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PROSPECTUS
May 1, 1999
T. Rowe Price International Funds-- Foreign Bond Funds
Worldwide income funds seeking various combinations of high current income,
capital appreciation, and diversification from foreign and U.S. fixed income
securities.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
T. ROWE PRICE RAM LOGO
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T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. T. Rowe Price Global Bond Fund T. Rowe
Price International Bond Fund T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Prospectus
May 1, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics 1
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Other Information About the Funds 8
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2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Pricing Shares and Receiving 9
Sale Proceeds
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Distributions and Taxes 10
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Transaction Procedures and 12
Special Requirements
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3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Organization and Management 15
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Understanding Performance Information 18
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Investment Policies and Practices 19
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Financial Highlights 29
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4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Account Requirements 33
and Transaction Information
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Opening a New Account 33
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Purchasing Additional Shares 35
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Exchanging and Redeeming 35
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Rights Reserved by the Funds 37
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Information About Your Services 38
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T. Rowe Price Brokerage 40
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Investment Information 41
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</TABLE>
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. ("Price-Fleming"), the investment
manager, was founded in 1979 as a joint venture between T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc. and Robert Fleming Holdings, Ltd. As of December 31, 1998,
Price-Fleming managed $32.9 billion in foreign stocks and bonds through its
offices in Baltimore, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and
Paris.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, any
depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal Reserve, or
any other government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including
possible loss of the principal amount invested.
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ABOUT THE FUNDS
1
FUND, MARKET, AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS: WHAT TO EXPECT
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To help you decide whether an international fixed income fund is appropriate
for you, this section takes a closer look at the funds' investment programs
and the markets in which they invest.
What are each fund's objectives and principal investment strategies?
Global Bond Fund
Objective: The fund seeks high current income and, secondarily, capital
appreciation and protection of principal by investing primarily in
high-quality foreign and U.S. government bonds.
Strategy: We expect the fund will normally have at least 65% of its total
assets in bonds issued or guaranteed by the U.S. or foreign governments or
their agencies and by foreign authorities, provinces, and municipalities.
Corporate bonds may also be purchased. The fund may also invest up to 20% of
total assets in below- investment-grade, high-risk bonds including bonds in
default or those with the lowest rating.
To reduce the effect of interest rate changes on the fund's share price, the
weighted average maturity of the portfolio is likely to average around five
to seven years, although this may vary according to our interest rate
outlook. The fund may also hold individual securities with maturities longer
or shorter than five or seven years. The fund has wide flexibility to
purchase and sell currencies in an effort to profit from currency trends and
reduce the impact of currency fluctuations on the share price.
Investment decisions are based on fundamental market factors, such as yield
differences among bonds as well as demand and supply factors, currency
trends, and credit quality. The fund generally invests in countries where the
combination of fixed income returns and currency exchange rates appears
attractive, or, if the currency trend is unfavorable, where Price-Fleming
believes the currency risk can be minimized through hedging. The fund sells
holdings for a variety of reasons, such as to adjust a portfolio's average
maturity or quality, to shift assets into higher-yielding securities, or to
alter geographic or currency exposure.
International Bond Fund
Objective: The fund seeks to provide high current income and capital
appreciation by investing in high-quality, nondollar-denominated government
and corporate bonds outside the U.S.
Strategy: We will invest at least 65% of total assets in high-quality bonds
but may invest up to 20% of assets in below investment-grade, high-risk
bonds, including
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T. ROWE PRICE
bonds in default and emerging market bonds. Up to 20% of the fund's assets
may be invested in foreign bonds denominated in dollars.
Although we expect to maintain an intermediate-to-long weighted average
maturity, there are no maturity restrictions on the overall portfolio or on
individual securities. Like the Global Fund, this fund has wide flexibility
to purchase and sell currencies and engage in hedging transactions. However,
in the normal course, we do not attempt to cushion the impact of foreign
currency fluctuations on the dollar. Therefore, the fund is likely to be
heavily exposed to foreign currencies. The general decision making process
for buying and selling securities is the same as for Global Bond Fund.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Objective: The fund seeks to provide high income and capital appreciation.
Strategy: We will invest at least 65% (and potentially all) of total assets
in the government and corporate debt securities of emerging nations. Since
these countries are less developed and their bonds carry a greater credit
risk, the bonds are typically below investment grade and would be considered
junk bonds in the U.S. The fund may invest in the lowest-rated bonds,
including those in default.
There are no maturity restrictions on the fund. Its weighted average maturity
normally ranges between five and 10 years, but may vary substantially because
of market conditions. Under normal circumstances, most of the fund's total
assets are expected to be denominated in U.S. dollars, and the fund will not
usually attempt to cushion the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the
dollar. Security selection relies heavily on research, which analyzes
political and economic trends as well as creditworthiness. We tend to favor
bonds we think will be upgraded. The general decision-making process for
selling securities is similar to that for the other two funds.
. For details about each fund's investment program, please see the Investment
Policies and Practices section.
<TABLE>
Table 1 International Funds Comparison Guide
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Expected r
isk
r
elative
Geographic Quality of Normal currency to
Fund focus securities exposure one another
Global Bond Worldwide Primarily high Varies Moderate
quality
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International Bond Outside U.S. Primarily high High High
quality
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Emerging Markets Bond Outside U.S. Primarily lower Varies Highest
quality
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</TABLE>
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ABOUT THE FUNDS
. All of these funds are considered "nondiversified" for purposes of the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
What are the main risks of investing in the funds?
The risk profile of the funds varies with the types of bonds they purchase,
their degree of currency exposure, and whether they invest in developed
markets, emerging markets, or both. Of the three funds, Emerging Markets Bond
is the most risky and subject to the greatest possibility of sharp price
declines.
. Interest rate risk While all three funds face this risk, it is of primary
importance for the Global and International Bond Funds. This risk refers to
the decline in bond prices that accompanies a rise in the overall level of
interest rates. (Bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions.)
Because prices of long-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes
than prices of short-term bonds, the funds discussed in this prospectus have
greater interest rate risk than short-term bond funds.
. Credit risk This is chance that a fund's holding will have its credit
downgraded or will default, potentially reducing the fund's share price and
income level. Among these three funds, Emerging Markets Bond has the highest
credit risk because the average credit quality of its holdings is lowest.
(See emerging market risk discussion).
. Non-diversified risk Because they are non-diversified, each fund can invest
more of its assets in a fewer number of issuers than diversified funds. This
could result in greater potential losses than funds investing in a broader
variety of issues.
. Currency risk This refers to a decline in the value of a foreign currency
versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities
denominated in that currency. The overall impact on a fund's holdings can be
significant and long lasting, depending on the currencies represented in the
portfolio, how each one appreciates or depreciates in relation to the U.S.
dollar, and whether currency positions are hedged. We may actively manage
currency risk in the Global Bond Fund in an effort to reduce the negative
impact of a strong dollar. Because the International Bond Fund is normally
heavily exposed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates are
likely to have a more significant impact on the fund's performance and make
it riskier than Global Bond Fund. Bonds held in the Emerging Markets Bond
Fund are often denominated in U.S. dollars to improve their marketability,
but this does not protect them from substantial price declines in the face of
political and economic turmoil. In addition, many emerging market currencies
cannot be effectively hedged. Currency trends are unpredictable and to the
extent each fund purchases and sells currencies, it will also be subject to
the risk that its trading strategies, including efforts at hedging, will not
be successful. Furthermore, hedging costs can be significant and reduce fund
net asset values.
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T. ROWE PRICE
. Emerging market risk Investments in emerging markets are subject to abrupt
and severe price declines. The economic and political structures of
developing nations, in most cases, do not compare favorably with the U.S. or
other developed countries in terms of wealth and stability, and their
financial markets often lack liquidity. These economies are less well
developed and can be overly reliant on particular industries and more
vulnerable to the ebb and flow of international trade and capital, trade
barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Certain countries
have legacies of hyperinflation and currency devaluations versus the dollar
(which adversely affects returns to US investors). Significant devaluations
have occurred in recent years in Russia, Brazil, and other Asian and Latin
American nations. Governments of certain emerging market countries have
defaulted on their bonds and investors in this sector must be prepared for
similar events in the future.
. Other risks of foreign investing Other risks of foreign investing result
from the varying stages of economic and political development of foreign
countries, the differing regulatory environments, trading days and accounting
standards of non-U.S. markets, and higher transaction costs. Acts of
government interfering in capital markets, such as capital or currency
controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of
assets, or imposition of punitive taxes would also have an adverse effect on
the funds.
. Derivatives risk To the extent the funds use these instruments, they may be
exposed to additional volatility and potential losses.
. Year 2000 risk Companies, organizations, governmental entities, and markets
in which each fund invests will be affected by the Year 2000 problem. (See
the discussion in Section 3.) While at this time each fund cannot predict the
degree of impact, it is possible that foreign markets will be less prepared
than U.S. ones. The funds' returns could be adversely affected as a result.
As with all mutual funds, there can be no guarantee a fund will achieve its
objective.
. Each fund's share price may decline, so when you sell your shares, you may
lose money.
How can I tell which fund is most appropriate for me?
Consider your investment goals, your time horizon for achieving them, and
your tolerance for risk. None of these funds is suitable for near-term
financial goals. Your decision should take into account whether you have any
other foreign bond investments. If not, you may wish to invest in a widely
diversified fund to gain the broadest exposure to global opportunities. A
diversified emerging markets fund may be an appropriate part of your
portfolio if you are supplementing existing holdings that are primarily in
developed foreign markets and can accept the potentially greater volatility
of emerging markets.
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ABOUT THE FUNDS
Each fund can be used in both regular and tax-deferred accounts, such as
IRAs.
. The fund or funds you select should not represent your complete investment
program or be used for short-term trading purposes.
How has each fund performed in the past?
The bar charts and the average annual total return table indicate risk by
illustrating how much returns can differ from one year to the next.Each
fund's past performance is no guarantee of its future returns.
The funds can also experience short-term performance swings, as shown by the
best and worst calendar quarter returns accompanying the following charts.
The returns are only for the years depicted in the charts.
<TABLE>
INPUT BAR CHARTS HERE
<CAPTION>
Calendar Year Total Returns
Fund 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Global Bond -- -- 11.31% 3.26% 11.15% -3.05% 18.13% 6.59% 1.61% 11.93%
International
Bond -3.19% 16.05% 17.75 2.40 20.00 -1.84 20.30 7.13 -3.17 15.03
Emerging -- -- -- -- -- -- 25.81 36.77 16.83 -23.09
Markets Bond
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</TABLE>
Global Bond Quarter ended Total return
Best quarter 3/31/1995 7.82%
Worst quarter 3/31/1997 -3.56%
International Bond Quarter ended Total return
Best quarter 3/31/1995 12.51%
Worst quarter 3/31/1989 -6.07%
Emerging Markets Bond Quarter ended Total return
Best quarter 6/30/1995 17.56%
Worst quarter 9/30/1998 -30.20%
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T. ROWE PRICE
<TABLE>
Table 2 Average Annual Total Returns
<CAPTION>
Periods ended December 31, 1998
Inception
Fund 1 year 5 years Since inception date
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <S> <S>
Global Bond 11.93% 6.78% 7.43% 12/31/90
J.P. Morgan Global Bond
Index Plus 14.28 8.06 --
J.P. Morgan Global
Gov't. Bond Index 15.32 8.08 9.41
(unhedged)
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International Bond 15.03 7.10 8.64 09/10/86
J.P. Morgan Non- U.S.
Index Plus 16.42 -- --
J.P. Morgan Non- U.S. 18.28 8.77 8.76
Dollar Gov't. Bond Index
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Emerging Markets Bond -23.09 -- 11.50 12/30/94
J.P. Morgan Emerging -14.35 6.74 --
Markets Bond Index Plus
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</TABLE>
These figures include changes in principal value, reinvested dividends, and
capital gain distributions, if any.
What fees or expenses will I pay?
The funds are 100% no load. There are no fees or charges to buy or sell fund
shares, reinvest dividends, or exchange into other T. Rowe Price funds. There
are no 12b-1 fees.
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ABOUT THE FUNDS
<TABLE>
Table 3 Fees and Expenses of the Funds
<CAPTION>
Annual fund operating expenses/a/
(expenses that are deducted from fund assets)
Total annual Fee waiver/
Fund Management Other fund operating expense Net
------------------------ fee expenses expenses reimbursement expenses -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Global Bond 0.67% 0.76% 1.43% (0.43)% 1.00%
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International Bond 0.67 0.21 0.88 -- 0.88
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Emerging Markets Bond 0.77 0.53 1.30 (0.05) 1.25
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</TABLE>
/a/Price-Fleming is contractually obligated to waive its fees and bear any
expenses to the extent such fees or expenses would cause the funds' ratios of
expenses to average net assets to exceed the indicated percentage
limitations. Fees waived or expenses paid or assumed are subject to
reimbursement to Price-Fleming by each fund through the indicated
reimbursement date, but no reimbursement will be made if it would result in a
fund's expense ratio exceeding its specified limit. A summary of the funds'
expense limitations and the periods for which they are effective is set forth
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <S> <C> <S> <S>
Fund Limitation Period Expense Ratio Limitation Reimbursement Date
Global Bond/b/ 1/1/99-12/31/00 1.00% 12/31/02
Emerging Markets
Bond/c/ 1/1/99-12/31/00 1.25% 12/31/02
</TABLE>
/b/Previously, the Global Bond Fund operated under a 1.20% expense ratio
limitation that expired December 31, 1997. Effective January 1, 1998,
Price-Fleming agreed to extend the limitation period through December 31,
1998, and lower the expense limitation to 1.00%. Fees waived or expenses
assumed under these agreements are subject to reimbursement to Price-Fleming
by the fund whenever the fund's expense ratio is below 1.00%. However, no
reimbursement will be made after December 31, 1999 (for the first agreement),
or December 31, 2000 (for the second agreement), or if it would result in the
expense ratio exceeding 1.00%.
/c/
Previously, the Emerging Markets Bond Fund operated under a 1.25% limitation
that expired December 31, 1996. Effective January 1, 1997, Price-Fleming
agreed to extend the limitation period through December 31, 1998. Fees waived
or expenses assumed under these agreements are subject to reimbursement to
Price-Fleming by the fund whenever the fund's expense ratio is below 1.25%.
However, no reimbursement will be made after December 31, 2000, or if it
would result in the expense ratio exceeding 1.25%.
Example. The following table gives you a rough idea of how expense ratios
may translate into dollars and helps you to compare the cost of investing in
these funds with that of other funds. Although your actual costs may be
higher or lower, the table shows how much you would pay if operating expenses
remain the same, the expense limitations currently in place are not renewed
(if applicable), you invest $10,000, you earn a 5% annual return, and you
hold the investment for the following periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fund 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Global Bond $102 $366 $697 $1,637
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International Bond 90 281 488 1,084
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Emerging Markets Bond 127 402 703 1,559
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</TABLE>
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T. ROWE PRICE
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
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Why invest in an international fund?
Interest rates vary from country to country depending on local economic
conditions and monetary and fiscal policies. By investing in foreign fixed
income markets, U.S. investors can benefit from potentially higher yields
than their own markets provide. Also, foreign bond markets often move
independently of one another and the U.S. markets. Therefore, diversifying
internationally across various countries can help reduce portfolio volatility
and smooth out returns.
What are some of the advantages of investing in international and global fixed
income markets through mutual funds?
Buying foreign bonds can be difficult and costly for the individual investor,
and gaining access to many foreign markets can be complicated. Few investors
have the time, the expertise, or the resources to evaluate foreign markets
effectively on their own. Therefore, the professional management, broad
diversification, and relative simplicity of mutual funds make them an
attractive, low-cost vehicle for this type of investing.
What is the difference between international and global funds?
Global funds invest worldwide, including both foreign and U.S. markets, while
international funds invest in markets outside the U.S.
. For more details on potential risks of foreign investments, please see
Investment Policies and Practices and the Statement of Additional
Information.
How does the portfolio manager try to reduce risk?
Consistent with each fund's objective, the portfolio manager uses various
tools to try to reduce risk and increase total return, including:
. Diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single holding on a
fund's net asset value.
. Thorough credit research by our own analysts.
. Adjustment of fund duration to try to reduce the drop in price when interest
rates rise or to benefit from the rise in price when rates fall. Duration is
a measure of a fund's sensitivity to interest rate changes.
. Management of the impact of foreign currency changes on the fund's portfolio
to the degree discussed previously under "currency risk."
Is there other information I can review before making a decision?
Investment Policies and Practices in Section 3 discusses various types of
portfolio securities the funds may purchase as well as types of investment
management practices the funds may use.
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ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
2
PRICING SHARES AND RECEIVING SALE PROCEEDS
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Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a T. Rowe Price
fund.
How and when shares are priced
The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV per share) for each
fund is calculated at the close of the New York Stock Exchange, normally 4
p.m. ET, each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. To
calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are
subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of
shares outstanding. Current market values are used to price fund shares.
Each fund's portfolio securities usually are valued on the basis of the most
recent closing market prices at 4 p.m. ET when the funds calculate their
NAVs. Most of the securities in which the funds invest, however, are traded
in markets that close before that time. For securities primarily traded in
the Far East, for example, the most recent closing prices may be as much as
15 hours old at 4 p.m. Normally, developments that could affect the values of
portfolio securities that occur between the close of the foreign market and 4
p.m. ET will not be reflected in the funds' NAVs. However, if a fund
determines that such developments are so significant that they will clearly
and materially affect the value of the fund's securities, the fund may adjust
the previous closing prices to reflect fair value or use the next available
opening market prices to value its portfolio securities.
. The various ways you can buy, sell, and exchange shares are explained at the
end of this prospectus and on the New Account Form. These procedures may
differ for institutional and employer-sponsored retirement accounts.
How your purchase, sale, or exchange price is determined
If we receive your request in correct form by 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
priced at the next business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
transaction or any other special conditions.
Fund shares may be purchased through various third-party intermediaries
including banks, brokers, and investment advisers. Where authorized by a
fund, orders will be priced at the NAV next computed after receipt by the
intermediary. Consult your intermediary to determine when your orders will be
priced. The intermediary may charge a fee for its services.
Note: The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time until
which orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the
New York Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.
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T. ROWE PRICE
How you can receive the proceeds from a sale
. When filling out the New Account Form, you may wish to give yourself the
widest range of options for receiving proceeds from a sale.
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are
usually sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail or
to your bank account by Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer or bank wire.
Proceeds sent by ACH transfer should be credited the second day after the
sale. ACH is an automated method of initiating payments from, and receiving
payments in, your financial institution account. The ACH system is supported
by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions. Proceeds sent by bank
wire should be credited to your account the next business day.
. Exception: Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in each fund's
best interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to seven calendar days
after we receive your redemption request.
. If for some reason we cannot accept your request to sell shares, we will
contact you.
USEFUL INFORMATION ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
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. All net investment income and realized capital gains are distributed to
shareholders.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding;
that is, you receive income dividends and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Distributions not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank
account via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your
check remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to
reinvest your distribution check in your account at the NAV on the business
day of the reinvestment and to reinvest all subsequent distributions in
shares of the fund. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by
uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
Income dividends
. Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received on the previous
business day.
. Dividends are paid on the first business day of each month.
. Fund shares will earn dividends through the date of redemption; also, shares
redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will continue to earn dividends
until
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ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
the next business day. Generally, if you redeem all of your shares at any
time during the month, you will also receive all dividends earned through the
date of redemption in the same check. When you redeem only a portion of your
shares, all dividends accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid in
cash, on the next dividend payment date.
Capital gains
. A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale price
of a security.
. If a fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any capital
losses), they are usually declared and paid in December to shareholders of
record on a specified date that month. If a second distribution is necessary,
it is usually declared and paid in January of the following year.
Tax Information
. You will be sent timely information for your tax filing needs.
You need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
. You sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another.
. The fund makes a distribution to your account.
Taxes on fund redemptions
When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a gain or loss. An exchange
from one fund to another is still a sale for tax purposes.
In January, you will be sent Form 1099-B indicating the date and amount of
each sale you made in the fund during the prior year. This information will
also be reported to the IRS. For most new accounts or those opened by
exchange in 1984 or later, we will provide the gain or loss on the shares you
sold during the year, based on the "average cost," single category method.
This information is not reported to the IRS, and you do not have to use it.
You may calculate the cost basis using other methods acceptable to the IRS,
such as "specific identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
following each transaction you make (except for systematic purchases and
redemptions) and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each
fund account during the year.
Taxes on fund distributions
. The following summary does not apply to retirement accounts, such as IRAs,
which are not subject to current tax.
In January, you will be sent Form 1099-DIV indicating the tax status of any
dividend and capital gain distributions made to you. This information will
also be reported to the IRS. Distributions are generally taxable to you for
the year in which they were paid. You will be sent any additional information
you need to determine your taxes on fund distributions, such as the portion
of your dividends, if any, that may be exempt from state income taxes.
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T. ROWE PRICE
The tax treatment of a capital gain distribution is determined by how long
the fund held the portfolio securities, not how long you held shares in the
fund. Short-term (one year or less) capital gain distributions are taxable at
the same rate as ordinary income and long-term gains on securities held more
than 12 months are taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. If you realized a loss on
the sale or exchange of fund shares that you held six months or less, your
short-term loss will be reclassified to a long-term loss to the extent of any
long-term capital gain distribution received during the period you held the
shares.
Distributions resulting from the sale of certain foreign currencies and debt
securities, to the extent of foreign exchange gains, are taxed as ordinary
income or loss. If the fund pays nonrefundable taxes to foreign governments
during the year, the taxes will reduce the fund's dividends but will still be
included in your taxable income. However, you may be able to claim an
offsetting credit or deduction on your tax return for your portion of foreign
taxes paid by the fund.
. Distributions are taxable whether reinvested in additional shares or
received in cash.
Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution
If you buy shares shortly before or on the "record date" - the date that
establishes you as the person to receive the upcoming distribution - you will
receive a portion of the money you just invested in the form of a taxable
distribution. Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's record date before
investing. Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect
undistributed capital gains or income and unrealized appreciation, which may
result in future taxable distributions.
Note: For information on the tax consequences of hedging, please see
Investment Policies and Practices.
TRANSACTION PROCEDURES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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. Following these procedures helps assure timely and accurate transactions.
Purchase Conditions
Nonpayment
If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH transfer that
does not clear, your purchase will be canceled. You will be responsible for
any losses or expenses incurred by each fund or transfer agent, and the fund
can redeem shares you own in this or another identically registered T. Rowe
Price fund as reimbursement. Each fund and its agents have the right to
reject or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to nonpayment.
U.S. dollars
All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be drawn on U.S.
banks. The fund does not accept purchases made by credit card check.
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ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
Holds on immediate redemptions: 10-day hold
If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check or ACH
transfer, the funds will process your redemption but will generally delay
sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check or
transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. (The 10-day hold
does not apply to the following: purchases paid for by bank wire; cashier's,
certified, or treasurer's checks; or automatic purchases through your
paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access/(R)/, and personal computer transactions
Exchange and redemption services through telephone and Tele*Access are
established automatically when you sign the New Account Form unless you check
the boxes that state you do not want these services. Personal computer
transactions must be authorized separately. T. Rowe Price funds and their
agents use reasonable procedures (including shareholder identity
verification) to confirm that instructions given by telephone or computer are
genuine; they are not liable for acting on these instructions. If these
procedures are not followed, it is the opinion of certain regulatory agencies
that the funds and their agents may be liable for any losses that may result
from acting on the instructions. A confirmation is sent promptly after a
transaction. All telephone conversations are recorded.
Redemptions over $250,000
Large sales can adversely affect a portfolio manager's ability to implement a
fund's investment strategy by causing the premature sale of securities that
would otherwise be held. If, in any 90-day period, you redeem (sell) more
than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more than 1% of fund net assets, the
fund has the right to pay the difference between the redemption amount and
the lesser of the two previously mentioned figures with securities from the
fund.
Excessive Trading
. T. Rowe Price may bar excessive traders from purchasing shares.
Frequent trades, involving either substantial fund assets or a substantial
portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
of the fund and raise its expenses. To deter such activity, the fund has
adopted an excessive trading policy. If you violate our excessive trading
policy, you may be barred indefinitely and without further notice from
further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.
. Trades placed directly with T. Rowe Price If you trade directly with T.
Rowe Price, you can make one purchase and sale involving the same fund within
any 120-day period. For example, if you are in fund A, you can move
substantial assets from fund A to fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell
your shares in fund B to return to fund A or move to fund C. If you exceed
this limit, you are in violation of our excessive trading policy.
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T. ROWE PRICE
Two types of transactions are exempt from this policy: 1) trades solely in
money market funds (exchanges between a money fund and a nonmoney fund are
not exempt); and 2) systematic purchases or redemptions (see Information
About Your Services).
. Trades placed through intermediaries If you purchase fund shares through an
intermediary including a broker, bank, investment adviser, or other third
party and hold them for less than 60 calendar days, you are in violation of
our excessive trading policy.
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost to a fund of maintaining small accounts, we
ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000. If your balance is
below $1,000 for three months or longer, we have the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your balance.
Small Account Fee
Because of the disproportionately high costs of servicing accounts with low
balances, a $10 fee, paid to T. Rowe Price Services, the funds' transfer
agent, will automatically be deducted from nonretirement accounts with
balances falling below a minimum level. The valuation of accounts and the
deduction are expected to take place during the last five business days of
September. The fee will be deducted from accounts with balances below $2,000,
except for UGMA/ UTMA accounts, for which the limit is $500. The fee will be
waived for any investor whose T. Rowe Price mutual fund investments total
$25,000 or more. Accounts employing automatic investing (e.g., payroll
deduction, automatic purchase from a bank account, etc.) are also exempt from
the charge. The fee will not apply to IRAs and other retirement plan
accounts. (A separate custodial fee may apply to IRAs and other retirement
plan accounts.)
Signature Guarantees
. A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and the T. Rowe Price funds
from fraud by verifying your signature.
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such
as:
. Written requests 1) to redeem over $100,000, or 2) to wire redemption
proceeds.
. Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not on
record.
. Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
different registration (name or ownership) from yours.
. Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
broker-dealers, and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
accept guarantees from notaries public or organizations that do not provide
reimbursement in the case of fraud.
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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
3
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
----------------------------------------------------------
How are the funds organized?
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. (the "corporation"), currently
consists of 12 series, each representing a separate class of shares and
having different objectives and investment policies. The 12 series and the
years in which each was established are as follows: International Stock Fund,
1980; International Bond Fund, 1986; International Discovery Fund, 1988;
European Stock Fund, New Asia Fund, Global Bond Fund, 1990; Japan Fund, 1991;
Latin America Fund, 1993; Emerging Markets Bond Fund, 1994; Emerging Markets
Stock Fund, Global Stock Fund, 1995, and International Growth & Income Fund,
1998. Effective May 1, 1998, the T. Rowe Price Global Government Bond Fund
changed its name to the T. Rowe Price Global Bond Fund. (The equity funds are
described in a separate prospectus.)
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase shares when they put money in a
fund. These shares are part of a fund's authorized capital stock, but share
certificates are not issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
. Receive a proportional interest in a fund's income and capital gain
distributions.
. Cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election of
fund directors, changes in fundamental policies, or approval of changes in
the fund's management contract.
Do T. Rowe Price funds have annual shareholder meetings?
The funds are not required to hold annual meetings and, to avoid unnecessary
costs to fund shareholders, do not intend to do so except when certain
matters, such as a change in a fund's fundamental policies, must be decided.
In addition, shareholders representing at least 10% of all eligible votes may
call a special meeting, if they wish, for the purpose of voting on the
removal of any fund director or trustee. If a meeting is held and you cannot
attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund will send you
proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and include
instructions on voting by mail or telephone, or on the Internet.
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Who runs the funds?
General Oversight
The corporation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets regularly to
review the funds' investments, performance, expenses, and other business
affairs. The Board elects the corporation's officers. The policy of the
corporation is that the majority of Board members are independent of
Price-Fleming.
. All decisions regarding the purchase and sale of fund investments are made
by Price-Fleming - specifically by each fund's Investment Advisory Group.
Investment Manager
Price-Fleming is responsible for selection and management of each fund's
portfolio investments. Price-Fleming's U.S. office is located at 100 East
Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Price-Fleming also has offices in
London, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Paris. Price-Fleming
was incorporated in Maryland in 1979 as a joint venture between T. Rowe Price
and Robert Fleming Holdings Limited (Flemings).
T. Rowe Price, Flemings, and Jardine Fleming Group Limited (Jardine Fleming)
are owners of Price-Fleming. The common stock of Price-Fleming is 50% owned
by a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price, 25% by a subsidiary of
Flemings, and 25% by a subsidiary of Jardine Fleming. Jardine Fleming is
owned by Flemings. T. Rowe Price has the right to elect a majority of the
Board of Directors of Price-Fleming, and Flemings has the right to elect the
remaining directors, one of whom will be nominated by Jardine Fleming.
. Flemings is a diversified investment organization which participates in a
global network of regional investment offices in New York, London, Zurich,
Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Bombay,
Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, and Johannesburg.
Portfolio Management
Each fund has an Investment Advisory Group that has day-to-day responsibility
for managing the portfolio and developing and executing each fund's
investment program. The advisory group for each fund consists of Peter Askew,
Christopher Rothery, and Michael Conelius.
Peter Askew joined Price-Fleming in 1988 and has 23 years of experience
managing multicurrency fixed income portfolios.
Christopher Rothery joined Price-Fleming in 1994 and has 11 years of
experience managing multicurrency fixed income portfolios. Before joining
Price-Fleming, he had worked with Fleming International Fixed Income
Management Limited since 1987.
Michael Conelius joined Price-Fleming in 1995. Prior to that, he had been
with T. Rowe Price since 1988.
<PAGE>
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Portfolio Transactions
Decisions with respect to the purchase and sale of a fund's portfolio
securities on behalf of each fund are made by Price-Fleming. The
corporation's Board of Directors has authorized Price-Fleming to utilize
affiliates of Flemings and Jardine Fleming in the capacity of broker in
connection with the execution of a fund's portfolio transactions if
Price-Fleming believes that doing so would result in an economic advantage
(in the form of lower execution costs or otherwise) being obtained by the
fund.
The Management Fee
This fee has two parts - an "individual fund fee," which reflects a fund's
particular characteristics, and a "group fee." The group fee, which is
designed to reflect the benefits of the shared resources of the T. Rowe Price
investment management complex, is calculated daily based on the combined net
assets of all T. Rowe Price funds (except the Spectrum Funds, and any
institutional, index, or private label mutual funds). The group fee schedule
(shown below) is graduated, declining as the asset total rises, so
shareholders benefit from the overall growth in mutual fund assets.
<TABLE>
Group Fee Schedule
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0.334% First $50 billion/a/
-----------------------------------------
0.305% Next $30 billion
-----------------------------------------
0.300% Next $40 billion
-----------------------------------------
0.295% Thereafter
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
/a/ Represents a blended group fee rate containing various break points.
Each fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the ratio of its daily
net assets to the daily net assets of all the T. Rowe Price funds described
previously. Based on combined T. Rowe Price funds' assets of over $89 billion
at December 31, 1998, the group fee was 0.32%. The individual fund fees are
as follows: Global Bond and International Bond Funds, 0.35%; and Emerging
Markets Bond Fund, 0.45%.
Research and Administration
Certain administrative support is provided by T. Rowe Price, which receives
from Price-Fleming a fee of 0.15% of the market value of all assets in equity
accounts, 0.15% of the market value of all assets in active fixed income
accounts, and 0.035% of the market value of all assets in passive fixed
income accounts under Price-Fleming's management. Additional investment
research and administrative support for equity investments is provided to
Price-Fleming by Fleming Investment Management Limited (FIM) and Jardine
Fleming International Holdings Limited (JFIH), for which each receives from
Price-Fleming a fee of 0.075% of the market value of all assets in equity
accounts under Price-Fleming's management. FIM and JFIH also provide research
and administration support for fixed income
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T. ROWE PRICE
accounts for which each receive a fee of 0.075% of the market value of all
assets in active fixed income accounts and 0.175% of such market value in
passive fixed income accounts under Price-Fleming's management. FIM is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Flemings. JFIH is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Jardine Fleming.
UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------
This section should help you understand the terms used to describe fund
performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive
from us; in our newsletter, The Price Report; in T. Rowe Price
advertisements; and in the media.
Total Return
This tells you how much an investment in a fund has changed in value over a
given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share
price and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during
the period were reinvested in additional shares. Therefore, total return
numbers include the effect of compounding.
Advertisements for a fund may include cumulative or average annual total
return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other performance
measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual return of an investment for a specified period. A
cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
have fluctuated during the period. For example, a fund could have a 10-year
positive cumulative return despite experiencing three negative years during
that time.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical and should not be confused with actual
year-by-year results. It smooths out all the variations in annual performance
to tell you what constant year-by-year return would have produced the
investment's actual cumulative return. This gives you an idea of an
investment's annual contribution to your portfolio, provided you held it for
the entire period.
Yield
The current or "dividend" yield on a fund or any investment tells you the
relationship between the investment's current level of annual income and its
price on a particular day. The dividend yield reflects the actual income paid
to shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by the price at
the end of the given period. For example, a fund providing $5 of annual
income per share and a price of $50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be
calculated for any time period.
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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
The advertised or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yield is found by
determining the net income per share (as defined by the SEC) earned by a fund
during a 30-day base period and dividing this amount by the per share price
on the last day of the base period. The SEC yield may differ from the
dividend yield.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
----------------------------------------------------------
This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities each
fund may hold in its portfolio and the various kinds of investment practices
that may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. The funds' investment
programs are subject to further restrictions and risks described in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change a fund's objectives
and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section as
"fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating
policies," which can be changed without shareholder approval. However,
significant changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. Each
fund adheres to applicable investment restrictions and policies at the time
it makes an investment. A later change in circumstances will not require the
sale of an investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
Each fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
percentages of total assets, which are set forth in this prospectus. For
instance, each fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets
in hybrid instruments. While these restrictions provide a useful level of
detail about a fund's investment program, investors should not view them as
an accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in
a given period, a 5% investment in hybrid instruments could have
significantly more of an impact on a fund's share price than its weighting in
the portfolio. The net effect of a particular investment depends on its
volatility and the size of its overall return in relation to the performance
of all the funds' other investments.
Changes in each fund's holdings, performance, and the contribution of various
investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
. Fund managers have considerable leeway in choosing investment strategies and
selecting securities they believe will help each fund achieve its objective.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet its investment objective, each fund may invest in any type
of security or instrument (including certain potentially high-risk
derivatives described in this section) whose investment characteristics are
consistent with the fund's investment program. The following pages describe
various types of portfolio securities and investment management practices of
the funds.
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T. ROWE PRICE
Fixed Income Securities
The funds' investments may include but shall not be limited to: (1) Debt
obligations issued or guaranteed by: (a) a foreign sovereign government or
one of its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities, or political
subdivisions, including a foreign state, province or municipality, and (b)
supranational organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank,
European Investment Bank, and European Economic Community; (2) Debt
obligations: (a) of foreign banks and bank holding companies, and (b) of
domestic banks and corporations issued in foreign currencies; and (3) Foreign
corporate debt securities and commercial paper. Such securities may take a
variety of forms including those issued in the local currency of the issuer,
Brady bonds, Euro bonds, and bonds denominated in the ECU. Normally, the
International Bond Fund will only purchase bonds denominated in foreign
currencies (other than Brady and other emerging market bonds). The Global
Bond and Emerging Markets Bond Funds may also invest in: such
dollar-denominated fixed income securities as (1) Debt obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (2)
Domestic corporate debt securities; (3) Domestic commercial paper, including
commercial paper indexed to certain specific foreign currency exchange rates;
(4) Debt obligations of domestic banks and bank holding companies; and (5)
Collateralized mortgage obligations or asset-backed bonds. The funds may from
time to time purchase securities on a when-issued basis, invest in repurchase
agreements, and purchase bonds convertible into equities.
Nondiversified Investment Company
The funds are able to invest more than 5% of their assets in the fixed income
securities of individual foreign governments. Each fund generally will not
invest more than 5% of its assets in any individual corporate issuer,
provided that (1) a fund may place assets in bank deposits or other
short-term bank instruments with a maturity of up to 30 days provided that
(i) the bank has a short-term credit rating of A1+ (or, if unrated, the
equivalent as determined by Price-Fleming) and (ii) no fund may maintain more
than 10% of its total assets with any single bank; and (2) a fund may
maintain more than 5% of its total assets, including cash and currencies, in
custodial accounts or deposits of the funds' custodian or sub-custodians.
In addition, each fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company
for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. This requires each fund to limit
its investments so that, at the end of each calendar quarter, with respect to
at least 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of such assets are
invested in the securities of a single issuer, and with respect to the
remaining 50%, no more than 25% is invested in a single issuer. Since, as a
nondiversified investment company, each fund is permitted to invest a greater
proportion of its assets in the
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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
securities of a smaller number of issuers, the funds may be subject to
greater credit risk with respect to their portfolio securities than an
investment company that is more broadly diversified.
Hybrid Instruments
These instruments (a type of potentially high-risk derivative) can combine
the characteristics of securities, futures, and options. For example, the
principal amount or interest rate of a hybrid could be tied (positively or
negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency, or securities index or
another interest rate (each a "benchmark"). Hybrids can be used as an
efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency
hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Hybrids may not
bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate
may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move
(up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks
may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity
shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the
purchaser of a hybrid. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a
hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid may entail significant
market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a
traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount
and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of hybrids
also exposes the funds to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrid. These
risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the funds.
. Hybrids can have volatile prices and limited liquidity, and their use by the
funds may not be successful.
Operating policy Each fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in
hybrid instruments.
Private Placements
These securities are sold directly to a small number of investors, usually
institutions. Unlike public offerings, such securities are not registered
with the SEC. Although certain of these securities may be readily sold, for
example, under Rule 144A, others may be illiquid, and their sale may involve
substantial delays and additional costs.
Operating policy Each fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities.
Loan Participations and Assignments
Large loans to corporations or governments, including governments of
less-developed countries (LDCs), may be shared or syndicated among several
lenders, usually banks. Each fund could participate in such syndicates, or
could buy part of a loan, becoming a direct lender. Participations and
assignments involve special types of risk, including limited marketability
and the risks of being a
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T. ROWE PRICE
lender. If a fund purchases a participation, it may only be able to enforce
its rights through the lender, and it may assume the credit risk of the
lender in addition to the borrower. In assignments, the funds' rights against
the borrower may be more limited than those held by the original lender.
Operating policy Global Bond and International Bond Funds may not invest more
than 5% and Emerging Markets Bond Fund not more than 20% of total assets in
loan participations and assignments.
High-Yield/High-Risk Securities
While investments in high-yield, lower-quality securities offer the
opportunity for substantial income and capital appreciation, there are
significant risks associated with such investments, including:
Greater credit risk Companies and governments issuing lower-rated bonds are
not as strong financially as those with higher credit ratings, and their
bonds are often viewed as speculative investments. Such issuers are more
vulnerable to real or perceived business setbacks and to changes in the
economy, such as a recession, that might impair their ability to make timely
interest and principal payments. Certain less-developed governments have in
the past defaulted on payment of interest and principal on debt they have
issued. As a result, your fund manager relies heavily on proprietary
Price-Fleming research when selecting these investments.
Reduced market liquidity High-yielding emerging market bonds are generally
less "liquid" than higher-quality bonds issued by companies and governments
in developed countries. Consequently, large purchases or sales of certain
high-yield, emerging market debt issues may cause significant changes in
their prices. Because many of these bonds do not trade frequently, when they
do trade, their price may be substantially higher or lower than had been
expected. A lack of liquidity also means that judgment may play a bigger role
when seeking to establish the fair value of the securities.
Other factors The major factor influencing prices of high-quality bonds is
changes in interest rate levels; but this is only one of several factors
affecting prices of lower-quality bonds. Because the credit quality of the
issuer is lower, such bonds are more sensitive to developments affecting the
issuer's underlying fundamentals, such as changes in financial condition, or
a given country's economy in general. In addition, the entire bond market in
an emerging market can experience sudden and sharp price swings due to a
variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market
activity, large or sustained sales by institutional investors, a high-profile
default, a political upheaval of some kind, or just a change in the market's
psychology. This type of volatility is usually associated more with stocks
than bonds, but investors in lower-quality bonds should also anticipate it.
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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Since mutual funds can be a major source of demand in certain markets,
substantial cash flows into and out of these funds can affect high-yield bond
prices. If, for example, a significant number of funds were to sell bonds to
meet shareholder redemptions, both bond prices and a fund's share price could
fall more than underlying fundamentals might justify.
. Defaulted bonds are acquired only if the fund manager foresees the potential
for significant capital appreciation.
Brady Bonds Brady bonds, named after former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
Nicholas Brady, are used as a means of restructuring the external debt burden
of a government in certain emerging markets. A Brady bond is created when an
outstanding commercial bank loan to a government or private entity is
exchanged for a new bond in connection with a debt restructuring plan. Brady
bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various
currencies (although typically in the U.S. dollar). They are often fully
collateralized as to principal in U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds. However,
even with this collateralization feature, Brady bonds are often considered
speculative, below investment-grade investments because the timely payment of
interest is the responsibility of the issuing party (for example, a Latin
American country) and the value of the bonds can fluctuate significantly
based on the issuer's ability or perceived ability to make these payments.
Finally, some Brady bonds may be structured with floating rate or low fixed
rate coupons.
Operating policy Global Bond and International Bond Funds may each invest up
to 20% of total assets in below investment-grade ("junk") bonds. The Emerging
Markets Bond Fund may invest substantially all of its assets in such bonds.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Convertible Bonds Convertible bonds are debt instruments convertible into
equity of the issuing company at certain times in the future and according to
a certain exchange ratio. Typically, convertible bonds are callable by the
company, which may, in effect, force conversion before the holder would
otherwise choose.
While the fund intends to invest primarily in debt securities, it may invest
in convertible bonds or equity securities. While some countries or companies
may be regarded as favorable investments, pure fixed income opportunities may
be unattractive or limited due to insufficient supply, legal or technical
restrictions. In such cases, the fund may consider equity securities or
convertible bonds to gain exposure to such markets.
Operating policy The fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in
convertible bonds and equity securities.
Concentration of Investments From time to time, the fund may invest more than
25% of its total assets in the securities of foreign governmental and corpo-
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T. ROWE PRICE
rate entities located in the same country. However, the fund will not invest
more than 25% of its total assets in any single foreign governmental issuer
or in two or more such issuers subject to a common, explicit guarantee.
International Bond Fund
Concentration in Banking Industry When the fund's position in issues maturing
in one year or less equals 35% or more of the fund's total assets, the fund
will, as a matter of fundamental policy, normally have 25% or more of its
assets concentrated in securities in the banking industry. Investments in the
banking industry may be affected by general economic conditions and exposure
to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers.
The profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent on the
availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending
operations under prevailing money market conditions.
Types of Investment Management Practices
Foreign Currency Transactions
Each fund may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash)
basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or
through forward currency contracts ("forwards") with terms generally of less
than one year. Forwards will be used primarily to adjust the foreign exchange
exposure of each fund with a view to protecting the portfolio from adverse
currency movements, based on Price-Fleming's outlook, and the funds might be
expected to enter into such contracts under the following circumstances:
Lock In When management desires to lock in the U.S. dollar price on the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency.
Cross Hedge If a particular currency is expected to decrease against another
currency, a fund may sell the currency expected to decrease and purchase a
currency which is expected to increase against the currency sold in an amount
approximately equal to some or all of a fund's portfolio holdings denominated
in the currency sold.
Operating policy The International Bond Fund does not normally involve more
than 50% of its assets in cross-hedging.
Direct Hedge If Price-Fleming wants to eliminate substantially all of the
risk of owning a particular currency, or if Price-Fleming believes the
portfolio may benefit from price appreciation in a given country's bonds but
does not want to hold the currency, it may employ a direct hedge back into
the U.S. dollar. In either case, a fund would enter into a forward contract
to sell the currency in which a portfolio security is denominated and
purchase U.S. dollars at an exchange rate established at the time it
initiated the contract. The cost of the direct hedge trans-
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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
action may offset most, if not all, of the yield advantage offered by the
foreign security, but a fund would hope to benefit from an increase (if any)
in value of the bond.
. It is often not possible to effectively hedge the currency risk associated
with emerging market bonds because their currency markets are not
sufficiently developed.
Proxy Hedge Price-Fleming might choose to use a proxy hedge, which is less
costly than a direct hedge. In this case, a fund, having purchased a bond,
will sell a currency whose value is believed to be closely linked to the
currency in which the bond is denominated. Interest rates prevailing in the
country whose currency was sold would be expected to be closer to those in
the U.S. and lower than those of bonds denominated in the currency of the
original holding. This type of hedging entails greater risk than a direct
hedge because it is dependent on a stable relationship between the two
currencies paired as proxies, and because the relationships can be very
unstable at times.
Forward contracts involve other risks, including, but not limited to,
significant volatility in currency markets. In addition, currency moves may
not occur exactly as Price-Fleming expected, so use of forward contracts
could adversely affect a fund's total return.
Costs of Hedging When a fund purchases a foreign bond with a higher interest
rate than is available on U.S. bonds of a similar maturity, the additional
yield on the foreign bond could be substantially lost if the fund were to
enter into a direct hedge by selling the foreign currency and purchasing the
U.S. dollar.
This is what is known as the "cost" of hedging. Proxy hedging attempts to
reduce this cost through an indirect hedge back to the U.S. dollar.
It is important to note that hedging costs are treated as capital
transactions and are not, therefore, deducted from a fund's dividend
distribution and are not reflected in its yield. Instead such costs will,
over time, be reflected in a fund's net asset value per share.
Hedging may result in the application of the mark-to-market and straddle
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. These provisions could result in an
increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the funds
and could affect whether dividends paid by the funds are classified as
capital gains or ordinary income.
Reserve Position
Each fund will hold a certain portion of its assets in money market reserves.
Each fund's reserve position is expected to consist primarily of shares of
one or more T. Rowe Price internal money market funds. Short-term,
high-quality U.S. and foreign dollar-denominated money market securities,
including repurchase
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
agreements, may also be held. For temporary, defensive purposes, the funds
may invest without limitation in money market reserves. The effect of taking
such a position is that the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses,
and the timing of new investments and can serve as a short-term defense
during periods of unusual market volatility.
Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets
Each fund can borrow money from banks and other Price funds as a temporary
measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for
other purposes consistent with each fund's investment objective and program.
Such borrowings may be collateralized with fund assets, subject to
restrictions.
Fundamental policy Borrowings may not exceed 33/1//\\/3/\\% of total fund
assets.
Operating policy Each fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
investments, and then such transfers may not exceed 33/1//\\/3/\\% of the
fund's total assets. Each fund may not purchase additional securities when
borrowings exceed 5% of total assets.
Futures and Options
Futures (a type of potentially high-risk derivative) are often used to manage
risk because they enable the investor to buy or sell an asset in the future
at an agreed-upon price. Options (another type of potentially high-risk
derivative) give the investor the right (where the investor purchases the
option), or the obligation (where the investor writes (sells) the option), to
buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price in the future. The funds may
buy and sell futures and options contracts for a number of reasons including:
to manage exposure to changes in interest rates, securities prices, and
foreign currencies; as an efficient means of adjusting overall exposure to
certain markets; in an effort to enhance income; to protect the value of
portfolio securities; as a cash management tool; and to adjust the
portfolios' duration. The funds may purchase, sell, or write call and put
options on securities, financial indices, and foreign currencies.
Futures contracts and options may not always be successful hedges; their
prices can be highly volatile; using them could lower each fund's total
return, and the potential loss from the use of futures can exceed a fund's
initial investment in such contracts.
Operating policies Futures: Initial margin deposits and premiums on options
used for non-hedging purposes will not exceed 5% of each fund's net asset
value. Options on securities: The total market value of securities against
which each fund writes call or put options may not exceed 25% of its total
assets. Each fund will not commit more than 5% of its total assets to
premiums when purchasing call or put options.
<PAGE>
MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Lending of Portfolio Securities
Like other mutual funds, each fund may lend securities to broker-dealers,
other institutions, or other persons to earn additional income. The principal
risk is the potential insolvency of the broker-dealer or other borrower. In
this event, each fund could experience delays in recovering its securities
and possibly capital losses.
Fundamental policy The value of loaned securities may not exceed
33/1//\\/3/\\% of total fund assets.
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitment Contracts
The funds may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
or may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. There is no
limit on the funds' investment in these securities. The price of these
securities is fixed at the time of the commitment to buy, but delivery and
payment can take place a month or more later. During the interim period, the
market value of the securities can fluctuate, and no interest accrues to the
purchaser. At the time of delivery, the value of the securities may be more
or less than the purchase or sale price. To the extent the funds remain fully
or almost fully invested (in securities with a remaining maturity of more
than one year) at the same time they purchase these securities, there will be
greater fluctuations in the funds' net asset values than if the funds did not
purchase them.
Portfolio Turnover
Turnover is an indication of trading frequency. The funds may purchase and
sell securities without regard to the length of time they are held. A high
turnover rate may increase transaction costs and result in higher capital
gain distributions by the funds. The funds' portfolio turnover rates for the
previous three years are shown in Table 4.
<TABLE>
Table 4 Portfolio Turnover Rates
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Fund 1998 1997 1996
Global Bond 136.2% 153.2% 262.6%
---------------------------------------
International Bond 128.9 155.9 234.0
---------------------------------------
Emerging Markets Bond 78.4 87.6 168.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Location of Company
All funds ordinarily invest in the securities of at least three countries;
however, all may invest in the securities of one country, including the U.S.,
for temporary defensive purposes.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
In determining the domicile or nationality of a company, the fund would
primarily consider the following factors: whether the company is organized
under the laws of a particular country; or, whether the company derives a
significant pro-
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
portion (at least 50%) of its revenues or profits from goods produced or
sold, investments made, or services performed in the country or has at least
50% of its assets situated in that country.
The fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of
emerging market governments or companies located (as defined above) in
emerging market countries.
Bond Ratings and High-Yield Bonds
Larger bond issues are evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's and
Standard & Poor's on the basis of the issuer's ability to meet all required
interest and principal payments. The highest ratings are assigned to issuers
perceived to be the best credit risks. Price-Fleming research analysts also
evaluate all portfolio holdings, including those rated by an outside agency.
Other things being equal, lower-rated bonds have higher yields due to greater
risk. High-yield bonds, also called "junk" bonds, are those rated below BBB.
Table 5 shows the rating scale used by the major rating agencies.
Price-Fleming considers publicly available ratings but emphasizes its own
credit analysis when selecting investments.
<TABLE>
Table 5 Ratings of Corporate Debt Securities
<CAPTION>
<S> <S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <S> <S>
Moody's Standard
Investors & Poor's Fitch
Service, Inc. Corporation IBCA, Inc. Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Term Aaa AAA AAA Highest quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aa AA AA High quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A A A Upper medium grade
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baa BBB BBB Medium grade
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ba BB BB Speculative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B B B Highly speculative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caa CCC, CC CCC, CC Vulnerable to default
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ca C C Default is imminent
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C D DDD, DD, D Probably in default
Moody's S&P Fitch
Commercial P-1 Superior quality A-1+ Extremely strong quality F-1+ Exceptio
Paper A-1 Strong quality F-1 strong
quality
Very
strong
quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-2 Strong quality A-2 Satisfactory quality F-2 Good
credit
quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-3 Acceptable quality A-3 Adequate quality F-3 Fair
B Speculative quality F-5 credit
C Doubtful quality quality
Weak
credit
quality
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Year 2000 Processing Issue
Many computer programs use two digits rather than four to identify the year.
These programs, if not adapted, will not correctly handle the change from
"99" to "00" on January 1, 2000, and will not be able to perform necessary
functions. The Year 2000 issue affects virtually all companies and
organizations.
T. Rowe Price and Price-Fleming have implemented steps intended to assure
that major computer systems and processes are capable of Year 2000
processing. We are working with third parties to assess the adequacy of their
compliance efforts and are developing contingency plans intended to assure
that third-party noncompliance will not materially affect our operations.
Companies, organizations, governmental entities, and markets in which the T.
Rowe Price funds invest will be affected by the Year 2000 issue, but at this
time the funds cannot predict the degree of impact. For funds that invest in
foreign markets, especially emerging markets, it is possible foreign
companies and markets will not be as prepared for Year 2000 as domestic
companies and markets. To the extent the effect of Year 2000 is negative, a
fund's returns could be reduced.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
----------------------------------------------------------
Table 6, which provides information about each fund's financial history, is
based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. Each fund's
section of the table is part of the fund's financial statements, which are
included in its annual report and are incorporated by reference into the
Statement of Additional Information (available upon request). The total
returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or
lost on an investment in each fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions). The financial statements in the annual report were
audited by the funds' independent accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
<TABLE>
Table 6 Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31
Global Bond 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 10.08 $ 9.22 $ 10.26 $ 10.35 $ 9.90
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income 0.54/a/ 0.59/a/ 0.56/a/ 0.54/a/ 0.53/c/
--------------------------------------------------------
Net gains or losses
on securities (both
realized and (0.84) 1.04 0.09 (0.39) 0.61
unrealized)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations (0.30) 1.63 0.65 0.15 1.14
Less Distributions
Dividends (from net (0.51) (0.59) (0.56) (0.49) (0.53)
investment income)
--------------------------------------------------------
Distributions (from (0.02) -- -- (0.11) --
capital gains)
--------------------------------------------------------
Returns of capital (0.03) -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.56) (0.59) (0.56) (0.60) (0.53)
--------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, $ 9.22 $ 10.26 $ 10.35 $ 9.90 $ 10.51
end of period
--------------------------------------------------------
Total return (3.06)%/a/ 18.13%/a/ 6.59%/a/ 1.61%/a/ 11.93%/c/
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of $36,516 $28,207 $55,869 $44,069 $41,926
period (in thousands)
--------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to 1.20%/a/ 1.20%/a/ 1.20%/a/ 1.20%/a/ 1.00%/c/
average net assets
--------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net income 5.57%/a/ 6.08%/a/ 5.48%/a/ 5.38%/a/ 5.29%/c/
to average net assets
--------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 254.1% 290.7% 262.6%/b/ 153.2% 136.2%
rate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
/a/
Excludes expenses in excess of a 1.20% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through December 31, 1997.
/b/Excludes the effect of the acquisition of the assets of the T. Rowe Price
Short-Term Global Income Fund on November 1, 1996.
/c/
Excludes expenses in excess of a 1.00% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through December 31, 2000.
<PAGE>
MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
<TABLE>
Table 6 Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31
International Bond 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 10.34 $ 9.34 $ 10.46 $ 10.46 $ 9.58
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income 0.60 0.62 0.60 0.54 0.51
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net gains or losses on
securities (both realized (0.79) 1.24 0.11 (0.87) 0.88
and unrealized)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations (0.19) 1.86 0.71 (0.33) 1.39
Less Distributions
Dividends (from net (0.60) (0.62) (0.60) (0.46) (0.51)
investment income)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Distributions (from capital (0.21) (0.12) (0.11) (0.09) --
gains)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Returns of capital -- -- -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.81) (0.74) (0.71) (0.55) (0.51)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, $ 9.34 $ 10.46 $ 10.46 $ 9.58 $ 10.46
end of period
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total return (1.84)% 20.30% 7.13% (3.17)% 15.03%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period $738,103 $1,015,666 $969,453 $825,831 $926,471
(in thousands)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average 0.98% 0.90% 0.87% 0.86% 0.88%
net assets
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net income to 6.07% 6.10% 5.86% 5.38% 5.19%
average net assets
-----------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 345.2% 237.1% 234.0% 155.9% 128.9%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
<TABLE>
Table 6 Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
12/30/94/*/
through Year ended May 31
12/31/95
Emerging Markets Bond ------------- 1996 1997 1998
------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.00 $ 10.67 $ 12.97 $ 13.71
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income 1.03/a/ 1.00/a/ 1.16/a/ 1.31/a/
-------------------------------------------------
Net gains or losses on securities 1.38 2.72 0.97/b/ (4.29)
(both realized and unrealized)
-------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.41 3.72 2.13 (2.98)
Less Distributions
Dividends (from net investment (1.02) (1.01) (1.15) (1.31)
income)
-------------------------------------------------
Distributions (from capital gains) (0.72) (0.41) (0.24) (0.19)
-------------------------------------------------
Returns of capital -- -- -- --
-------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (1.74) (1.42) (1.39) (1.50)
-------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $10.67 $ 12.97 $ 13.71 $ 9.23
-------------------------------------------------
Total return 25.81%/a/ 36.77%/a/ 16.83%/a/ (23.09)%/a/
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period $9,989 $39,862 $113,419 $148,111
(in thousands)
------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to 1.25%a 1.25%/a/ 1.25%/a/ 1.25%/a/
average net assets
-------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net income to average net 10.20%/a/ 8.37%/a/ 8.61%/a/ 11.52%/a/
assets
-------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 273.5% 168.7% 87.6% 78.4%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
/a/
Excludes expenses in excess of a 1.25% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through December 31, 2000.
/b/The amount presented is calculated pursuant to a methodology prescribed by
the Securities and Exchange Commission for a share outstanding throughout the
period. This amount is inconsistent with the fund's aggregate gains and
losses because of the timing of sales and redemptions of fund shares in
relation to fluctuating market values for the investment portfolio.
/*/ Inception date.
<PAGE>
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
4
ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSACTION INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct Social Security or corporate tax identification number
on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law requires the
funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends, capital gain
distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS fine. If this
information is not received within 60 days after your account is established,
your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of redemption.
Always verify your transactions by carefully reviewing the confirmation we send
you. Please report any discrepancies to Shareholder Services promptly.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans and Institutional Accounts T. Rowe Price
Trust Company 1-800-492-7670
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
employer-sponsored retirement plans and institutional accounts. For procedures
regarding employer-sponsored retirement plans, please call T. Rowe Price Trust
Company or consult your plan administrator. For institutional account
procedures, please call your designated account manager or service
representative.
OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
----------------------------------------------------------
$2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for retirement plans or gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
Account Registration
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name and
account type would have to be identical.)
By Mail
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check, together with the New Account Form, to the
appropriate address in the next paragraph. We do not accept third-party checks
to open new accounts, except for IRA Rollover checks that are properly endorsed.
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
Mail via United States Postal Service
T. Rowe Price Account Services P.O. Box 17300 Baltimore, MD 21297-1300
Mail via private carriers/overnight services
T. Rowe Price Account Services 10090 Red Run Blvd. Owings Mills, MD 21117-4842
By Wire
Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
information to your bank:
Receiving Bank: PNC Bank, N.A. (Pittsburgh) Receiving Bank ABA#: 043000096
Beneficiary: T. Rowe Price [fund name] Beneficiary Account: 1004397951
Originator to Beneficiary Information (OBI): name of owner(s) and account
number
Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate addresses
listed previously.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received. Also, retirement plan accounts and
IRAs cannot be opened by wire.
By Exchange
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or your personal computer (see
Automated Services under Information About Your Services). The new account will
have the same registration as the account from which you are exchanging.
Services for the new account may be carried over by telephone request if
preauthorized on the existing account. For limitations on exchanging, see
explanation of Excessive Trading under Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements.
In Person
Drop off your New Account Form at any location listed on the back cover and
obtain a receipt.
<PAGE>
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
PURCHASING ADDITIONAL SHARES
----------------------------------------------------------
$100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for retirement plans, Automatic Asset
Builder, and gifts or transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
By ACH Transfer
Use Tele*Access or your personal computer or call Investor Services if you have
established electronic transfers using the ACH network.
By Wire
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address listed in Opening a New
Account.
By Mail
1. Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
2. Mail the check to us at the following address with either a fund reinvestment
slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and your fund account
number.
3. Remember to provide your account number and the fund name on the memo line of
your check.
Mail via United States Postal Service
T. Rowe Price Funds Account Services P.O. Box 17300 Baltimore, MD 21297-1300
/(For //mail via private carriers and overnight services//, see previous /
/section.)/
By Automatic Asset Builder
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
EXCHANGING AND REDEEMING SHARES
----------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Service
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund are
limited to investors living in states where the fund is registered.)
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
Redemptions
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH transfer
to your bank, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already
on file). For charges, see Electronic Transfers - By Wire under Information
About Your Services.
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of 0.5% to 2% on
shares held for less than six months or one year, as specified in the
prospectus. The fee is paid to the fund.
By Phone
Call Shareholder Services
If you find our phones busy during unusually volatile markets, please consider
placing your order by your personal computer, Tele*Access (if you have
previously authorized telephone services), mailgram, or express mail. For
exchange policies, please see Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements -
Excessive Trading.
By Mail
For each account involved, provide the account name, number, fund name, and
exchange or redemption amount. For exchanges, be sure to indicate any fund you
are exchanging out of and the fund or funds you are exchanging into. T. Rowe
Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and possibly
a signature guarantee (see Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements -
Signature Guarantees). Please use the appropriate address below:
Mail via United States Postal Service
For nonretirement and IRA accounts
T. Rowe Price Account Services P.O. Box 17302 Baltimore, MD 21297-1302
For employer-sponsored retirement accounts
T. Rowe Price Trust Company P.O. Box 17479 Baltimore, MD 21297-1479
/(For// //mail via private carriers and overnight services//, see the
//addresses / /listed in the //Opening a New Account section.)/
Redemptions from employer-sponsored retirement accounts must be in writing;
please call T. Rowe Price Trust Company or your plan administrator for
<PAGE>
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
instructions. IRA distributions may be requested in writing or by telephone;
please call Shareholder Services to obtain an IRA Distribution Form or an IRA
Shareholder Services Form to authorize the telephone redemption service.
RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE FUNDS
----------------------------------------------------------
Each fund and its agents reserve the following rights: (1) to waive or lower
investment minimums; (2) to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram;
(3) to refuse any purchase or exchange order; (4) to cancel or rescind any
purchase or exchange order (including, but not limited to, orders deemed to
result in excessive trading, market timing, fraud, or 5% ownership) upon notice
to the shareholder within five business days of the trade or if the written
confirmation has not been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; (5)
to freeze any account and suspend account services when notice has been received
of a dispute between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is
reason to believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; (6) to otherwise modify
the conditions of purchase and any services at any time; or (7) to act on
instructions believed to be genuine. These actions will be taken when, in the
sole discretion of management, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the
fund.
In an effort to protect each fund from the possible adverse effects of a
substantial redemption in a large account, as a matter of general policy, no
shareholder or group of shareholders controlled by the same person or group of
persons will knowingly be permitted to purchase in excess of 5% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, except upon approval of the fund's management.
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SERVICES
----------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Services 1-800-225-5132 Investor Services 1-800-638-5660
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically, and others you must authorize or request on the New
Account Form. By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than
later on, you avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature
guarantee. This section discusses some of the services currently offered. Our
Services Guide, which we mail to all new shareholders, contains detailed
descriptions of these and other services.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Retirement Plans
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals, institutions, and large and
small businesses: Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs
(profit sharing, money purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information
on IRAs, call Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans,
including our no-load variable annuity, please call our Trust Company at
1-800-492-7670.
Automated Services Tele*Access 1-800-638-2587 24 hours, 7 days
Tele*Access
24-hour service via toll-free number enables you to (1) access information on
fund yields, prices, distributions, account balances, and your latest
transaction; (2) request checks, prospectuses, services forms, duplicate
statements, and tax forms; and (3) initiate purchase, redemption, and exchange
transactions in your accounts (see Electronic Transfers in this section).
Web Address www.troweprice.com
After obtaining proper authorization, account transactions may also be conducted
through our Web site on the Internet. If you subscribe to America Online/(R)/,
you can access our Web site via keyword "T. Rowe Price" and conduct transactions
in your account.
Plan Account Line 1-800-401-3279
Plan Account Line
This 24-hour service is similar to Tele*Access but is designed specifically to
meet the needs of retirement plan investors.
<PAGE>
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Telephone and Walk-In Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the back cover.
Electronic Transfers
By ACH
With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for as little
as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund account using
the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access or your personal computer,
or call Shareholder Services.
By Wire
Electronic transfers can be conducted via bank wire. There is currently a $5 fee
for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge for incoming or
outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
Checkwriting
(Not available for equity funds, or the High Yield or Emerging Markets Bond
Funds) You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market
fund, and most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind,
however, that a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund
will create a taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
Automatic Investing
($50 minimum) You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
Automatic Asset Builder
You instruct us to move $50 or more from your bank account, or you can instruct
your employer to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
Automatic Exchange
You can set up systematic investments from one fund account into another, such
as from a money fund into a stock fund.
<PAGE>
T. ROWE PRICE
T. ROWE PRICE BROKERAGE
----------------------------------------------------------
To open an account 1-800-638-5660 For existing brokerage investors
1-800-225-7720
This service gives you the opportunity to consolidate all of your investments
with one company. Investments available through our brokerage service include
stocks, options, bonds, and others at commission savings over full-service
brokers. We also provide a wide range of services, including:
Automated telephone and computer services
You can enter stock and option orders, access quotes, and review account
information around the clock by phone with Tele-Trader or via the Internet with
Internet-Trader. Any trades executed through Tele-Trader save you an additional
10% on commissions. You will save 20% on commissions for stock trades and 10% on
option trades when you use Internet-Trader. All trades are subject to a $35
minimum commission except stock trades placed through Internet-Trader, which are
subject to a $29.95 minimum commission.
Investor information
A variety of informative reports, such as our Brokerage Insights series and S&P
Market Month newsletter, as well as access to on-line research tools can help
you better evaluate economic trends and investment opportunities.
Dividend Reinvestment Service
Virtually all stocks held in customer accounts are eligible for this free
service. If you elect to participate in this service, the cash dividends from
your eligible securities will automatically be reinvested in additional shares
of the same securities free of charge. Dividend payments must be $10.00 or
greater to qualify for reinvestment. Most securities listed on national
securities exchanges or on Nasdaq are eligible for this service.
/T. Rowe Price// Brokerage is a division of T. Rowe Price Investment /
/Services, Inc., Member NASD/SIPC./
<PAGE>
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
INVESTMENT INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------
To help shareholders monitor their current investments and make decisions that
accurately reflect their financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide variety of
information in addition to account statements. Most of this information is also
available on our Web site at www.troweprice.com.
Shareholder Reports
Fund managers' reviews of their strategies and performance. If several members
of a household own the same fund, only one fund report is mailed to that
address. To receive additional copies, please call Shareholder Services or write
to us at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
The T. Rowe Price Report
A quarterly investment newsletter discussing markets and financial strategies.
Performance Update
A quarterly review of all T. Rowe Price fund results.
Insights
Educational reports on investment strategies and financial markets.
Investment Guides
Asset Mix Worksheet, College Planning Kit, Diversifying Overseas: A T. Rowe
Price Guide to International Investing, Managing Your Retirement Distribution,
Personal Strategy Planner, Retirees Financial Guide, Retirement Planning Kit,
and Tax Considerations for Investors.
<PAGE>
To help you achieve your financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide range of
stock, bond, and money market investments, as well as convenient services and
informative reports.
For Mutual Fund or T. Rowe Price Brokerage Information
Investor Services
1-800-638-5660
For Existing Accounts
Shareholder Services
1-800-225-5132
For Yields, Prices, Account Information, or to Conduct Transactions
Tele*Access/(R)/
24 hours, 7 days 1-800-638-2587
Internet Address
www.troweprice.com
Plan Account Line
For retirement plan investors 1-800-401-3279
Walk-in
Investor Centers
101 East Lombard St. Baltimore, MD 21202
T. Rowe Price Financial Center 10090 Red Run Blvd. Owings Mills, MD 21117
Farragut Square 900 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
4200 West Cypress St. 10th Floor Tampa, FL 33607
Headquarters
100 East Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202
A Statement of Additional Information about the fund has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. Further information about the fund's investments, including a review
of market conditions and the manager's recent strategies and their impact on
performance, is available in the annual and semiannual shareholder reports. To
obtain free copies of any of these documents, or for shareholder inquiries, call
1-800-638-5660.
Fund reports and Statements of Additional Information are also available from
the Securities and Exchange Commission by calling 1-800-SEC-0330 or by writing
the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009 (you will be
charged a duplicating fee); by visiting the SEC's public reference room; or by
consulting the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov.
1940 Act File No. 811-2958
LOGO
C02-040 5/1/99
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is May 1, 1999.
T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL FUNDS, INC.
Global Bond Fund
International Bond Fund/(R)/
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
______________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:
T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
1-800-638-5660
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus but should be
read in conjunction with the appropriate Fund prospectus dated May 1, 1999,
which may be obtained from T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
("Investment Services").
Each Fund's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, and
the report of independent accountants are included in each Fund's Annual
Report and incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional
Information.
If you would like a prospectus or an annual or semiannual shareholder report
for a Fund of which you are not a shareholder, please call 1-800-638-5660. A
prospectus with more complete information, including management fees and
expenses, will be sent to you. Please read it carefully.
C02-043 5/1/99
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page Page
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Stock 40 Legal Counsel 41
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Code of Ethics 31 Management of the Funds 24
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Custodian 31 Net Asset Value Per Share 35
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Distributor for the Funds 31 Portfolio Management Practices 10
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Dividends and 36 Portfolio Transactions 32
Distributions
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Federal Registration of 41 Pricing of Securities 35
Shares
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Independent Accountants 41 Principal Holders of Securities 27
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Investment Management 27 Ratings of Corporate Debt 42
Services Securities
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Investment Objectives and 2 Risk Factors 2
Policies
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Investment Performance 38 Shareholder Services by Outside 31
Parties
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Investment Program 7 Tax Status 36
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Investment Restrictions 22 Yield Information 39
- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information supplements the discussion of each Fund's
investment objectives and policies discussed in the Funds' prospectus.
The Funds will not make a material change in their investment objectives
without obtaining shareholder approval. Unless otherwise specified, the
investment programs and restrictions of the Funds are not fundamental
policies. Each Fund's operating policies are subject to change by each Board
of Directors without shareholder approval. However, shareholders will be
notified of a material change in an operating policy. Each Fund's fundamental
policies may not be changed without the approval of at least a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Fund or, if it is less, 67% of the shares
represented at a meeting of shareholders at which the holders of 50% or more
of the shares are represented. References to the following are as indicated:
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act")
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("T. Rowe Price")
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P")
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("Code")
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. ("Price-Fleming")
Throughout this Statement of Additional Information, "the Fund" is intended
to refer to each Fund listed on the cover page, unless otherwise indicated.
RISK FACTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference is also made to the sections entitled "Types of Securities" and
"Portfolio Management Practices" for discussions of the risks associated with
the investments and practices described therein as they apply to the Fund.
<PAGE>
The Fund's investment manager, Price-Fleming, one of America's largest
managers of no-load international mutual fund assets, regularly analyzes a
broad range of international equity and fixed income markets in order to
assess the degree or risk and level of return that can be expected from each
market. Based upon its current assessment, Price-Fleming believes long-term
growth of capital may be achieved by investing in marketable securities of
non-United States companies which have the potential for growth of capital.
Of course, there can be no assurance that Price-Fleming's forecasts of
expected return will be reflected in the actual returns achieved by the
Funds.
Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with market, economic and foreign
exchange conditions, and your investment may be worth more or less when
redeemed than when purchased. The Funds should not be relied upon as a
complete investment program, nor used to play short-term swings in the stock
or foreign exchange markets. The Funds are subject to risks unique to
international investing. See discussion under "Risk Factors of Foreign
Investing" below. Further, there is no assurance that the favorable trends
discussed below will continue, and the Funds cannot guarantee they will
achieve their objectives.
Risk Factors of Foreign Investing There are special risks in foreign
investing. Certain of these risks are inherent in any international mutual
fund while others relate more to the countries in which the Fund will invest.
Many of the risks are more pronounced for investments in developing or
emerging market countries, such as many of the countries of Asia, Latin
America, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, and the Middle East. Although there
is no universally accepted definition, a developing country is generally
considered to be a country which is in the initial stages of its
industrialization cycle with a per capita gross national product of less than
$8,000.
. General Investors should understand that all investments have a risk factor.
There can be no guarantee against loss resulting from an investment in the
Funds, and there can be no assurance that the Funds' investment policies will
be successful, or that its investment objectives will be attained. The Funds
are designed for individual and institutional investors seeking to diversify
beyond the United States in actively researched and managed portfolios, and
are intended for long-term investors who can accept the risks entailed when
investing in foreign securities.
. Political and Economic Factors Individual foreign economies of certain
countries differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States' economy in
such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. The
internal politics of certain foreign countries are not as stable as in the
United States. For example, in 1991, the existing government in Thailand was
overthrown in a military coup. In 1992, there were two military coup attempts
in Venezuela and in 1992 the President of Brazil was impeached. In 1994-1995,
the Mexican peso plunged in value setting off a severe crisis in the Mexican
economy. Asia is still coming to terms with its own crisis and recessionary
conditions sparked off by widespread currency weakness in late 1997. In 1998,
there was substantial turmoil in markets throughout the world. In addition,
significant external political risks currently affect some foreign countries.
Both Taiwan and China still claim sovereignty of one another and there is a
demilitarized border and hostile relations between North and South Korea.
Governments in certain foreign countries continue to participate to a
significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their
respective economies. Action by these governments could have a significant
effect on market prices of securities and payment of dividends. The economies
of many foreign countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and
are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and economic conditions
of their trading partners. The enactment by these trading partners of
protectionist trade legislation could have a significant adverse effect upon
the securities markets of such countries.
. Currency Fluctuations The Fund invests in securities denominated in various
currencies. Accordingly, a change in the value of any such currency against
the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in the U.S. dollar
value of the Fund's assets denominated in that currency. Such changes will
also affect the Fund's income. Generally, when a given currency appreciates
against the dollar (the dollar weakens) the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in that currency will rise. When a given currency depreciates
against the dollar (the dollar strengthens) the value of the Fund's
securities denominated in that currency would be expected to decline.
<PAGE>
. Investment and Repatriation of Restrictions Foreign investment in the
securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled
in varying degrees. These restrictions limit at times and preclude investment
in certain of such countries and increase the cost and expenses of the Fund.
Investments by foreign investors are subject to a variety of restrictions in
many developing countries. These restrictions may take the form of prior
governmental approval, limits on the amount or type of securities held by
foreigners, and limits on the types of companies in which foreigners may
invest. Additional or different restrictions may be imposed at any time by
these or other countries in which the Funds invest. In addition, the
repatriation of both investment income and capital from several foreign
countries is restricted and controlled under certain regulations, including
in some cases the need for certain government consents. For example, capital
invested in Chile normally cannot be repatriated for one year. In 1998, the
government of Malaysia imposed currency controls which effectively made it
impossible for foreign investors to convert Malaysian ringgits to foreign
currencies.
. Market Characteristics It is contemplated that most foreign securities will
be purchased in over-the-counter markets or on securities exchanges located
in the countries in which the respective principal offices of the issuers of
the various securities are located, if that is the best available market.
Investments in certain markets may be made through American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") traded in the United States. Foreign securities markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as, and more volatile than, those in
the United States. While growing in volume, they usually have substantially
less volume than U.S. markets and the Fund's portfolio securities may be less
liquid and subject to more rapid and erratic price movements than securities
of comparable U.S. companies. Securities may trade at price/earnings
multiples higher than comparable United States securities and such levels may
not be sustainable. Commissions on foreign securities are generally higher
than commissions on United States exchanges, and while there is an increasing
number of overseas securities markets that have adopted a system of
negotiated rates, a number are still subject to an established schedule of
minimum commission rates. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies
than in the United States. Moreover, settlement practices for transactions in
foreign markets may differ from those in United States markets. Such
differences include delays beyond periods customary in the United States and
practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which
increase the likelihood of a "failed settlement." Failed settlements can
result in losses to the Fund.
. Investment Funds The Fund may invest in investment funds which have been
authorized by the governments of certain countries specifically to permit
foreign investment in securities of companies listed and traded on the stock
exchanges in these respective countries. The Fund's investment in these funds
is subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act. If the Fund invests in such
investment funds, the Fund's shareholders will bear not only their
proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund (including operating expenses
and the fees of the investment manager), but also will bear indirectly
similar expenses of the underlying investment funds. In addition, the
securities of these investment funds may trade at a premium over their net
asset value.
. Information and Supervision There is generally less publicly available
information about foreign companies comparable to reports and ratings that
are published about companies in the United States. Foreign companies are
also generally not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices, and requirements comparable to those
applicable to United States companies. It also is often more difficult to
keep currently informed of corporate actions which affect the prices of
portfolio securities.
. Taxes The dividends and interest payable on certain of the Fund's foreign
portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thus
reducing the net amount of income available for distribution to the Fund's
shareholders.
. Costs Investors should understand that the expense ratios of the Fund can be
expected to be higher than investment companies investing in domestic
securities since the cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities
and the rate of advisory fees paid by the Fund is higher.
. Other With respect to certain foreign countries, especially developing and
emerging ones, there is the possibility of adverse changes in investment or
exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory
<PAGE>
taxation, limitations on the removal of Funds or other assets of the Funds,
political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could
affect investments by U.S. persons in those countries.
. Small Companies Small companies may have less experienced management and
fewer management resources than larger firms. A smaller company may have
greater difficulty obtaining access to capital markets, and may pay more for
the capital it obtains. In addition, smaller companies are more likely to be
involved in fewer market segments, making them more vulnerable to any
downturn in a given segment. Some of these factors may also apply, to a
lesser extent, to medium size companies.
Emerging Market Investing
. Eastern Europe and Russia Changes occurring in Eastern Europe and Russia
today could have long-term potential consequences. As restrictions fall, this
could result in rising standards of living, lower manufacturing costs,
growing consumer spending, and substantial economic growth. However,
investment in the countries of Eastern Europe and Russia is highly
speculative at this time. Political and economic reforms are too recent to
establish a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and
state-owned industries. The collapse of the ruble from its crawling peg
exchange rate against the U.S. dollar has set back the path of reform for
several years. In many of the countries of Eastern Europe and Russia, there
is no stock exchange or formal market for securities. Such countries may also
have government exchange controls, currencies with no recognizable market
value relative to the established currencies of western market economies,
little or no experience in trading in securities, no financial reporting
standards, a lack of a banking and securities infrastructure to handle such
trading, and a legal tradition which does not recognize rights in private
property. In addition, these countries may have national policies which
restrict investments in companies deemed sensitive to the country's national
interest. Further, the governments in such countries may require governmental
or quasi-governmental authorities to act as custodian of the Fund's assets
invested in such countries, and these authorities may not qualify as a
foreign custodian under the 1940 Act and exemptive relief from such Act may
be required. All of these considerations are among the factors which could
cause significant risks and uncertainties to investment in Eastern Europe and
Russia. The Fund will only invest in a company located in, or a government
of, Eastern Europe and Russia, if it believes the potential return justifies
the risk.
. Latin America
Inflation Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or
another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases,
hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme
measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally
debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries
has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.
Political Instability The political history of certain Latin American
countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by
the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such
developments, if they were to reoccur, could reverse favorable trends toward
market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and
result in significant disruption in securities markets.
Foreign Currency Certain Latin American countries may have managed currencies
which are maintained at artificial levels to the U. S. dollar rather than at
levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and
large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and
negative effect on foreign investors. For example, in late 1994 the value of
the Mexican peso lost more than one-third of its value relative to the
dollar. Certain Latin American countries also restrict the free conversion of
their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is
no significant foreign exchange market for many currencies and it would, as a
result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions
designed to protect the value of the Fund's interests in securities
denominated in such currencies.
Sovereign Debt A number of Latin American countries are among the largest
debtors of developing countries. There have been moratoria on, and
reschedulings of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can
restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets
and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.
<PAGE>
. Asia (ex-Japan)
Political Instability The political history of certain Asian countries has
been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in
civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such developments,
if they continue to occur, could reverse favorable trends toward market and
economic reform, privatization and removal of trade barriers and result in
significant disruption in securities markets.
Foreign Currency Certain Asian countries may have managed currencies which
are maintained at artificial levels to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels
determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large
adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and
negative effect on foreign investors. For example, in 1997 the Thai baht lost
46.75% of its value against the U.S. dollar. Certain Asian countries also may
restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies,
including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market
for certain currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for the Fund
to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of
the Fund's interests in securities denominated in such currencies.
Debt A number of Asian companies are highly dependent on foreign loans for
their operation. In 1997, several Asian countries were forced to negotiate
loans from the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") and others that impose
strict repayment term schedules and require significant economic and
financial restructuring.
Risk Factors of Investing in Debt Obligations
Because of their investment policies, the Bond Funds may or may not be
suitable or appropriate for all investors. The Funds are not money market
Funds and are not appropriate investments for those whose primary objective
is principal stability. There is risk in all investment. The value of the
portfolio securities of each Fund will fluctuate based upon market, economic
and foreign exchange conditions. Although each Fund seeks to reduce risk by
investing in a diversified portfolio, such diversification does not eliminate
all risk. There can, of course, be no assurance that the Funds will achieve
these results.
Yields on short, intermediate, and long-term securities are dependent on a
variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond and
foreign exchange markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of
the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt securities with longer
maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to
potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations
with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of debt
securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and
a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio
investments. The ability of each Fund to achieve its investment objective is
also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt
securities in which each Fund invests to meet their obligations for the
payment of interest and principal when due.
After purchase by a Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its rating may
be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event
will require a sale of such security by a Fund. However, Price-Fleming will
consider such event in its determination of whether a Fund should continue to
hold the security. To the extent that the ratings given by Moody's and S&P
may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating
systems, the Funds will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in the
prospectus.
Special Risks of Investing in Junk Bonds The following special considerations
are additional risk factors associated with the Fund's investments in
lower-rated debt securities.
. Youth and Growth of the Lower-Rated Debt Securities Market The market for
lower-rated debt securities is relatively new and its growth has paralleled a
long economic expansion. Past experience may not, therefore, provide an
accurate indication of future performance of this market, particularly during
periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or increase in interest
rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this market, the value
of lower-rated debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's net asset
value and the ability of the bonds' issuers to repay principal and interest,
meet projected business goals and obtain
<PAGE>
additional financing than on higher-rated securities. These circumstances
also may result in a higher incidence of defaults than with respect to
higher-rated securities. An investment in this Fund is more speculative than
investment in shares of a fund which invests only in higher-rated debt
securities.
. Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes Prices of lower-rated debt
securities may be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or corporate
developments than higher-rated investments. Debt securities with longer
maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or decrease in value
more than debt securities with shorter maturities. Market prices of
lower-rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may
be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Where it deems it appropriate and in the best interests of Fund shareholders,
the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery on a debt security on
which the issuer has defaulted and to pursue litigation to protect the
interests of security holders of its portfolio companies.
. Liquidity and Valuation Because the market for lower-rated securities may be
thinner and less active than for higher-rated securities, there may be market
price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Nonrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers
as rated securities are, a factor which may make nonrated securities less
marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of
the securities for purchase by the Fund and may also limit the ability of the
Fund to sell such securities at their fair value either to meet redemption
requests or in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated
debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market. To the extent the Fund
owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted lower-rated securities, these
securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and
costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties. Changes in values of debt
securities which the Fund owns will affect its net asset value per share. If
market quotations are not readily available for the Fund's lower-rated or
nonrated securities, these securities will be valued by a method that the
Fund's Board of Directors believes accurately reflects fair value. Judgment
plays a greater role in valuing lower-rated debt securities than with respect
to securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.
. Taxation Special tax considerations are associated with investing in
lower-rated debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities. The Fund accrues income on these securities prior to the receipt
of cash payments. The Fund must distribute substantially all of its income to
its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax laws and
may, therefore, have to dispose of its portfolio securities to satisfy
distribution requirements.
INVESTMENT PROGRAM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Types of Securities
Set forth below is additional information about certain of the investments
described in the Fund's prospectus.
Hybrid Instruments
Hybrid Instruments (a type of potentially high-risk derivative) have been
developed and combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those
of debt, preferred equity, or a depository instrument (hereinafter "Hybrid
Instruments"). Generally, a Hybrid Instrument will be a debt security,
preferred stock, depository share, trust certificate, certificate of deposit,
or other evidence of indebtedness on which a portion of or all interest
payments, and/or the principal or stated amount payable at maturity,
redemption, or retirement, is determined by reference to prices, changes in
prices, or differences between prices, of securities, currencies,
intangibles, goods, articles, or commodities (collectively "Underlying
Assets") or by another objective index, economic factor, or other measure,
such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity indices, and
securities indices (collectively "Benchmarks"). Thus, Hybrid Instruments may
take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, debt instruments with
interest or principal payments or
<PAGE>
redemption terms determined by reference to the value of a currency or
commodity or securities index at a future point in time, preferred stock with
dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency, or
convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular
commodity.
Hybrid Instruments can be an efficient means of creating exposure to a
particular market, or segment of a market, with the objective of enhancing
total return. For example, a Fund may wish to take advantage of expected
declines in interest rates in several European countries, but avoid the
transaction costs associated with buying and currency-hedging the foreign
bond positions. One solution would be to purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated
Hybrid Instrument whose redemption price is linked to the average three-year
interest rate in a designated group of countries. The redemption price
formula would provide for payoffs of greater than par if the average interest
rate was lower than a specified level, and payoffs of less than par if rates
were above the specified level. Furthermore, the Fund could limit the
downside risk of the security by establishing a minimum redemption price so
that the principal paid at maturity could not be below a predetermined
minimum level if interest rates were to rise significantly. The purpose of
this arrangement, known as a structured security with an embedded put option,
would be to give the Fund the desired European bond exposure while avoiding
currency risk, limiting downside market risk, and lowering transactions
costs. Of course, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful,
and the Fund could lose money if, for example, interest rates do not move as
anticipated or credit problems develop with the issuer of the Hybrid.
The risks of investing in Hybrid Instruments reflect a combination of the
risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. Thus, an
investment in a Hybrid Instrument may entail significant risks that are not
associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt instrument that
has a fixed principal amount, is denominated in U.S. dollars, or bears
interest either at a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to
a common, nationally published benchmark. The risks of a particular Hybrid
Instrument will, of course, depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may
include, without limitation, the possibility of significant changes in the
Benchmarks or the prices of Underlying Assets to which the instrument is
linked. Such risks generally depend upon factors which are unrelated to the
operations or credit quality of the issuer of the Hybrid Instrument and which
may not be readily foreseen by the purchaser, such as economic and political
events, the supply and demand for the Underlying Assets, and interest rate
movements. In recent years, various Benchmarks and prices for Underlying
Assets have been highly volatile, and such volatility may be expected in the
future. Reference is also made to the discussion of futures, options, and
forward contracts herein for a discussion of the risks associated with such
investments.
Hybrid Instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market
risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the
particular Hybrid Instrument, changes in a Benchmark may be magnified by the
terms of the Hybrid Instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial
effect upon the value of the Hybrid Instrument. Also, the prices of the
Hybrid Instrument and the Benchmark or Underlying Asset may not move in the
same direction or at the same time.
Hybrid Instruments may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below
market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Alternatively, Hybrid Instruments
may bear interest at above market rates but bear an increased risk of
principal loss (or gain). The latter scenario may result if "leverage" is
used to structure the Hybrid Instrument. Leverage risk occurs when the Hybrid
Instrument is structured so that a given change in a Benchmark or Underlying
Asset is multiplied to produce a greater value change in the Hybrid
Instrument, thereby magnifying the risk of loss as well as the potential for
gain.
Hybrid Instruments may also carry liquidity risk since the instruments are
often "customized" to meet the portfolio needs of a particular investor, and
therefore, the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such
instruments in the secondary market may be smaller than that for more
traditional debt securities. In addition, because the purchase and sale of
Hybrid Instruments could take place in an over-the-counter market without the
guarantee of a central clearing organization or in a transaction between the
Fund and the issuer of the Hybrid Instrument, the creditworthiness of the
counter party of issuer of the Hybrid Instrument would be an additional risk
factor which the Fund would have to consider and monitor. Hybrid Instruments
also may not be subject to regulation of the Commodities Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"), which generally regulates the trading of commodity
futures by U.S. persons, the SEC, which regulates the offer and sale of
securities by and to U.S. persons, or any other governmental regulatory
authority.
<PAGE>
Illiquid or Restricted Securities
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions
or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in
effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). Where registration
is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the
decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security
under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse
market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable
price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be
priced at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures prescribed
by the Fund's Board of Directors. If, through the appreciation of illiquid
securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, the Fund should be in a
position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets is invested in
illiquid assets, including restricted securities, the Fund will take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Notwithstanding the above, the Fund may purchase securities which, while
privately placed, are eligible for purchase and sale under Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act. This rule permits certain qualified institutional buyers, such
as the Fund, to trade in privately placed securities even though such
securities are not registered under the 1933 Act. Price-Fleming, under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors, will consider whether
securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus subject to the
Fund's restriction of investing no more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities. A determination of whether a Rule 144A security is
liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination,
Price-Fleming will consider the trading markets for the specific security
taking into account the unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security. In
addition, Price-Fleming could consider the following: (1) frequency of trades
and quotes; (2) number of dealers and potential purchases; (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market; and (4) the nature of the security and of
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer). The liquidity of
Rule 144A securities would be monitored and, if as a result of changed
conditions it is determined that a Rule 144A security is no longer liquid,
the Fund's holdings of illiquid securities would be reviewed to determine
what, if any, steps are required to assure that the Fund does not invest more
than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A
securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's
assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are
unwilling to purchase such securities.
Global Bond and Emerging Markets Bond Funds
The securities of U.S. issuers in which these Funds may invest include, but
are not limited to, the following:
. U.S. Government Obligations Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury.
These are direct obligations of the U.S. Government and differ mainly in the
length of their maturities.
. U.S. Government Agency Securities Issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. These include
securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, Government
National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Land Banks,
Farmers Home Administration, Banks for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate
Credit Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Farm Credit Banks, the Small Business
Association, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Some of these securities are
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; the remainder
are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality, which may or may not
include the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury.
. Bank Obligations Certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and other
short-term debt obligations. Certificates of deposit are short-term
obligations of commercial banks. A bankers' acceptance is a time draft drawn
on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with international
commercial transactions. Certificates of deposit may have fixed or variable
rates. The Fund may invest in U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S. banks,
U.S. branches of foreign banks, and foreign branches of foreign banks.
. Savings and Loan Obligations Negotiable certificates of deposit and other
short-term debt obligations of savings and loan associations.
. Supranational Agencies Securities of certain supranational entities, such as
the International Development Bank.
<PAGE>
. Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) CMOs are bonds that are
collateralized by whole loan mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities.
The bonds issued in a CMO deal are divided into groups, and each group of
bonds is referred to as a "tranche." Under the traditional CMO structure, the
cash flows generated by the mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities in
the collateral pool are used to first pay interest and then pay principal to
the CMO bondholders. The bonds issued under a CMO structure are retired
sequentially as opposed to the pro-rata return of principal found in
traditional pass-through obligations. Subject to the various provisions of
individual CMO issues, the cash flow generated by the underlying collateral
(to the extent it exceeds the amount required to pay the stated interest) is
used to retire the bonds. Under the CMO structure, the repayment of principal
among the different tranches is prioritized in accordance with the terms of
the particular CMO issuance. The "fastest-pay" tranche of bonds, as specified
in the prospectus for the issuance, would initially receive all principal
payments. When that tranche of bonds is retired, the next tranche, or
tranches, in the sequence, as specified in the prospectus, receive all of the
principal payments until they are retired. The sequential retirement of bond
groups continues until the last tranche, or group of bonds, is retired.
Accordingly, the CMO structure allows the issuer to use cash flows of long
maturity, monthly-pay collateral to formulate securities with short,
intermediate and long final maturities and expected average lives.
. Asset Backed Receivables The asset-backed securities that may be purchased
include, but are not limited to, Certificates for Automobile Receivables
(CARSsm) and Credit Card Receivable Securities. CARSsm represent undivided
fractional interests in a trust whose assets consists of a pool of motor
vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the
vehicles securing these contracts. In addition to the general risks
pertaining to all asset-backed securities, CARSsm are subject to the risks of
delayed payments or losses if the full amounts due on underlying sales
contracts are not realized by the trust due to unanticipated legal or
administrative costs of enforcing the contracts or due to depreciation,
damage or loss of the vehicles securing the contracts. Credit Card Receivable
Securities are backed by receivables from revolving credit card accounts.
Since balances on revolving credit card accounts are generally paid down more
rapidly than CARSsm, issuers often lengthen the maturity of these securities
by providing for a fixed period during which interest payments are passed
through and principal payments are used to Fund the transfer of additional
receivables to the underlying pool. The failure of the underlying receivables
to generate principal payments may therefore shorten the maturity of these
securities. In addition, unlike most other asset-backed securities, Credit
Card Receivable Securities are backed by obligations that are not secured by
an interest in personal or real property.
There are, of course, other types of securities that are, or may become
available, which are similar to the foregoing and the Funds may invest in
these securities.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
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Lending of Portfolio Securities
Securities loans are made to broker-dealers or institutional investors or
other persons, pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal at all times to the value
of the securities lent, marked to market on a daily basis. The collateral
received will consist of cash, U.S. government securities, letters of credit
or such other collateral as may be permitted under its investment program.
While the securities are being lent, the Fund will continue to receive the
equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities,
as well as interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee from the
borrower. The Fund has a right to call each loan and obtain the securities,
within such period of time which coincides with the normal settlement period
for purchases and sales of such securities in the respective markets. The
Fund will not have the right to vote on securities while they are being lent,
but it will call a loan in anticipation of any important vote. The risks in
lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured credit,
consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral or in the
recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower fail financially. Loans will only be made to firms deemed
by Price-Fleming to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the
judgment of Price-Fleming, the consideration to be earned from such loans
would justify the risk.
<PAGE>
Interfund Borrowing and Lending
The Fund is a party to an exemptive order received from the SEC on December
8, 1998, that permits it to borrow money from and/or lend money to other
funds in the T. Rowe Price complex ("Price Funds"). All loans are set at an
interest rate between the rate charged on overnight repurchase agreements and
short-term bank loans. All loans are subject to numerous conditions designed
to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating funds. The
program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Boards of
Directors of the Price Funds.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into a repurchase agreement through which an investor
(such as the Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security")
from a well-established securities dealer or a bank that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System. Any such dealer or bank will be on T. Rowe Price's
approved list and have a credit rating with respect to its short-term debt of
at least A1 by S&P, P1 by Moody's, or the equivalent rating by T. Rowe Price.
At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the
underlying security at the same price, plus specified interest. Repurchase
agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week.
Repurchase agreements which do not provide for payment within seven days will
be treated as illiquid securities. The Fund will only enter into repurchase
agreements where (1) the underlying securities are of the type (excluding
maturity limitations) which the Fund's investment guidelines would allow it
to purchase directly, (2) the market value of the underlying security,
including interest accrued, will be at all times equal to or exceed the value
of the repurchase agreement, and (3) payment for the underlying security is
made only upon physical delivery or evidence of book-entry transfer to the
account of the custodian or a bank acting as agent. In the event of a
bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and
losses, including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying
security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights
thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income
during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Money Market Reserves
It is expected that the Fund will invest its cash reserves primarily in one
or more money market funds established for the exclusive use of the T. Rowe
Price family of mutual funds and other clients of T. Rowe Price and
Price-Fleming. Currently, two such money market funds are in
operation-Reserve Investment Fund ("RIF") and Government Reserve Investment
Fund ("GRF"), each a series of the Reserve Investment Funds, Inc. Additional
series may be created in the future. These funds were created and operate
under an Exemptive Order issued by the SEC (Investment Company Act Release
No. IC-22770, July 29, 1997).
Both funds must comply with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act
governing money market funds. The RIF invests at least 95% of its total
assets in prime money market instruments receiving the highest credit rating.
The GRF invests primarily in a portfolio of U.S. government-backed
securities, primarily U.S. Treasuries, and repurchase agreements thereon.
The RIF and GRF provide a very efficient means of managing the cash reserves
of the Fund. While neither RIF or GRF pay an advisory fee to the Investment
Manager, they will incur other expenses. However, the RIF and GRF are
expected by T. Rowe Price to operate at very low expense ratios. The Fund
will only invest in RIF or GRF to the extent it is consistent with its
objective and program.
Neither fund is insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, and there is no
assurance they will maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share.
Options
Options are a type of potentially high-risk derivative.
Writing Covered Call Options
The Fund may write (sell) American or European style "covered" call options
and purchase options to close out options previously written by the Fund. In
writing covered call options, the Fund expects to generate additional premium
income which should serve to enhance the Fund's total return and reduce the
effect of
<PAGE>
any price decline of the security or currency involved in the option. Covered
call options will generally be written on securities or currencies which, in
Price-Fleming's opinion, are not expected to have any major price increases
or moves in the near future but which, over the long term, are deemed to be
attractive investments for the Fund.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the "right to purchase" a security or
currency at a specified price (the exercise price) at expiration of the
option (European style) or at any time until a certain date (the expiration
date) (American style). So long as the obligation of the writer of a call
option continues, he may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer
through whom such option was sold, requiring him to deliver the underlying
security or currency against payment of the exercise price. This obligation
terminates upon the expiration of the call option, or such earlier time at
which the writer effects a closing purchase transaction by repurchasing an
option identical to that previously sold. To secure his obligation to deliver
the underlying security or currency in the case of a call option, a writer is
required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or currency or other
assets in accordance with the rules of a clearing corporation.
The Fund generally will write only covered call options. This means that the
Fund will either own the security or currency subject to the option or an
option to purchase the same underlying security or currency, having an
exercise price equal to or less than the exercise price of the "covered"
option. From time to time, the Fund will write a call option that is not
covered as indicated above but where the Fund will establish and maintain
with its custodian for the term of the option, an account consisting of cash,
U.S. government securities, other liquid high-grade debt obligations, or
other suitable cover as permitted by the SEC having a value equal to the
fluctuating market value of the optioned securities or currencies. While such
an option would be "covered" with sufficient collateral to satisfy SEC
prohibitions on issuing senior securities, this type of strategy would expose
the Fund to the risks of writing uncovered options.
Portfolio securities or currencies on which call options may be written will
be purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with
the Fund's investment objective. The writing of covered call options is a
conservative investment technique believed to involve relatively little risk
(in contrast to the writing of naked or uncovered options, which the Fund
generally will not do), but capable of enhancing the Fund's total return.
When writing a covered call option, a Fund, in return for the premium, gives
up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying
security or currency above the exercise price, but conversely retains the
risk of loss should the price of the security or currency decline. Unlike one
who owns securities or currencies not subject to an option, the Fund has no
control over when it may be required to sell the underlying securities or
currencies, since it may be assigned an exercise notice at any time prior to
the expiration of its obligation as a writer. If a call option which the Fund
has written expires, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the
premium; however, such gain may be offset by a decline in the market value of
the underlying security or currency during the option period. If the call
option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of
the underlying security or currency. The Fund does not consider a security or
currency covered by a call to be "pledged" as that term is used in the Fund's
policy which limits the pledging or mortgaging of its assets. If the Fund
writes an uncovered option as described above, it will bear the risk of
having to purchase the security subject to the option at a price higher than
the exercise price of the option. As the price of a security could appreciate
substantially, the Fund's loss could be significant.
The premium received is the market value of an option. The premium the Fund
will receive from writing a call option will reflect, among other things, the
current market price of the underlying security or currency, the relationship
of the exercise price to such market price, the historical price volatility
of the underlying security or currency, and the length of the option period.
Once the decision to write a call option has been made, Price-Fleming, in
determining whether a particular call option should be written on a
particular security or currency, will consider the reasonableness of the
anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid secondary market will
exist for those options. The premium received by the Fund for writing covered
call options will be recorded as a liability of the Fund. This liability will
be adjusted daily to the option's current market value, which will be the
latest sale price at the time at which the net asset value per share of the
Fund is computed (close of the New York Stock Exchange), or, in the absence
of such sale, the latest asked price. The option will be terminated upon
expiration of the option, the purchase of an identical option in a closing
transaction, or delivery of the underlying security or currency upon the
exercise of the option.
<PAGE>
Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security or currency from
being called, or, to permit the sale of the underlying security or currency.
Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit the Fund to write
another call option on the underlying security or currency with either a
different exercise price or expiration date or both. If the Fund desires to
sell a particular security or currency from its portfolio on which it has
written a call option, or purchased a put option, it will seek to effect a
closing transaction prior to, or concurrently with, the sale of the security
or currency. There is, of course, no assurance that the Fund will be able to
effect such closing transactions at favorable prices. If the Fund cannot
enter into such a transaction, it may be required to hold a security or
currency that it might otherwise have sold. When the Fund writes a covered
call option, it runs the risk of not being able to participate in the
appreciation of the underlying securities or currencies above the exercise
price, as well as the risk of being required to hold on to securities or
currencies that are depreciating in value. This could result in higher
transaction costs. The Fund will pay transaction costs in connection with the
writing of options to close out previously written options. Such transaction
costs are normally higher than those applicable to purchases and sales of
portfolio securities.
Call options written by the Fund will normally have expiration dates of less
than nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may
be below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying
securities or currencies at the time the options are written. From time to
time, the Fund may purchase an underlying security or currency for delivery
in accordance with an exercise notice of a call option assigned to it, rather
than delivering such security or currency from its portfolio. In such cases,
additional costs may be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if
the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received from
the writing of the option. Because increases in the market price of a call
option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying
security or currency, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option
is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security or currency owned by the Fund.
The Fund will not write a covered call option if, as a result, the aggregate
market value of all portfolio securities or currencies covering written call
or put options exceeds 25% of the market value of the Fund's net assets. In
calculating the 25% limit, the Fund will offset, against the value of assets
covering written calls and puts, the value of purchased calls and puts on
identical securities or currencies with identical maturity dates.
Writing Covered Put Options
The Fund may write American or European style covered put options and
purchase options to close out options previously written by the Fund. A put
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer
(seller) has the obligation to buy, the underlying security or currency at
the exercise price during the option period (American style) or at the
expiration of the option (European style). So long as the obligation of the
writer continues, he may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer
through whom such option was sold, requiring him to make payment to the
exercise price against delivery of the underlying security or currency. The
operation of put options in other respects, including their related risks and
rewards, is substantially identical to that of call options.
The Fund would write put options only on a covered basis, which means that
the Fund would maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S. government
securities, other liquid high-grade debt obligations, or other suitable cover
as determined by the SEC, in an amount not less than the exercise price or
the Fund will own an option to sell the underlying security or currency
subject to the option having an exercise price equal to or greater than the
exercise price of the "covered" option at all times while the put option is
outstanding. (The rules of a clearing corporation currently require that such
assets be deposited in escrow to secure payment of the exercise price.)
The Fund would generally write covered put options in circumstances where
Price-Fleming wishes to purchase the underlying security or currency for the
Fund's portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the
security or currency. In such event the Fund would write a put option at an
exercise price which, reduced by the premium received on the option, reflects
the lower price it is willing to pay. Since the Fund would also receive
interest on debt securities or currencies maintained to cover the exercise
price of the
<PAGE>
option, this technique could be used to enhance current return during periods
of market uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be that the
market price of the underlying security or currency would decline below the
exercise price less the premiums received. Such a decline could be
substantial and result in a significant loss to the Fund. In addition, the
Fund, because it does not own the specific securities or currencies which it
may be required to purchase in exercise of the put, cannot benefit from
appreciation, if any, with respect to such specific securities or currencies.
The Fund will not write a covered put option if, as a result, the aggregate
market value of all portfolio securities or currencies covering put or call
options exceeds 25% of the market value of the Fund's net assets. In
calculating the 25% limit, the Fund will offset, against the value of assets
covering written puts and calls, the value of purchased puts and calls on
identical securities or currencies with identical maturity dates.
Purchasing Put Options
The Fund may purchase American or European style put options. As the holder
of a put option, the Fund has the right to sell the underlying security or
currency at the exercise price at any time during the option period (American
style) or at the expiration of the option (European style). The Fund may
enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise
them or permit them to expire. The Fund may purchase put options for
defensive purposes in order to protect against an anticipated decline in the
value of its securities or currencies. An example of such use of put options
is provided next.
The Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security or currency (a
"protective put") owned by the Fund as a defensive technique in order to
protect against an anticipated decline in the value of the security or
currency. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put
option when the Fund, as the holder of the put option, is able to sell the
underlying security or currency at the put exercise price regardless of any
decline in the underlying security's market price or currency's exchange
value. For example, a put option may be purchased in order to protect
unrealized appreciation of a security or currency where T. Rowe Price deems
it desirable to continue to hold the security or currency because of tax
considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs
would reduce any capital gain otherwise available for distribution when the
security or currency is eventually sold.
The Fund may also purchase put options at a time when the Fund does not own
the underlying security or currency. By purchasing put options on a security
or currency it does not own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the
market price of the underlying security or currency. If the put option is not
sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying
security or currency remains equal to or greater than the exercise price
during the life of the put option, the Fund will lose its entire investment
in the put option. In order for the purchase of a put option to be
profitable, the market price of the underlying security or currency must
decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and
transaction costs, unless the put option is sold in a closing sale
transaction.
The Fund will not commit more than 5% of its assets to premiums when
purchasing put and call options. The premium paid by the Fund when purchasing
a put option will be recorded as an asset of the Fund. This asset will be
adjusted daily to the option's current market value, which will be the latest
sale price at the time at which the net asset value per share of the Fund is
computed (close of New York Stock Exchange), or, in the absence of such sale,
the latest bid price. This asset will be terminated upon expiration of the
option, the selling (writing) of an identical option in a closing
transaction, or the delivery of the underlying security or currency upon the
exercise of the option.
Purchasing Call Options
The Fund may purchase American or European style call options. As the holder
of a call option, the Fund has the right to purchase the underlying security
or currency at the exercise price at any time during the option period
(American style) or at the expiration of the option (European style). The
Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options,
exercise them or permit them to expire. The Fund may purchase call options
for the purpose of increasing its current return or avoiding tax consequences
which could reduce its current return. The Fund may also purchase call
options in order to acquire the underlying securities or currencies. Examples
of such uses of call options are provided next.
<PAGE>
Call options may be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of acquiring the
underlying securities or currencies for its portfolio. Utilized in this
fashion, the purchase of call options enables the Fund to acquire the
securities or currencies at the exercise price of the call option plus the
premium paid. At times the net cost of acquiring securities or currencies in
this manner may be less than the cost of acquiring the securities or
currencies directly. This technique may also be useful to the Fund in
purchasing a large block of securities or currencies that would be more
difficult to acquire by direct market purchases. So long as it holds such a
call option rather than the underlying security or currency itself, the Fund
is partially protected from any unexpected decline in the market price of the
underlying security or currency and in such event could allow the call option
to expire, incurring a loss only to the extent of the premium paid for the
option.
The Fund will not commit more than 5% of its assets to premiums when
purchasing call and put options. The Fund may also purchase call options on
underlying securities or currencies it owns in order to protect unrealized
gains on call options previously written by it. A call option would be
purchased for this purpose where tax considerations make it inadvisable to
realize such gains through a closing purchase transaction. Call options may
also be purchased at times to avoid realizing losses.
Dealer (Over-the-Counter) Options
The Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options. Certain risks
are specific to dealer options. While the Fund would look to a clearing
corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund were to purchase
a dealer option, it would rely on the dealer from whom it purchased the
option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do
so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss
of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while
dealer options have none. Consequently, the Fund will generally be able to
realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising it
or reselling it to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when the Fund writes
a dealer option, it generally will be able to close out the option prior to
its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the
dealer to which the Fund originally wrote the option. While the Fund will
seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and
which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with
the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to liquidate a
dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Until the
Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing
purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other
assets) or currencies used as cover until the option expires or is exercised.
In the event of insolvency of the contra party, the Fund may be unable to
liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the
inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses
to the Fund. For example, since the Fund must maintain a secured position
with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not
sell the assets which it has segregated to secure the position while it is
obligated under the option. This requirement may impair a Fund's ability to
sell portfolio securities or currencies at a time when such sale might be
advantageous.
The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options and
the assets used to secure the written dealer options are illiquid securities.
The Fund may treat the cover used for written Over-the-Counter ("OTC")
options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the Fund may repurchase the OTC
option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined
formula. In such cases, the OTC option would be considered illiquid only to
the extent the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the
intrinsic value of the option.
Futures Contracts
Futures contracts are a type of potentially high-risk derivative.
Transactions in Futures
The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts including stock index,
interest rate, and currency futures ("futures" or "futures contracts");
however, the Funds have no current intention of entering into stock index
futures. The Funds, however, reserve the right to trade in financial futures
of any kind.
<PAGE>
Stock index futures contracts may be used to provide a hedge for a portion of
the Fund's portfolio, as a cash management tool, or as an efficient way for
Price-Fleming to implement either an increase or decrease in portfolio market
exposure in response to changing market conditions. The Fund may purchase or
sell futures contracts with respect to any stock index. Nevertheless, to
hedge the Fund's portfolio successfully, the Fund must sell futures contacts
with respect to indices or subindices whose movements will have a significant
correlation with movements in the prices of the Fund's portfolio securities.
Interest rate or currency futures contracts may be used as a hedge against
changes in prevailing levels of interest rates or currency exchange rates in
order to establish more definitely the effective return on securities or
currencies held or intended to be acquired by the Fund. In this regard, the
Fund could sell interest rate or currency futures as an offset against the
effect of expected increases in interest rates or currency exchange rates and
purchase such futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in
interest rates or currency exchange rates.
The Fund will enter into futures contracts which are traded on national or
foreign futures exchanges, and are standardized as to maturity date and
underlying financial instrument. Futures exchanges and trading in the United
States are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the CFTC. Although
techniques other than the sale and purchase of futures contracts could be
used for the above-referenced purposes, futures contracts offer an effective
and relatively low cost means of implementing the Fund's objectives in these
areas.
Although techniques other than the sale and purchase of futures contracts
could be used for the above-referenced purposes, futures contracts offer an
effective and relatively low cost means of implementing the Fund's objectives
in these areas.
Regulatory Limitations
If the Fund purchases or sells futures contracts or related options which do
not qualify as bona fide hedging under applicable CFTC rules, the aggregate
initial margin deposits and premium required to establish those positions
cannot exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has
entered into; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation. For purposes of this policy, options on
futures contracts and foreign currency options traded on a commodities
exchange will be considered "related options." This policy may be modified by
the Board of Directors without a shareholder vote and does not limit the
percentage of the Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
In instances involving the purchase of futures contracts or the writing of
call or put options thereon by the Fund, an amount of cash, liquid assets, or
other suitable cover as permitted by the SEC, equal to the market value of
the futures contracts and options thereon (less any related margin deposits),
will be identified by the Fund to cover the position, or alternative cover
(such as owning an offsetting position) will be employed. Assets used as
cover or held in an identified account cannot be sold while the position in
the corresponding option or future is open, unless they are replaced with
similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of a Fund's
assets to cover or identified accounts could impede portfolio management or
the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
If the CFTC or other regulatory authorities adopt different (including less
stringent) or additional restrictions, the Fund would comply with such new
restrictions.
Trading in Futures Contracts
A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g.,
units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place
designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are incurred when
a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained.
Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or
purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to
sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short
position.
Unlike when the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or
received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon
entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Fund's open
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positions in futures contracts, the Fund would be required to deposit with
its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an
amount of cash, or liquid assets known as "initial margin." The margin
required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which
the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time
by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are
customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less
than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of
a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the
futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not
satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the
margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable
price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the
required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund.
These subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures
broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets
fluctuate, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more
or less valuable, a process known as "marking to market."
Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future
delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most
futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing
out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an
offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same
aggregate amount of the identical securities and the same delivery date. If
the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund
realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the
offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund
realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction
costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction
with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the
Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures
contract.
As an example of an offsetting transaction in which the underlying instrument
is not delivered, the contractual obligations arising from the sale of one
contract of September Treasury bills on an exchange may be fulfilled at any
time before delivery of the contract is required (i.e., on a specified date
in September, the "delivery month") by the purchase of one contract of
September Treasury bills on the same exchange. In such instance, the
difference between the price at which the futures contract was sold and the
price paid for the offsetting purchase, after allowance for transaction
costs, represents the profit or loss to the Fund.
Special Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts
. Volatility and Leverage The prices of futures contracts are volatile and are
influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated changes in the
market and interest rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary
policies and national and international political and economic events.
Most United States 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 futures 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 several consecutive trading
days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of
futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
Margin deposits required on futures trading are low. As a result, a
relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate
and substantial loss, as well as gain, to 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
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equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, if the contract were closed
out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in
excess of the amount invested in the futures contract.
. Liquidity The Fund may elect to close some or all of its futures positions
at any time prior to their expiration. The Fund would do so to reduce
exposure represented by long futures positions or short futures positions.
The Fund may close its positions by taking opposite positions which would
operate to terminate the Fund's position in the futures contracts. Final
determinations of variation margin would then be made, additional cash would
be required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund would realize
a loss or a gain.
Futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange or board of trade
where the contracts were initially traded. Although the Fund intends to
purchase or sell futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where
there appears to be an active market, there is no assurance that a liquid
market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular
contract at any particular time. In such event, it might not be possible to
close a futures contract, and in the event of adverse price movements, the
Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been used to hedge the
underlying instruments, the Fund would continue to hold the underlying
instruments subject to the hedge until the futures contracts could be
terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of underlying
instruments, if any, might partially or completely offset losses on the
futures contract. However, as described next, there is no guarantee that the
price of the underlying instruments will, in fact, correlate with the price
movements in the futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on a
futures contract.
. Hedging Risk A decision of whether, when, and how to hedge involves skill
and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some
degree because of unexpected market behavior, market or interest rate trends.
There are several risks in connection with the use by the Fund of futures
contracts as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and
movements in the prices of the underlying instruments which are the subject
of the hedge. Price-Fleming will, however, attempt to reduce this risk by
entering into futures contracts whose movements, in its judgment, will have a
significant correlation with movements in the prices of the Fund's underlying
instruments sought to be hedged.
Successful use of futures contracts by the Fund for hedging purposes is also
subject to Price-Fleming's ability to correctly predict movements in the
direction of the market. It is possible that, when the Fund has sold futures
to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the index, indices,
or instruments underlying futures might advance and the value of the
underlying instruments held in the Fund's portfolio might decline. If this
were to occur, the Fund would lose money on the futures and also would
experience a decline in value in its underlying instruments. However, while
this might occur to a certain degree, Price-Fleming believes that over time
the value of the Fund's portfolio will tend to move in the same direction as
the market indices used to hedge the portfolio. It is also possible that, if
the Fund were to hedge against the possibility of a decline in the market
(adversely affecting the underlying instruments held in its portfolio) and
prices instead increased, the Fund would lose part or all of the benefit of
increased value of those underlying instruments that it has hedged, because
it would have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in
such situations, if the Fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell
underlying instruments to meet daily variation margin requirements. Such
sales of underlying instruments might be, but would not necessarily be, at
increased prices (which would reflect the rising market). The Fund might have
to sell underlying instruments at a time when it would be disadvantageous to
do so.
In addition to the possibility that there might be an imperfect correlation,
or no correlation at all, between price movements in the futures contracts
and the portion of the portfolio being hedged, the price movements of futures
contracts might not correlate perfectly with price movements in the
underlying instruments due to certain market distortions. First, all
participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and
maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit
requirements, investors might close futures contracts through offsetting
transactions, which could distort the normal relationship between the
underlying instruments and futures markets. Second, the margin requirements
in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the
securities markets and, as a result, the futures market might
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attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased
participation by speculators in the futures market might also cause temporary
price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures
market and also because of imperfect correlation between price movements in
the underlying instruments and movements in the prices of futures contracts,
even a correct forecast of general market trends by Price-Fleming might not
result in a successful hedging transaction over a very short time period.
Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which
it may invest.
Options (another type of potentially high-risk derivative) on futures are
similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures
give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a
position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a
short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the
futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period
of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures
position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be
accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's
futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price
of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the
futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options
prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
As an alternative to writing or purchasing call and put options on stock
index futures, the Fund may write or purchase call and put options on
financial indices. Such options would be used in a manner similar to the use
of options on futures contracts. From time to time, a single order to
purchase or sell futures contracts (or options thereon) may be made on behalf
of the Fund and other T. Rowe Price Funds. Such aggregated orders would be
allocated among the Funds and the other T. Rowe Price Funds in a fair and
nondiscriminatory manner.
Special Risks of Transactions in Options on Futures Contracts
The risks described under "Special Risks in Transactions on Futures
Contracts" are substantially the same as the risks of using options on
futures. If the Fund were to write an option on a futures contract, it would
be required to deposit and maintain initial and variation margin in the same
manner as a regular futures contract. In addition, where the Fund seeks to
close out an option position by writing or buying an offsetting option
covering the same index, underlying instrument or contract and having the
same exercise price and expiration date, its ability to establish and close
out positions on such options will be subject to the maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an
exchange include the following: (1) there may be insufficient trading
interest in certain options; (2) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange
on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (3) trading halts,
suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options, or underlying instruments; (4) unusual or
unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (5)
the facilities of an exchange or a clearing corporation may not at all times
be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (6) one or more exchanges
could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future
date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series
of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in the
class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on the exchange that had been issued by a clearing corporation as a
result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms. There is no assurance that higher than
anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times,
render certain of the facilities of any of the clearing corporations
inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by an exchange of special
procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customers'
orders.
Additional Futures and Options Contracts
Although the Fund has no current intention of engaging in futures or options
transactions other than those described above, it reserves the right to do
so. Such futures and options trading might involve risks which differ from
those involved in the futures and options described above.
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Foreign Futures and Options
Participation in foreign futures and foreign options transactions involves
the execution and clearing of trades on or subject to the rules of a foreign
board of trade. Neither the National Futures Association nor any domestic
exchange regulates activities of any foreign boards of trade, including the
execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, or has the power to compel
enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or any applicable
foreign law. This is true even if the exchange is formally linked to a
domestic market so that a position taken on the market may be liquidated by a
transaction on another market. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary
depending on the foreign country in which the foreign futures or foreign
options transaction occurs. For these reasons, when the Fund trades foreign
futures or foreign options contracts, it may not be afforded certain of the
protective measures provided by the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC's
regulations and the rules of the National Futures Association and any
domestic exchange, including the right to use reparations proceedings before
the CFTC and arbitration proceedings provided by the National Futures
Association or any domestic futures exchange. In particular, funds received
from the Fund for foreign futures or foreign options transactions may not be
provided the same protections as funds received in respect of transactions on
United States futures exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign
futures or foreign options contract and, therefore, the potential profit and
loss thereon may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate
between the time the Fund's order is placed and the time it is liquidated,
offset or exercised.
Foreign Currency Transactions
A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed
number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a
price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded
in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually
large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally
has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for
trades.
The Fund may enter into forward contracts for a variety of purposes in
connection with the management of the foreign securities portion of its
portfolio. The Fund's use of such contracts would include, but not be limited
to, the following:
First, when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a
security denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to "lock in" the
U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for
the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars, of the amount of foreign
currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund will be
able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse
change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign
currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold
and the date on which payment is made or received.
Second, when Price-Fleming believes that one currency may experience a
substantial movement against another currency, including the U.S. dollar, it
may enter into a forward contract to sell or buy the amount of the former
foreign currency, approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's
portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. Alternatively,
where appropriate, the Fund may hedge all or part of its foreign currency
exposure through the use of a basket of currencies or a proxy currency where
such currency or currencies act as an effective proxy for other currencies.
In such a case, the Fund may enter into a forward contract where the amount
of the foreign currency to be sold exceeds the value of the securities
denominated in such currency. The use of this basket hedging technique may be
more efficient and economical than entering into separate forward contracts
for each currency held in the Fund. The precise matching of the forward
contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally
be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies
will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those
securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date
it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is
extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging
strategy is highly uncertain. Under normal circumstances, consideration of
the prospect for currency parties will be incorporated into the longer term
investment decisions made with regard to overall diversification strategies.
However, Price-Fleming believes that it is important to have the flexibility
to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the best
interests of the Fund will be served.
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The Fund may enter into forward contacts for any other purpose consistent
with the Fund's investment objective and program. However, the Fund will not
enter into a forward contract, or maintain exposure to any such contract(s),
if the amount of foreign currency required to be delivered thereunder would
exceed the Fund's holdings of liquid, high-grade debt securities, currency
available for cover of the forward contract(s) or other suitable cover as
permitted by the SEC. In determining the amount to be delivered under a
contract, the Fund may net offsetting positions.
At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may sell the portfolio
security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the
security and either extend the maturity of the forward contract (by "rolling"
that contract forward) or may initiate a new forward contract.
If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the
extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund
engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new
forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline
during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the
sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract
for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the
extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of
the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the
Fund will suffer a loss to the extent of the price of the currency it has
agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
The Fund's dealing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will
generally be limited to the transactions described above. However, the Fund
reserves the right to enter into forward foreign currency contracts for
different purposes and under different circumstances. Of course, the Fund is
not required to enter into forward contracts with regard to its foreign
currency-denominated securities and will not do so unless deemed appropriate
by Price-Fleming. It also should be realized that this method of hedging
against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations
in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of
exchange at a future date. Additionally, although such contracts tend to
minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged
currency, at the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might
result from an increase in the value of that currency.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does
not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on
a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and there are costs
associated with currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference
(the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to
the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the
Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
Under certain circumstances, each Fund, with the exception of International
Bond Fund, may commit a substantial portion or the entire value of its assets
to the consummation of these contracts. Price-Fleming will consider the
effect of a substantial commitment of its assets to forward contracts would
have on the investment program of the Fund and the flexibility of the Fund to
purchase additional securities.
Federal Tax Treatment of Options, Futures Contracts, and Forward Foreign
Exchange Contracts
The Fund may enter into certain options, futures, and forward foreign
exchange contracts, including options and futures on currencies, which will
be treated as Section 1256 contracts or straddles.
Transactions that are considered Section 1256 contracts will be considered to
have been closed at the end of the Fund's fiscal year and any gains or losses
will be recognized for tax purposes at that time. Such gains or losses from
the normal closing or settlement of such transactions will be characterized
as 60% long-term capital gain (taxable at a maximum rate of 20%) or loss and
40% short-term capital gain or loss regardless of the holding period of the
instrument (ordinary income or loss for foreign exchange contracts). The Fund
will be required to distribute net gains on such transactions to shareholders
even though it may not have closed the transaction and received cash to pay
such distributions.
Options, futures and forward foreign exchange contracts, including options
and futures on currencies, which offset a foreign dollar denominated bond or
currency position may be considered straddles for tax purposes,
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in which case a loss on any position in a straddle will be subject to
deferral to the extent of unrealized gain in an offsetting position. The
holding period of the securities or currencies comprising the straddle will
be deemed not to begin until the straddle is terminated. The holding period
of the security offsetting an "in-the-money qualified covered call" option on
an equity security will not include the period of time the option is
outstanding.
Losses on written covered calls and purchased puts on securities, excluding
certain "qualified covered call" options on equity securities, may be
long-term capital losses, if the security covering the option was held for
more than 12 months prior to the writing of the option.
In order for the 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 loans of securities, and gains from the sale of
securities or currencies. Tax regulations could be issued limiting the extent
that net gain realized from option, futures or foreign forward exchange
contracts on currencies is qualifying income for purposes of the 90%
requirement.
As a result of the "Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997," entering into certain
options, futures contracts, or forward contracts may result in the
"constructive sale" of offsetting stocks or debt securities of the Fund.
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitment Contracts
The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed
at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment take
place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 90 days of
the purchase for When-Issueds, but may be substantially longer for Forwards.
During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the
Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. The purchase of these
securities will result in a loss if their value declines prior to the
settlement date. This could occur, for example, if interest rates increase
prior to settlement. The longer the period between purchase and settlement,
the greater the risks are. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to
purchase these securities, it will record the transaction and reflect the
value of the security in determining its net asset value. The Fund will cover
these securities by maintaining cash, liquid, high-grade debt securities, or
other suitable cover as permitted by the SEC with its custodian bank equal in
value to commitments for them during the time between the purchase and the
settlement. Therefore, the longer this period, the longer the period during
which alternative investment options are not available to the Fund (to the
extent of the securities used for cover). Such securities either will mature
or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.
To the extent the Fund remains fully or almost fully invested (in securities
with a remaining maturity of more than one year) at the same time it
purchases these securities, there will be greater fluctuations in the Fund's
net asset value than if the Fund did not purchase them.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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Fundamental policies may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of
(1) 67% of the Fund's shares present at a meeting of shareholders if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or
by proxy or (2) more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares. Other
restrictions in the form of operating policies are subject to change by the
Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval. Any investment
restriction which involves a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall
not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities or assets
of, or borrowings by, the Fund. Calculation of the Fund's total assets for
compliance with any of the following fundamental or operating policies or any
other investment restrictions set forth in the Fund's prospectus or Statement
of Additional Information will not include cash collateral held in connection
with securities lending activities.
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Fundamental Policies
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1) Borrowing Borrow money except that the Fund may (i) borrow for
non-leveraging, temporary or emergency purposes; and (ii) engage in
reverse repurchase agreements and make other investments or engage in
other transactions, which may involve a borrowing, in a manner consistent
with the Fund's investment objective and program, provided that the
combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33/1//\\/3/\\% of the value
of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings) or such other percentage permitted by
law. Any borrowings which come to exceed this amount will be reduced in
accordance with applicable law. The Fund may borrow from banks, other
Price Funds, or other persons to the extent permitted by applicable law;
(2) Commodities Purchase or sell physical commodities; except that it may
enter into futures contracts and options thereon;
(3) Industry Concentration (Global Bond and Emerging Markets Bond) Purchase
the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 25% of the value
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers
having their principal business activities in the same industry;
Industry Concentration (International Bond Fund) Purchase the securities
of any issuer if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry; provided, however,
that the Fund will normally concentrate 25% or more of its assets in
securities of the banking industry when the Fund's position in issues
maturing in one year or less equals 35% or more of the Fund's total
assets;
(4) Loans Make loans, although the Fund may (i) lend portfolio securities and
participate in an interfund lending program with other Price Funds
provided that no such loan may be made if, as a result, the aggregate of
such loans would exceed 33/1//\\/3/\\% of the value of the Fund's total
assets; (ii) purchase money market securities and enter into repurchase
agreements; and (iii) acquire publicly distributed or privately placed
debt securities and purchase debt;
(5) Real Estate Purchase or sell real estate, including limited partnership
interests therein, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities
or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing
in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of
companies engaged in the real estate business);
(6) Senior Securities Issue senior securities except in compliance with the
1940 Act; or
(7) Underwriting Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the
extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of the 1933 Act in connection with the purchase and sale of its
portfolio securities in the ordinary course of pursuing its investment
program.
NOTES
The following Notes should be read in connection with the above-described
fundamental policies. The Notes are not fundamental policies.
With respect to investment restriction (2), the Fund does not consider
currency contracts or hybrid investments to be commodities.
For purposes of investment restriction (3), U.S., state or local
governments, or related agencies or instrumentalities, are not considered
an industry. Industries are determined by reference to the
classifications of industries set forth in the Fund's semiannual and
annual reports. It is the position of the Staff of the SEC that foreign
governments are industries for purposes of this restriction. For as long
as this staff position is in effect, the Fund will not invest more than
25% of its total assets in the securities of any single foreign
governmental issuer. For purposes of this restriction, governmental
entities are considered separate issuers.
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For purposes of investment restriction (4), the Fund will consider the
acquisition of a debt security to include the execution of a note or
other evidence of an extension of credit with a term of more than nine
months.
Operating Policies
As a matter of operating policy, the Fund may not:
(1) Borrowing Purchase additional securities when money borrowed exceeds 5%
of its total assets;
(2) Control of Portfolio Companies Invest in companies for the purpose of
exercising management or control;
(3) Futures Contracts Purchase a futures contract or an option thereon, if,
with respect to positions in futures or options on futures which do not
represent bona fide hedging, the aggregate initial margin and premiums on
such options would exceed 5% of the Fund's net asset value;
(4) Illiquid Securities Purchase illiquid securities if, as a result, more
than 15% of its net assets would be invested in such securities;
(5) Investment Companies Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end
investment companies except (i) in compliance with the 1940 Act; or (ii)
securities of the Reserve Investment or Government Reserve Investment
Funds;
(6) Margin Purchase securities on margin, except (i) for use of short-term
credit necessary for clearance of purchases of portfolio securities and
(ii) it may make margin deposits in connection with futures contracts or
other permissible investments;
(7) Mortgaging Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or, in any manner, transfer any
security owned by the Fund as security for indebtedness except as may be
necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or investments and
then such mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating may not exceed
33/1//\\/3/\\% of the Fund's total assets at the time of borrowing or
investment;
(8) Oil and Gas Programs Purchase participations or other direct interests
in, or enter into leases with respect to oil, gas, or other mineral
exploration or development programs if, as a result thereof, more than 5%
of the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in such
programs;
(9) Options, etc. Invest in puts, calls, straddles, spreads, or any
combination thereof, except to the extent permitted by the prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information;
(10) Short Sales Effect short sales of securities; or
(11) Warrants Invest in warrants if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of
the value of the net assets of the Fund would be invested in warrants.
In addition to the restrictions described above, some foreign countries
limit, or prohibit, all direct foreign investment in the securities of their
companies. However, the governments of some countries have authorized the
organization of investment funds to permit indirect foreign investment in
such securities. For tax purposes, these funds may be known as Passive
Foreign Investment Companies. Each Fund is subject to certain percentage
limitations under the 1940 Act and certain states relating to the purchase of
securities of investment companies, and may be subject to the limitation that
no more than 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
such securities.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The officers and directors of the Fund are listed below. Unless otherwise
noted, the address of each is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21202. Except as indicated, each has been an employee of T. Rowe Price for
more than five years. In the list below, the Fund's directors who are
considered "interested persons"
<PAGE>
of T. Rowe Price as defined under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act are noted
with an asterisk (*). These directors are referred to as inside directors by
virtue of their officership, directorship, and/or employment with T. Rowe
Price.
Independent Directors/(a)/
ANTHONY W. DEERING, 1/28/45, Director, Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Operating Officer, The Rouse Company, real estate developers, Columbia,
Maryland; Advisory Director, Kleinwort, Benson (North America) Corporation, a
registered broker-dealer; Address: 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia,
Maryland 21044
DONALD W. DICK, JR., 1/27/43, Principal, EuroCapital Advisors, LLC, an
acquisition and management advisory firm; formerly (5/89-6/95) Principal,
Overseas Partners, Inc., a financial investment firm; formerly (6/65-3/89)
Director and Vice President; Consumer Products Division, McCormick & Company,
Inc., international food processors; Director, Waverly, Inc., Baltimore,
Maryland; Address: 925 Cleveland Street, #177, Greenville, South Carolina
29601
PAUL M. WYTHES, 6/23/33, Founding General Partner, Sutter Hill Ventures, a
venture capital limited partnership, providing equity capital to young high
technology companies throughout the United States; Director, Teltone
Corporation, Interventional Technologies Inc. and Stuart Medical, Inc.;
Address: 755 Page Mill Road, Suite A200, Palo Alto, California 94304-1005
(a) Unless otherwise indicated, the Independent Directors have been at their
respective companies for at least five years.
Inside Directors/Officers
* M. DAVID TESTA, 4/22/44, Chairman of the Board -Chairman of the Board and
Director, Price-Fleming; Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment
Officer, and Managing Director, T. Rowe Price; Vice President and Director,
T. Rowe Price Trust Company; Chartered Financial Analyst
* MARTIN G. WADE, 2/16/43, Director and President -Director, Chief Investment
Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board, Price-Fleming; Director, Robert
Fleming Holdings Limited; Director, Robert Fleming Asset Management; Address:
25 Copthall Avenue, London, EC2R 7DR, England
PETER B. ASKEW, 5/10/53, Executive Vice President -Executive Vice President,
Price-Fleming
JOHN R. FORD, 11/25/57, Executive Vice President -Executive Vice President
and Chief Investment Officer, Price-Fleming; Chartered Financial Analyst
DAVID J.L. WARREN, 4/14/57, Executive Vice President -President,
Price-Fleming
CHRISTOPHER D. ALDERSON, 3/29/62, Vice President -Vice President,
Price-Fleming
MARK C.J. BICKFORD-SMITH, 4/30/62, Vice President -Vice President and
portfolio manager of Price-Fleming; formerly a Director and portfolio manager
of Jardine Fleming Investment Management
ROBERT P. CAMPBELL, 1/31/56, Vice President -Vice President, T. Rowe Price
and T. Rowe Price Trust Company
MICHAEL J. CONELIUS, 6/16/64, Vice President -Vice President, T. Rowe Price
and Price-Fleming
FRANCES DYDASCO, 5/8/66, Vice President -Vice President and portfolio manager
of Price-Fleming (Singapore); formerly (1994-1996) an Investment Manager at
LGT Asset Management Ltd. (Hong Kong); and (1993-1994) with East Asia Hamon
Asset (Hong Kong)
MARK J.T. EDWARDS, 10/27/57, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming
HENRY H. HOPKINS, 12/23/42, Vice President-Vice President, Price-Fleming and
T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Director and Managing Director,
T. Rowe Price; Vice President and Director, T. Rowe Price Investment
Services, Inc., T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Trust Company
IAN J. MACDONALD, 1/7/62, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming;
formerly (1997-1992) Senior Fund Manager at Mercury Asset Management (Japan)
<PAGE>
GEORGE A. MURNAGHAN, 5/1/56, Vice President -Managing Director, T. Rowe
Price; Executive Vice President, Price-Fleming; Vice President, T. Rowe Price
Trust Company and T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
ROBERT A. REVEL-CHION, 3/9/65, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming;
formerly (1997-1994) portfolio manager, Jardine Fleming (Hong Kong), and
(1987-1993) Assistant Investment Manager, Nestle Rewntree Pension Trust
JAMES S. RIEPE, 6/25/43, Vice President -Vice Chairman of the Board, Managing
Director, and Director, T. Rowe Price; Chairman of the Board, T. Rowe Price
Investment Services, Inc., T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price
Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board, President, and Trust
Officer, T. Rowe Price Trust Company; Director, Price-Fleming and General Re
Corporation
CHRISTOPHER ROTHERY, 5/26/63, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming
JAMES B.M. SEDDON, 6/17/64, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming
BENEDICT R.F. THOMAS, 8/27/64, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming;
Chartered Financial Analyst
JUSTIN THOMSON, 1/14/68, Vice President -Vice President, Price-Fleming; (1998
to present) Small Cap Co-Ordinator, Price-Fleming; formerly (1991-1998)
Portfolio Manager; G. T. Capital/Invesco
WILLIAM F. WENDLER II, 3/14/62, Vice President -Vice President, T. Rowe
Price, Price-Fleming, and T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
RICHARD T. WHITNEY, 5/7/58, Vice President -Managing Director, T. Rowe Price;
Vice President, Price-Fleming and T. Rowe Price Trust Company; Chartered
Financial Analyst
EDWARD A. WIESE, 4/12/59, Vice President -Vice President, T. Rowe Price and
T. Rowe Price Trust Company; Chartered Financial Analyst
PATRICIA S. LIPPERT, 1/12/53, Secretary-Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe
Price and T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
CARMEN F. DEYESU, 8/1/41, Treasurer-Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe
Price Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company
DAVID S. MIDDLETON, 1/18/56, Controller-Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T.
Rowe Price Trust Company
ANN B. CRANMER, 3/23/47, Assistant Vice President-Vice President,
Price-Fleming
ROGER L. FIERY III, 2/10/59, Assistant Vice President-Vice President,
Price-Fleming and T. Rowe Price
LEAH P. HOLMES, 2/11/44, Assistant Vice President-Vice President,
Price-Fleming; Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe Price
INGRID I. VORDEMBERGE, 9/27/35, Assistant Vice President-Employee, T. Rowe
Price
Compensation Table
The Funds do not pay pension or retirement benefits to their officers or
directors. Also, any director of a Fund who is an officer or employee of T.
Rowe Price or Price-Fleming does not receive any remuneration from the Fund.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of Person, Aggregate Compensation from Fund(a) Total Compensation from Fund and
Position ------- Fund Complex Paid to Directors(b)
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Global Bond Fund
Anthony W. Deering, Director $1,713 $80,000
Donald W. Dick, Director 1,709 82,000
Paul M. Wythes, Director 1,709 80,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Bond Fund
Anthony W. Deering, Director $2,100 $80,000
Donald W. Dick, Director 2,001 82,000
Paul M. Wythes, Director 2,001 80,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
Anthony W. Deering, Director $1,754 $80,000
Donald W. Dick, Director 1,742 82,000
Paul M. Wythes, Director 1,742 80,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Amounts in this column are based on accrued compensation for calendar
year 1998.
(b) Amounts in this column are based on compensation received from January
1, 1998, to December 31, 1998. The T. Rowe Price complex included 87 funds
as of December 31, 1998.
All Funds
The Fund's Executive Committee, consisting of the Fund's interested
directors, has been authorized by its respective Board of Directors to
exercise all powers of the Board to manage the Funds in the intervals between
meetings of the Board, except the powers prohibited by statute from being
delegated.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of the date of the prospectus, the officers and directors of the Fund, as
a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
As of April 1, 1999, the following shareholders beneficially owned more than
5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund:
International Bond Fund: Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Reinvest Account, Attn.:
Mutual Fund Dept., 101 West Montgomery St., San Francisco, California
94104-4122; and Yachtcrew & Co., T. Rowe Price Associates, Attn.: Fund
Accounting Dept., 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202-1009.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund: Yachtcrew & Co., T. Rowe Price Associates, Attn.:
Fund Accounting Dept., 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202-1009.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Services
Under the Management Agreement, Price-Fleming provides the Fund with
discretionary investment services. Specifically, Price-Fleming is responsible
for supervising and directing the investments of the Fund in accordance with
the Fund's investment objectives, program, and restrictions as provided in
its prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information. Price-Fleming is
also responsible for effecting all security transactions on behalf of the
Fund, including the negotiation of commissions and the allocation of
principal
<PAGE>
business and portfolio brokerage. In addition to these services,
Price-Fleming provides the Fund with certain corporate administrative
services, including: maintaining the Fund's corporate existence and corporate
records; registering and qualifying Fund shares under federal laws;
monitoring the financial, accounting, and administrative functions of the
Fund; maintaining liaison with the agents employed by the Fund such as the
Fund's custodian and transfer agent; assisting the Fund in the coordination
of such agents' activities; and permitting Price-Fleming's employees to serve
as officers, directors, and committee members of the Fund without cost to the
Fund.
The Management Agreement also provides that Price-Fleming, its directors,
officers, employees, and certain other persons performing specific functions
for the Fund will only be liable to the Fund for losses resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
duty.
Under the Management Agreement, Price-Fleming is permitted to utilize the
services or facilities of others to provide it or the Funds with statistical
and other factual information, advice regarding economic factors and trends,
advice as to occasional transactions in specific securities, and such other
information, advice or assistance as Price-Fleming may deem necessary,
appropriate, or convenient for the discharge of its obligations under the
Management Agreement or otherwise helpful to the Funds.
Certain administrative support is provided by T. Rowe Price, which receives
from Price-Fleming a fee of 0.15% of the market value of all assets in equity
accounts, 0.15% of the market value of all assets in active fixed income
accounts, and 0.035% of the market value of all assets in passive fixed
income accounts under Price-Fleming's management. Additional investment
research and administrative support for equity investments is provided to
Price-Fleming by Fleming Investment Management Limited (FIM) and Jardine
Fleming International Holdings Limited (JFIH), for which each receives from
Price-Fleming a fee of 0.075% of the market value of all assets in equity
accounts under Price-Fleming's management. FIM and JFIH also provide research
and administration support for fixed income accounts for which each receive a
fee of 0.075% of the market value of all assets in active fixed income
accounts and 0.175% of such market value in passive fixed income accounts
under Price-Fleming's management. FIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Flemings. JFIH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jardine Fleming.
Management Fee
The Fund pays Price-Fleming a fee ("Fee") which consists of two components: a
Group Management Fee ("Group Fee") and an Individual Fund Fee ("Fund Fee").
The Fee is paid monthly to Price-Fleming on the first business day of the
next succeeding calendar month and is calculated as described below.
The monthly Group Fee ("Monthly Group Fee") is the sum of the daily Group Fee
accruals ("Daily Group Fee Accruals") for each month. The Daily Group Fee
Accrual for any particular day is computed by multiplying the Price Funds'
group fee accrual as determined below ("Daily Price Funds' Group Fee
Accrual") by the ratio of the Price Fund's net assets for that day to the sum
of the aggregate net assets of the Price Funds for that day. The Daily Price
Funds' Group Fee Accrual for any particular day is calculated by multiplying
the fraction of one (1) over the number of calendar days in the year by the
annualized Daily Price Funds' Group Fee Accrual for that day as determined in
accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
Price Funds' Annual Group Base Fee Rate for Each Level of
Assets
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
0.480% First $1 billion 0.360% Next $2 billion 0.310% Next $16
billion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.450% Next $1 billion 0.350% Next $2 billion 0.305% Next $30
billion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.420% Next $1 billion 0.340% Next $5 billion 0.300% Next $40
billion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.390% Next $1 billion 0.330% Next $10 billion 0.295% Thereafter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.370% Next $1 billion 0.320% Next $10 billion
</TABLE>
For the purpose of calculating the Group Fee, the Price Funds include all the
mutual funds distributed by Investment Services, (excluding the T. Rowe Price
Spectrum Funds, and any institutional, index, or private label mutual funds).
For the purpose of calculating the Daily Price Funds' Group Fee Accrual for
any particular day, the net assets of each Price Fund are determined in
accordance with the Funds' prospectus as of the close of business on the
previous business day on which the Fund was open for business.
<PAGE>
The monthly Fund Fee ("Monthly Fund Fee") is the sum of the daily Fund Fee
accruals ("Daily Fund Fee Accruals") for each month. The Daily Fund Fee
Accrual for any particular day is computed by multiplying the fraction of one
(1) over the number of calendar days in the year by the individual Fund Fee
Rate and multiplying this product by the net assets of the Fund for that day,
as determined in accordance with the Fund's prospectus as of the close of
business on the previous business day on which the Fund was open for
business. The individual fund fees are listed in the following chart:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Global Bond Fund 0.35%
International Bond Fund 0.35
Emerging Markets Bond Fund 0.45
</TABLE>
The following chart sets forth the total management fees if any, paid to
Price-Fleming by the Funds, during the last three years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fund 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Global Bond $ 102,000 $ 265,000 $ 116,000
International Bond 5,663,000 6,039,000 6,824,000
Emerging Markets Bond 943,000 458,000 --
</TABLE>
Limitation on Fund Expenses
The Management Agreement between each Fund and Price-Fleming provides that
each Fund will bear all expenses of its operations not specifically assumed
by Price-Fleming. Set forth in the prospectus are details of various expense
limitations agreed to by Price-Fleming and the Funds.
Global Bond Fund
In the interest of limiting the expenses of the Fund, Price-Fleming agreed to
waive and bear any expenses, which would cause the Fund's ratio of expenses
to average net assets to exceed 1.20%. Effective January 1, 1995,
Price-Fleming agreed to extend the Fund's existing 1.20% expense limitation
for a period of two years through December 31, 1996. Effective January 1,
1997, Price-Fleming agreed to extend the Fund's 1.20% for a period of two
years through December 31, 1998. Effective January 1, 1998, Price-Fleming
lowered the expense limitation to 1.00%. Effective January 1, 1999,
Price-Fleming agreed to extend the Fund's 1.00% for a period of two years
through December 31, 2000. Fees waived or expenses paid or assumed under
these agreements are subject to reimbursement to Price-Fleming by the Fund
whenever the Fund's expense ratio is below 1.20% (or 1.00% for the period
January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998); however, no reimbursement will be made
after December 31, 1998 (for the first agreement); or December 31, 2000 (for
the second agreement); or December 31, 2002 (for the third agreement); or if
it would result in the expense ratio exceeding 1.20% (for the first agreement
and for the period January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997) or 1.00% (for the
period January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998 and for the third agreement). The
Management Agreement also provides that one or more additional expense
limitation periods (of the same or different time periods) may be implemented
after the expiration of the current one, and that with respect to any such
additional limitation period, the Fund may reimburse Price-Fleming, provided
the reimbursement does not result in the Fund's aggregate expenses exceeding
the additional expense limitation.
Pursuant to the Global Bond Fund's expense limitations, management fees
aggregating $180,000 were not accrued for the year ended December 31, 1998,
another $68,000 remains subject to reimbursement through December 31, 2000.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
In the interest of limiting the expenses of the Fund during its initial
period of operations, Price-Fleming agreed to waive fees and bear any
expenses through December 31, 1996, which would cause the Fund's ratio of
expenses to average net assets to exceed 1.25%. Effective January 1, 1997,
Price-Fleming agreed to extend the Fund's existing expense limitation of
1.25% for a period of two years through December 31, 1998. Effective January
1, 1999, Price-Fleming agreed to extend the Fund's existing expense
limitation of 1.25% for
<PAGE>
a period of two years through December 31, 2000. Fees waived or expenses paid
or assumed under these agreements are subject to reimbursement to
Price-Fleming by the Fund whenever the Fund's expense ratio is below 1.25%;
however, no reimbursement will be made to Price-Fleming after December 31,
1998 (for the first agreement); or December 31, 2000 (for the second
agreement); or December 31, 2002 (for the third agreement); or if it would
result in the expense ratio exceeding 1.25%. The Management Agreement also
provides that one or more additional expense limitation periods (of the same
or different time periods) may be implemented after the expiration of the
current one, and that with respect to any such additional limitation period,
the Fund may reimburse Price-Fleming, provided the reimbursement does not
result in the Fund's aggregate expenses exceeding the additional expense
limitation.
Pursuant to Emerging Markets Bond Fund's expense limitation agreement,
$64,000 of management fees were not accrued for the year ended December 31,
1998. In addition, $128,000 of unaccrued management fees and other expenses
from prior years remains subject to reimbursement through December 31, 2000.
International Bond and Emerging Markets Bond Funds
T. Rowe Price Spectrum Fund, Inc.
The Funds are parties to Special Servicing Agreements ("Agreement") between
and among T. Rowe Price Spectrum Fund, Inc. ("Spectrum Fund"), T. Rowe Price,
Price-Fleming, and various other T. Rowe Price funds which, along with the
Funds, are funds in which Spectrum Fund invests (collectively all such funds
"Underlying Price Funds").
The Agreement provides that, if the Board of Directors of any Underlying
Price Fund determines that such Underlying Fund's share of the aggregate
expenses of Spectrum Fund is less than the estimated savings to the
Underlying Price Fund from the operation of Spectrum Fund, the Underlying
Price Fund will bear those expenses in proportion to the average daily value
of its shares owned by Spectrum Fund, provided further that no Underlying
Price Fund will bear such expenses in excess of the estimated savings to it.
Such savings are expected to result primarily from the elimination of
numerous separate shareholder accounts which are or would have been invested
directly in the Underlying Price Funds and the resulting reduction in
shareholder servicing costs. Although such cost savings are not certain, the
estimated savings to the Underlying Price Funds generated by the operation of
Spectrum Fund are expected to be sufficient to offset most, if not all, of
the expenses incurred by Spectrum Fund.
Management Related Services
As noted above, the Management Agreement spells out the expenses to be paid
by the Fund. In addition to the Management Fee, the Fund pays for the
following: shareholder service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and
audit fees; costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and reports sent to
shareholders; registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting
expenses (if any); and director fees and expenses.
T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price,
acts as the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and provides
shareholder and administrative services. Services for certain types of
retirement plans are provided by T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services,
Inc., also a wholly owned subsidiary. The address for each is 100 East Pratt
St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Additionally, T. Rowe Price, under a separate
agreement with the Funds, provides accounting services to the Funds.
The Funds paid the expenses shown in the following table for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998, to T. Rowe Price and its affiliates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Transfer Agent and Retirement Accounting
Fund Shareholder Services Subaccounting Services
---- -------------------- Services --------
--------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Global Bond $ 88,055 $ 4,000 $103,005
International Bond 1,018,908 40,000 129,709
Emerging Markets Bond 335,578 2,000 103,440
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Services, a Maryland corporation formed in 1980 as a wholly owned
subsidiary of T. Rowe Price, serves as Fund's distributor. Investment
Services is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. The offering of the Fund's shares is continuous.
Investment Services is located at the same address as the Fund and T. Rowe
Price-100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
Investment Services serves as distributor to the Fund pursuant to an
Underwriting Agreement ("Underwriting Agreement"), which provides that the
Fund will pay all fees and expenses in connection with: necessary state
filings; preparing, setting in type, printing, and mailing its prospectuses
and reports to shareholders; and issuing its shares, including expenses of
confirming purchase orders.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that Investment Services will pay all
fees and expenses in connection with: printing and distributing prospectuses
and reports for use in offering and selling Fund shares; preparing, setting
in type, printing, and mailing all sales literature and advertising;
Investment Services' federal and state registrations as a broker-dealer; and
offering and selling shares, except for those fees and expenses specifically
assumed by the Fund. Investment Services' expenses are paid by T. Rowe Price.
Investment Services acts as the agent of the Fund in connection with the sale
of its shares in the various states in which Investment Services is qualified
as a broker-dealer. Under the Underwriting Agreement, Investment Services
accepts orders for Fund shares at net asset value. No sales charges are paid
by investors or the Fund.
CUSTODIAN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the custodian for the Fund's U.S.
securities and cash, but it does not participate in the Fund's investment
decisions. Portfolio securities purchased in the U.S. are maintained in the
custody of the Bank and may be entered into the Federal Reserve Book Entry
System, or the security depository system of the Depository Trust
Corporation. State Street Bank's main office is at 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
The Fund has entered into a Custodian Agreement with The Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A., London, pursuant to which portfolio securities which are
purchased outside the United States are maintained in the custody of various
foreign branches of The Chase Manhattan Bank and such other custodians,
including foreign banks and foreign securities depositories as are approved
in accordance with regulations under the 1940 Act. The address for The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A., London is Woolgate House, Coleman Street, London, EC2P
2HD, England.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES BY OUTSIDE PARTIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund from time to time may enter into agreements with outside parties
through which shareholders hold Fund shares. The shares would be held by such
parties in omnibus accounts. The agreements would provide for payments by the
Fund to the outside party for shareholder services provided to shareholders
in the omnibus accounts.
CODE OF ETHICS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's investment adviser (Price-Fleming) has a written Code of Ethics
which requires all employees to obtain prior clearance before engaging in
personal securities transactions. Transactions must be executed
<PAGE>
within three business days of their clearance. In addition, all employees
must report their personal securities transactions within 10 days after the
end of the calendar quarter. Employees will not be permitted to effect
transactions in a security: if there are pending client orders in the
security; the security has been purchased or sold by a client within seven
calendar days; the security is being considered for purchase for a client; or
the security is subject to internal trading restrictions. In addition,
employees are prohibited from profiting from short-term trading (e.g.,
purchases and sales involving the same security within 60 days). Any material
violation of the Code of Ethics is reported to the Board of the Fund. The
Board also reviews the administration of the Code of Ethics on an annual
basis.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment or Brokerage Discretion
Decisions with respect to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities on
behalf of the Fund are made by Price-Fleming. Price-Fleming is also
responsible for implementing these decisions, including the negotiation of
commissions and the allocation of portfolio brokerage and principal business.
The Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio securities are normally done on a
principal basis and do not involve the payment of a commission although they
may involve the designation of selling concessions. That part of the
discussion below relating solely to brokerage commissions would not normally
apply to the Fund. However, it is included because Price-Fleming does manage
a significant number of common stock portfolios which do engage in agency
transactions and pay commissions and because some research and services
resulting from the payment of such commissions may benefit the Fund.
How Brokers and Dealers Are Selected
Equity Securities
In purchasing and selling equity securities, it is Price-Fleming's policy to
obtain quality execution at the most favorable prices through responsible
brokers and dealers and, in the case of agency transactions, at competitive
commission rates. However, under certain conditions, the Fund may pay higher
brokerage commissions in return for brokerage and research services. As a
general practice, over-the-counter orders are executed with market-makers. In
selecting among market-makers, Price-Fleming generally seeks to select those
it believes to be actively and effectively trading the security being
purchased or sold. In selecting broker-dealers to execute the Fund's
portfolio transactions, consideration is given to such factors as the price
of the security, the rate of the commission, the size and difficulty of the
order, the reliability, integrity, financial condition, general execution and
operational capabilities of competing brokers and dealers, their expertise in
particular markets and brokerage and research services provided by them. It
is not the policy of Price-Fleming to seek the lowest available commission
rate where it is believed that a broker or dealer charging a higher
commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or
execution services.
Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of brokerage commissions.
In transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions
are negotiated. Traditionally, commission rates have generally not been
negotiated on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years,
however, an increasing number of overseas stock markets have adopted a system
of negotiated rates, although a number of markets continue to be subject to
an established schedule of minimum commission rates. It is expected that
equity securities will ordinarily be purchased in the primary markets,
whether over-the-counter or listed, and that listed securities may be
purchased in the over-the-counter market if such market is deemed the primary
market. In the case of securities traded on the over-the-counter markets,
there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes an
undisclosed commission or markup. In underwritten offerings, the price
includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount.
Fixed Income Securities
For fixed income securities, it is expected that purchases and sales will
ordinarily be transacted with the issuer, the issuer's underwriter, or with a
primary market maker acting as principal on a net basis, with no brokerage
commission being paid by the Fund. However, the price of the securities
generally includes
<PAGE>
compensation which is not disclosed separately. Transactions placed through
dealers who are serving as primary market makers reflect the spread between
the bid and asked prices.
With respect to equity and fixed income securities, Price-Fleming may effect
principal transactions on behalf of the Funds with a broker or dealer who
furnishes brokerage and/or research services, designate any such broker or
dealer to receive selling concessions, discounts or other allowances, or
otherwise deal with any such broker or dealer in connection with the
acquisition of securities in underwritings. The prices the Fund pays to
underwriters of newly-issued securities usually include a concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter. Price-Fleming may receive research services in
connection with brokerage transactions, including designations in fixed price
offerings.
Price-Fleming may cause a Fund to pay a broker-dealer who furnishes brokerage
and/or research services a commission for executing a transaction that is in
excess of the commission another broker-dealer would have received for
executing the transaction if it is determined that such commission is
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services
which have been provided. In some cases, research services are generated by
third parties but are provided to Price-Fleming by or through broker-dealers.
Descriptions of Research Services Received From Brokers and Dealers
Price-Fleming receives a wide range of research services from brokers and
dealers covering investment opportunities throughout the world, including
information on the economies, industries, groups of securities, individual
companies, statistics, political developments, technical market action,
pricing and appraisal services, and performance analyses of all the countries
in which a Fund's portfolio is likely to be invested. Price-Fleming cannot
readily determine the extent to which commissions charged by brokers reflect
the value of their research services, but brokers occasionally suggest a
level of business they would like to receive in return for the brokerage and
research services they provide. To the extent that research services of value
are provided by brokers, Price-Fleming may be relieved of expenses which it
might otherwise bear. In some cases, research services are generated by third
parties but are provided to Price-Fleming by or through brokers.
Commissions to Brokers Who Furnish Research Services
Certain brokers-dealers that provide quality execution services also furnish
research services to Price-Fleming. Price-Fleming has adopted a brokerage
allocation policy embodying the concepts of Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, which permits an investment adviser to cause its
clients to pay a broker which furnishes brokerage or research services a
higher commission than that which might be charged by another broker which
does not furnish brokerage or research services, or which furnishes brokerage
or research services deemed to be of lesser value, if such commission is
deemed reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services provided
by the broker, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the
overall responsibilities of the adviser with respect to the accounts as to
which it exercises investment discretion. Accordingly, Price-Fleming may
assess the reasonableness of commissions in light of the total brokerage and
research services provided by each particular broker.
Miscellaneous
Research services furnished by brokers through which Price-Fleming effects
securities transactions may be used in servicing all accounts managed by
Price-Fleming. Conversely, research services received from brokers which
execute transactions for a particular Fund will not necessarily be used by
Price-Fleming exclusively in connection with the management of that Fund.
Some of Price-Fleming's other clients have investment objectives and programs
similar to those of the Fund. Price-Fleming may occasionally make
recommendations to other clients which result in their purchasing or selling
securities simultaneously with the Fund. As a result, the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold may
increase, and this could have an adverse effect on the price of those
securities. It is Price-Fleming's policy not to favor one client over another
in making recommendations or in placing orders. Price-Fleming frequently
follows the practice of grouping orders of various clients for execution
which generally results in lower commission rates being attained. In certain
cases, where the aggregate order is executed in a series of transactions at
various prices on a given day, each participating
<PAGE>
client's proportionate share of such order reflects the average price paid or
received with respect to the total order. Price-Fleming has established a
general investment policy that it will ordinarily not make additional
purchases of a common stock of a company for its clients (including the T.
Rowe Price Funds) if, as a result of such purchases, 10% or more of the
outstanding common stock of such company would be held by its clients in the
aggregate.
At the present time, T. Rowe Price does not recapture commissions or
underwriting discounts or selling group concessions in connection with
taxable securities acquired in underwritten offerings. T. Rowe Price does,
however, attempt to negotiate elimination of all or a portion of the
selling-group concession or underwriting discount when purchasing tax-exempt
municipal securities on behalf of its clients in underwritten offerings.
None of the Funds allocates business to any broker-dealer on the basis of its
sales of the Fund's shares. However, this does not mean that broker-dealers
who purchase Fund shares for their clients will not receive business from the
Fund.
Transactions With Related Brokers and Dealers
As provided in the Investment Management Agreement between the Fund and
Price-Fleming, Price-Fleming is responsible not only for making decisions
with respect to the purchase and sale of the Fund's portfolio securities, but
also for implementing these decisions, including the negotiation of
commissions and the allocation of portfolio brokerage and principal business.
It is expected that, from time to time, Price-Fleming may place orders for
the Fund's portfolio transactions with broker-dealer affiliates of Robert
Fleming Holdings Limited ("Robert Fleming" or "Flemings"), an affiliate of
Price-Fleming. Robert Fleming, through Copthall Overseas Limited, a wholly
owned subsidiary, owns 25% of the common stock of Price-Fleming. Fifty
percent of the common stock of Price-Fleming is owned by TRP Finance, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price, and the remaining 25% is owned by
Jardine Fleming Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Jardine Fleming Group
Limited ("JFG"). JFG is owned by Robert Fleming. The affiliates through whose
trading desks such orders may be placed include Fleming Investment Management
Limited ("FIM"), and Robert Fleming & Co. Limited ("RF&Co."). FIM and RF&Co.
are wholly owned subsidiaries of Robert Fleming. These trading desks will
operate under strict instructions from the Fund's portfolio manager with
respect to the terms of such transactions. Neither Robert Fleming, JFG, nor
their affiliates will receive any commission, fee, or other remuneration for
the use of their trading desks, although orders for a Fund's portfolio
transactions may be placed with affiliates of Robert Fleming and JFG who may
receive a commission.
The Board of Directors of the Funds has authorized Price-Fleming to utilize
certain affiliates of Robert Fleming and JFG in the capacity of broker in
connection with the execution of each Fund's portfolio transactions, provided
that Price-Fleming believes that doing so will result in an economic
advantage (in the form of lower execution costs or otherwise) being obtained
for each Fund. These affiliates include Jardine Fleming Securities Limited
("JFS"), RF&Co., Robert Fleming, Inc. (a New York brokerage firm), Ord
Minnett, Stockbrokers Botswana Ltd, and Fleming Martin.
The above-referenced authorization was made in accordance with Section 17(e)
of the 1940 Act and Rule 17e-1 thereunder which require the Funds'
independent Directors to approve the procedures under which brokerage
allocation to affiliates is to be made and to monitor such allocations on a
continuing basis. It is not expected that any portion of the commissions,
fees, brokerage, or similar payments received by the affiliates of Robert
Fleming in such transactions will be recaptured by the Funds. The Directors
have reviewed and from time to time may continue to review whether other
recapture opportunities are legally permissible and available and, if they
appear to be, determine whether it would be advisable for a Fund to seek to
take advantage of them.
<PAGE>
Other
The Funds engaged in portfolio transactions involving broker-dealers in the
following amounts for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and
1996 are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fund 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Global Bond $ 114,352,000 $ 375,060,000 $ 442,166,000
International Bond 2,088,214,000 4,630,176,000 8,215,010,000
Emerging Markets Bond 273,162,000 535,192,000 334,337,000
</TABLE>
The entire amount (in the table above) for each year represented principal
transactions as to which the Fund has no knowledge of the profits or losses
realized by the respective broker-dealers. Of all such portfolio
transactions, 0% were placed with firms which provided research, statistical,
or other services to Price-Fleming in connection with the management of the
Funds, or in some cases, to the Funds.
The portfolio turnover rates for the Fund (if applicable) for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fund 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Global Bond 136.2% 153.2% 262.6%
International Bond 128.9 155.9 234.0
Emerging Markets Bond 78.4 87.6 168.7
</TABLE>
PRICING OF SECURITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt securities are generally traded in the over-the-counter market and are
valued at a price deemed best to reflect fair value as quoted by dealers who
make markets in these securities or by an independent pricing service.
Short-term debt securities are valued at their amortized cost in local
currency which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates fair value.
Investments in mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per
share of the mutual fund on the day of valuation. In the absence of a last
sale price, purchased and written options are valued at the mean of the
latest bid and asked prices, respectively.
For the purposes of determining the Fund's net asset value per share, the
U.S. dollar value of all assets and liabilities initially expressed in
foreign currencies is determined by using the mean of the bid and offer
prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars quoted by a major bank.
Assets and liabilities for which the above valuation procedures are
inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value, are stated at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the officers
of the Fund, as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Trading in the portfolio securities of each Fund may take place in various
foreign markets on certain days (such as Saturday) when the Funds are not
open for business and do not calculate their net asset values. In addition,
trading in a Fund's portfolio securities may not occur on days when the Fund
is open.
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purchase and redemption price of the Fund's shares is equal to the Fund's
net asset value per share or share price. The Fund determines its net asset
value per share by subtracting its liabilities (including accrued expenses
and dividends payable) from its total assets (the market value of the
securities the Fund holds plus
<PAGE>
cash and other assets, including income accrued but not yet received) and
dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding. The net asset
value per share of the Fund is normally calculated as of the close of trading
on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") every day the NYSE is open for
trading. The NYSE is closed on the following days: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Determination of net asset value (and the offering, sale redemption and
repurchase of shares) for the Fund may be suspended at times (a) during which
the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (b)
during which trading on the NYSE is restricted, (c) during which an emergency
exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d) during which a
governmental body having jurisdiction over the Fund may by order permit such
a suspension for the protection of the Fund's shareholders; provided that
applicable rules and regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental
authority) shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b), (c),
or (d) exist.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unless you elect otherwise, dividends and capital gain distributions, if any,
will be reinvested on the reinvestment date using the NAV per share of that
date. The reinvestment date normally precedes the payment date by one day,
although the exact timing is subject to change and can be as great as 10
days.
TAX STATUS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Code.
Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders, if as expected, none
of the Fund's income consists of dividends paid by United States
corporations. Capital gain distributions paid from this Fund is never
eligible for this deduction. For tax purposes, it does not make any
difference whether dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in cash
or in additional shares. The Fund must declare dividends by December 31 of
each year equal to at least 98% of ordinary income (as of December 31) and
capital gains (as of October 31) in order to avoid a federal excise tax and
distribute within 12 months 100% of ordinary income and capital gains as of
December 31 to avoid federal income tax.
Foreign currency gains and losses, including the portion of gain or loss on
the sale of debt securities attributable to foreign exchange rate
fluctuation, are taxable as ordinary income. If the net effect of these
transactions is a gain, the ordinary income dividend paid by the Fund will be
increased. If the result is a loss, the income dividend paid by the Fund will
be decreased, or to the extent such dividend has already been paid a portion
may be classified as a return of capital. Adjustments, to reflect these gains
and losses will be made at the end of the Fund's taxable year.
At the time of your purchase, the Fund's net asset value may reflect
undistributed income, capital gains or net unrealized appreciation of
securities held by the Fund. A subsequent distribution to you of such
amounts, although constituting a return of your investment, would be taxable
either as dividends or capital gain distributions. For federal income tax
purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward its net realized capital
losses, if any, for eight years and realize net capital gains up to the
amount of such losses without being required to pay taxes on, or distribute
such gains.
Income received by the Fund from sources within various foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. Under the Code, if
more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its
taxable year comprise securities issued by foreign corporations or
governments, the Fund may file an election with the Internal Revenue Service
to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of any
<PAGE>
foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. Pursuant to this election,
shareholders will be required to: (1) include in gross income, even though
not actually received, their respective pro rata share of foreign taxes paid
by the Fund; (2) treat their pro rata share of foreign taxes as paid by them;
and (3) either deduct their pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing
their taxable income, or use it as a foreign tax credit against U.S. income
taxes (but not both). No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a
shareholder who does not itemize deductions.
The Fund intends to meet the requirements of the Code to "pass through" to
its shareholders foreign income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance
that a Fund will be able to do so. Each shareholder will be notified within
60 days after the close of each taxable year of the Fund, if the Fund will
"pass through" foreign taxes paid for that year, and, if so, the amount of
each shareholder's pro rata share (by country) of (1) the foreign taxes paid,
and (2) the Fund's gross income from foreign sources. Of course, shareholders
who are not liable for federal income taxes, such as retirement plans
qualified under Section 401 of the Code, will not be affected by any such
"pass through" of foreign tax credits.
If, in any taxable year, the Fund should not qualify as a regulated
investment company under the Code: (1) the Fund would be taxed at normal
corporate rates on the entire amount of its taxable income without deduction
for dividends or other distributions to shareholders; (2) the Fund's
distributions to the extent made out of the Fund's current or accumulated
earnings and profits would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends
(regardless of whether they would otherwise have been considered capital gain
dividends), and the Fund may qualify for the 70% deduction for dividends
received by corporations; and (3) foreign tax credits would not "pass
through" to shareholders.
Taxation of Foreign Shareholders
The Code provides that dividends from net income (which are deemed to include
for this purpose each shareholder's pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by
the Fund--see discussion of "pass through" of the foreign tax credit to U.S.
shareholders), will be subject to U.S. tax. For shareholders who are not
engaged in a business in the U.S., this tax would be imposed at the rate of
30% upon the gross amount of the dividends in the absence of a Tax Treaty
providing for a reduced rate or exemption from U.S. taxation. Distributions
of net long-term capital gains realized by the Fund are not subject to tax
unless the foreign shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was
physically present in the U.S. during the tax year for more than 182 days.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
The Fund may purchase the securities of certain foreign investment funds or
trusts called passive foreign investment companies. Such trusts have been the
only or primary way to invest in certain countries. In addition to bearing
their proportionate share of the trust's expenses (management fees and
operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar expenses
of such trusts. Capital gains on the sale of such holdings are considered
ordinary income regardless of how long the fund held its investment. In
addition, the Fund may be subject to corporate income tax and an interest
charge on certain dividends and capital gains earned from these investments,
regardless of whether such income and gains are distributed to shareholders.
To avoid such tax and interest, the Fund intends to treat these securities as
sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any gains for tax
purposes at that time; deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent
of any gains resulting from these deemed sales for prior taxable years. Such
gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income. The Fund will be
required to distribute any resulting income even though it has not sold the
security and received cash to pay such distributions.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return Performance
The Fund's calculation of total return performance includes the reinvestment
of all capital gain distributions and income dividends for the period or
periods indicated, without regard to tax consequences to a shareholder in the
Fund. Total return is calculated as the percentage change between the
beginning value of a static account in the Fund and the ending value of that
account measured by the then current net asset value, including all shares
acquired through reinvestment of income and capital gain dividends. The
results shown are historical and should not be considered indicative of the
future performance of the Fund. Each average annual compound rate of return
is derived from the cumulative performance of the Fund over the time period
specified. The annual compound rate of return for the Fund over any other
period of time will vary from the average.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative Performance Percentage Change
1 Yr. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs. % Since Inception
----- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Ended Ended Ended Inception Date
----- ----- ----- --------- ----
12/31/98 12/31/98 12/31/98 12/31/98
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Global Bond Fund 11.93% 38.85% -- 77.37% 12/31/90
J.P. Morgan Global Bond
Index Plus
International Bond Fund 15.03 40.90 129.04% 197.06 09/10/86
J.P. Morgan Non-U.S.
Index Plus 16.42
Emerging Markets Bond
Fund -23.09 -- -- 54.61 12/30/94
J.P. Morgan Emerging 70.95
Markets Bond Index Plus
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Compound Rates of Return
1 Yr. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs. % Since Inception
----- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Ended Ended Ended Inception Date
----- ----- ----- --------- ----
12/31/98 12/31/98 12/31/98 12/31/98
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
Global Bond Fund 11.93% 6.78% -- 7.43% 12/31/90
J.P. Morgan Global Bond
Index Plus --
International Bond Fund 15.03 7.10 8.64% 9.25 09/10/86
J.P. Morgan Non-U.S.
Index Plus 16.42
Emerging Markets Bond
Fund -23.09 -- -- 11.50 12/30/94
J.P. Morgan Emerging
Markets Bond Index Plus
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Outside Sources of Information
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature: (1) the Fund's
total return performance, ranking, or any other measure of the Fund's
performance may be compared to any one or combination of the following: (a) a
broad-based index; (b) other groups of mutual funds, including T. Rowe Price
Funds, tracked by independent research firms ranking entities, or financial
publications; (c) indices of securities comparable to those in which the Fund
invests; (2) the Consumer Price Index (or any other measure for inflation,
government statistics, such as GNP may be used to illustrate investment
attributes of the Fund or the general economic, business, investment, or
financial environment in which the Fund operates; (3) various financial,
economic and market statistics developed by brokers, dealers and other
persons may be used to illustrate aspects of the Fund's performance; (4) the
effect of tax-deferred compounding on the Fund's investment
<PAGE>
returns, or on returns in general in both qualified and nonqualified
retirement plans or any other tax advantage product, may be illustrated by
graphs, charts, etc.; and (5) the sectors or industries in which the Fund
invests may be compared to relevant indices or surveys in order to evaluate
the Fund's historical performance or current or potential value with respect
to the particular industry or sector.
Other Publications
From time to time, in newsletters and other publications issued by Investment
Services, T. Rowe Price mutual fund portfolio managers may discuss economic,
financial and political developments in the U.S. and abroad and how these
conditions have affected or may affect securities prices or the Fund;
individual securities within the Fund's portfolio; and their philosophy
regarding the selection of individual stocks, including why specific stocks
have been added, removed or excluded from the Fund's portfolio.
Other Features and Benefits
The Fund is a member of the T. Rowe Price family of Funds and may help
investors achieve various long-term investment goals, which include, but are
not limited to, investing money for retirement, saving for a down payment on
a home, or paying college costs. To explain how the Fund could be used to
assist investors in planning for these goals and to illustrate basic
principles of investing, various worksheets and guides prepared by T. Rowe
Price and/or Investment Services may be made available.
No-Load Versus Load and 12b-1 Funds
Unlike the T. Rowe Price funds, many mutual funds charge sales fees to
investors or use fund assets to finance distribution activities. These fees
are in addition to the normal advisory fees and expenses charged by all
mutual funds. There are several types of fees charged which vary in magnitude
and which may often be used in combination. A sales charge (or "load") can be
charged at the time the fund is purchased (front-end load) or at the time of
redemption (back-end load). Front-end loads are charged on the total amount
invested. Back-end loads or "redemption fees" are charged either on the
amount originally invested or on the amount redeemed. 12b-1 plans allow for
the payment of marketing and sales expenses from fund assets. These expenses
are usually computed daily as a fixed percentage of assets.
The Fund is a no-load fund which imposes no sales charges or 12b-1 fees.
No-load funds are generally sold directly to the public without the use of
commissioned sales representatives. This means that 100% of your purchase is
invested for you.
Redemptions in Kind
In the unlikely event a shareholder were to receive an in kind redemption of
portfolio securities of the Fund, brokerage fees could be incurred by the
shareholder in a subsequent sale of such securities.
Issuance of Fund Shares for Securities
Transactions involving issuance of Fund shares for securities or assets other
than cash will be limited to (1) bona fide reorganizations; (2) statutory
mergers; or (3) other acquisitions of portfolio securities that: (a) meet the
investment objective and policies of the Fund; (b) are acquired for
investment and not for resale except in accordance with applicable law; (c)
have a value that is readily ascertainable via listing on or trading in a
recognized United States or international exchange or market; and (d) are not
illiquid.
YIELD INFORMATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECIn conformity with regulations of the SEC, an income factor is calculated
for each security in the portfolio, based upon the security's market value at
the beginning of the period and expected yield-to-maturity. The income
factors are then totalled for all securities in the portfolio. Next, expenses
of the Fund for the period, net of expected reimbursements, are deducted from
the income to arrive at net income, which is then converted to a per-share
amount by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding
during the period. The net income per share is divided by the net asset value
on the last day of the period to produce
<PAGE>
a monthly yield which is then annualized. Quoted yield factors are for
comparison purposes only, and are not intended to indicate future performance
or forecast the dividend per share of the Fund.
Global Bond Fund
The Fund's yield calculated as set forth above for the month ended December
31, 1998 was 4.41%.
International Bond Fund
The Fund's yield calculated as set forth above for the month ended December
31, 1998 was 3.99%.
Emerging Markets Bond Fund
The Fund's yield calculated as set forth above for the month ended December
31, 1998 was 13.82%.
CAPITAL STOCK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. (the "Corporation") is a Maryland
corporation. The Corporation is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as
a diversified, open-end investment company, commonly known as a "mutual
fund."
Currently, the Corporation consists of the following 12 series, each
representing a separate class of shares and having different objectives and
investment policies. The 12 series are as follows: International Stock Fund,
International Bond Fund, International Discovery Fund, European Stock Fund,
New Asia Fund, Global Bond Fund, Japan Fund, Latin America Fund, Emerging
Markets Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Stock Fund, Global Stock Fund, and
International Growth & Income Fund. Effective May 1, 1998, the T. Rowe Price
Global Government Bond Fund changed its name to the T. Rowe Price Global Bond
Fund. (The equity funds are described in a separate Statement of Additional
Information.) The Charter also provides that the Board of Directors may issue
additional series of shares.
The Fund's Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to classify and
reclassify any and all shares which are then unissued, including unissued
shares of capital stock into any number of classes or series, each class or
series consisting of such number of shares and having such designations, such
powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions,
as shall be determined by the Board subject to the Investment Company Act and
other applicable law. The shares of any such additional classes or series
might therefore differ from the shares of the present class and series of
capital stock and from each other as to preferences, conversions or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption, subject to applicable
law, and might thus be superior or inferior to the capital stock or to other
classes or series in various characteristics. The Board of Directors may
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of
shares of stock of any class or series that the Fund has authorized to issue
without shareholder approval.
Each share of each series has equal voting rights with every other share of
every other series, and all shares of all series vote as a single group
except where a separate vote of any class or series is required by the 1940
Act, the laws of the State of Maryland, the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation, the By-Laws of the Corporation, or as the Board of Directors
may determine in its sole discretion. Where a separate vote is required with
respect to one or more classes or series, then the shares of all other
classes or series vote as a single class or series, provided that, as to any
matter which does not affect the interest of a particular class or series,
only the holders of shares of the one or more affected classes or series is
entitled to vote. The preferences, rights, and other characteristics
attaching to any series of shares, including the present series of capital
stock, might be altered or eliminated, or the series might be combined with
another series, by action approved by the vote of the holders of a majority
of all the shares of all series entitled to be voted on the proposal, without
any additional right to vote as a series by the holders of the capital stock
or of another affected series.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held (and
fractional votes for fractional shares held) and will vote in the election of
or removal of directors (to the extent hereinafter provided) and on other
<PAGE>
matters submitted to the vote of shareholders. There will normally be no
meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing directors unless and
until such time as less than a majority of the directors holding office have
been elected by shareholders, at which time the directors then in office will
call a shareholders' meeting for the election of directors. Except as set
forth above, the directors shall continue to hold office and may appoint
successor directors. Voting rights are not cumulative, so that the holders of
more than 50% of the shares voting in the election of directors can, if they
choose to do so, elect all the directors of the Fund, in which event the
holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any person as a
director. As set forth in the By-Laws of the Fund, a special meeting of
shareholders of the Fund shall be called by the Secretary of the Fund on the
written request of shareholders entitled to cast at least 10% of all the
votes of the Fund entitled to be cast at such meeting. Shareholders
requesting such a meeting must pay to the Fund the reasonably estimated costs
of preparing and mailing the notice of the meeting. The Fund, however, will
otherwise assist the shareholders seeking to hold the special meeting in
communicating to the other shareholders of the Fund to the extent required by
Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.
FEDERAL REGISTRATION OF SHARES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's shares are registered for sale under the 1933 Act. Registration of
the Fund's shares is not required under any state law, but the Fund is
required to make certain filings with and pay fees to the states in order to
sell its shares in the states.
LEGAL COUNSEL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP, whose address is 919 Third Avenue, New
York, New York 10022-9998, is legal counsel to the Fund.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 250 West Pratt Street, 21st Floor, Baltimore,
Maryland 21201, are the independent accountants to the Funds.
All Funds
The financial statements of the Funds for the year ended December 31, 1998,
and the report of independent accountants are included in each Fund's Annual
Report for the year ended December 31, 1998. A copy of each Annual Report
accompanies this Statement of Additional Information. The following financial
statements and the report of independent accountants appearing in each Annual
Report for the year ended December 31, 1998, are incorporated into this
Statement of Additional Information by reference:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
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ANNUAL REPORT REFERENCES:
INTERNATIONAL EMERGING GLOBAL
BOND MARKETS ------
---- BOND BOND
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Report of Independent Accountants 52 52 52
Portfolio of Investments, December 31, 1998 26-32 34-40 19-24
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, year
ended December 31, 1998 33 41 25
Statement of Operations, year ended
December 31, 1998 42 42 42
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 44 45 43
Notes to Financial Statements, December 31,
1998 46-51 46-51 46-51
Financial Highlights 17 18 16
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RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
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Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa-Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge."
Aa-Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together
with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally know as high-grade bonds.
A-Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
considered as upper medium-grade obligations.
Baa-Bonds rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any
great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics
and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba-Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements: their futures
cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterize bonds in this class.
B-Bonds rated B generally lack the characteristics of a desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms
of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa-Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca-Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked short-comings.
C-Bonds rated C represent the lowest-rated, and have extremely poor prospects
of attaining investment standing.
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Standard & Poor's Corporation
AAA-This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to a debt
obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
AA-Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to
pay principal and interest is very strong.
A-Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB-Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds
in this category than for bonds in the A category.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C-Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, and CC are regarded on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation
and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds will likely have
some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
D-In default.
Fitch IBCA, Inc.
AAA-High grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and
fiduciary institutions, and liable to but slight market fluctuation other
than through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of a "AAA" bond is
the showing of earnings several times or many times interest requirements for
such stability of applicable interest that safety is beyond reasonable
question whenever changes occur in conditions. Other features may enter, such
as wide margin of protection through collateral, security or direct lien on
specific property. Sinking funds or voluntary reduction of debt by call or
purchase or often factors, while guarantee or assumption by parties other
than the original debtor may influence their rating.
AA-Of safety virtually beyond question and readily salable. Their merits are
not greatly unlike those of "AAA" class but a bond so rated may be junior
though of strong lien, or the margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The
issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secured, but
influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and
more local type of market.
A-Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB-Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions ad
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings
of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with
higher ratings.
BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded on balance as predominantly speculative
with respect to the issuer's capacity to repay interest and repay principal
in accordance with the terms of the obligation for bond issues not in
default. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest
degree of speculation. The rating takes into consideration special features
of the issue, its relationship to other obligations of the issuer, and the
current and prospective financial condition and operating performance of the
issuer.
