the notice was properly addressed, stamped and put into the post shall be conclusive evidence of posting.

     SECTION 19.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

     SECTION 19.11 SEVERABILITY. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

     SECTION 19.12 REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS. This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

     SECTION 19.13 SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTION. Rule 14b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires banks which hold securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Fund’s name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian “no,” the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian “yes” or does not check either “yes” or “no” below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Fund’s protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund’s name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.

YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

SECTION 19.14 REPORTS. Upon reasonable request of a Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund
with a copy of the Custodian’s System and Organization Controls for Service Organizations: Internal
 
 
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Control over Financial Reporting (SOC) 1 reports prepared in accordance with the requirements of AT-C section 320, Reporting on an Examination of Controls at a Service Organization Relevant to User Entities’ Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (or any successor attestation standard). In addition, from time to time as requested, the Custodian will furnish the Fund a “gap” or “bridge” letter that will address any material changes that might have occurred in the Custodian’s controls covered in the SOC Report from the end of the SOC Report period through a specified requested date. The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Fund with such reports as the Fund may reasonably request or otherwise reasonably require to fulfill its duties under Rule 38a-l of the 1940 Act or similar legal and regulatory requirements. Upon reasonable request to the Fund, the Custodian shall also provide to the Fund sub-certifications in connection with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certification requirements.

     SECTION 19.15 OPINIONS. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund’s independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with (i) the preparation of any registration statement of a Fund and any other reports required by a governmental agency or regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Fund, and (ii) the fulfillment by a Fund of any other requirements of a governmental agency or regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Fund.

     SECTION 19.16 REGULATION GG. The Funds are hereby notified that “restricted transactions,” as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.

     SECTION 19.17 PORTFOLIO BY PORTFOLIO BASIS. This Agreement is executed by a Fund with respect to each of its Portfolios and the obligations hereunder are not binding upon any of the directors, officers or shareholders of the Fund individually. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, each and every obligation, liability or undertaking of a particular Portfolio under this Agreement shall constitute solely an obligation, liability or undertaking of, and be binding upon, such particular Portfolio and shall be payable solely from the available assets of such particular Portfolio and shall not be binding upon or affect any assets of any other Portfolio.

     SECTION 19.18 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS. The Custodian and the Funds may from time to time agree to document the manner in which they expect to deliver and receive the services contemplated by this Agreement. In such event, each party will perform its obligations in accordance with any service levels that may be agreed upon by the parties in writing from time to time, subject to the terms of this Agreement

     SECTION 19.19 LOAN SERVICES ADDENDUM. If a Fund directs the Custodian in writing to perform loan services, the Custodian and the Fund will be bound by the terms of the Loan Services Addendum attached hereto. The Fund shall reimburse Custodian for its fees and expenses related thereto as agreed upon from time to time in writing by the Fund and the Custodian.

[Signature page to follow.]

Information Classification: Limited Access

30

 


 

APPENDIX A

Vanguard California Tax-Free Funds

Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard California Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard California Municipal Money Market Fund

Vanguard CMT Funds

Vanguard Municipal Cash Management Fund

Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund

Vanguard Institutional Index Funds Vanguard Institutional Index Fund

Vanguard Malvern Funds

Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund

Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Funds Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

Vanguard Municipal Bond Funds

Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Limited-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Municipal Money Market Fund Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund

Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Funds

Vanguard New Jersey Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund

Vanguard New York Tax-Free Funds

Vanguard New York Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard New York Municipal Money Market Fund

Vanguard Ohio Tax-Free Funds

Vanguard Ohio Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund

Vanguard Pennsylvania Tax-Free Funds

Vanguard Pennsylvania Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund

Vanguard Quantitative Funds

Vanguard Growth and Income Fund

Vanguard STAR Funds
Vanguard STAR Fund

A-1

 

Vanguard Variable Insurance Funds Balanced Portfolio Diversified Value Portfolio Equity Index Portfolio High Yield Bond Portfolio Mid-Cap Index Portfolio REIT Index Portfolio Small Company Growth Portfolio

Vanguard World Fund

Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund

A-2

 

SCHEDULE A – GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
 
 
MARKET SUBCUSTODIAN ADDRESS
 
Albania Raiffeisen Bank sh.a. Blv. "Bajram Curri" ETC – Kati 14 Tirana, Albania
 
Argentina Citibank, N.A. Bartolome Mitre 530
    1036 Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
Australia The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking HSBC Securities Services Level 3,
  Corporation Limited 10 Smith St.,
    Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
 
Austria Deutsche Bank AG (operating through its Fleischmarkt 1
  Frankfurt branch with support from its A-1010 Vienna, Austria
  Vienna branch)  
 
  UniCredit Bank Austria AG Custody Department / Dept. 8398-TZ Julius Tandler Platz 3
    A-1090 Vienna, Austria
 
Bahrain HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (as 1ST Floor, Bldg. #2505 Road # 2832, Al
  delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Seef 428 Kingdom of Bahrain
  Banking Corporation Limited)  
 
Bangladesh Standard Chartered Bank Silver Tower, Level 7
    52 South Gulshan Commercial Area Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212,
    Bangladesh
 
Belgium Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands De Entrees 99-197
  (operating through its Amsterdam 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  branch with support from its Brussels  
  branch)  
 
Benin via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Bermuda HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited 6 Front Street
    Hamilton, HM06, Bermuda
 
Federation of UniCredit Bank d.d. Zelenih beretki 24
Bosnia and   71 000 Sarajevo
Herzegovina   Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
 
Botswana Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited 4th Floor, Standard Chartered House Queens Road
    The Mall
    Gaborone, Botswana
 
Brazil Citibank, N.A. AV Paulista 1111
    São Paulo, SP 01311-920 Brazil
 
Bulgaria Citibank Europe plc, Bulgaria Branch Serdika Offices, 10th floor 48 Sitnyakovo Blvd.
    1505 Sofia, Bulgaria
 
  UniCredit Bulbank AD 7 Sveta Nedelya Square
    1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
 
Burkina Faso via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Canada State Street Trust Company Canada 30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 800 Toronto, ON Canada
    M5C 3G6
 
Chile Itaú CorpBanca S.A. Presidente Riesco Street # 5537 Floor 18
    Las Condes, Santiago de Chile
 
People’s HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited 33rd Floor, HSBC Building, Shanghai IFC 8 Century Avenue
Republic of (as delegate of The Hongkong and Pudong, Shanghai, China (200120)
China Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)  
 
  China Construction Bank Corporation No.1 Naoshikou Street Chang An Xing Rong
    Plaza Beijing 100032-33, China

 

SCH A-1

 

China Connect Citibank N.A. 39/F., Champion Tower 3 Garden Road
    Central, Hong Kong
 
  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Level 30,
  Corporation Limited HSBC Main Building 1 Queen's
    Road Central, Hong Kong
 
  Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) 15th Floor Standard Chartered Tower 388 Kwun Tong Road
  Limited Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
Colombia Cititrust Colombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria Carrera 9A, No. 99-02 Bogotá DC,
    Colombia
 
Costa Rica Banco BCT S.A. 160 Calle Central Edificio BCT
    San José, Costa Rica
 
Croatia Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d. Custody Department Radni ka cesta 50
    10000 Zagreb, Croatia
 
  Zagrebacka Banka d.d. Savska 60
    10000 Zagreb, Croatia
 
Cyprus BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A., 2 Lampsakou Str.
  Greece (operating through its Athens 115 28 Athens, Greece
  branch)  
 
Czech Republic eskoslovenská obchodní banka, a.s. Radlická 333/150
    150 57 Prague 5, Czech Republic
 
  UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and BB Centrum – FILADELFIE }eletavská 1525/1
  Slovakia, a.s. 140 92 Praha 4 - Michle, Czech Republic
 
Denmark Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden Strandgade 3
  (operating through its branch, Nordea 0900 Copenhagen C, Denmark
  Danmark, Filial af Nordea Bank AB  
  (publ), Sverige)  
 
  Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB Bernstorffsgade 50
  (publ), Sweden (operating through its 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copenhagen branch)  
 
Egypt HSBC Bank Egypt S.A.E. 6th Floor
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and 306 Corniche El Nil Maadi
  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Cairo, Egypt
 
Estonia AS SEB Pank Tornimäe 2
    15010 Tallinn, Estonia
 
Finland Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden Satamaradankatu 5
  (operating through its branch, Nordea 00500 Helsinki, Finland
  Bank AB (publ), Finnish branch)  
 
  Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Securities Services Box 630
  Sweden (operating through its Helsinki SF-00101 Helsinki, Finland
  branch)  
 
France Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands De Entrees 99-197
  (operating through its Amsterdam 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  branch with support from its Paris  
  branch)  
 
Republic of JSC Bank of Georgia 29a Gagarini Str. Tbilisi 0160,
Georgia   Georgia
 
Germany State Street Bank International GmbH Brienner Strasse 59
    80333 Munich, Germany
 
  Deutsche Bank AG Alfred-Herrhausen-Allee 16-24
    D-65760 Eschborn, Germany
 
Ghana Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited P. O. Box 768
    1st Floor

 

SCH A-2

 

    High Street Building Accra, Ghana
 
Greece BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A. 2 Lampsakou Str.
    115 28 Athens, Greece
 
Guinea-Bissau via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Hong Kong Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) 15th Floor Standard Chartered Tower 388 Kwun Tong Road
  Limited Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
Hungary Citibank Europe plc Magyarországi 7 Szabadság tér, Bank Center Budapest, H-1051 Hungary
  Fióktelepe  
 
  UniCredit Bank Hungary Zrt. 6th Floor Szabadság tér 5-6
    H-1054 Budapest, Hungary
 
Iceland Landsbankinn hf. Austurstræti 11
    155 Reykjavik, Iceland
 
India Deutsche Bank AG Block B1, 4th Floor, Nirlon Knowledge Park
    Off Western Express Highway Goregaon (E)
    Mumbai 400 063, India
 
  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking 11F, Building 3, NESCO - IT Park, NESCO Complex,
  Corporation Limited Western Express Highway Goregaon (East),
    Mumbai 400 063, India
 
Indonesia Deutsche Bank AG Deutsche Bank Building, 4th floor Jl. Imam Bonjol, No. 80
    Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
 
Ireland State Street Bank and Trust Company, 525 Ferry Road
  United Kingdom branch Edinburgh EH5 2AW, Scotland
 
Israel Bank Hapoalim B.M. 50 Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv, Israel
    61000
 
Italy Deutsche Bank S.p.A. Investor Services
    Via Turati 27 – 3rd Floor
    20121 Milan, Italy
 
Ivory Coast Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A. 23, Bld de la République
    17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Japan Mizuho Bank, Limited Shinagawa Intercity Tower A 2-15-1, Konan, Minato-ku
    Tokyo 108-6009, Japan
 
  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking HSBC Building
  Corporation Limited 11-1 Nihonbashi 3-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 1030027, Japan
 
Jordan Standard Chartered Bank Shmeissani Branch
    Al-Thaqafa Street, Building # 2
    P.O. Box 926190
    Amman 11110, Jordan
 
Kazakhstan JSC Citibank Kazakhstan Park Palace, Building A, 41 Kazibek Bi street,
    Almaty A25T0A1, Kazakhstan
 
Kenya Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited Custody Services
    Standard Chartered @ Chiromo, Level 5 48 Westlands Road
    P.O. Box 40984 – 00100 GPO
    Nairobi, Kenya
 
Republic of Korea Deutsche Bank AG 18th Fl., Young-Poong Building 41 Cheonggyecheon-ro
    Jongro-ku-, Seoul 03188, Korea
 
  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking 5F
  Corporation Limited HSBC Building #37 Chilpae-ro
    Jung-gu, Seoul 04511, Korea
 
Kuwait HSBC Bank Middle East Limited Kuwait City, Sharq Area Abdulaziz Al Sager Street Al Hamra
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and Tower, 37F

 

SCH A-3

 

  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) P. O. Box 1683, Safat 13017, Kuwait
 
Latvia AS SEB banka Unicentrs, Valdlau i
    LV-1076 Kekavas pag., Rigas raj., Latvia
 
Lithuania AB SEB bankas Gedimino av. 12
    LT 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania
 
Malawi Standard Bank Limited Kaomba Centre
    Cnr. Victoria Avenue & Sir Glyn Jones Road
    Blantyre, Malawi
 
Malaysia Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad Domestic Custody Services Level 20, Menara IMC
    8 Jalan Sultan Ismail
    50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 
  Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad Menara Standard Chartered 30 Jalan Sultan Ismail
    50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 
Mali via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Mauritius The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking 6F HSBC Centre 18 CyberCity
  Corporation Limited Ebene, Mauritius
 
Mexico Banco Nacional de México, S.A. 3er piso, Torre Norte
    Act. Roberto Medellín No. 800 Col. Santa Fe
    Mexico, DF 01219
 
Morocco Citibank Maghreb Zénith Millénium Immeuble1 Sidi Maârouf –
    B.P. 40 Casablanca 20190, Morocco
 
Namibia Standard Bank Namibia Limited Standard Bank Center
    Cnr. Werner List St. and Post St. Mall 2nd Floor
    Windhoek, Namibia
 
Netherlands Deutsche Bank AG De Entrees 99-197
    1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands
 
New Zealand The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking HSBC House
  Corporation Limited Level 7, 1 Queen St. Auckland 1010, New
    Zealand
 
Niger via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Nigeria Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. Plot 1712 Idejo St Victoria Island,
    Lagos 101007, Nigeria
 
Norway Nordea Bank AB (publ), Sweden Essendropsgate 7
  (operating through its branch, Nordea 0368 Oslo, Norway
  Bank AB (publ), filial i Norge)  
 
  Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), P.O. Box 1843 Vika Filipstad Brygge 1
  Sweden (operating through its Oslo branch) N-0123 Oslo, Norway
 
Oman HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G. 2nd Floor Al Khuwair PO Box 1727 PC 111
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and Seeb, Oman
  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)  
 
Pakistan Deutsche Bank AG Unicentre – Unitowers

 

I.I.     

Chundrigar Road

P.O.     

Box 4925

    Karachi - 74000, Pakistan
Panama Citibank, N.A. Boulevard Punta Pacifica Torre de las Americas Apartado
    Panama City, Panama 0834-00555
Peru Citibank del Perú, S.A. Canaval y Moreyra 480 3rd Floor, San
    Isidro Lima 27, Perú
Philippines Deutsche Bank AG Global Transaction Banking Tower One, Ayala

 

SCH A-4

 

    Triangle 1226 Makati City, Philippines
 
Poland Bank Handlowy w Warszawie S.A. ul. Senatorska 16
    00-293 Warsaw, Poland
 
  Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. 31 Zwirki I Wigury Street
    02-091, Warsaw, Poland
 
Portugal Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands De Entrees 99-197
  (operating through its Amsterdam 1101 HE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  branch with support from its Lisbon  
  branch)  
 
Puerto Rico Citibank N.A. 235 Federico Costa Street, Suite 315 San Juan, Puerto Rico
    00918
 
Qatar HSBC Bank Middle East Limited 2 Fl Ali Bin Ali Tower Building no.: 150 Airport Road
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and Doha, Qatar
  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)  
 
Romania Citibank Europe plc, Dublin – Romania 8, Iancu de Hunedoara Boulevard
  Branch 712042, Bucharest Sector 1, Romania
 
Russia AO Citibank 8-10 Gasheka Street, Building 1
    125047 Moscow, Russia
 
Saudi Arabia HSBC Saudi Arabia HSBC Head Office 7267 Olaya - Al Murooj Riyadh 12283-
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and 2255
  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 
Senegal via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Serbia UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC Rajiceva 27-29
    11000 Belgrade, Serbia
 
Singapore Citibank N.A. 3 Changi Business Park Crescent
    #07-00, Singapore 486026
 
  United Overseas Bank Limited 156 Cecil Street
    FEB Building #08-03
    Singapore 069544
 
Slovak Republic UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and \ancová 1/A
  Slovakia, a.s. 813 33 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
 
Slovenia UniCredit Banka Slovenija d.d. Šmartinska 140
    SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
 
South Africa FirstRand Bank Limited Mezzanine Floor
    3 First Place Bank City
    Corner Simmonds & Jeppe Sts. Johannesburg 2001
    Republic of South Africa
 
  Standard Bank of South Africa Limited 3rd Floor, 25 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme St. Johannesburg 2001
    Republic of South Africa
 
Spain Deutsche Bank S.A.E. Calle de Rosario Pino 14-16, Planta 1
    28020 Madrid, Spain
 
Sri Lanka The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking 24, Sir Baron Jayatilake Mawatha Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
  Corporation Limited  
 
Republic of UniCredit Bank d.d. Zelenih beretki 24
Srpska   71 000 Sarajevo
    Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
 
Swaziland Standard Bank Swaziland Limited Standard House, Swazi Plaza Mbabane,
    Swaziland H101
 
Sweden Nordea Bank AB (publ) Smålandsgatan 17
    105 71 Stockholm, Sweden

 

SCH A-5

 

  Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) Sergels Torg 2
    SE-106 40 Stockholm, Sweden
 
Switzerland Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Limited Uetlibergstrasse 231
    8070 Zurich, Switzerland
 
  UBS Switzerland AG Max-Högger-Strasse 80-82
    CH-8048 Zurich-Alstetten, Switzerland
 
Taiwan - R.O.C. Deutsche Bank AG 296 Ren-Ai Road
    Taipei 106 Taiwan, Republic of China
 
  Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited 168 Tun Hwa North Road
    Taipei 105, Taiwan, Republic of China
 
Tanzania Standard Chartered Bank (Tanzania) 1 Floor, International House
  Limited Corner Shaaban Robert St and Garden Ave
    PO Box 9011
    Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
 
Thailand Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Sathorn Nakorn Tower 14th Floor, Zone B
  Company Limited 90 North Sathorn Road
    Silom, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
 
Togo via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire 23, Bld de la République
  S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast 17 BP 1141 Abidjan 17 Côte d’Ivoire
 
Tunisia Union Internationale de Banques 65 Avenue Bourguiba
    1000 Tunis, Tunisia
 
Turkey Citibank, A.^. Tekfen Tower
    Eski Buyukdere Caddesi 209 Kat 3
    Levent 34394 Istanbul, Turkey
 
  Deutsche Bank A.^. Eski Buyukdere Caddesi Tekfen Tower No. 209 Kat: 17 4
    Levent 34394 Istanbul, Turkey
 
Uganda Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited 5 Speke Road
    P.O. Box 7111
    Kampala, Uganda
 
Ukraine PJSC Citibank 16-g Dilova St.
    Kyiv 03150, Ukraine
 
United Arab HSBC Bank Middle East Limited HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square
Emirates Dubai (as delegate of The Hongkong and Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601
Financial Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Market    
 
United Arab HSBC Bank Middle East Limited HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square
Emirates Dubai (as delegate of The Hongkong and Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601
International Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Financial Center    
 
United Arab HSBC Bank Middle East Limited HSBC Securities Services Emaar Square
Emirates Abu (as delegate of The Hongkong and Level 3, Building No. 5 P O Box 502601
Dhabi Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
 
United Kingdom State Street Bank and Trust Company, 525 Ferry Road
  United Kingdom branch Edinburgh EH5 2AW, Scotland
 
Uruguay Banco Itaú Uruguay S.A. Zabala 1463
    11000 Montevideo, Uruguay
 
Venezuela Citibank, N.A. Centro Comercial El Recreo Torre Norte,
    Piso 19 Avenida Casanova Caracas,
    Venezuela 1050
 
Vietnam HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Limited Centre Point
  (as delegate of The Hongkong and 106 Nguyen Van Troi Street Phu Nhuan District
  Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

 

SCH A-6

 

Zambia Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. Standard Chartered House Cairo Road
    P.O. Box 32238
    10101, Lusaka, Zambia
 
Zimbabwe Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Limited 3rd Floor Stanbic Centre
  (as delegate of Standard Bank of South 59 Samora Machel Avenue Harare,
  Africa Limited) Zimbabwe

 

SCH A-7

 

SCHEDULE B – DEPOSITORIES OPERATING IN NETWORK MARKETS

MARKET DEPOSITORY TYPES OF SECURITIES
Albania Bank of Albania Government debt
Argentina Caja de Valores S.A. Equities, government and corporate bonds, and corporate money
    market instruments
 
Australia Austraclear Limited Government securities, corporate bonds, and corporate money
    market instruments
 
Austria OeKB Central Securities All securities listed on Wiener Börse AG, the Vienna Stock
  Depository GmbH Exchange (as well as virtually all other Austrian securities)
 
Bahrain Clearing, Settlement, Depository Equities
  and Registry System of the  
  Bahrain Bourse  
 
Bangladesh Bangladesh Bank Government securities
 
  Central Depository Bangladesh Equities and corporate bonds
  Limited  
 
Belgium Euroclear Belgium Equities and most corporate bonds
 
  National Bank of Belgium Government securities, corporate bonds, and money market
    instruments
 
Benin Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Bermuda Bermuda Securities Depository Equities, corporate bonds
Federation of Registar vrijednosnih papira u Equities, corporate bonds, government securities, money market
Bosnia and Federaciji Bosne i Hercegovine, instruments
Herzegovina d.d.  
 
Botswana Bank of Botswana Government debt
 
  Central Securities Depository Equities and corporate bonds
  Company of Botswana Ltd.  
 
Brazil Central de Custódia e de Corporate debt and money market instruments
  Liquidação Financeira de Títulos  
  Privados (CETIP)  
 
  BM&F BOVESPA Depository Equities and corporate bonds traded on-exchange
  Services, a department of BM&F  
  BOVESPA S.A.  
 
  Sistema Especial de Liquidação e Government debt issued by the central bank and the National
  de Custódia (SELIC) Treasury
 
Bulgaria Bulgarian National Bank Government securities
 
  Central Depository AD Eligible equities and corporate bonds
 
Burkina Faso Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

 

SCH B-1

 

  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Canada The Canadian Depository for All book-entry eligible securities, including government securities,
  Securities Limited equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, strip bonds,
    and asset- backed securities
 
 
Chile Depósito Central de Valores S.A. Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed
    securities, and money market instruments
 
People’s China Securities Depository and A shares, B shares, Treasury bonds, local government bonds,
Republic of Clearing Corporation Limited, enterprise bonds, corporate bonds, open and closed-end funds,
China Shanghai and Shenzhen Branches convertible bonds, and warrants
 
  China Central Depository and Bonds traded through the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM),
  Clearing Co., Ltd. including Treasury bonds, local government bonds, policy bank
    bonds, central bank bills, medium-term notes, commercial paper,
    enterprise bonds, and commercial bank bonds
 
  Shanghai Clearing House Bonds traded through the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM),
    including Treasury bonds, local government bonds, policy bank
    bonds, central bank bills, enterprise bonds, certain issues of
    medium-term notes, commercial paper, and commercial bank
bonds
 
Colombia Depósito Central de Valores Securities issued by the central bank and the Republic of Colombia
 
 
  Depósito Centralizado de Valores Equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments
  de Colombia S.A. (DECEVAL)  
 
Costa Rica Interclear Central de Valores S.A. Securities traded on Bolsa Nacional de Valores
Croatia Središnje klirinško depozitarno Eligible equities, corporate bonds, government securities, and
  društvo d.d. corporate money market instruments
 
Cyprus Central Depository and Central Equities, corporate bonds, dematerialized government securities,
  Registry corporate money market instruments
 
Czech Republic Centrální depozitáY cenných All dematerialized equities, corporate debt, and government debt,
  papíro, a.s. excluding Treasury bills
 
  Czech National Bank Treasury bills
 
Denmark VP Securities A/S Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, corporate money
    market instruments, warrants
 
Egypt Central Bank of Egypt Treasury bills
 
  Misr for Central Clearing, Eligible equities, corporate bonds, and Treasury bonds
  Depository and Registry S.A.E.  
 
Estonia AS Eesti Väärtpaberikeskus All registered equity and debt securities
Finland Euroclear Finland Equities, corporate bonds, government securities, money market
    instruments
 
France Euroclear France Government securities, equities, bonds, and money market
    instruments
 
Republic of Georgian Central Securities Equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments
Georgia Depository  
 
  National Bank of Georgia Government securities
 
Germany Clearstream Banking AG, Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, money market
  Frankfurt instruments, warrants, investment funds, and index certificates

 

SCH B-2

 

Ghana Central Securities Depository Government securities and Bank of Ghana securities; equities and
  (Ghana) Limited corporate bonds
 
Greece Bank of Greece, System for Government debt
  Monitoring Transactions in  
  Securities in Book-Entry Form  
 
  Hellenic Central Securities Eligible listed equities, government debt, and corporate bonds
  Depository  
 
Guinea-Bissau Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Hong Kong Central Moneymarkets Unit Government debt (i.e., exchange fund bills and notes issued by the
    HKMA), other private debt, and money market instruments
 
  Hong Kong Securities Clearing Securities listed or traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
  Company Limited Limited
 
Hungary KELER Központi Értéktár Zrt. Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and investment
fund notes
 
Iceland Nasdaq verðbréfamiðstöð hf. Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money
    market instruments
 
India Central Depository Services Eligible equities, debt securities, and money market instruments
  (India) Limited  
 
  National Securities Depository Eligible equities, debt securities, and money market instruments
  Limited  
 
  Reserve Bank of India Government securities
 
Indonesia Bank Indonesia Sertifikat Bank Indonesia (central bank certificates), Surat Utang
    Negara (government debt instruments), and Surat Perbendaharaan
    Negara (Treasury bills)
 
  PT Kustodian Sentral Efek Equities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments
  Indonesia  
 
Ireland Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited GBP- and EUR-denominated money market instruments
 
  Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. Government securities
 
Israel Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing Government securities, equities, corporate bonds and trust fund
  House Ltd. (TASE Clearing units
  House)  
 
Italy Monte Titoli S.p.A. Equities, corporate debt, government debt, money market
    instruments, and warrants
 
Ivory Coast Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Japan Bank of Japan – Financial Government securities
  Network System  
 
  Japan Securities Depository Equities, corporate bonds, and corporate money market instruments
  Center (JASDEC) Incorporated  

 

SCH B-3

 

Jordan Central Bank of Jordan Treasury bills, government bonds, development bonds, and public
    entity bonds
 
  Securities Depository Center Equities and corporate bonds
 
Kazakhstan Central Securities Depository Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money
    market instruments
 
Kenya Central Bank of Kenya Treasury bills and Treasury bonds
 
  Central Depository and Settlement Equities and corporate debt
  Corporation Limited  
 
Republic of Korea Securities Depository Equities, government securities, corporate bonds and money market
Korea   instruments
 
Kuwait Kuwait Clearing Company KSC Money market instruments, equities, and corporate bonds
 
Latvia Latvian Central Depository Equities, government securities, corporate bonds, and money
    market instruments
 
Lebanon Banque du Liban Government securities and certificates of deposit issued by the
    central bank
 
  Custodian and Clearing Center of Equities, corporate bonds and money market instruments
  Financial Instruments for Lebanon  
  and the Middle East (Midclear)  
  S.A.L.  
 
Lithuania Central Securities Depository of All securities available for public trading
  Lithuania  
 
Malawi Reserve Bank of Malawi Reserve Bank of Malawi bills and Treasury bills
Malaysia Bank Negara Malaysia Treasury bills, Bank Negara Malaysia bills, Malaysian government
    securities, private debt securities, and money market instruments
 
  Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn. Securities listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad
  Bhd.  
 
Mali Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Mauritius Bank of Mauritius Government debt (traded through primary dealers)
 
  Central Depository and Settlement Listed and unlisted equity and debt securities (corporate debt and
  Co. Limited T-bills traded on the exchange)
 
Mexico S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V. All securities
Morocco Maroclear Eligible listed equities, corporate and government debt, certificates
    of deposit, commercial paper
 
Namibia Bank of Namibia Treasury bills
Netherlands Euroclear Nederland Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, corporate money
    market instruments, and stripped government bonds
 
New Zealand New Zealand Central Securities Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and money
  Depository Limited market instruments
 
Niger Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

 

SCH B-4

 

  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
Nigeria Central Bank of Nigeria Treasury bills and government bonds
 
  Central Securities Clearing Equities and corporate bonds traded on the Nigeria Stock Exchange
  System Limited  
 
Norway Verdipapirsentralen All listed securities
Oman Muscat Clearing & Depository Equities, corporate bonds, government debt
  Company S.A.O.G.  
 
Pakistan Central Depository Company of Equities and corporate bonds
  Pakistan Limited  
 
  State Bank of Pakistan Government securities
 
Panama Central Latinoamericana de Equities, government and corporate debt, commercial paper, short-
  Valores, term securities
 
  S.A. (LatinClear)  
 
Peru CAVALI S.A. Institución de All securities in book-entry form traded on the stock exchange
  Compensación y Liquidación de  
  Valores  
 
Philippines Philippine Depository & Trust Eligible equities and debt
  Corporation  
 
  Registry of Scripless Securities Government securities
  (ROSS) of the Bureau of the  
  Treasury  
 
Poland Rejestr Papierów Warto[ciowych Treasury bills
 
  Krajowy Depozyt Papierów Equities, corporate bonds, corporate money market instruments,
  Warto[ciowych, S.A. Treasury bonds, warrants, and futures contracts
 
Portugal INTERBOLSA - Sociedad All local Portuguese instruments
  Gestora de Sistemas de  
  Liquidação e de Sistemas  
  Centralizados de Valores  
  Mobiliários, S.A.  
 
Qatar Qatar Central Securities Equities, government bonds and Treasury bills listed on the Qatar
  Depository Exchange
 
Romania National Bank of Romania Treasury bills and bonds
 
  S.C. Depozitarul Central S.A. Bursa de Valori Bucuresti- (Bucharest Stock Exchange-) listed
    equities, corporate bonds, government bonds, and municipal bonds
 
Russia National Settlement Depository Eligible equities, Obligatsii Federal’nogo Zaima (OFZs), and
    corporate debt denominated in RUB
 
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Monetary Government securities and Saudi government development bonds
  Authority (SGDBs)
 
  Securities Depository Center Equities
  Company  
 
Senegal Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
 
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

 

SCH B-5

 

Serbia Central Securities Depository and All instruments
  Clearinghouse  
Singapore Monetary Authority of Singapore Government securities
  The Central Depository (Pte.) Eligible listed equities and eligible private debt traded in Singapore
  Limited  
Slovak Republic Centrálny depozitár cenných All dematerialized securities
  papierov SR, a.s.  
Slovenia KDD – Centralna klirinško All publicly traded securities
  depotna dru~ba d.d.  
South Africa Strate (Pty) Ltd. Eligible equities, government securities, corporate bonds, money
    market instruments, and warrants
Spain IBERCLEAR Government securities, equities, warrants, money market
    instruments, and corporate bonds
Sri Lanka Central Bank of Sri Lanka Government securities
  Central Depository System (Pvt) Equities and corporate bonds
  Limited  
Republic of Central Registry of Securities in Government securities, equities, and corporate and municipal bonds
Srpska the Republic of Srpska JSC  
Swaziland Central Bank of Swaziland Treasury bills and Treasury bonds
Sweden Euroclear Sweden Government securities, equities, bonds, money market instruments,
    derivatives, exchange traded funds, and warrants
 
Switzerland SIX SIS AG Government securities, equities, corporate bonds, money market
    instruments, derivatives, mutual funds, and warrants
 
Taiwan - R.O.C. Central Bank of the Republic of Government securities
  China (Taiwan)  
 
  Taiwan Depository and Clearing Listed equities, short-term bills, and corporate bonds
  Corporation  
Tanzania Central Depository System (CDS), Equities and corporate bonds
  a department of the Dar es Salaam  
  Stock Exchange  
Thailand Thailand Securities Depository Government securities, equities and corporate bonds
  Company Limited  
Togo Dépositaire Central – Banque de All securities traded on Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières,
  Règlement the West African regional exchange, including securities from the
    following West African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-
    Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
  Banque Centrale des Etats Treasury bills and Treasury bonds issued by the following West
  d’Afrique de l’Ouest African nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, the Ivory
    Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
Tunisia Tunisie Clearing All eligible listed securities
Turkey Central Bank of Turkey Government securities
  Central Registry Agency Equities, corporate bonds, money market instruments, mutual fund
    certificates, exchange traded funds
Uganda Bank of Uganda Treasury bills and Treasury bonds
  Securities Central Depository Equities, corporate bonds
Ukraine National Depository of Ukraine Equities, bonds, and money market instruments

 

SCH B-6

 

United Arab Clearing, Settlement, Depository Equities, government securities, and corporate debt
Emirates – Abu and Registry department of the  
Dhabi Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange  
United Arab Clearing, Settlement and Equities, government securities, and corporate debt listed on the
Emirates – Depository Division, a department DFM
Dubai Financial of the Dubai Financial Market  
Market    
United Arab Central Securities Depository, Equities, corporate bonds, and corporate money market instruments
Emirates – owned and operated by NASDAQ  
Dubai Dubai Limited  
International    
Financial    
United Kingdom Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited GBP- and EUR-denominated money market instruments
Uruguay Banco Central del Uruguay Government securities
Venezuela Banco Central de Venezuela Government securities
Vietnam Vietnam Securities Depository Equities, government bonds, T-bills, corporate bonds, and public
    fund certificates
Zambia Bank of Zambia Treasury bills and Treasury bonds
  LuSE Central Shares Depository Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, and equities
  Limited  
Zimbabwe Chengetedzai Depository Equities and corporate bonds
  Company Limited  
  Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Treasury bills and Treasury bonds
 
TRANSNATIONAL DEPOSITORIES  
Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. Domestic securities from more than 40 markets
Clearstream Banking, S.A. Domestic securities from more than 50 markets

 

SCH B-7

 

SCHEDULE C – GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK PUBLICATIONS

Publication / Type of Information

(scheduled update frequency)

The Guide to Custody in World Markets

(regular my.statestreet.com updates)

Global Custody Network Review

(updated annually on my.statestreet.com)

Securities Depository Review

(updated annually on my.statestreet.com)

Global Legal Survey

(updated annually on my.statestreet.com)

Subcustodian Agreements

(available on CD-ROM annually)

Global Market Bulletin

(daily or as necessary via email and on my.statestreet.com)

Foreign Custody Risk Advisories

(provided as necessary and on my.statestreet.com)

Foreign Custody Manager Material Change Notices

(quarterly or as necessary and on my.statestreet.com)

Brief Description

An overview of settlement and safekeeping procedures, custody practices, and foreign investor considerations for the markets in which State Street offers custodial services.

Information relating to Foreign Subcustodians in State Street’s Global Custody Network. The Review stands as an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to assist them in complying with SEC Rule 17f-5. The Review also gives insight into State Street’s market expansion and Foreign Subcustodian selection processes, as well as the procedures and controls used to monitor the financial condition and performance of our Foreign Subcustodian banks.

Custody risk analyses of the Foreign Securities Depositories presently operating in Network markets. This publication is an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to meet informational obligations created by SEC Rule 17f-7.

With respect to each market in which State Street offers custodial services, opinions relating to whether local law restricts: (i) access of a fund’s independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, (ii) a fund’s ability to recover in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, (iii) a fund’s ability to recover in the event of a loss by a Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Securities System, and (iv) the ability of a foreign investor to convert cash and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars.

Copies of the contracts that State Street has entered into with each Foreign Subcustodian that maintains U.S. mutual fund assets in the markets in which State Street offers custodial services.

Information on changing settlement and custody conditions in markets where State Street offers custodial services. Includes changes in market and tax regulations, depository developments, dematerialization information, as well as other market changes that may impact State Street’s clients.

For those markets where State Street offers custodial services that exhibit special risks or infrastructures impacting custody, State Street maintains market advisories to highlight those unique market factors which might impact our ability to offer recognized custody service levels.

Informational letters and accompanying materials, pursuant to our role as Foreign Custody Manager, confirming State Street’s foreign custody arrangements, including a summary of material changes with Foreign Subcustodians that have occurred during the previous quarter. The notices also identify any material changes in the custodial risks associated with maintaining assets with Foreign Securities Depositories.

Please contact [email protected] with questions about this document.

The information contained in this document has been carefully researched and is believed to be reliable as of the publication date. Due to the complexities of the markets and changing conditions, however, State Street cannot guarantee that it is complete or accurate in every respect. This document should not be construed or used as a substitute for appropriate legal or investment counsel. Specific advice should be sought on matters relevant to the investment activities of the reader. This application contains proprietary information and is fully protected by relevant copyright laws worldwide.

Copyright 2017 State Street Corporation

www.statestreet.com     

SCH C-1

 

SCHEDULE D – SPECIAL SUB-CUSTODIANS

SPECIAL SUB-CUSTODIANS

*[None/Name of Special Sub-Custodian(s)]

SCH D-1

 

LOAN SERVICES ADDENDUM

As used in this Addendum, the term “Fund”, in relation to a Loan (as defined below), includes a Portfolio on whose behalf the Fund acts with respect to the Loan.

     The following provisions will apply with respect to interests in commercial loans, including loan participations, whether the loans are bilateral or syndicated and whether any obligor is located in or outside of the United States (collectively, “Loans”), made or acquired by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios.

     SECTION 1. PAYMENT CUSTODY. If a Fund wishes the Custodian to receive payments directly with respect to a Loan for credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement,

     (a) the Fund will cause the Custodian to be named as the Fund’s nominee for payment purposes under the relevant financing documents, e.g., in the case of a syndicated loan, the administrative contact for the agent bank, and otherwise provide for the payment to the Custodian of the payments with respect to the Loan; and

     (b) the Custodian will credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement any payment on or in respect of the Loan actually received by the Custodian and identified as relating to the Loan, but with any amount credited being conditional upon clearance and actual receipt by the Custodian of final payment.

     SECTION 2. MONITORING. If a Fund wishes the Custodian to monitor payments on and forward notices relating to a Loan,

     (a) the Fund will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian a schedule identifying the amount and due dates of the scheduled principal payments, the scheduled interest payment dates and related payment amount information, and such other information with respect to the Loan as the Custodian may reasonably require in order to perform its services hereunder (collectively, “Loan Information”) and in such form and format as the Custodian may reasonably request; and

     (b) the Custodian will (i) if the amount of a principal, interest, fee or other payment with respect to the Loan is not received by the Custodian on the date on which the amount is scheduled to be paid as reflected in the Loan Information, provide a report to the Fund that the payment has not been received and (ii) if the Custodian receives any consent solicitation, notice of default or similar notice from any syndication agent, lead or obligor on the Loan, undertake reasonable efforts to forward the notice to the Fund.

SECTION 3. EXCULPATION OF THE CUSTODIAN.

     (a) Payment Custody and Monitoring. The Custodian will have no liability for any delay or failure by the Fund or any third party in providing Loan Information to the Custodian or for any inaccuracy or incompleteness of any Loan Information. The Custodian will have no obligation to verify, investigate, recalculate, update or otherwise confirm the accuracy or completeness of any Loan Information or other information or notices received by the Custodian in respect of the Loan. The Custodian will be entitled to (i) rely upon the Loan Information provided to it by or on behalf of the Fund or any other information or notices that the Custodian may receive from time to time from any syndication agent, lead or obligor or any similar party with respect to the Loan and (ii) update its records on the basis of such information or notices as may from time to time be received by the Custodian.

LSA-1

 

     (b) Any Service. The Custodian will have no obligation to (i) determine whether any necessary steps have been taken or requirements have been met for the Fund to have acquired good or record title to a Loan, (ii) ensure that the Fund’s acquisition of the Loan has been authorized by the Fund, (iii) collect past due payments on the Loan, preserve any rights against prior parties, exercise any right or perform any obligation in connection with the Loan (including taking any action in connection with any consent solicitation, notice of default or similar notice received from any syndication agent, lead or obligor on the Loan) or otherwise take any other action to enforce the payment obligations of any obligor on the Loan, (iv) become itself the record title holder of the Loan or (v) make any advance of its own funds with respect to the Loan.

     (c) Miscellaneous. The Custodian will not be considered to have been or be charged with knowledge of the sale of a Loan by the Fund, unless and except to the extent that the Custodian shall have received written notice of the sale from the Fund and the proceeds of the sale have been received by the Custodian for credit to the bank account maintained by the Custodian for the Fund under the Custodian Agreement. If any question arises as to the Custodian’s duties under this Addendum, the Custodian may request instructions from the Fund and will be entitled at all times to refrain from taking any action unless it has received Proper Instructions from the Fund. The Custodian will in all events have no liability, risk or cost for any action taken or omitted with respect to the Loan pursuant to Proper Instructions. The Custodian will have no responsibilities or duties whatsoever with respect to the Loan except as are expressly set forth in this Addendum.

LSA-2

 

Execution Version

FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

     This first amendment dated January 18, 2018 (the “Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement dated September 15, 2017 (the “Agreement”) between State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company (the “Custodian”), and each management investment company listed on Appendix A thereto (each, a “Fund”). Custodian and each Fund may be referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.

     For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

The Parties hereby amend and restate Appendix A to the Agreement as set forth below:

APPENDIX A

VANGUARD CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE FUNDS Vanguard California Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard California Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard California Municipal Money Market Fund

VANGUARD CHARLOTTE FUNDS

Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund

VANGUARD CMT FUNDS

Vanguard Municipal Cash Management Fund

VANGUARD CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund

VANGUARD FENWAY FUNDS Vanguard PRIMECAP Core Fund

VANGUARD FIXED INCOME SECURITIES Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Vanguard Ultra-Short-Term Bond Fund

VANGUARD EXPLORER FUND Vanguard Explorer Fund

VANGUARD HORIZON FUNDS Vanguard Global Equity Fund Vanguard Strategic Equity Fund Vanguard Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund

VANGUARD INDEX FUNDS

Vanguard 500 Index Fund

Information Classification: Limited Access

 

Execution Version

VANGUARD INSTITUTIONAL INDEX FUNDS
Vanguard Institutional Index Fund

VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUNDS Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund

VANGUARD MALVERN FUNDS

Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund Vanguard Capital Value Fund Vanguard U.S. Value Fund Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund

Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund

VANGUARD MASSACHUSETTS TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS

Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund

VANGUARD MONTGOMERY FUNDS
Vanguard Market Neutral Fund

VANGUARD MORGAN GROWTH FUND
Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund

VANGUARD MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Limited-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Municipal Money Market Fund Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund

VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUNDS Vanguard New Jersey Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund

VANGUARD NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUNDS Vanguard New York Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard New York Municipal Money Market Fund

VANGUARD OHIO TAX-FREE FUNDS
Vanguard Ohio Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund

VANGUARD PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE FUNDS Vanguard Pennsylvania Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Vanguard Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund

VANGUARD QUANTITATIVE FUNDS
Vanguard Growth and Income Fund

Information Classification: Limited Access

 

Execution Version

VANGUARD SCOTTSDALE FUND
Vanguard Explorer Value Fund
Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund

VANGUARD SPECIALIZED FUNDS
Dividend Appreciation Index Fund
Vanguard Energy Fund
Vanguard Health Care Fund

VANGUARD STAR FUNDS
Vanguard STAR Fund

VANGUARD TAX-MANAGED FUNDS
Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund

VANGUARD TRUSTEES’ EQUITY FUND
Vanguard Alternative Strategies Fund
Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund

VANGUARD VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
Balanced Portfolio
Capital Growth Portfolio
Diversified Value Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio
Equity Index Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
High Yield Bond Portfolio
Mid-Cap Index Portfolio
REIT Index Portfolio
International Portfolio
Small Company Growth Portfolio

VANGUARD WELLESLEY INCOME FUND
Vanguard Wellesley Income Fund

VANGUARD WHITEHALL FUNDS

Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond Index Fund Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund Vanguard Selected Value Fund

VANGUARD WINDSOR FUNDS
Vanguard Windsor Fund
Vanguard Windsor II Fund

VANGUARD WORLD FUND
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund
Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund
Vanguard Energy Index Fund
Vanguard Financials Index Fund
Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund
Vanguard Health Care Index Fund

Information Classification: Limited Access

 



VANGUARD FUNDS
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN

I. INTRODUCTION

     This Multiple Class Plan (the “Plan”) describes seven separate classes of shares that may be offered by investment company members of The Vanguard Group of Mutual Funds (collectively the “Funds,” individually a “Fund”). The Plan has been adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) to allow each Fund to offer multiple classes of shares in a manner permitted by Rule 18f-3, subject to the requirements imposed by the Rule. Each Fund may offer any one or more of the specified classes.

     The Plan has been approved by the Board of Directors of The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“VGI”). In addition, the Plan has been adopted by a majority of the Board of Trustees of each Fund (“Fund Board”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of each Fund. The classes of shares offered by each Fund are designated in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time.

II. SHARE CLASSES

A Fund may offer any one or more of the following share classes:

Investor Shares
Admiral Shares
Institutional Shares
Institutional Plus Shares
Institutional Select Shares
ETF Shares
Transition Shares

III. DISTRIBUTION, AVAILABILITY AND ELIGIBILITY

     Distribution arrangements for all classes are described below. Distribution arrangements vary by VGI business line depending on the eligibility of the client segments to whom they market. Each Fund retains sole discretion in determining share class availability, and VGI retains discretion in determining whether Fund shares shall be offered either directly or through certain financial intermediaries, or on certain financial intermediary platforms. Eligibility requirements for purchasing shares of each class will differ, as follows:

A. Investor Shares

     Investor Shares generally will be available to investors who are not permitted to purchase other classes of shares, subject to the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to

1

 

time. It is expected that the minimum investment amount for Investor Shares of a Fund will normally be lower than the amount required for any other class of shares of that Fund. Investor Shares are typically distributed by all VGI business lines.

B. Admiral Shares

     Admiral Shares generally will be available to retail, institutional, and other investors who meet the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. These eligibility requirements may include, but are not limited to the following factors: (i) the total amount invested in the Fund; or (ii) any other factors deemed appropriate by a Fund’s Board. Admiral Shares are typically distributed by all VGI business lines.

C. Institutional Shares

     Institutional Shares generally will be available to institutional and other investors who meet the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. It is expected that the minimum investment amount per account for Institutional Shares will be substantially higher than the amounts required for Investor Shares or Admiral Shares. Institutional Shares are typically distributed by Vanguard’s financial advisory services and institutional business lines.

D. Institutional Plus Shares

     Institutional Plus Shares generally will be available to institutional and other investors who meet the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. It is expected that the minimum investment amount for Institutional Plus Shares will be substantially higher than the amount required for Institutional Shares. Institutional Plus Shares are typically distributed by VGI’s financial advisory services and institutional business lines.

E. Institutional Select Shares

     Institutional Select Shares generally will be available to institutional investors who meet the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. It is expected that the minimum investment amount for Institutional Select Shares will be the highest among all Fund share classes. Institutional Select Shares are typically distributed by VGI’s institutional business line.

F. ETF Shares

     A Fund will sell ETF Shares to investors that are (or who purchase through) Authorized Participants, and who generally pay for their ETF shares by depositing a prescribed basket consisting predominantly of securities with the Fund. An Authorized Participant is an institution, usually a broker-dealer, that is a participant in the Depository Trust Company (DTC) and that has executed a Participant Agreement with the Fund’s distributor. Additional eligibility requirements may be specified in

2

 

Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. Investors who are not Authorized Participants may buy and sell ETF shares through various exchanges and market centers. ETF Shares are typically distributed by all VGI business lines.

G. Transition Shares

     Transition Shares generally will be available solely to Funds that operate as Funds-of-Funds and meet the eligibility requirements specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time. Transition Shares are only internally distributed.

IV. SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS

     Shareholders in all share classes will receive a range of shareholder services provided by VGI. These services may include transaction processing and shareholder recordkeeping, as well as the mailing of updated prospectuses, shareholder reports, tax statements, confirmation statements, quarterly portfolio summaries, and other items. Each share class will bear its proportionate share of VGI’s cost of providing such services in accordance with Section VI of the Plan.

V. CONVERSION FEATURES

A. Self-Directed Conversions

     1. Conversion into Investor Shares, Admiral Shares, Institutional Shares Institutional Plus Shares, and Institutional Select Shares.

Shareholders may conduct self-directed conversions from one share class into another share class of the same Fund for which they are eligible. Self-directed conversions may be initiated by the shareholder; however, depending upon the particular share class and the complexity of the shareholder’s accounts, such conversions may require the assistance of a VGI representative. Shareholders may convert from one share class into another share class provided that following the conversion the shareholder meets the then applicable eligibility requirements for the share class into which they are converting. Any such conversion will occur at the respective net asset values of the share classes next calculated after VGI’s receipt of the shareholder’s request in good order.

     2. Conversion into ETF Shares. Except as otherwise provided, a shareholder may convert Investor Shares, Admiral Shares, or Institutional Shares into ETF Shares of the same Fund (if available), provided that: (i) the share class out of which the shareholder is converting and the ETF Shares declare and distribute dividends on the same schedule; (ii) the shares to be converted are not held through an employee benefit plan; and (iii) following the conversion, the shareholder will hold ETF Shares through a brokerage account. Any such conversion will occur at the respective net asset values of the share classes next calculated after VGI’s receipt of the shareholder’s

3

 

request in good order. VGI or the Fund may charge an administrative fee to process conversion transactions.

B. Automatic Conversions

     1. Automatic conversion into Admiral Shares. VGI may automatically convert Investor Shares into Admiral Shares of the same Fund (if available), provided that following the conversion the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements for Admiral Shares. Any such conversion will occur at the respective net asset values of the share classes next calculated after VGI’s conversion without the imposition of any charge. Such automatic conversions may occur on a periodic, or one-time basis. Automatic conversions may not apply to certain financial types of accounts (e.g., accounts held through certain intermediaries, or other accounts as may be excluded by VGI management).

     2. Automatic conversion into Institutional Shares, Institutional Plus Shares, or Institutional Select Shares. VGI may conduct automatic conversions of any share class into either Institutional Shares, Institutional Plus Shares, or Institutional Select Shares in accordance with then-current eligibility requirements.

C. Involuntary Conversions and Cash Outs

     1. Cash Outs. If a shareholder in any class of shares no longer meets the eligibility requirements for such shares, the Fund may, if permitted under applicable law, cash out the shareholder’s remaining account balance. Any such cash out will be preceded by written notice to the shareholder and will be subject to the Fund’s normal redemption fees, if any.

     2. Conversion of Admiral Shares, Institutional Shares, and Institutional Plus Shares. If a shareholder no longer meets the eligibility requirements for the share class currently held, the Fund may convert the shareholder’s holdings into the share class for which such shareholder is eligible. Any such conversion will be preceded by written notice to the shareholder, and will occur at the respective net asset values of the share classes without the imposition of any sales load, fee, or other charge.

     3. Conversions of Transition Shares. When a Fund that issues Transition Shares has completed the relevant portfolio transition, the Fund will convert the Transition Shares to another share class of the same Fund as appropriate, based on the eligibility requirements of such class as specified in Schedule B hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time.

VI. EXPENSE ALLOCATION AMONG CLASSES A. Background

VGI is a jointly-owned subsidiary of the Funds. VGI provides the Funds, on an

4

 

at-cost basis, virtually all of their corporate management, administrative and distribution services. VGI also may provide investment advisory services on an at-cost basis to the Funds. VGI was established and operates pursuant to a Funds’ Service Agreement between itself and the Funds (the “Agreement”), and pursuant to certain exemptive orders granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“Exemptive Orders”). VGI’s direct and indirect expenses of providing corporate management, administrative and distribution services to the Funds are allocated among such Funds in accordance with methods specified in the Agreement or such other methods as may be approved by the Board of Directors of VGI (“VGI Board”) as permitted under the Agreement and by the Fund Board.1

B. Class Specific Expenses

     1. Expenses for Account-Based Services. Expenses associated with VGI’s provision of account-based services to the Funds will be allocated among the share classes of each Fund on the basis of the amount incurred by each such class as follows:

     (a) Account maintenance expenses. Expenses associated with the maintenance of investor accounts will be proportionately allocated among each Fund’s share classes based upon a monthly determination of the costs to service each class of shares. Factors considered in this determination are (i) the percentage of total shareholder accounts represented by each class; and (ii) the percentage of total account transactions performed by VGI for each class.

     (b) Expenses of special servicing arrangements. Expenses relating to any special servicing arrangements for a specific class will be proportionally allocated among each eligible Fund’s share classes primarily based on their percentage of total shareholder accounts receiving the special servicing arrangements.

     (c) Literature production and mailing expenses. Expenses associated with shareholder reports, proxy materials and other literature will be allocated among each Fund’s share classes based upon the number of such items produced and mailed for each class.

     2. Other Class Specific Expenses. Expenses for the primary benefit of a particular share class will be allocated to that share class. Such expenses would include any legal fees attributable to a particular class.

1 In accordance with the methods set out in the Agreement and VGI Board and Fund Board approved methods, the expenses that would otherwise have been allocated to each Fund that operates as a Fund-of-Funds are reallocated to the approved share class of the underlying Funds in the Fund-of-Funds’ portfolio on a pro rata basis based on the Fund-of-Fund’s relative net assets invested in the underlying Fund’s share class.

5

 

C. Fund-Wide Expenses

     1. Marketing and Distribution Expenses. Each share class will bear marketing and distribution expenses proportionate to the marketing and distribution expenses of the business lines that distribute that share class. Retail and institutional businesses expenses will be allocated based on the percentage of client accounts in each share class serviced by the respective business. Financial advisory service expenses will be apportioned based on the percentage of assets in each share class.

Expenses associated with each share class will be allocated only among the Funds that have such share class according to the “Vanguard Modified Formula,” with each share class or each Fund treated as if it were a separate Fund. The Vanguard Modified Formula is set forth in the Agreement and in certain of the SEC Exemptive Orders. This allocation has been deemed an appropriate allocation methodology by each Fund Board under paragraph (c)(1)(v) of Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.

     2. Asset Management Expenses. Expenses associated with management of a Fund’s assets (including all advisory, tax preparation and custody fees) will be allocated among the Fund’s share classes on the basis of their relative net assets.

     3. Other Fund Expenses. Any other Fund expenses not described above will be allocated among the share classes on the basis of their relative net assets.

VII. ALLOCATION OF INCOME, GAINS AND LOSSES

     Income, gains and losses will be allocated among each Fund’s share classes on the basis of their relative net assets. As a result of differences in allocated expenses, it is expected that the net income of, and dividends payable to, each class of shares will vary. Dividends and distributions paid to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner, on the same day and at the same time.

VIII. VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

     Each share class will have: (i) exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its service or distribution arrangements; and (ii) separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of the other class; and (iii) in all other respects the same rights, obligations and privileges as each other, except as described in the Plan.

6

 

IX. AMENDMENTS

     All material amendments to the Plan must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of each Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund. In addition, any material amendment to the Plan must be approved by the Board of Directors of VGI.

Original Board Approval: July 21, 2000
Last Approved by Board: November 30, 2018

7

 

SCHEDULE A to

VANGUARD FUNDS MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN

Note: Transition Shares, when offered by a Fund, are available for a limited period of time and are then converted into another share class. For this reason, Transition Shares are not shown on Schedule A.

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Admiral Funds  
Treasury Money Market Fund Investor
S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P 500 Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P MidCap 400 Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P MidCap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
 
Vanguard Bond Index Funds  
Short-Term Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, ETF
Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, Institutional
    Plus, ETF
Long-Term Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, ETF
Total Bond Market Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, Institutional
    Plus, Institutional Select, ETF
Total Bond Market II Index Fund Investor, Institutional
Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional
 
Vanguard California Tax-Free Funds  
Municipal Money Market Fund Investor
Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Charlotte Funds  
Total International Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Select, ETF
Global Credit Bond Fund Investor, Admiral

 

1

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Chester Funds  
PRIMECAP Fund Investor, Admiral
Target Retirement Income Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2010 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2015 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2020 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2025 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2030 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2035 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2040 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2045 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2050 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2055 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2060 Fund Investor
Target Retirement 2065 Fund Investor
Institutional Target Retirement Income Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2010 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2015 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2020 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2025 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2030 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2035 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2040 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2045 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2050 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2055 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2060 Fund Institutional
Institutional Target Retirement 2065 Fund Institutional
 
Vanguard Explorer Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Fenway Funds  
Equity Income Fund Investor, Admiral
Growth Equity Fund Investor
PRIMECAP Core Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Fixed Income Securities Funds  
Ultra-Short-Term Bond Fund Investor, Admiral
Real Estate II Index Fund Institutional Plus
Short-Term Treasury Fund Investor, Admiral
Short-Term Federal Fund Investor, Admiral
Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional
Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Investor, Admiral
Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor, Admiral
GNMA Fund Investor, Admiral

 

2

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor, Admiral
Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor, Admiral
High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Horizon Funds  
Capital Opportunity Fund Investor, Admiral
Global Equity Fund Investor
Strategic Equity Fund Investor
Strategic Small-Cap Equity Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Index Funds  
500 Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional Select, ETF
Extended Market Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, Institutional Select, ETF
Growth Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Large-Cap Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Mid-Cap Growth Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
Mid-Cap Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, ETF
Mid-Cap Value Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Small-Cap Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, ETF
Small-Cap Value Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, Institutional
    Plus, Institutional Select, ETF
Value Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
 
Vanguard Institutional Index Funds  
Institutional Index Fund Institutional, Institutional Plus
Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional, Institutional Plus
 
Vanguard International Equity Index Funds  
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus
  FTSE Emerging Markets ETF ETF
European Stock Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus
  FTSE Europe ETF ETF
FTSE All-World ex US Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, Institutional
    Plus, ETF
Pacific Stock Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus
  FTSE Pacific ETF ETF
Total World Stock Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
FTSE All World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF

 

3

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Malvern Funds  
Capital Value Fund Investor
Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities  
  Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
U.S. Value Fund Investor
Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus
Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus
Core Bond Fund Investor, Admiral
Emerging Markets Bond Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Funds  
Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Money Market Funds  
Prime Money Market Fund Investor, Admiral
Federal Money Market Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Montgomery Funds  
Market Neutral Fund Investor, Institutional
 
Vanguard Municipal Bond Funds  
Municipal Money Market Fund Investor
Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
Limited-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
Tax-Exempt Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
 
Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Funds  
Municipal Money Market Fund Investor
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard New York Tax-Free Funds  
Municipal Money Market Fund Investor
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Ohio Tax-Free Funds  
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Pennsylvania Tax-Free Funds  
Municipal Money Market Fund Investor
Long-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor, Admiral

 

4

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Quantitative Funds  
Growth and Income Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Scottsdale Funds  
Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Intermediate-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Institutional, Admiral, ETF
Explorer Value Fund Investor
Russell 1000 Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 1000 Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 2000 Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Total Corporate Bond ETF ETF
Total World Bond ETF ETF
 
Vanguard Specialized Funds  
Energy Fund Investor, Admiral
Global Capital Cycles Fund Investor
Health Care Fund Investor, Admiral
Dividend Growth Fund Investor
Real Estate Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
Global ESG Select Stock Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard STAR Funds  
LifeStrategy Conservative Growth Fund Investor
LifeStrategy Growth Fund Investor
LifeStrategy Income Fund Investor
LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund Investor
STAR Fund Investor
Total International Stock Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus, Institutional Select,
    ETF
Vanguard Tax-Managed Funds  
Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral
Tax-Managed Capital Appreciation Fund Admiral, Institutional
Developed Markets Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional,
    Institutional Plus
  FTSE Developed Markets ETF ETF
Tax-Managed Small-Cap Fund Admiral, Institutional

 

5

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Trustees’ Equity Fund  
International Value Fund Investor
Diversified Equity Fund Investor
Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund Investor
Alternative Strategies Fund Investor
Commodity Strategy Fund Admiral
 
Vanguard Valley Forge Funds  
Balanced Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional
Managed Payout Fund Investor
 
Vanguard Variable Insurance Funds  
Balanced Portfolio Investor
Conservative Allocation Portfolio Investor
Diversified Value Portfolio Investor
Equity Income Portfolio Investor
Equity Index Portfolio Investor
Growth Portfolio Investor
Global Bond Index Portfolio Investor
Total Bond Market Index Portfolio Investor
High Yield Bond Portfolio Investor
International Portfolio Investor
Mid-Cap Index Portfolio Investor
Moderate Allocation Portfolio Investor
Money Market Portfolio Investor
Real Estate Index Portfolio Investor
Short-Term Investment Grade Portfolio Investor
Small Company Growth Portfolio Investor
Capital Growth Portfolio Investor
Total International Stock Market Index Portfolio Investor
Total Stock Market Index Portfolio Investor
 
Vanguard Wellesley Income Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard Wellington Fund  
U.S. Liquidity Factor ETF ETF
U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF ETF
U.S. Momentum Factor ETF ETF
U.S. Multifactor ETF ETF
U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral
U.S. Quality Factor ETF ETF
U.S. Value Factor ETF ETF
Wellington Fund Investor, Admiral

 

6

 

Vanguard Fund Share Classes Authorized
 
Vanguard Whitehall Funds  
Selected Value Fund Investor
Mid-Cap Growth Fund Investor
International Explorer Fund Investor
High Dividend Yield Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
Emerging Markets Government  
  Bond Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional, ETF
Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor, Admiral
International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
International High Dividend Yield Index Fund Investor, Admiral, ETF
 
Vanguard Windsor Funds  
Windsor Fund Investor, Admiral
Windsor II Fund Investor, Admiral
 
Vanguard World Fund  
Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund Institutional, Institutional Plus, ETF
FTSE Social Index Fund Investor, Admiral, Institutional
Global Wellesley Income Fund Investor, Admiral
Global Wellington Fund Investor, Admiral
International Growth Fund Investor, Admiral
Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional, ETF
Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional, ETF
U.S. Growth Fund Investor, Admiral
Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Consumer Staples Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Energy Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Financials Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Health Care Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Industrials Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Information Technology Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Materials Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Communication Services Index Fund Admiral, ETF
Utilities Index Fund Admiral, ETF
ESG U.S. Stock ETF ETF
ESG International Stock ETF ETF

 

Original Board Approval: July 21, 2000
Last Updated: June 21, 2019

7

 

SCHEDULE B
to
VANGUARD FUNDS MULTIPLE CLASS
PLAN

VGI has policies and procedures designed to ensure consistency and compliance with the offering of multiple classes of shares within this Multiple Class Plan’s eligibility requirements.2 These policies are reviewed and monitored on an ongoing basis in conjunction with VGI’s Compliance Department.

Investor Shares - Eligibility Requirements

Investor Shares generally require a minimum initial investment and ongoing account balance of $3,000 ($50,000 for Vanguard Treasury Money Market Fund). Personal Advisor Services clients, clients investing through financial intermediaries, and institutional clients may hold Investor Shares without restriction in Funds that do not offer Admiral Shares. A Vanguard Fund may, from time to time, establish higher or lower minimum amounts for Investor Shares. Each Fund and VGI also reserve the right to establish higher or lower minimum amounts for certain investors or a group of investors.

Financial intermediaries that serve as mutual fund supermarkets may only invest in Investor Shares of Funds in which Investor Shares are available and may not invest in other share classes of such Funds. Mutual fund supermarket means a program or platform offered by a financial intermediary through which such intermediary’s retail clients may purchase and sell mutual funds offered by a variety of independent fund families on a self-directed basis without advice or recommendation from a financial advisor or broker. This definition may be changed or amended at any time and without prior notice as may be determined in the discretion of VGI management. Nothing in the definition of mutual fund supermarket should be construed to prohibit Vanguard Brokerage Services from offering the Funds’ other share classes to its eligible clients.

Admiral Shares – Eligibility Requirements

Admiral Shares generally are intended for clients who meet the required minimum initial investment and ongoing account balance of $3,000 for retail clients in index Funds and $50,000 for retail clients in actively-managed Funds. Personal Advisor Services clients, clients investing through financial intermediaries and institutional clients may hold Admiral Shares of both index and actively-managed Funds without restriction. Funds may, from time to time, establish higher or lower minimum amounts for Admiral Shares, and each Fund and VGI reserve the right to establish higher or lower minimum amounts for certain investors or a group of investors. Admiral Share class eligibility also is subject to the following rule:

Certain Retirement Plans – Admiral Shares of actively-managed Funds generally are not available for SIMPLE IRAs and Vanguard Individual 401(k) Plans.3

Mutual Fund Supermarkets – Admiral Shares are not available to mutual fund supermarkets, except where a Fund does not have Investor Shares.

2 The eligibility of a Fund that operates as a Fund-of-Funds to invest in a particular share class of an underlying Fund is determined by VGI and the Fund Board.

3 Admiral Share classes of all Funds are available to 403(b) plan participants in Vanguard’s Retail 403(b) business, which is serviced by The Newport Group.

 

Institutional Shares – Eligibility Requirements

Institutional Shares generally require a minimum initial investment and ongoing account balance of $5,000,000. However, each Fund and VGI also reserve the right to establish higher or lower minimum amounts for certain investors or a group of investors.

Institutional Share class eligibility also is subject to the following special rules:4

Retail clients. Retail clients may hold Institutional Shares by aggregating up to 3 accounts held by the same client (same tax I.D. number) in a single Fund.

Financial intermediary clients. Financial intermediaries generally may hold Institutional Shares for the benefit of their underlying clients provided that: (1) each underlying investor individually meets the investment minimum amount described above; and (2) the financial intermediary agrees to monitor ongoing compliance of the underlying investor accounts with the investment minimum amount; or (3) an arrangement is established between VGI and the financial intermediary to allow VGI to monitor compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Home office model portfolios offered on wealth management platforms administered by financial intermediaries5 may offer Institutional Shares, provided: (1) the financial intermediary in aggregate at the firm level, excluding custody assets, has total assets of at least $25 billion invested in Vanguard; and (2) the financial intermediary in aggregate at the firm level, excluding custody assets, meets the investment minimum of Institutional Shares for the Fund.

A home office model portfolio must meet the following criteria:

(1) the allocations and Funds used in the model portfolios on the platform are set and selected by the financial intermediary (i.e., the firm itself); (2) the allocations and Funds used in the model portfolios on the platform are not subject to change by individual financial advisors; and (3) an arrangement is established between VGI and the financial intermediary to allow VGI to monitor compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Institutional clients. An institutional client may hold Institutional Shares if the total amount aggregated among all accounts held by such a client (including accounts held through financial intermediaries) and invested in the Fund is at least $5 million (or such higher minimum required by the individual Fund). Such an institutional client must disclose to VGI on behalf of its accounts the following: (1) that the client acts as a common-decision maker6 for each account; and (2) the total balance in each account in the Fund.

4 The following special rules also apply to Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund – Admiral Shares. 5 For purposes of this Schedule B, this is not intended to include robo advisors.

6 For purposes of this Schedule B, a common-decision maker includes, but is not limited to, a corporate entity that controls multiple pools of assets invested in a Fund. For example, a corporate entity that acts as a plan sponsor for a retirement plan may have one or more investment committees or boards of trustees overseeing both the retirement plan account as well as other accounts invested in the Fund. In this case, the corporate entity would be considered a common-decision maker for each account where there is a common membership across each investment committee or governing body making investment decisions for each account. Common-decision makers do not include financial intermediaries.

 

Institutional clients with assets in certain Vanguard collective investment trusts and Funds.

Institutional clients with assets in the following collective investment trusts and Funds may aggregate such assets with assets invested in the corresponding Funds listed below in the right column (“Corresponding Funds”) for purposes of meeting the investment minimum for Institutional Shares of the Corresponding Funds.

Trust/Fund Corresponding Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Vanguard Total Stock Market Index
Market Index Trust Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Vanguard Institutional Total Stock
Market Index Trust Market Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Vanguard Total Bond Market Index
Market Index Trust Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Vanguard Total International Stock
International Stock Market Index Trust Market Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Vanguard Institutional Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Vanguard 500 Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional Extended Market Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund
Index Trust  
Vanguard Employee Benefit Index Vanguard Institutional Index Fund
Fund  
Vanguard Employee Benefit Index Vanguard 500 Index Fund
Fund  
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 1000 Value Index Vanguard Russell 1000 Value Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Target Retirement Trust Vanguard Institutional Target
  Retirement Fund (full suite)

 

Investment by Vanguard Target Retirement Collective Trust. A Vanguard Target Retirement Trust that is a collective trust exempt from regulation under the Investment Company Act and that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in underlying Funds (a “TRT”) may hold Institutional Shares of an underlying Fund whether or not its investment meets the minimum investment threshold specified above.

Accumulation Periodç Accounts funded through regular contributions (e.g., employer sponsored participant contribution plans), whose assets are expected to quickly achieve eligibility levels, may qualify for Institutional Shares upon account creation, rather than undergoing the conversion process shortly after account set-up if VGI management determines that the account will become eligible for Institutional Shares within a limited period of time (generally 90 days). The accumulation period eligibility is subject to the discretion of VGI management.

 

Institutional Plus Shares - Eligibility Requirements

Institutional Plus Shares generally require a minimum initial investment and ongoing account balance of $100,000,000. However, each Fund and VGI also reserve the right to establish higher or lower minimum amounts for certain investors or a group of investors. Institutional Plus Share class eligibility also is subject to the following special rules:

Retail clients. Retail clients may hold Institutional Plus Shares by aggregating up to 3 accounts held by the same client (same tax I.D. number) in a single Fund. For purposes of this rule, VGI management is authorized to permit aggregation of a greater number of accounts in the case of clients whose aggregate assets within the Funds are expected to generate substantial economies in the servicing of their accounts.

Institutional clients. An institutional client may hold Institutional Plus Shares if the total amount aggregated among all accounts held by such client (including accounts held through financial intermediaries) and invested in the Fund is at least $100 million (or such higher or lower minimum required by the individual Fund). Such an institutional client must disclose to VGI on behalf of its accounts the following: (1) that the client acts as a common-decision maker for each account; and (2) the total balance in each account held in the Fund.

Institutional clients with assets in certain Vanguard collective investment trusts and Funds.

Institutional clients with assets in the following collective investment trusts and Funds may aggregate such assets with assets invested in the corresponding Funds listed below in the right column (“Corresponding Funds”) for purposes of meeting the investment minimum for Institutional Plus Shares of the Corresponding Funds.

Trust/Fund Corresponding Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Vanguard Total Stock Market Index
Market Index Trust Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Vanguard Institutional Total Stock
Market Index Trust Market Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Vanguard Total Bond Market Index
Market Index Trust Fund
Vanguard Institutional Total Vanguard Total International Stock
International Stock Market Index Trust Market Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Vanguard Institutional Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Vanguard 500 Index Fund
Vanguard Institutional Extended Market Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund
Index Trust  
Vanguard Employee Benefit Index Vanguard Institutional Index Fund
Fund  

 

 

Vanguard Employee Benefit Index Vanguard 500 Index Fund
Fund  
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 1000 Value Index Vanguard Russell 1000 Value Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index
Trust Fund
Vanguard Target Retirement Trust Vanguard Institutional Target
  Retirement Fund (full suite)

 

Financial intermediary clients. Financial intermediaries generally may hold Institutional Plus Shares for the benefit of their underlying clients provided that: (1) each underlying investor individually meets the investment minimum amount described above; and (2) the financial intermediary agrees to monitor ongoing compliance of the underlying investor accounts with the investment minimum amount; or (3) an arrangement is established between VGI and the financial intermediary to allow VGI to monitor compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Home office model portfolios offered on wealth management platforms administered by financial intermediaries may offer Institutional Plus Shares, provided: (1) the financial intermediary in aggregate at the firm level, excluding custody assets, has total assets of at least $25 billion invested in Vanguard; and (2) the financial intermediary in aggregate at the firm level, excluding custody assets, meets the investment minimum of Institutional Plus Shares for the Fund.

A home office model portfolio must meet the following criteria:

(1) the allocations and Funds used in the model portfolios on the platform are set and selected by the financial intermediary (i.e., the firm itself); (2) the allocations and Funds used in the model portfolios on the platform are not subject to change by individual financial advisors; and (3) an arrangement is established between VGI and the financial intermediary to allow VGI to monitor compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Accumulation Period - Accounts funded through regular contributions (e.g., employer sponsored participant contribution plans), whose assets are expected to quickly achieve eligibility levels, may qualify for Institutional Plus Shares upon account creation, rather than undergoing the conversion process shortly after account set-up if VGI management determines that the account will become eligible for Institutional Plus Shares within a limited period of time (generally 90 days). The accumulation period eligibility is subject to the discretion of VGI management.

 

Asset Allocation Models - Clients with defined asset allocation models whose assets meet eligibility requirements may qualify for Institutional Plus Shares if such models comply with policies and procedures that have been approved by VGI management.

Institutional Select Shares - Eligibility Requirements

Institutional Select Shares generally require a minimum initial investment and ongoing account balance of $3,000,000,000. However, each Fund and VGI also reserve the right to establish higher or lower minimum amounts for certain investors or a group of investors. Institutional Select Share class eligibility also is subject to the following special rules:

Institutional clients. An institutional client may hold Institutional Select Shares if the total amount aggregated among all accounts held by such client (including accounts held through financial intermediaries) and invested in the Fund is at least $3 billion (or such higher or lower minimum required by the individual Fund). Such an institutional client must disclose to VGI on behalf of its accounts the following: (1) the client acts as a common-decision maker for each account; and (2) the total balance in each account in the Fund.

Financial intermediary clients. Financial intermediaries generally may hold Institutional Select Shares for the benefit of their underlying clients provided that: (1) each underlying investor individually meets the investment minimum amount described above; and (2) the financial intermediary agrees to monitor ongoing compliance of the underlying investor accounts with the investment minimum amount; or (3) an arrangement is established between VGI and the financial intermediary to allow VGI to monitor compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Accumulation Period - Accounts funded through regular contributions (e.g. employer sponsored participant contribution plans), whose assets are expected to quickly achieve eligibility levels, may qualify for Institutional Select Shares upon account creation, rather than undergoing the conversion process shortly after account set-up, if VGI management determines that the account will become eligible for Institutional Select Shares within a limited period of time (generally 90 days). The accumulation period eligibility is subject to the discretion of VGI management.

Investment by VGI collective investment trusts with a similar mandate. A VGI collective investment trust exempt from regulation under the Investment Company Act and that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in an underlying Fund with an index-based mandate may hold Institutional Select Shares of an underlying Fund with a similar index-based mandate whether or not its investment meets the minimum investment threshold specified above.

ETF Shares – Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for ETF Shares will be set forth in the Fund’s registration statement. To be eligible to purchase ETF Shares directly from a Fund, an investor must be (or must purchase through) an Authorized Participant, as defined in Paragraph III.F of the Multiple Class Plan. Investors purchasing ETF Shares from a Fund must purchase a minimum number of shares, known as a Creation Unit. The number of ETF Shares in a Creation Unit may vary from Fund to Fund, and will be set forth in the relevant Fund’s prospectus. The value of a Fund’s Creation Unit will vary with the net asset value of the

 

Fund’s ETF Shares, but is expected to be several million dollars. An eligible investor generally must purchase a Creation Unit by depositing a prescribed basket consisting predominantly of securities with the Fund.

Transition Shares – Eligibility Requirements

Transition Shares will be offered only to Funds that operate as a Fund-of-Funds and only by an underlying Fund (i) that is receiving assets in kind from one or more Funds and (ii) that will “transition” those in-kind assets by selling some or all of them and using the proceeds to purchase different assets. There is no minimum investment amount for Transition Shares.

Original Board Approval: July 21, 2000 Last Approved by Board: November 30, 2018



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