SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (No. 2-41839)
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 [X]
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (No. 811-2105)
UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. [ ]
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
82 Devonshire St., Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number: 617-563-7000
Arthur S. Loring, Secretary
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
( ) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
(x ) on ( June 24, 1996 ) pursuant to paragraph (b)
( ) 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
( ) on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
( ) 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
( ) on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
( ) this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed
post-effective amendment.
Registrant has filed a declaration pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and intends to file the Notice required by
such Rule before June 29, 1996.
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST:
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER PROSPECTUS SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 .............................. Cover Page
2 a .............................. Expenses
b, c .............................. Contents; The Funds at a Glance;
Who May Want to Invest
3 a, b .............................. Financial Highlights
c, d .............................. Performance
4 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... The Funds at a Glance; Investment
Principles and Risks
b .............................. Investment Principles and Risks
c .............................. Who May Want to Invest; Investment
Principles and Risks
5 a .............................. Charter
b i............................. Cover Page; The Funds at a Glance;
Doing Business with Fidelity;
Charter
ii........................... Charter
iii.......................... Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
c .............................. Charter
d .............................. Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
e .............................. Cover Page; Charter
f .............................. Expenses
g i............................. Charter
.
ii............................ *
..
5 A .............................. Performance
6 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... How to Buy Shares; How to Sell
Shares; Transaction Details;
Exchange Restrictions
iii.......................... Charter
b ............................. Charter
c .............................. Transaction Details;
Exchange Restrictions
d .............................. *
e .............................. Doing Business with Fidelity; How
to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Investor Services
f, g .............................. Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
7 a .............................. Cover Page, Charter;
b .............................. Expenses; How to Buy Shares;
Transaction Details
c .............................. *
d .............................. How to Buy Shares
e .............................. *
f .............................. Breakdown of Expenses
8 .............................. How to Sell Shares; Investor
Services; Transaction Details;
Exchange Restrictions
9 .............................. *
</TABLE>
*Not applicable
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(CONTINUED)
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10, 11 ............................ Cover Page
12 ............................ Description of the Trust
13 a - c ............................ Investment Policies and Limitations
d ............................ Portfolio Transactions
14 a - c ............................ Trustees and Officers
15 a, b ............................ *
c ............................ Trustees and Officers
16 a i ............................ FMR; Portfolio Transactions
ii ............................ Trustees and Officers
iii ............................ Management Contracts
b ............................ Management Contracts
c, d ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
e ............................ *
f ............................ Distribution and Service Plans
g ............................ *
h ............................ Description of the Trust
i ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
17 a - d ............................ Portfolio Transactions
e ............................ *
18 a ............................ Description of the Trust
b ............................ *
19 a ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption
Information
b ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption
Information; Valuation of Portfolio
Securities
c ............................ *
20 ............................ Distributions and Taxes
21 a, b ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
c ............................ *
22 a ............................ *
b ............................ Performance
23 ............................ Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how each
fund invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about the funds and their investments, you can obtain a copy
of each fund's most recent financial report and portfolio listing, or a
copy of the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated June 24, 1996.
The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and is available along with other related materials, for reference on
the SEC's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is
incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the
prospectus). For a free copy of either document, call Fidelity at
1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
BON-pro-696
Each fund invests normally in investment-grade debt securities.
Short-Term Bond seeks high current income with preservation of capital.
Investment Grade Bond seeks high current income from securities with longer
maturities.
FIDELITY
SHORT-TERM
BOND
FUND
and
FIDELITY
INVESTMENT
GRADE BOND
FUND
PROSPECTUS
JUNE 24, 1996 (FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON,
MA 02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUNDS AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES Each fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of each fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How each fund has
done over time.
THE FUNDS IN DETAIL CHARTER How each fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
Each fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
KEY FACTS
THE FUNDS AT A GLANCE
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager.
As with any mutual fund, there is no assurance that a fund will achieve its
goal.
SHORT-TERM BOND
GOAL: High current income with preservation of capital.
STRATEGY: Invests normally in investment-grade debt securities while
maintaining an average maturity of three years or less.
SIZE: As of April 30, 1996, the fund had over $ 1 billion in assets.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
GOAL: High current income.
STRATEGY: Invests normally in investment-grade debt securities.
SIZE: As of April 30, 1996, the fund had over $ 1.3 billion in
assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
Either fund may be appropriate for investors who seek high current income
with a focus on investment-grade debt securities. A fund's level of risk
and potential reward depend on the quality and maturity of its investments.
Short-Term Bond is designed to offer greater share price stability by
investing in shorter-term securities. Investment Grade Bond, because it can
invest in securities with any maturity, has potential for higher
yields and capital appreciation, but also carries more risk.
The value of the funds' investments and the income they generate will vary
from day to day, and generally reflect interest rates, market conditions,
and other economic and political news. When you sell your shares, they may
be worth more or less than what you paid for them. By themselves, the funds
do not constitute a balanced investment plan.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking
to maximize return must
assume greater risk. The
funds in this prospectus are
in the INCOME category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(right arrow) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly in
stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you pay when you buy, sell or
hold shares of a fund. See page for more information about these fees.
Maximum sales charge on purchases and
reinvested distributions None
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Exchange fee None
Annual account maintenance fee
(for accounts under $2500) $12.00
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of each fund's assets. Each
fund pays a management fee to FMR. It also incurs other expenses for
services such as maintaining shareholder records and furnishing shareholder
statements and financial reports. The fund's expenses are factored into its
share price or dividends and are not charged directly to shareholder
accounts (see page ).
The following are based on historical expenses, and are calculated as a
percentage of average net assets. Each fund has entered into
arrangements with its custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned
on uninvested cash balances is used to reduce custodian and
transfer agent expenses. If these reductions are included, the total
fund operating expenses presented in the tables would be .68 % for
Short-Term Bond and .76% for Investment Grade Bond.
SHORT-TERM BOND
Management fee .45 %
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .24 %
Total fund operating expenses .69 %
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
Management fee .45 %
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .32 %
Total fund operating expenses .77 %
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that each fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you
close your account after the number of years indicated:
SHORT-TERM BOND
After 1 year $ 7
After 3 years $ 22
After 5 years $ 38
After 10 years $ 86
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
After 1 year $ 8
After 3 years $ 25
After 5 years $ 43
After 10 years $ 95
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables that follow are included in each fund's Annual Report and have
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants. Their
reports on the financial statements and financial highlights are included
in the Annual Reports. The financial statements and financial highlights
are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) the funds'
Statement of Additional Information.
SHORT-TERM BOND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1.Selected Per-Share
Data and Ratios
2.Years
ended 1996 1995F 1994C 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987D
April 30
3.Net asset
value, $ 8.72 $ 9.08 $ 9.51 $ 9.43 $ 9.18 $ 9.17 $ 9.18 $ 9.47 $ 9.67 $ 10.0
beginning of
period 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00
4.Income
from .579 .344 .588 .744 .810 .792 .778 .809 .840 .481
Investment
Operations
Net investment
income
5. Net
realized (.020) (.156) (.392) .063 .251 .040 (.010) (.290) (.200) (.330)
and E
unrealized gain
(loss)
6. Total
from .559 .188 .196 .807 1.061 .832 .768 .519 .640 .151
investment
operations
7.Less (.504) (.430) (.592) (.727) (.811) (.822) (.778) (.809) (.840) (.481)
Distributions
From net
investment income
8. In excess
of -- -- (.034) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
net
investment
income
9. Return
of (.055) (.118) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
capital
10. Total (.559) (.548) (.626) (.727) (.811) (.822) (.778) (.809) (.840) (.481)
distributions
11.Net
asset $ 8.72 $ 8.72 $ 9.08 $ 9.51 $ 9.43 $ 9.18 $ 9.17 $ 9.18 $ 9.47 $ 9.67
value, end
of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
period
12.Total
returnA,G 6.52 2.17 1.99 8.85 12.00 9.49 8.58 5.74 6.91 1.49
% % % % % % % % % %
13.Net
assets, $ 1,04 $ 1,30 $ 1,96 $ 1,99 $ 984 $ 235 $ 197 $ 237 $ 382 $ 137
end of
period 8 4 2 0
(In millions)
14.Ratio of .69% .69% .80% .77% .86% .83% .83% .89% .88% .90%
expenses H H,I
to average net
assets
15.Ratio of .68% .69% .80% .77% .86% .83% .83% .89% .88% .90%I
expenses to B
average net assets
after expense
reductions
16.Ratio of
net 6.37 6.37 6.70 7.68 8.23 8.65 8.28 8.77 8.77 8.40
investment
income % % % % % % % % % %I
to average net
assets
17.Portfolio 151% 113% 73% 63% 87% 164% 148% 171% 251% 149%I
turnover rate
</TABLE>
A THE TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN
REDUCED DURING THE PERIODS SHOWN.
B FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
C EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
D FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 1986 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS).
E THE AMOUNT SHOWN FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING DOES NOT CORRESPOND WITH THE
AGGREGATE NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DUE TO THE TIMING OF
SALES AND REPURCHASES OF FUND SHARES IN RELATION TO FLUCTUATING MARKET
VALUES OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND.
F AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO CONFORM WITH PRESENT PERIOD ACCOUNTING
POLICIES.
G TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED.
H FMR AGREED TO REIMBURSE A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES DURING THE
PERIOD. WITHOUT THIS REIMBURSEMENT, THE FUND'S EXPENSE RATIO WOULD HAVE
BEEN HIGHER.
I ANNUALIZED
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
18.Selected Per-Share Data and
Ratios
19.Years ended April
30 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
A
20.Net asset
value, $ 7.01 $ 7.30 $ 7.57 $ 7.07 $ 6.83 $ 6.56 $ 6.67 $ 6.77 $ 7.00 $ 7.46
beginning of
period 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21.Income
from .484 .464 .522 .570 .591 .592 .597 .595 .609 .674
Investment Operations
Net investment
income
22. Net
realized and .047 (.147) (.254) .499 .244 .277 (.110) (.095) (.230) (.460)
unrealized gain (loss)
23. Total
from .531 .317 .268 1.069 .835 .869 .487 .500 .379 .214
investment
operations
24.Less
Distributions (.471) (.487) (.525) (.569) (.595) (.599) (.597) (.600) (.609) (.674)
From net investment
income
25. In excess
of net -- -- (.013) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
investment income
26. From net
realized -- (.120) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
gain
27. In excess
of net (.030) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
realized gain
28. Total
distributions (.501) (.607) (.538) (.569) (.595) (.599) (.597) (.600) (.609) (.674)
29.Net asset
value, $ 7.04 $ 7.01 $ 7.30 $ 7.57 $ 7.07 $ 6.83 $ 6.56 $ 6.67 $ 6.77 $ 7.00
end of period
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30.Total
returnC 7.62 4.63 3.35 15.63 12.63 13.82 7.31 7.74 5.75 2.86
% % % % % % % % % %
31.Net assets,
end of $ 1,35 $ 1,08 $ 943 $ 1,01 $ 943 $ 455 $ 360 $ 334 $ 316 $ 384
period (In
millions) 8 7 8
32.Ratio of
expenses to .77% .75% .74% .68% .70% .67% .70% .66% .76% .69%
average net assets
33.Ratio of
expenses to .76% .75% .74% .68% .70% .67% .70% .66% .76% .69%
average net assets
after B
expense reductions
34.Ratio of
net 6.58 7.00 6.94 7.74 8.29 8.84 8.76 8.91 8.95 9.17
investment
income to % % % % % % % % % %
average net assets
35.Portfolio
turnover 134% 90% 61% 74% 77% 101% 103% 128% 118% 127%
rate
</TABLE>
A EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
B FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
C THE TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN
REDUCED DURING THE PERIOD SHOWN.
PERFORMANCE
Bond fund performance can be measured as TOTAL RETURN or YIELD. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes.
Each fund's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30. The tables below
show each fund's performance over past fiscal years compared to different
measures, including a comparative index and a competitive funds average.
The charts on page present calendar-year performance.
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment in a fund over a given
period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period of
time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of return that,
if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return
if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results.
YIELD refers to the income generated by an investment in a fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. Yields are
calculated according to a standard that is required for all stock and bond
funds. Because this differs from other accounting methods, the quoted yield
may not equal the income actually paid to shareholders.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal periods ended Past 1 Past 5 Past 10
April 30, 1996 year years years
Short-Term Bond 6.52 % 6.23 % 6.57 %
A
Lehman Bros. 1-3 Yr. Gov't/Corp. Bond 6.92 % 6.37 % n/a
Index
Lipper Sht. Inv. Gr. Debt Funds Avg. 6.47 % 6.03 % n/a
Investment Grade Bond 7.62 % 8.67 % 8.05 %
Lehman Bros. Aggregate Bond Index 8.64 % 8.13 % 8.50 %
Lipper Corp. Debt BBB Funds Avg. 8.95 % 9.11 % 8.48 %
</TABLE>
A FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 1986
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal periods ended Past 1 Past 5 Past 10
April 30, 1996 year years years
Short-Term Bond 6.52 % 35.31 % 84.58 %
A
Lehman Bros. 1-3 Yr. Gov't/Corp. Bond 6.92 % 36.16 % n/a
Index
Lipper Sht. Inv. Gr. Debt Funds Avg. 6.47 % 34.06 % n/a
Investment Grade Bond 7.62 % 51.55 % 116.92 %
Lehman Bros. Aggregate Bond Index 8.64 % 47.82 % 126.10 %
Lipper Corp. Debt BBB Funds Avg. 8.95 % 54.82 % 126.34 %
</TABLE>
A FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 1986
THE LEHMAN BROTHERS 1-3 YEAR GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND INDEX , the
comparative index for Short-Term Bond, is comprised of government and
corporate fixed-rate debt issues. Issues included in the Index have
maturities of one to three years.
SHORT-TERM BOND
Calendar year total returns 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Short-Term Bond 3.97% 5.71% 10.52% 5.78% 14.03% 7.39% 9.13% -4.09% 9.
82%
Lehman Bros. 1-3 Yr.
Govt./Corp. Bond Index 5.76% 6.34% 10.97% 9.69% 11.83% 6.35% 5.55% 0.55%
10.
96%
Lipper Sht. Inv. Gr. Debt
Funds Avg. 4.32% 6.86% 10.22% 7.87% 12.88% 5.97% 6.45% -0.44% 10
.84%
Consumer Price Index 4.43% 4.42% 4.65% 6.11% 3.06% 2.90% 2.75% 2.67% 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 3.97
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 5.71
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 10.52
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 5.78
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 14.03
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 7.39
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 9.129999999999999
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: -4.09
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 9.82
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Short-Term
Bond
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
Calendar year total returns 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
1995
Investment Grade Bond 13.62% .11% 7.92% 13.00% 6.07% 18.91% 8.31% 16.23%
- -5.35
% 15.51%
Lehman Bros. Aggregate
Bond Index 15.26% 2.76% 7.89% 14.53% 8.96% 16.00% 7.40% 9.75% -2.92%
18.47%
Lipper Corp. Debt BBB
Funds Avg. 15.02% 2.93% 9.32% 10.48% 5.06% 18.53% 8.79% 13.67% -4.69
% 20.07%
Consumer Price Index 1.10% 4.43% 4.42% 4.65% 6.11% 3.06% 2.90% 2.75% 2.67%
2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 13.62
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 0.11
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 7.92
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 13.0
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 6.07
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 18.91
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 8.31
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 16.23
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: -5.35
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 15.51
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Investment
Grade Bond
THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX, the comparative index for
Investment Grade Bond, is comprised of fixed-rate debt issues, including
government, corporate, asset-backed, and mortgage-backed securities. Issues
included in the Index are rated investment-grade or above and have
maturities of at least one year.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGES are the Lipper Short Investment Grade
Debt Funds Average (Short-Term Bond) and the Lipper Corporate Debt BBB
Funds Average (Investment Grade Bond), which currently reflect the
performance of over 98 and 92 mutual funds, respectively, with similar
objectives. These averages, which assume reinvestment of distributions, are
published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. government.
The funds' recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
UNDERSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Because these funds invest in
fixed-income securities, their
performance is related to
changes in interest rates.
Funds that hold short-term
bonds are usually less affected
by changes in interest rates
than long-term bond funds.
For that reason, long-term
bond funds typically offer
higher yields and carry more
risk than short-term bond
funds.
(checkmark)
THE FUNDS IN DETAIL
CHARTER
EACH FUND IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools shareholders' money
and invests it toward a specified goal. Each fund is a diversified fund of
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 5, 1984.
EACH FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the funds' activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
funds, and review the funds' performance. The majority of trustees are not
otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUNDS MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These
meetings may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental
policies, approve a management contract, or for other purposes.
Shareholders not attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy.
Fidelity will mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and
information about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are
entitled to is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The funds are managed by FMR, which chooses their investments and handles
their business affairs. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR
U.K.), in London, England, and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East)
Inc. (FMR Far East), in Tokyo, Japan, assist FMR with foreign investments.
Charles Morrison is manager of Short-Term Bond, which he has managed
since February 1995. He also manages Spartan Short-Term Bond and Advisor
Short-Fixed-Income. Mr. Morrison is vice president of Fidelity Management
Trust Company. He joined Fidelity in 1987.
Michael Gray is manager and vice president of Fidelity Investment Grade
Bond, which he has managed since September 1987. Mr. Gray also manages
several Fidelity funds. Mr. Gray joined Fidelity in 1982.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
FDC distributes and markets Fidelity's funds and services. Fidelity Service
Co. (FSC) performs transfer agent servicing functions for each fund.
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR U.K., and FMR Far
East. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners
of a class of shares of common stock representing approximately 49% of the
voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act), control of a company is presumed where one individual or group
of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company;
therefore, the Johnson family may be deemed under the 1940 Act to form a
controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
A broker-dealer may use a portion of the commissions paid by a fund to
reduce custodian or transfer agent fees for the fund. FMR may use its
broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund shares to carry out
a fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives brokerage services
and commission rates comparable to those of other broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
EACH FUND'S INVESTMENT APPROACH
Short-Term Bond seeks as high a level of current income as consistent with
preservation of capital, by normally investing in fixed-income
obligations of investment-grade quality . Although the fund can invest
in securities of any maturity, the fund maintains a dollar-weighted average
maturity of three years or less under normal conditions. In determining a
security's maturity for purposes of calculating the fund's average
maturity, an estimate of the average time for its principal to be paid may
be used. This can be substantially shorter than its stated final maturity.
As of April 30, 1996, the fund's dollar-weighted average maturity
was approximately 2.2 years.
Investment Grade Bond seeks high current income, consistent with reasonable
risk, by normally investing in fixed-income obligations of
investment-grade quality. The fund also considers preservation of
capital and, where appropriate, takes advantage of opportunities to realize
capital appreciation. Although the fund can invest in securities of any
maturity, FMR seeks to manage the fund so that it generally reacts to
changes in interest rates similarly to bonds with maturities between four
and ten years. As of April 30, 1996, the fund's dollar-weighted average
maturity was approximately 7.4 years.
Both funds may also invest in futures contracts and other derivatives to
adjust their investment exposure. Short-Term Bond limits its average
maturity to three years or less while Investment Grade Bond has no stated
maturity policy.
The total return from a bond is a combination of income and price gains or
losses. While income is the most important component of bond returns over
time, a fund's emphasis on income does not mean that a fund invests only in
the highest-yielding bonds available, or that it can avoid risks to
principal. In selecting investments for the funds, FMR considers a bond's
income potential together with its potential for price gains or losses. FMR
focuses on assembling a portfolio of income-producing securities that it
believes will provide the best tradeoff between risk and return within the
range of securities that are eligible investments for the funds.
Each fund's yield and share price change daily and are based on changes in
interest rates, market conditions, and other economic and political news,
and on the quality and maturity of it's investments. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. This effect is
usually more pronounced for longer-term securities. Lower-quality
securities offer higher yields, but also carry more risk. FMR may use
various investment techniques to hedge a portion of the funds' risks, but
there is no guarantee that these strategies will work as intended. When you
sell your shares of the funds, they may be worth more or less than what you
paid for them.
FMR normally invests each fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. Each fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
investment-grade money market instruments and Investment Grade Bond may
invest in short-term debt instruments for temporary, defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which a fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of a fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlier in this section.
A complete listing of each fund's limitations and more detailed information
about each fund's investments are contained in a fund's SAI. Policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of instruments
is not required in the event of a subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with a fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help a fund achieve its goal.
Fund holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in each fund's
financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year. For a free
SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or
variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current
interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. In
general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Debt
securities, loans, and other direct debt have varying degrees of
quality and varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes
than short-term bonds.
Investment-grade debt securities are medium- and high-quality securities.
Some, however, may possess speculative characteristics and may be more
sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial condition of
issuers.
RESTRICTIONS: A fund normally invests in investment-grade securities, but
reserves the right to invest up to 5% of its assets in below
investment-grade securities (sometimes called "junk bonds") . A
security is considered to be investment grade if it is rated
investment - grade by Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's,
Duff and Phelps Credit Rating Co. , or Fitch Investor Service,
L . P ., or is unrated but judged to be of equivalent quality by
FMR.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES are high-quality, short-term obligations issued by
the U.S. Government, corporations, financial institutions, and other
entities. These obligations may carry fixed, variable, or floating interest
rates.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are high-quality debt instruments issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of
the U.S. Government. Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States. For example, securities issued
by the Federal National Mortgage Association are supported by the
instrumentality's right to borrow money from the U.S. Treasury under
certain circumstances. However, securities issued by the Federal Farm
Credit Bank Funding Corporation are supported only by the credit of the
entity that issued them.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve additional risks and considerations. These include risks relating
to political or economic conditions in foreign countries, fluctuations in
foreign currencies, withholding or other taxes, operational risks,
increased regulatory burdens, and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Additionally,
governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to repay
principal and interest when due and may require that the conditions for
payment be renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign investments,
especially those in developing countries, more volatile than U.S.
investments.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES include interests in pools of lower-rated debt
securities or consumer loans. The value of these securities may be
significantly affected by changes in the market's perception of the issuers
and the creditworthiness of the parties involved.
MORTGAGE SECURITIES are interests in pools of commercial or residential
mortgages, and may include complex instruments such as collateralized
mortgage obligations and stripped mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage
securities may be issued by the U.S. Government or by private entities. For
example, Ginnie Maes are interests in pools of mortgage loans insured or
guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency. Because mortgage securities pay
both interest and principal as their underlying mortgages are paid off,
they are subject to prepayment risk. This is especially true for stripped
securities. Also, the value of a mortgage security may be significantly
affected by changes in interest rates. Some mortgage securities may have a
structure that makes their reaction to interest rates and other factors
difficult to predict, making their value highly volatile.
STRIPPED SECURITIES are the separate income or principal components of a
debt security. Their risks are similar to those of other debt securities,
although they may be more volatile and the value of certain types of
stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, a fund buys a security at
one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. A fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or other factors that
affect security values. These techniques may involve derivative
transactions such as buying and selling options and futures contracts,
entering into currency exchange contracts or swap agreements, and
purchasing indexed securities.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of a fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with a
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of a fund and may involve a small investment of
cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by
FMR, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which
means that they may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price.
The sale of some illiquid securities and some other securities may be
subject to legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result
in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
RESTRICTIONS: A fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than
10% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date.
The market value of a security could change during this period.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS may include convertible securities and preferred stocks.
DIVERSIFICATION. Diversifying a fund's investment portfolio can reduce the
risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, Short-Term Bond and
Investment Grade Bond may not purchase a security if, as a result, more
than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of
any issuer. A fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any
one industry. These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities.
BORROWING. Each fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If a fund borrows money, its
share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is
paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: Each fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency
purposes, but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
LENDING securities to broker-dealers and institutions, including Fidelity
Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI), an affiliate of FMR, is a means of earning
income. This practice could result in a loss or a delay in recovering a
fund's securities. A fund may also lend money to other funds advised by
FMR.
RESTRICTIONS: Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 331/3% of a fund's
total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. The
following paragraphs restate all those that are fundamental. All policies
stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in the
following paragraphs, can be changed without shareholder approval.
SHORT-TERM BOND seeks to obtain a high level of current income, consistent
with preservation of capital, by investing primarily in a broad range of
fixed-income securities.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND seeks to provide a high rate of income, consistent
with reasonable risk, by investing in a broad range of fixed-income
securities. In addition, the fund seeks to protect your capital. Where
appropriate, the fund will take advantage of opportunities to realize
capital appreciation.
EACH FUND, with respect to 75% of total assets, may not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in any one issuer. Each fund may not invest more than
25% of its total assets in any one industry. Each fund may borrow only for
temporary or emergency purposes, but not in an amount exceeding 33% of its
total assets. Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 33% of a fund's total
assets.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the funds pay fees related to their daily
operations. Expenses paid out of a fund's assets are reflected in its share
price or dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor
deducted from shareholder accounts.
Each fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs. FMR in turn pays fees to affiliates who provide
assistance with these services. Each fund also pays OTHER EXPENSES, which
are explained on page .
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the funds for management
fees and other expenses above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to
be repaid by a fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the
end of the fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated
at any time without notice, can decrease a fund's expenses and boost its
performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. The fee is
calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, and
multiplying the result by the fund's average net assets.
The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of all the mutual
funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above .37%, and it drops as
total assets under management increase.
For April 19 9 6, the group fee rate was . 1458 %. The individual
fee rate for each fund is .30%. Each fund's total management fee rate for
fiscal 1996 was . 45 %.
FMR HAS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. These
sub-advisers provide FMR with investment research and advice on issuers
based outside the United States. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%, respectively,
of the costs of providing these services.
OTHER EXPENSES
While the management fee is a significant component of the funds' annual
operating costs, the funds have other expenses as well.
The funds contract with FSC to perform many transaction and accounting
functions. These services include processing shareholder transactions,
valuing each fund's investments, and handling securities loans. In fiscal
1996, Short-Term Bond and Investment Grade Bond paid FSC fees equal to
.23 % and .30 %, respectively, of average net assets.
The funds also pay other expenses, such as legal, audit, and custodian
fees; proxy solicitation costs; and the compensation of trustees who are
not affiliated with Fidelity.
Each fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. These plans
recognize that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay
expenses associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments
to third parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder
support services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is
important to note, however, that the funds do not pay FMR any separate fees
for this service.
For fiscal 199 6 , the portfolio turnover rates for Short-Term Bond
and Investment Grade Bond were 151 % and 134 %, respectively.
These rates vary from year to year. High turnover rates increase
transaction costs and may increase taxable capital gains. FMR considers
these effects when evaluating the anticipated benefits of short-term
investing.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, FBSI. Fidelity is also a leader
in providing tax-sheltered retirement plans for individuals investing on
their own or through their employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a representative in person, Fidelity has
over 80 walk-in Investor Centers across the country.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in a fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in a fund through a brokerage account.
If you are investing through FBSI or another financial institution or
investment professional, refer to its program materials for any special
provisions regarding your investment in the fund.
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in the table that follows.
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If your employer offers a fund through a retirement program,
contact your employer for more information. Otherwise, call Fidelity
directly.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds
in the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 215
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $ 386 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 26 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 225
(checkmark)
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
(solid bullet) 401(K) PROGRAMS allow employees of corporations of all sizes
to contribute a percentage of their wages on a tax-deferred basis. These
accounts need to be established by the trustee of the plan.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
EACH FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. Each fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $2,500
For Fidelity retirement accounts $500
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $250
For Fidelity retirement accounts $250
Through automatic investment plans $100
MINIMUM BALANCE $1,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $500
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio Advisory
Services or a Fidelity Payroll Deduction Program account in the fund. Refer
to the program materials for details.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to the complete
check payable to the name of the fund.
complete name of the Indicate your fund
fund of your choice. account number on
Mail to the address your check and mail to
indicated on the the address printed on
application. your account statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify the complete
Bank Routing name of the fund and
#021001033, include your account
Account #00163053. number and your
Specify the complete name.
name of the fund and
include your new
account number and
your name.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, leave at least $1,000
worth of shares in the account to keep it open ($500 for retirement
accounts).
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in the table
that follows.
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
CHECKWRITING
If you have a checkbook for your account, you may write an unlimited number
of checks. Do not, however, try to close out your account by check.
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received by Fidelity
before 4 p.m. Eastern time
for money to be wired on the
next business day.
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Check (check_graphic) All account types: (small solid bullet) Minimum check: $500.
(small solid bullet) All account owners must sign
a signature card to receive a
checkbook.
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(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT BALANCES
1-800-544-7544
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
QUOTES
1-800-544-8544
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more
than one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports , prospectuses, or historical account information.
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing.
Note that exchanges out of a fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE(registered trademark) enables you to transfer money by
phone between your bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are
complete within three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDERSM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
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DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY FUNDA
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
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<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE THEIR SHARE PRICES FLUCTUATE, THESE FUNDS MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE
CHOICES FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
Each fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and
capital gains to shareholders each year. Income dividends are declared
daily and paid monthly. Capital gains are normally distributed in June and
December.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. Each fund offers four
options:
1. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
3. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gain
distributions.
4. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
Dividends will be reinvested at the fund's NAV on the last day of the
month. Capital gain distributions will be reinvested at the NAV as of the
date the fund deducts the distribution from its NAV. The mailing of
distribution checks will begin within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
Each fund earns interest from
its investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund may
realize capital gains if it sells
securities for a higher price
than it paid for them. These
are passed along as CAPITAL
GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in a fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid
on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, each fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to other
Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive
when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of a fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares just before a fund deducts a capital
gain distribution from its NAV, you will pay the full price for the shares
and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable
distribution.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may impose taxes on a fund and
its investments and these taxes generally will reduce the fund's
distributions. However, an offsetting tax credit or deduction may be
available to you. If so, your tax statement will show more taxable income
or capital gains than were actually distributed by the fund, but will also
show the amount of the available offsetting credit or deduction.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, a fund may
have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUNDS ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates each fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
EACH FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
Each fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency
into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If quotations are not
readily available, or if the values have been materially affected by events
occurring after the closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a
method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
EACH FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require a fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. Each fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of a fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) Each fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees a fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
(small solid bullet) You begin to earn dividends as of the first business
day following the day of your purchase.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
YOU MAY BUY OR SELL SHARES OF THE FUNDS THROUGH AN INVESTMENT
PROFESSIONAL, INCLUDING A BROKER, who may charge you a transaction fee
for this service. If you invest through an investment professional, read
your investment professional's program materials for any additional service
features or fees that may apply. Certain features of the fund, such as the
minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts, may be modified.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when a fund is priced on the
following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect a fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; however, shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) Each fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
(small solid bullet) If you sell shares by writing a check and the amount
of the check is greater than the value of your account, your check will be
returned to you and you may be subject to additional charges.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $60.00 per shareholder. It is expected that accounts will
be valued on the second Friday in November of each year. Accounts opened
after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that year. The fee,
which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to offset in part the
relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts. The fee will not be
deducted from retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement
accounts), accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in
Fidelity funds exceed $50,000. Eligibility for the $50,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity mutual fund accounts maintained by FSC
or FBSI which are registered under the same social security number or which
list the same social security number for the custodian of a Uniform
Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $1,000, you will be given 30 days'
notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase your
balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send the
proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day your
account is closed.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
FDC may, at its own expense, provide promotional incentives to qualified
recipients who support the sale of shares of the funds without
reimbursement from the funds. Qualified recipients are securities dealers
who have sold fund shares or others, including banks and other financial
institutions, under special arrangements in connection with FDC's sales
activities. In some instances, these incentives may be offered only to
certain institutions whose representatives provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of significant amounts of shares.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of a fund for
shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be registered
for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, each fund reserves the right to temporarily or
permanently terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more
than four exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under
common ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) Each fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if a fund
receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions
of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides
with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to a fund.
Although the funds will attempt to give you prior notice whenever they are
reasonably able to do so, they may impose these restrictions at any time.
The funds reserve the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege
in the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
FUNDS OF FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 24, 1996
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the funds' current Prospectus (dated June 24, 1996) . Please retain
this document for future reference. The funds' financial statements and
financial highlights, included in Annual Reports for the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference. To obtain an
additional copy of the Prospectus or an Annual Report, please call Fidelity
Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contracts
Distribution and Service Plans
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
Appendix
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributor's Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Co . (FSC)
BON-ptb-696
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of a fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
A fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be changed
without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund. However, except
for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment
policies and limitations described in this Statement of Additional
Information are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder
approval.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND
(SHO RT-TERM BOND)
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
(a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer;
(2) issue senior securities except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
sale of restricted securities or the purchase of bonds in accordance with
the fund's investment objective, policies, and limitations, either directly
from the issuer, or from an underwriter for an issuer, may be deemed to be
underwriting;
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if,
as a result, more than 25% of the value of its total assets would be
invested in securities of companies having their principal business
activities in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements.
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to invest in interests i n
real estate investment trusts that are not readily marketable, or to invest
in interests in real estate limited partnerships that are not listed on the
New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or traded on the
NASDAQ National Market System.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 7.5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements.)
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply to securities received as dividends, through offers of
exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or merger.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer if those officers and Trustees of the trust and those officers and
directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities
of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions"
beginning on page .
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND
( INVESTMENT GRADE BOND )
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
(a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities;
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal
business activities are in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities);
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements; or
(9) invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to invest in interests in
r eal estate investment trusts that are not readily marketable, or to
invest in interests in real estate limited partnerships that are not listed
on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or traded on
the NASDAQ National Market System.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 7.5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements.)
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply to securities received as dividends, through offers of
exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or merger.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer if those officers and Trustees of the trust and those officers and
directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities
of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other
special purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions"
beginning on page .
Each fund's investments must be consistent with its investment objective
and policies. Accordingly, not all of the security types and investment
techniques discussed below are eligible investments for each of the funds.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. A fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. government
securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers
in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term
borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has established and
periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving
affiliated financial institutions.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each fund may purchase the
shares of closed-end investment companies to facilitate investment in
certain countries. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade at a
premium or a discount to their net asset value.
DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. Each fund may buy and sell securities on a
delayed-delivery or when-issued basis. These transactions involve a
commitment by a fund to purchase or sell specific securities at a
predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after
the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no
interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. The
funds may receive fees for entering into delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, each fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. Because a fund is not required to pay for securities until
the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with
the fund's other investments. If a fund remains substantially fully
invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the
delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When
delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the fund will set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its
purchase obligations. When a fund has sold a security on a delayed-delivery
basis, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with
respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery
transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the fund could miss
a favorable price or yield opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Each fund may renegotiate delayed-delivery transactions after they are
entered into, and may sell underlying securities before they are delivered,
which may result in capital gains or losses.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S.
investments. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and
of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will
fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
Foreign investments involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments,
and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the
interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include the possibility of
expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or
convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There
is no assurance that FMR will be able to anticipate these potential events
or counter their effects. These risks are magnified for investments in
developing countries, which may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade
a small number of securities.
Economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. It is
anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the
United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading practices,
including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be
released prior to receipt of payment, may result in increased risk in the
event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. In addition, the costs of foreign
investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investors. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. It may
also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to
those applicable to U.S. issuers.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United
States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depository Receipts (ADR's) as well as other "hybrid" forms of
ADRs including European Depository Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depository
Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a
foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and
generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar
financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may
not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may
charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and
interest and corporate actions. ADRs are an alternative to directly
purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and
currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks
associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks
of the underlying issuer's country.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The funds may conduct foreign currency
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. The funds will convert currency on a spot basis from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they
do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which
they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the fund at one rate, while offering a lesser
rate of exchange should the fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the
contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
Each fund may use currency forward contracts for any purpose consistent
with its investment objective. The following discussion summarizes the
principal currency management strategies involving forward contracts that
could be used by each fund. The funds may also use swap agreements, indexed
securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign
currencies for the same purposes.
When a fund agrees to buy or sell 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 U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transaction, the fund will be able to protect itself
against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or
received. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "settlement hedge"
or "transaction hedge." The funds may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or
sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific
investments have not yet been selected by FMR.
The funds may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example,
if a fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter
into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars
to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes
in security values caused by other factors. A fund could also hedge the
position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the
pound sterling - for example, by entering into a forward contract to sell
Deutschemarks or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. This
type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer
advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not
hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars.
Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not
perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are
denominated.
Each fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure
from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from
U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another
foreign currency. For example, if a fund held investments denominated in
Deutschemarks, the fund could enter into forward contracts to sell
Deutschemarks and purchase Swiss Francs. This type of strategy, sometimes
known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the
currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is
purchased, much as if the fund had sold a security denominated in one
currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another.
Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged
currency, but will cause the fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the
value of the currency it purchases.
Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover
currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the funds will
segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose
is essentially speculative. The funds will not segregate assets to cover
forward contracts entered into for hedging purposes, including settlement
hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on FMR's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Currency management strategies
may substantially change a fund's investment exposure to changes in
currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the fund if
currencies do not perform as FMR anticipates. For example, if a currency's
value rose at a time when FMR had hedged a fund by selling that currency in
exchange for dollars, the fund would be unable to participate in the
currency's appreciation. If FMR hedges currency exposure through proxy
hedges, a fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the
security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in
tandem. Similarly, if FMR increases a fund's exposure to a foreign
currency, and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss.
There is no assurance that FMR's use of currency management strategies will
be advantageous to the funds or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
FUNDS' RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The funds do not intend to direct or
administer the day-to-day operations of any company. Each fund, however,
may exercise its rights as a shareholder and may communicate its views on
important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, and
shareholders of a company when FMR determines that such matters could have
a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company.
The activities that a fund may engage in, either individually or in
conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing
proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities;
seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in
a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of
the company or a portion of its assets; or supporting or opposing third
party takeover efforts. This area of corporate activity is increasingly
prone to litigation and it is possible that a fund could be involved in
lawsuits related to such activities. FMR will monitor such activities with
a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation
against a fund and the risk of actual liability if a fund is involved in
litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against a
fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies, OTC
Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The funds will comply
with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of options
and futures strategies by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so require
will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account
in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be
sold while the futures or option strategy is outstanding, unless they are
replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility
that segregation of a large percentage of a fund's assets could impede
portfolio management or the fund's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. A fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, a fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The funds may invest in options and
futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities,
or other characteristics from the securities in which they typically
invest, which involves a risk that the options or futures position will not
track the performance of a fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in a fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated with
its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains
or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When a fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
a fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index. Futures can
be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before then if a
liquid secondary market is available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative
price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be
entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. Each fund has filed a
notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The funds intend to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the funds can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, each fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the funds' investments in futures contracts and
options, and the funds' policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information, may be
changed as regulatory agencies permit.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for a fund to
enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary
market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions,
and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until
delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a
fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or futures
positions could also be impaired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Currency futures
contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that
they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally
is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase
the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the
right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options
and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed above. The
funds may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write
currency options to increase or decrease their exposure to different
foreign currencies. A fund may also purchase and write currency options in
conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of
a fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a
fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's
creditworthiness. Because the value of a fund's foreign-denominated
investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates,
it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures
to the value of the fund's investments exactly over time.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the funds greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, a fund obtains
the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. A fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in
the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When a fund writes a put option, it takes the
opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for
receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the strike
price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the
option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. A fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates a fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of a fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of a fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by a fund to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, non-government stripped fixed-rate
mortgage-backed securities, and over-the-counter options. Also, FMR may
determine some restricted securities, government-stripped fixed-rate
mortgage-backed securities, loans and other direct debt instruments,
emerging market securities, and swap agreements to be illiquid. However,
with respect to over-the-counter options a fund writes, all or a portion of
the value of the underlying instrument may be illiquid depending on the
assets held to cover the option and the nature and terms of any agreement
the fund may have to close out the option before expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, a fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. Each fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies,
precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators.
Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or
deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference
to a specific instrument or statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for
example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on the price
of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities typically are
short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or
interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more
specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting
in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument,
or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase,
resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on
the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices
that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies
relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they
are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the
United States and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject
to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their
values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness
deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks,
corporations, and certain U.S. government agencies. Indexed securities may
be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, each fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Interfund
loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum
duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A fund
will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those
available from other short-term instruments (such as repurchase
agreements), and will borrow through the program only when the costs are
equal to or lower than the cost of bank loans. A fund may have to borrow
from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not
renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost
investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
LOANS AND OTHER DIRECT DEBT INSTRUMENTS. Direct debt instruments are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower
to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to
suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to
other parties. Direct debt instruments are subject to each fund's policies
regarding the quality of debt securities.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily
upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and
interest. Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally
recognized rating service. If a fund does not receive scheduled interest or
principal payments on such indebtedness, the fund's share price and yield
could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer a fund more
protections than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled
interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation
of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation,
or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose
creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be
highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may
never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the
amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries also involves a
risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the
debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal when
due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to a fund.
For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the fund could become part owner of
any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with
owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that
under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the fund could be held
liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary. Direct debt
instruments that are not in the form of securities may offer less legal
protection to a fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In the
absence of definitive regulatory guidance, each fund relies on FMR's
research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation
could adversely affect the fund.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that
acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan,
as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or
other indebtedness, each fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it
may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against
a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of a fund were
determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors,
the fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the
loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or
interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by each fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments
obligating the fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may
have the effect of requiring the fund to increase its investment in a
borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the
borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
Each fund will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated
custodial account to cover its potential obligations under standby
financing commitments.
Each fund limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one
issuer or in issuers within the same industry (see limitations ( 1)
and ( 5). For purposes of these limitations, each fund generally will
treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the
case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution
serves as financial intermediary between each fund and the borrower, if the
participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor
relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require the fund, in
appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending
institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a
financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict a fund's
ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial
intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry,
even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and
industries.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The funds may purchase mortgage-backed
securities issued by government and non-government entities such as banks,
mortgage lenders, or other financial institutions. A mortgage-backed
security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of
mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some
mortgage-backed securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations or
CMOs, make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of
intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate
and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage-backed
securities are based on different types of mortgages including those on
commercial real estate or residential properties. Other types of
mortgage-backed securities will likely be developed in the future, and the
funds may invest in them if FMR determines they are consistent with the
funds' investment objective and policies.
The value of mortgage-backed securities may change due to shifts in the
market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may
adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government
mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than those issued by
government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than
government issues. Mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment
risk. Prepayment, which occurs when unscheduled or early payments are made
on the underlying mortgages, may shorten the effective maturities of these
securities and may lower their total returns.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the fund
from the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the
securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank, marked-to-market
daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the
accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently appear possible to
eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility
that the value of the underlying security will be less than the resale
price, as well as delays and costs to a fund in connection with bankruptcy
proceedings), it is each fund's current policy to engage in repurchase
agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been
reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where
registration is required, a fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the
registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time
it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to sell a
security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a
period, adverse market conditions were to develop, a fund might obtain a
less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of
the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement. A
fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties whose
creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such transactions may
increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's assets and may be
viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. A fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which a fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES are created when a U.S. government
agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal
components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual
securities. The holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while
the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments
from the same underlying security.
The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may be particularly
affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall, prepayment
rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase
prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of
investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap
agreements may increase or decrease a fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign
currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other
factors such as security prices or inflation rates. Swap agreements can
take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. A fund is
not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if FMR determines it
is consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to exchange
payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and
increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and
floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on
how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall
volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and yield.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that
determine the amounts of payments due to and from a fund. If a swap
agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make
such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness
declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline,
potentially resulting in losses. Each fund expects to be able to eliminate
its exposure under swap agreements either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same
party or a similarly creditworthy party.
Each fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If a fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If a fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
VARIABLE OR FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS bear variable or floating interest
rates and carry rights that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain
financial intermediaries. Floating rate instruments have interest rates
that change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate while
variable rate instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in
the interest rate. These formulas are designed to result in a market value
for the instrument that approximates its par value.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. Zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments;
instead, they are sold at a deep discount from their face value and are
redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not
pay current income, their prices can be very volatile when interest rates
change. In calculating its dividends, a fund takes into account as income a
portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and
its face value.
A broker-dealer creates a DERIVATIVE ZERO by separating the interest and
principal components of a U.S. Treasury security and selling them as two
individual securities. CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities), TIGRs (Treasury Investment Growth Receipts), and TRs (Treasury
Receipts) are examples of derivative zeros.
The Federal Reserve Bank creates STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and Principal of Securities) by separating the interest and
principal components of an outstanding U.S. Treasury bond and selling them
as individual securities. Bonds issued by the Resolution Funding
Corporation (REFCORP) and the Financing Corporation (FICO) can also be
separated in this fashion. ORIGINAL ISSUE ZEROS are zero coupon securities
originally issued by the U.S. government, a government agency, or a
corporation in zero coupon form.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of each fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the
management contract. FMR is also responsible for the placement of
transaction orders for other investment companies and accounts for which it
or its affiliates act as investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers,
subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR
considers various relevant factors, including, but not limited to: the size
and type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for
the security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement
capability, and financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the
broker-dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the
reasonableness of any commissions. Commissions for investments traded on
foreign exchanges will be higher than for investments traded on U.S.
exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation.
The funds may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who
provide research and execution services to the funds or other accounts over
which FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services
may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) based upon the quality
of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the funds may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the funds or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the funds. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause
each fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith
that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers,
viewed in terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall
responsibilities to the funds and its other clients. In reaching this
determination, FMR will not attempt to place a specific dollar value on the
brokerage and research services provided, or to determine what portion of
the compensation should be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the funds or shares of other Fidelity
funds to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services
provided by and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services,
Inc. (FBSI) and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR
Corp., if the commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to
commissions charged by non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for
similar services. From September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated
under the name Fidelity Brokerage Services Limited, Inc. (FBSL). As of
January 1995, FBSL was converted to an unlimited liability company and
assumed the name FBS. Prior to September 4, 1992, FBSL operated under the
name Fidelity Portfolio Services, Ltd. (FPSL) as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Fidelity International Limited (FIL). Edward C. Johnson 3d is Chairman
of FIL. Mr. Johnson 3d, Johnson family members, and various trusts for the
benefit of the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of
the voting common stock of FIL.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
Each fund's Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions
on behalf of the funds and review the commissions paid by each fund over
representative periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in
relation to the benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1996 and 1995, the portfolio turnover
rates were 151 % and 113%, respectively, for Short-Term Bond and
134 % and 90%, respectively, for Investment Grade Bond. Because a
high turnover rate increases transaction costs and may increase taxable
gains, FMR carefully weighs the anticipated benefits of short-term
investing against these consequences.
For fiscal 1996 , 1995, and 1994, Investment Grade Bond paid
brokerage commissions of $ 6,202, $ 2,898 , and $0,
respectively. Short-Term Bond paid no brokerage commissions for fiscal
1996, 1995, and 1994. Each fund pays both commissions and spreads in
connection with the placement of portfolio transactions.
D uring fiscal 199 6 , the Investment Grade Bond paid
$ 6,202 in commissions to brokerage firms that provided research
services involving approximately $ 3,030,995 of transactions. The
provision of research services was not necessarily a factor in the
placement of all this business with such firms.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the funds of some portion of the brokerage commissions or
similar fees paid by the funds on portfolio transactions is legally
permissible and advisable. Each fund seeks to recapture soliciting
broker-dealer fees on the tender of portfolio securities, but at present no
other recapture arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue
to review whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally
permissible and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business
judgment whether it would be advisable for each fund to seek such
recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of each fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for each fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as each fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the funds to participate in volume transactions
will produce better executions and prices for the funds. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to each fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be
said to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily
available are valued at market values determined by their most recent bid
prices (sales prices if the principal market is an exchange) in the
principal market in which such securities normally are traded. Securities
and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available
(including restricted securities, if any) are appraised at their fair value
as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures under the
general supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Securities may also be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
pricing service that uses both dealer-supplied valuations and evaluations
based on expert analysis of market data and other factors if such
valuations are believed to reflect more accurately the fair value of such
securities. Use of a pricing service has been approved by the Board of
Trustees. There are a number of pricing services available, and the
Trustees, or officers acting on behalf of the Trustees, on the basis of
ongoing evaluation of these pricing services, may use other pricing
services or may discontinue the use of any pricing service in whole or in
part.
Securities not valued by the pricing service, and for which quotations are
readily available, are valued at market values determined on the basis of
their latest available bid prices as furnished by recognized dealers in
such securities. Futures contracts and options are valued on the basis of
market quotations, if available.
PERFORMANCE
The funds may quote performance in various ways. All performance
information supplied by the funds in advertising is historical and is not
intended to indicate future returns. Each fund's share price, yield, and
total return fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors,
and the value of fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their
original cost.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields for a fund are computed by dividing the fund's
interest income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of expenses, by
the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the
period, dividing this figure by the fund's net asset value (NAV) at the end
of the period, and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income)
in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. Income is calculated for
purposes of yield quotations in accordance with standardized methods
applicable to all stock and bond funds. In general, interest income is
reduced with respect to bonds trading at a premium over their par value by
subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is
increased with respect to bonds trading at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. For a fund's investments denominated in
foreign currencies, income and expenses are calculated first in their
respective currencies, and are then converted to U.S. dollars, either when
they are actually converted or at the end of the 30-day or one month
period, whichever is earlier. Capital gains and losses generally are
excluded from the calculation as are gains and losses from currency
exchange rate fluctuations.
Income calculated for the purposes of calculating a fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding of income
assumed in yield calculations, a fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account, or the income reported
in the fund's financial statements.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing a fund's performance and in
providing a basis for comparison with other investment alternatives.
However, each fund's yield fluctuates, unlike investments that pay a fixed
interest rate over a stated period of time. When comparing investment
alternatives, investors should also note the quality and maturity of the
portfolio securities of respective investment companies they have chosen to
consider.
Investors should recognize that in periods of declining interest rates a
fund's yield will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates,
and in periods of rising interest rates the fund's yield will tend to be
somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net
new money to a fund from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be
invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the
fund's holdings, thereby reducing the fund's current yield. In periods of
rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to occur.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of a fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's NAV over a
stated period. Average annual total returns are calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical investment in a
fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded
percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of
growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. For example,
a cumulative total return of 100% over ten years would produce an average
annual total return of 7.18%, which is the steady annual rate of return
that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years. While
average annual total returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that a fund's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
total returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, a fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis. Total returns, yields, and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using a fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by a fund and
reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, a fund's
adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following table shows each fund's yield and
total returns for periods ended April 30, 19 96.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
30-Day One Five Ten One Five Ten
Yield Year Years Years Year Years Years
Short-Term Bond 5.68 % 6.52 % 6.23 % 6.57 %* 6.52 % 35.31 % 84.58 %*
Investment Grade Bond 5.92 % 7.62 % 8.67 % 8.05 % 7.62 % 51.55 % 116.92 %
</TABLE>
* From September 15, 1986 (commencement of operations).
The tables on the following page show the income and capital elements of
each fund's cumulative total return. The table compares each fund's return
to the record of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500), the Dow
Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living (measured by the
Consumer Price Index, or CPI) over the same period. The CPI information is
as of the month end closest to the initial investment date for each fund.
The S&P 500 and DJIA comparisons are provided to show how each fund's total
return compared to the record of a broad average of common stocks and a
narrower set of stocks of major industrial companies, respectively, over
the same period. Of course, since each fund invests in fixed-income
securities, common stocks represent a different type of investment from the
fund. Common stocks generally offer greater growth potential than the
funds, but generally experience greater price volatility, which means
greater potential for loss. In addition, common stocks generally provide
lower income than a fixed-income investment such as the funds. Figures for
the S&P 500 and DJIA are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of stocks
and, unlike the funds' returns, do not include the effect of paying
brokerage commissions or other costs of investing.
During the period from September 15, 1986 (commencement of operations) to
April 30, 1996, a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Short-Term Bond
would have grown to $ 18,458 , assuming all distributions were
reinvested. This was a period of fluctuating interest rates and bond prices
and the figures below should not be considered representative of the
dividend income or capital gain or loss that could be realized from an
investment in the fund today.
FIDELITY SHORT-TERM BOND FUND INDICES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year
Ended Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
April 30 Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 8,720 $ 9,738 $ 0 $ 18,458 $ 38,267 $ 42,847 $ 14,183
1995 $ 8,720 $ 8,608 $ 0 $ 17,328 $ 29,388 $ 32,504 $ 13,784
1994 $ 9,080 $ 7,880 $ 0 $ 16,960 $ 25,020 $ 26,959 $ 13,376
1993 $ 9,510 $ 7,120 $ 0 $ 16,630 $ 23,755 $ 24,413 $ 13,067
1992 $ 9,430 $ 5,848 $ 0 $ 15,278 $ 21,743 $ 23,224 $ 12,659
1991 $ 9,180 $ 4,461 $ 0 $ 13,641 $ 19,065 $ 19,360 $ 12,269
1990 $ 9,170 $ 3,288 $ 0 $ 12,458 $ 16,210 $ 17,148 $ 11,697
1989 $ 9,180 $ 2,294 $ 0 $ 11,474 $ 14,662 $ 15,036 $ 11,171
1988 $ 9,470 $ 1,381 $ 0 $ 10,851 $ 11,929 $ 12,185 $ 10,626
1987* $ 9,670 $ 479 $ 0 $ 10,149 $ 12,755 $ 13,266 $ 10,227
</TABLE>
* From September 15, 1986 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 made on September
15, 1986, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The cost of
the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost of
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period covered
(their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 20,345 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 6,999 for
dividends and $ 0 for capital gains distributions. Tax consequences
of different investments have not been factored into the above figures.
During the ten year period ended April 30, 1996, a hypothetical $10,000
investment in Investment Grade Bond would have grown to $ 21,692 ,
assuming all distributions were reinvested. This was a period of
fluctuating interest rates and bond prices and the figures below should not
be considered representative of the dividend income or capital gain or loss
that could be realized from an investment in the fund today.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIDELITY INVESTMENT GRADE BOND FUND INDICES
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
April 30 Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 9,437 $ 11,859 $ 396 $ 21,692 $ 37,959 $ 42,814 $ 14,392
1995 $ 9,397 $ 10,449 $ 3 11 $ 2 0,157 $ 29,151 $ 32,475 $ 1 3,987
1994 $ 9,786 $ 9,479 $ 0 $ 19,265 $ 24,818 $ 26,938 $ 13, 573
1993 $ 1 0,147 $ 8,493 $ 0 $ 18,640 $ 23,563 $ 24,394 $ 13, 260
1992 $ 9,477 $ 6,644 $ 0 $ 16,121 $ 21,568 $ 23,206 $ 1 2,845
1991 $ 9,155 $ 5,158 $ 0 $ 1 4,313 $ 18,911 $ 19,345 $ 12, 449
1990 $ 8,794 $ 3,783 $ 0 $ 1 2,577 $ 16,080 $ 17,135 $ 1 1,869
1989 $ 8,941 $ 2,778 $ 0 $ 1 1,719 $ 14,544 $ 15,024 $ 11, 335
1988 $ 9,075 $ 1,802 $ 0 $ 1 0,877 $ 1 1,833 $ 12,176 $ 10, 783
1987 $ 9,383 $ 903 $ 0 $ 1 0,286 $ 1 2,652 $ 1 3,256 $ 10, 378
</TABLE>
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 made on April
30, 1986, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The cost
of the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost of
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period covered
(their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 22,329 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 7,692 for
dividends and $ 201 for capital gains distributions. Tax consequences
of different investments have not been factored into the above figures.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. A fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Lipper generally ranks funds on the basis of
total return, assuming reinvestment of distributions, but does not take
sales charges or redemption fees into consideration, and is prepared
without regard to tax consequences. Lipper may also rank funds based on
yield. In addition to the mutual fund rankings, a fund's performance may be
compared to stock, bond, and money market mutual fund performance indices
prepared by Lipper or other organizations. Short-Term Bond may compare
to the Lehman Brothers 1-3 Year Government/Corporate Bond Index, which is
comprised of government and corporate fixed-rate debt issues. Government
and corporate issues include all public obligations of the U.S. Treasury
(excluding flower bonds and foreign-targeted issues), and U.S. government
agencies as well as nonconvertible investment-grade, SEC-registered
corporate debt. Issues included in the Index have an outstanding par value
of at least $100 million and maturities of one to three years. Investment
Grade Bond may be compared to the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index,
which is comprised of fixed-rate debt issues, including government,
corporate, asset-backed, and mortgage-backed securities. Government and
corporate issues include all public obligations of the U.S. Treasury
(excluding flower bonds and foreign-targeted issues) and U.S. government
agencies, as well as nonconvertible investment-grade, SEC-registered
corporate debt. Mortgage-backed securities include 15- and 30-year fixed
rate securities backed by mortgage pools of the Government National
Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(FHLMC), and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). Asset-backed
securities include credit card, auto, and home equity loans. Issues
included in the Index have an outstanding par value of at least $100
million and maturities of at least one year. When comparing these
indices, it is important to remember the risk and return characteristics of
each type of investment. For example, while stock mutual funds may offer
higher potential returns, they also carry the highest degree of share price
volatility. Likewise, money market funds may offer greater stability of
principal, but generally do not offer the higher potential returns
available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, a fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
A fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, a fund
may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, a fund
does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are not
FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the CPI), and combinations of
various capital markets. The performance of these capital markets is based
on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
A fund may compare its performance or the performance of securities in
which it may invest to averages published by IBC USA (Publications), Inc.
of Ashland, Massachusetts. These averages assume reinvestment of
distributions. The IBC 's/ All Taxable, which is reported in
IBC's MONEY FUND REPORT (trademark) , covers 791 taxable
money market funds. The IBC's Bond Fund Report
AverageS(trademark)/All Taxable, which is reported in the IBC's BOND
FUND REPORT (trademark) , covers 546 taxable bond funds. When
evaluating comparisons to money market funds, investors should consider the
relevant differences in investment objectives and policies. Specifically,
money market funds invest in short-term, high-quality instruments and seek
to maintain a stable $1.00 share price. Bond funds, however, invest in
longer-term instruments and their share prices change daily in response to
a variety of factors.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations; saving
for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity credit
card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or business
publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic and
political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition, investment
philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a particular
mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may also reprint,
and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from Fidelity Focus,
a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity fund shareholders.
A fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. A fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data. In advertising, a fund
may also discuss or illustrate examples of interest rate sensitivity.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate a fund's price movements over specific periods
of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
A fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment plans,
including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program, an
investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
A fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of April 30, 1996, FMR advised over $ 25.5 billion in tax-free
fund assets, $ 82 billion in money market fund assets, $ 271
billion in equity fund assets, $ 54 billion in international fund
assets, and $ 23 billion in Spartan fund assets. The funds may
reference the growth and variety of money market mutual funds and the
adviser's innovation and participation in the industry. The equity funds
under management figure represents the largest amount of equity fund assets
under management by a mutual fund investment adviser in the United States,
making FMR America's leading equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its
subsidiaries, and affiliates maintain a worldwide information and
communications network for the purpose of researching and managing
investments abroad.
In addition to performance rankings, each fund may compare its total
expense ratio to the average total expense ratio of similar funds tracked
by Lipper. A fund's total expense ratio is a significant factor in
comparing bond and money market investments because of its effect on yield.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Each fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for 1996: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Although FMR expects
the same holiday schedule to be observed in the future, the NYSE may modify
its holiday schedule at any time. In addition, the funds will not process
wire purchases and redemptions on days when the Federal Reserve Wire System
is closed.
FSC normally determines each fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). To the extent that portfolio securities are
traded in other markets on days when the NYSE is closed, a fund's NAV may
be affected on days when investors do not have access to the fund to
purchase or redeem shares. In addition, trading in some of a fund's
portfolio securities may not occur on days when the fund is open for
business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing a fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other property
on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur
any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), each fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, each fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. Because each fund's income is primarily derived from interest,
dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
Short-term capital gains are distributed as dividend income, but do not
qualify for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of each fund's
dividends derived from certain U.S. government obligations may be exempt
from state and local taxation. Gains (losses) attributable to foreign
currency fluctuations are generally taxable as ordinary income, and
therefore will increase (decrease) dividend distributions. As a
consequence, FMR may adjust a fund's income distributions to reflect the
effect of currency fluctuations. However, if foreign currency losses exceed
a fund's net investment income during a taxable year, all or a portion of
the distributions made in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as
a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing each shareholder's
cost basis in his or her fund. Each fund will send each shareholder a
notice in January describing the tax status of dividend and capital gain
distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by each fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of a fund, and such shares are held six
months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to the
amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
each fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of April 30 , 1996, Short-Term Bond had a capital loss
carryforward aggregating approximately $134,757,000 of which $6,892,000,
$7,352,000, $2,771,000, $4,373,000, $39,290,000, and $74,079,000 will
expire on April 30, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively.
As of April 30 , 1996, Investment Grade Bond had a capital loss
carryforward aggregating approximately $14,238,000, all of which will
expire on April 30, 2004.
FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and
interest paid with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may
also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign
securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of a fund's
total assets are invested in securities of foreign issuers, the fund may
elect to pass through foreign taxes paid and thereby allow shareholders to
take a credit or deduction on their individual tax returns.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUNDS. Each fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
each fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. Each fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some forward currency contracts, futures contracts, and options
are included in this 30% calculation, which may limit a fund's investments
in such instruments.
If a fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities, defined
as passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) in the Internal Revenue
Code, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any
excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares. Interest
charges may also be imposed on a fund with respect to deferred taxes
arising from such distributions or gains. Generally, each fund will elect
to mark-to-market any PFIC shares. Unrealized gains will be recognized as
income for tax purposes and must be distributed to shareholders as
dividends.
Each fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting each fund and its shareholders,
and no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether a fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting
common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member
employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the
vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Class B
shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which
all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of
Class B shares. Under t he Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act),
control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company.
Therefore, through their ownership of voting common stock and the execution
of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be
deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by three of its divisions as follows: FSC, which is the transfer
and shareholder servicing agent for certain of the funds advised by FMR;
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, which performs
shareholder servicing functions for institutional customers and funds sold
through intermediaries; and Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing Company,
which provides marketing services to various companies within the Fidelity
organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees , Members of the Advisory Board, and executive officers
of the trust are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has
held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last
five years. All persons named as Trustees and Members of the Advisory
Board also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by FMR.
The business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested
person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR. The
business address of all the other Trustees and Members of the Advisory
Board is Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 9235, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9235. Those Trustees who are "interested persons" by virtue of their
affiliation with either the trust or FMR are indicated by an asterisk (*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d ( 65) , Trustee and President, is Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and
Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a
Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD ( 54) , Trustee and Senior Vice President, is
President of FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX ( 63) , Trustee (1991), is a consultant to Western Mining
Corporation (1994). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill
Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March
1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific
Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of
Sanifill Corporation (non-hazardous waste, 1993) and CH2M Hill Companies
(engineering). In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the
Texas State Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of advisory boards of
Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS ( 64) , Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
RICHARD J. FLYNN (72 ), Trustee and Chairman of the non-interested
Trustees, is a financial consultant. Prior to September 1986, Mr. Flynn was
Vice Chairman and a Director of the Norton Company (manufacturer of
industrial devices). He is currently a Trustee of College of the Holy Cross
and Old Sturbridge Village, Inc., and he previously served as a Director of
Mechanics Bank (1971-1995).
E. BRADLEY JONES ( 68) , Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr.
Jones was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is
a Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products), and
he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and
marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (1985-1995).
In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate Investments,
a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of University
School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK ( 63) , Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (1995) at
Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant.
From 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Greenwich Hospital Association, a Member of the Public Oversight Board of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice
Section (1995), and as a Public Governor of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (1996).
*PETER S. LYNCH ( 53) , Trustee, is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR
(1992). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of the
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston (1990).
GERALD C. McDONOUGH (66 ), Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the
non-interested Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group (strategic
advisory services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp. (physical
distribution services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of ACME-Cleveland Corp.
(metal working, telecommunications and electronic products), Brush-Wellman
Inc. (metal refining), York International Corp. (air conditioning and
refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (water treatment equipment,
1992), and Associated Estates Realty Corporation (a real estate investment
trust, 1993).
EDWARD H. MALONE (71), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Mr.
Malone was Chairman, General Electric Investment Corporation and a Vice
President of General Electric Company. He is a Director of Allegheny Power
Systems, Inc. (electric utility), General Re Corporation (reinsurance) and
Mattel Inc. (toy manufacturer). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of the
Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, and he is a member of the Advisory Boards of Butler Capital
Corporation Funds and Warburg, Pincus Partnership Funds.
MARVIN L. MANN (63) , Trustee (1993) is Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc.
(office machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice
President of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and
President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries.
Mr. Mann is a Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart
(marketing services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as
the Campaign Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a
member of the University of Alabama President's Cabinet.
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS (67 ), Trustee, is President of The Wales Group,
Inc. (management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in
1987, Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia
Corporation (bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation
(bank holding company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM O. McCOY (62), Member of the Advisory Board (1996), is the Vice
President of Finance for the University of North Carolina (16-school
system, 1995). Prior to his retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was
Vice Chairman of the Board of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications)
and President of BellSouth Enterprises. He is currently a Director of
Liberty Corporation (holding company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real
estate, 1994), and Carolina Power and Light Company (electric utility,
1996). Previously, he was a Director of First American Corporation (bank
holding company, 1979-1996). In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of
the Board of Visitors for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(1994) and for the Kenan Flager Business School (University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill).
FRED L. HENNING, JR. (56 ), Vice President, is Vice President of
Fidelity's money market (1994) and fixed-income (1995) funds and Senior
Vice President of FMR Texas Inc.
MICHAEL GRAY ( 40 ) is manager and vice president of Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond, which he has managed since September 1987. Mr. Gray
also manages several Fidelity funds. Mr. Gray joined Fidelity in
1982.
ARTHUR S. LORING (48), Secretary, is Senior Vice President (1993) and
General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER ( 48 ), Treasurer (1995), is Treasurer of the
Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr.
Rathgeber was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he
served in various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary
Accounting (1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief
Operations Officer of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995) .
JOHN H. COSTELLO ( 49), Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH (50) , Assistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of
FMR (1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds,
Mr. Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The table below sets forth information describing the compensation
of each current T rustee of each fund for his or her services as
T rustee for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996.
COMPENSATION TABLE
Aggregate Compensation
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Gary Ralph F. Phyllis Richard Edward C. E. Donald Peter S. Gerald C. Edward Marvin L. Thomas
Burkhead** Cox Burke J. Flynn Johnson 3d** Bradley J. Kirk Lynch** McDonough H. Mann R.
Davis Jones Malone Williams
Short-Term $ 0 $ 517 $ 499 $ 623 $ 0 $ 504 $ 504 $ 0 $ 494 $ 509 $ 518 $ 501
Bond (dagger)
Investment 0 460 449 561 0 454 454 0 444 456 460 449
Grade Bond
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Retirement Benefits Upon Compensation
Benefits Accrued Retirement from from the Fund
as Part of Fund the Fund Complex*
Expenses from the Complex*
Fund Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox 5,200 52,000 128,000
Phyllis Burke Davis 5,200 52,000 125,000
Richard J. Flynn 0 52,000 160,500
Edward C. Johnson 3d** 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 5,200 49,400 128,000
Donald J. Kirk 5,200 52,000 129,500
Peter S. Lynch** 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 5,200 52,000 128,000
Edward H. Malone 5,200 44,200 128,000
Marvin L. Mann 5,200 52,000 128,000
Thomas R. Williams 5,200 52,000 125,000
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 1995 for 219 funds in the complex.
** Interested T rustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
(dagger) For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996, certain of the
non-interested Trustees accrued deferred compensation as follows: Ralph F.
Cox, $190, Edward H. Malone $191, and Marvin L. Mann, $192.
The non-interested Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on a fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
Each fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval. Only non-interested Trustees are eligible to
participate in the Plan.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988, the non-interested
Trustees, at the end of the calendar year attaining age 72, become
eligible to participate in a retirement program under which they receive
payments during their lifetime from a fund based on their basic trustee
fees and length of service. The obligation of a fund to make such payments
is not secured or funded. Trustees become eligible if, at the time of
retirement, they have served on the Board for at least five years.
Currently, Messrs. Ralph S. Saul, William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham,
and David L. Yunich, all former non-interested Trustees, receive retirement
benefits under the program.
As of April 30, 1996, approximately 5% of Short-Term Bond's total
outstanding shares was held by FMR affiliates. FMR Corp. is the ultimate
parent company of these FMR affiliates. Mr. Edward C. Johnson 3d, President
and Trustee of the fund, is a member of a family group which, by virtue of
owning approximately 49% of the voting securities of FMR Corp., may be
deemed under the 1940 Act to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp. Based on his membership in this family group, Mr. Edward C. Johnson
3d may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of these shares. As of the above
date, with the exception of Mr. Johnson 3d's ownership of Short-Term Bond's
shares, the Trustees and officers of the funds owned, in the aggregate,
less than 1% of each fund's total outstanding shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
Each fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with each fund, FMR acts as investment
adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs
the investments of each fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides each fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing each fund's investments,
compensates all officers of each fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of each fund or FMR
performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of each fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining each fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with each fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining each
fund's records and the registration of each fund's shares under federal and
state laws; developing management and shareholder services for each fund;
and furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects
to the Trustees.
In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to
FSC, each fund pays all of its expenses, without limitation, that are not
assumed by those parties. Each fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and
mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the
fees of the custodian, auditor and non-interested Trustees. Although each
fund's current management contract provides that each fund will pay for
typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional
information, notices, and reports to shareholders, the trust, on behalf of
each fund has entered into a revised transfer agent agreement with FSC,
pursuant to which FSC bears the costs of providing these services to
existing shareholders. Other expenses paid by each fund include interest,
taxes, brokerage commissions, and each fund's proportionate share of
insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. Each fund is also
liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any
litigation to which each fund may be a party, and any obligation it may
have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is each fund's manager pursuant to management contracts dated November
1, 1993, which were approved by shareholders on October 20, 1993.
For the services of FMR under the contract, each fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee composed of the sum of two elements: a group fee rate and an
individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of all of the
registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts and
is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate
schedule shown below on the left. The schedule below on the right shows the
effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the
result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For
example, the effective annual fee rate at $ 401 billion of group net
assets - the approximate level for April 1996 - was .1458 %, which is
the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group
net assets up to $ 401 billion.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
0 - $3 billion .3700% $ 0.5 billion .3700%
3 - 6 .3400 25 .2664
6 - 9 .3100 50 .2188
9 - 12 .2800 75 .1986
12 - 15 .2500 100 .1869
15 - 18 .2200 125 .1793
18 - 21 .2000 150 .1736
21 - 24 .1900 175 .1695
24 - 30 .1800 200 .1658
30 - 36 .1750 225 .1629
36 - 42 .1700 250 .1604
42 - 48 .1650 275 .1583
48 - 66 .1600 300 .1565
66 - 84 .1550 325 .1548
84 - 120 .1500 350 .1533
120 - 174 .1450 400 .1507
174 - 228 .1400
228 - 282 .1375
282 - 336 .1350
Over 336 .1325
Under each fund's current management contract with FMR, the group fee rate
is based on a schedule with breakpoints ending at .1400% for average group
assets in excess of $174 billion. Prior to November 1, 1993, the group fee
rate breakpoints shown above for average group assets in excess of $120
billion and under $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on January
1, 1992. The additional breakpoints shown above for average group assets in
excess of $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on November 1, 1993.
On August 1, 1994, FMR voluntarily revised the prior extensions to the
group fee rate schedule, and added new breakpoints for average group assets
in excess of $156 billion and under $372 billion as shown in the schedule
below. The revised group fee rate schedule was identical to the above
schedule for average group assets under $156 billion.
On January 1, 1996, FMR voluntarily added new breakpoints to the revised
schedule for average group assets in excess of $372 billion, pending
shareholder approval of a new management contract reflecting the revised
schedule and additional breakpoints. The revised group fee rate schedule
and its extensions provide for lower management fee rates as FMR's assets
under management increase. For average group assets in excess of $156
billion, the revised group fee rate schedule with additional breakpoints
voluntarily adopted by FMR is as follows:
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
120 - $156 billion .1450% $ 150 billion .1736%
156 - 192 .1400 175 .1690
192 - 228 .1350 200 .1652
228 - 264 .1300 225 .1618
264 - 300 .1275 250 .1587
300 - 336 .1250 275 .1560
336 - 372 .1225 300 .1536
372 - 408 .1200 325 .1514
408 - 444 .1175 350 .1494
444 - 480 .1150 375 .1476
480 - 516 .1125 400 .1459
Over 516 .1100 425 .1443
450 .1427
475 .1413
500 .1399
525 .1385
550 .1372
Each fund's individual fund fee rate is .30%. Based on the average group
net assets of the funds advised by FMR for April 1 996, each fund's
annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
Group Fee Rate Individual Fund Fee Rate Management Fee Rate
.1458 % + .30% = .4458 %
Pursuant to Investment Grade Bond's amended management contract dated
November 1, 1993, the individual fund fee rate was increased from .20% to
.30%.
One-twelfth of this annual management fee rate is applied to each fund's
net assets averaged for the most recent month, giving a dollar amount,
which is the fee for that month.
The table below shows the management fees paid to FMR by each fund for the
last three fiscal years:
Management Fees as a
Years Ended April 30 Management Fees % of Average Net Assets
Short-Term Bond
1996 $ 5,482,674 .45
1995 7,675,823 .46
1994 10,325,430 .46
Investment Grade Bond
1996 5,469,291 .45
1995 4,531,882 .46
1994 4,232,396 .41
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of each
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase each fund's total returns and yield and repayment of
the reimbursement by each fund will lower its total returns and yield.
To comply with the California Code of Regulations, FMR will reimburse each
fund if and to the extent that each fund's aggregate annual operating
expenses exceed specified percentages of its average net assets. The
applicable percentages are 2% of the first $30 million, 2% of the next $70
million, and 1 1/2% of average net assets in excess of $100 million. When
calculating each fund's expenses for purposes of this regulation, each fund
may exclude interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary
expenses, as well as a portion of its distribution plan expenses and
custodian fees attributable to investments in foreign securities.
SUB-ADVISERS. On behalf of the funds, FMR has entered into sub-advisory
agreements with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. Pursuant to the sub-advisory
agreements, FMR may receive investment advice and research services outside
the United States from the sub-advisers.
Currently, FMR U.K. and FMR Far East each focus on issuers in countries
other than the United States such as those in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Basin.
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East, which were organized in 1986, are wholly owned
subsidiaries of FMR. Under the sub-advisory agreements FMR pays the fees of
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. For providing non-discretionary investment
advice and research services, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal
to 110% and 105%, respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs
incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
services.
For the fiscal years ended April 1996, 1995, and 1994, no fees were paid
by FMR to FMR U.K. and FMR Far East on behalf of the funds.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans on behalf of the
funds (the Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may
not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except
pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The
Plans, as approved by the Trustees, allow the funds and FMR to incur
certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by
the funds of distribution expenses.
Under each Plan, if the payment of management fees by the funds to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the funds of the distribution of their
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plans. Each Plan also
specifically recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use
its management fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without
limitation, to pay promotional and administrative expenses in connection
with the offer and sale of shares of each fund. In addition, each Plan
provides that FMR may use its resources, including its management fee
revenues, to make payments to third parties that assist in selling shares
of each fund, or to third parties, including banks, that render shareholder
support services.
Payments made by FMR to third parties during the fiscal year ended April
30, 1996 amounted to $ 60,000 for Short-Term Bond and $ 23,000
for Investment Grade Bond.
Prior to approving each Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the
Plans do not authorize payments by a fund other than those made to FMR
under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan
gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution
of shares of each fund, additional sales of fund shares may result.
Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more
effectively under the Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have
other relationships.
The Plan was approved by shareholders of Short-Term Bond on November 18,
1987 and Investment Grade Bond on November 19, 1986.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the funds
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
Each fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase
securities issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under
the Plans. No preference for the instruments of such depository
institutions will be shown in the selection of investments .
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC, an affiliate of FMR, is transfer, dividend disbursing, and
shareholder servicing agent for each fund. FSC receives an annual
account fee and an asset-based fee each based on account size and fund
type for each retail account and certain institutional accounts. With
respect to certain institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an
annual account fee and an asset-based fee based on account type or fund
type. These annual account fees are subject to increase based on postal
rate changes. FSC also collects small account fees from certain accounts
with balances of less than $2,500.
FSC pays out-of-pocket expenses associated with providing transfer agent
services. In addition, FSC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and
mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other
reports, notices, and statements to shareholders, with the exception of
proxy statements.
FSC also performs the calculations necessary to determine each fund's
net asset value and dividends, and maintains each fund's accounting
records. The annual fee rates for these pricing and bookkeeping services
are based on each fund's average net assets, specifically, .0400% of the
first $500 million of average net assets and .0200% of average net assets
in excess of $500 million. The fee is limited to a minimum of $60,000 and a
maximum of $800,000 per year.
The table below shows the fees paid to FSC for pricing and bookkeeping
services, including related out-of-pocket expenses during each fund's last
three fiscal years:
Pricing and Bookkeeping Fees
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
Short-Term Bond $ 346,174 $ 301,439 $ 308,981
Investment Grade Bond $ 348,736 $ 440,385 $ 554,995
</TABLE>
FSC also receives fees for administering each fund's securities lending
program. For fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994, there were no securities lending
fees incurred by the funds.
Each fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts
corporation organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreements call
for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business,
to secure purchasers for shares of each fund, which are continuously
offered at net asset value. Promotional and administrative expenses in
connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund and Fidelity Investment
Grade Bond Fund are funds of Fidelity Fixed Income Trust, an open-end
management investment company originally organized as a Massachusetts
corporation on June 25, 1970. On September 5, 1984, the trust was
reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust, at which time its name was
changed from Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. to Fidelity Corporate Bond
Fund. On October 25, 1985, the trust's name was changed to Fidelity
Flexible Bond Fund and on August 31, 1986 the trust's name was changed to
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Currently, there are five funds of Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust: Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund , Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund, Spartan Government Income Fund, Spartan High
Income Fund, and Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund. The
Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying names
"Fidelity" and "Spartan" may be withdrawn. There is a remote possibility
that one fund might become liable for any misstatement in its prospectus or
statement of additional information about another fund.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees shall include a provision limiting the obligations
created thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust
provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any
shareholders held personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request,
assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of
a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability
is limited to circumstances in which the fund itself would be unable to
meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of
personal liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and the funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, N.Y., is
custodian of the assets of each fund. The custodian is responsible for the
safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment of the subcustodian
banks and clearing agencies. The custodian takes no part in determining the
investment policies of a fund or in deciding which securities are purchased
or sold by a fund. However, a fund may invest in obligations of the
custodian and may purchase securities from or sell securities to the
custodian. Chemical Bank, headquartered in New York, also may serve
as a special purpose custodian of certain assets in connection with pooled
repurchase agreement transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR.
Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and
general business loans. In the judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of
those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial
or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts serves as the trust's independent accountant. The auditor
examines financial statements for the funds and provides other audit, tax,
and related services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1996 are included in the fund ' s Annual Report,
which is a separate report supplied with this Statement of
Additional Information. Each fund's financial statements and financial
highlights are incorporated herein by reference.
APPENDIX
DOLLAR-WEIGHTED AVERAGE MATURITY is derived by multiplying the value of
each investment by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these
calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of the fund's
portfolio. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated
final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take
advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or
redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be
called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date.
Also, the maturities of mortgage-backed securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations, and some asset-backed securities are
determined on a weighted average life basis, which is the average time for
principal to be repaid. For a mortgage security, this average time is
calculated by estimating the timing of principal payments, including
unscheduled prepayments, during the life of the mortgage. The weighted
average life of these securities is likely to be substantially shorter than
their stated final maturity.
The descriptions that follow are examples of eligible ratings for the
funds. A fund may, however, consider the ratings for other types of
investments and the ratings assigned by other rating organizations when
determining the eligibility of a particular investment.
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - Bonds which are 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 edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
AA - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
BAA - Bonds which are 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 which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future 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 characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the 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 which are 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 which are 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 which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher-rated issues only in small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher-rated
categories.
BB - Debt rate BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B - Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual
or implied BB or BB- rating.
CC - Debt rated CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed but
debt service payments are continued.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating will also
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments
are jeopardized.
The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus
to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
SPARTAN HIGH INCOME FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER PROSPECTUS SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 .............................. Cover Page
2 a .............................. Expenses
b, c .............................. Contents; The Funds at a Glance; Who May Want
to Invest
3 a .............................. Financial Highlights
b .............................. *
c, d .............................. Performance
4 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... The Fund at a Glance; Investment Principles and
Risks
b .............................. Investment Principles and Risks
c .............................. Who May Want to Invest; Investment Principles
and Risks
5 a .............................. Charter
b i............................. Cover Page; The Fund at a Glance; Charter; Doing
Business with Fidelity
ii........................... Charter
iii.......................... Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
c .............................. Charter
d .............................. Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
e .............................. Cover Page; Charter
f .............................. Expenses
g i............................. Charter
.
ii............................ *
..
5 A .............................. Performance
6 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
iii.......................... Charter
b ............................. *
c .............................. Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
d .............................. *
e .............................. Doing Business with Fidelity; How to Buy Shares;
How to Sell Shares; Investor Services
f, g .............................. Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
7 a .............................. Cover Page; Charter
b .............................. Expenses; How to Buy Shares; Transaction Details
c .............................. *
d .............................. How to Buy Shares
e .............................. *
f .............................. Breakdown of Expenses
8 .............................. How to Sell Shares; Investor Services; Transaction
Details; Exchange Restrictions
9 .............................. *
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(CONTINUED)
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10, 11 ............................ Cover Page
12 ............................ Description of the Trust
13 a - c ............................ Investment Policies and Limitations
d ............................ Portfolio Transactions
14 a - c ............................ Trustees and Officers
15 a, b ............................ *
c ............................ Trustees and Officers
16 a i............................ FMR; Portfolio Transactions
ii........................... Trustees and Officers
.
iii.......................... Management Contract
.
b ............................ Management Contract
c, d ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
e ............................ *
f ............................ Distribution and Service Plan
g ............................ *
h ............................ Description of the Trust
i ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
17 a - c ............................ Portfolio Transactions
d, e ............................ *
18 a ............................ Description of the Trust
b ............................ *
19 a ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
b ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information;
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
c ............................ *
20 ............................ Distributions and Taxes
21 a, b ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
c ............................ *
22 ............................ Performance
23 ............................ Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how the fund
invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about the fund and its investments, you can obtain a copy of
the fund's most recent financial report and portfolio listing, or a copy of
the Statement of Additional In formatio n (SAI) dated June 24, 1996.
The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and is available along with other related materials, for reference on
the SEC's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is
incorporated herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus).
For a free copy of either document, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
The fund may invest without limitation in lower-quality debt securities,
sometimes called "junk bonds." Investors should consider that these
securities carry greater risks, such as the risk of default, than other
debt securities. Refer to "Investment Principles and Risks" on page for
further information.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
SPH-pro-696
Spartan High Income seeks high current income by investing mainly in
high-yielding debt securities, with an emphasis on lower-quality
securities.
SPARTAN(registered trademark)
HIGH INCOME
FUND
PROSPECTUS
JUNE 24, 1996 (FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON, MA
02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUND AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES The fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of the fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How the fund has
done over time.
THE FUND IN DETAIL CHARTER How the fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
The fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
KEY FACTS
THE FUND AT A GLANCE
GOAL: High current income. As with any mutual fund, there is no assurance
that the fund will achieve its goal.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in high-yielding debt securities, with an emphasis
on lower-quality securities.
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager.
SIZE: A s o f April 30, 1996, the fund had over $ 1.3 billion in
assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
The fund is designed for investors who want high current income with some
potential for capital growth from a portfolio of lower-quality debt
securities and income-producing equity securities. The fund may be
appropriate for long-term, aggressive investors who understand the
potential risks and rewards of investing in lower-quality debt, including
defaulted securities. Investors must be willing to accept the fund's
greater price movements and credit risks.
The value of the fund's investments and the income they generate will vary
from day to day, and generally reflect company news, interest rates, market
conditions, and other economic and political news. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. By
itself, the fund does not constitute a balanced investment plan.
The Spartan family of funds is designed for cost-conscious investors
looking for higher yields through lower costs. The Spartan
Approach(registered trademark) requires investors to make high minimum
investments and, in some cases, to pay for individual transactions.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking
to maximize return must
assume greater risk. Spartan
High Income is in the INCOME
category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(right arrow) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly in
stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you pay when you buy, sell or
hold shares of a fund. See pa ge for more information about these
fees.
Maximum sales charge on purchases and
reinvested distributions None
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Redemption fee (as a % of amount redeemed
on shares held less than 270 days) 1%
Exchange and wire transaction fees $5.00
Account closeout fee $5.00
Annual account maintenance fee
(for accounts under $2500) $12.00
THESE FEES ARE WAIVED (except for the redemption fee) if your account
balance at the time of the transaction is $50,000 or more.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of the fund's assets. The fund
pays a management fee to FMR. Expenses are factored into the fund's share
price or dividends and are not charged directly to shareholder accounts
(see page ).
The following are based on historical expenses, and are calculated as a
percentage of average net assets. Th e fund has entered into arrangements
with its custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested
cash balances was used to reduce fund expenses. If these reductions are
included, the total operating expenses presented in the table would be
.79%.
Management fee .80%
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .00%
Total fund operating expenses .80%
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that the fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses after
the number of years indicated, first assuming that you leave your account
open, and then assuming that you close your account at the end of the
period:
Account Account
open closed
After 1 year $ 8 $ 13
After 3 years $ 26 $ 31
After 5 years $ 44 $ 49
After 10 years $ 99 $ 10
4
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table that follows is included in the fund's Annual Report and has been
audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants. Their report
on the financial statements and financial highlights is included in the
Annual Report. The financial statements and financial highlights are
incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) the fund's Statement
of Additional Information.
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
36.Years ended
April 30 1996 1995 1994C 1993 1992 1991D
37.Net asset
value, $ 11.990 $ 11.880 $ 12.220 $ 11.900 $ 10.640 $ 10.000
beginning of
period
38.Income from 1.099 1.076 1.101 1.175 1.292 .811
Investment Operations
Net investment income
39. Net realized
and .723 .139 .357 .672 1.614 .602
unrealized
gain (loss)
40. Total from 1.822 1.215 1.458 1.847 2.906 1.413
investment operations
41.Less
Distributions (1.190) (.927) (.976) (1.183) (1.342) (.796)
From net investment
income
42. In excess of
net -- (.109) (.078) -- -- --
investment income
43. From net
realized (.087) (.080) (.790) (.370) (.320) --
gain
44. In excess of
net (.033) -- -- -- -- --
realized gain
45. Total
distributions (1.310) (1.116) (1.844) (1.553) (1.662) (.796)
46.Redemption
fees .008 .011 .046 .026 .016 .023
added to paid in capital
47.Net asset value,
end $ 12.510 $ 11.990 $ 11.880 $ 12.220 $ 11.900 $ 10.640
of period
48.Total returnB 16.06% 11.07% 12.70% 16.96% 29.76% 15.33%
49.RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
50.Net assets, end
of $ 1,355 $ 810 $ 641 $ 601 $ 371 $ 101
period (In millions)
51.Ratio of expenses
to .80% .80% .75% .70% .70% .70%
average net assets A
52.Ratio of expenses
to .79% .80% .75% .70% .70% .70%
average net assets
after E A
expense reductions
53.Ratio of net 8.85% 8.41% 8.07% 9.57% 11.43% 11.98%
investment income to A
average net assets
54.Portfolio
turnover 170% 172% 213% 136% 99% 72%
rate A
</TABLE>
A ANNUALIZED
B TOTAL RETURNS DO NOT INCLUDE THE ACCOUNT CLOSEOUT FEE AND FOR PERIODS OF
LESS THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED.
C EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
D FROM AUGUST 29, 1990 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO APRIL 30, 1991
E FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
PERFORMANCE
Bond fund performance can be measured as TOTAL RETURN or YIELD. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes or any transaction fees you may have paid. The figures
would be lower if fees were taken into account.
The fund's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30. The tables below
show the fund's performance over past fiscal years com pared to different
measures, including a comparative index and a competitive funds average.
The chart on page presents calendar-year performance and does not reflect
the effect of the $5 account closeout fee.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Life
April 30, 1996 t 1 5 of
yea year fund
r s A
Spartan High Income 16.06 17.13 17.87
% % %
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index 12.16 13.76 14.27
% % %
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lipper High Current Yield Funds Average 13.01 13.27 n/a
% %
</TABLE>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Life
April 30, 1996 t 1 5 of
yea year fund
r s A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Spartan High Income 16.06 120.4 154.30
% 9 % %
Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index 12.16 90.50 113.27
% % %
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lipper High Current Yield Funds Average 13.01 86.98 n/a
% %
</TABLE>
A FROM AUGUST 29, 1990
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment in the fund over a
given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period of
time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of return that,
if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return
if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results.
YIELD refers to the income generated by an investment in the fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. Yields are
calculated according to a standard that is required for all stock and bond
funds. Because this differs from other accounting methods, the quoted yield
may not equal the income actually paid to shareholders.
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
Calendar years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Spartan High Income Fund 34.33 % 21.49 % 21.86 %
3.20 % 18.52 %
Lipper High Current Yield Funds Average 36.91 % 17.51 %
18.
95 % -3.85% 16.43 %
Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index 34.58 % 18.16 %
17.
18 % -1.17% 19.91 %
Consumer Price Index 3.06 % 2.90 % 2.75 %
2.67 % 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 34.33
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 21.49
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 21.86
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 3.2
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 18.52
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Spartan
High Income
Fund
THE MERRILL LYNCH HIGH YIELD MASTER INDEX is a market-capitalization
weighted index which includes all domestic and yankee high-yield bonds.
Issues included in the Index have maturities of at least one year and have
a credit rating of less than BBB-/Baa3, but are not in default.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGE is the Lipper High Current Yield Funds
Average, which currently reflects the performance of over 144 mutual
funds with similar objectives. This average, which assumes reinvestment of
distributions, is published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. government.
The fund's recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
THE FUND IN DETAIL
CHARTER
SPARTAN HIGH INCOME IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools
shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. The fund is a
diversified fund of Fidelity Fixed - Income Trust, an open-end
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust
on September 5, 1984.
THE FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
fund, and review th e fund's performance. The majority of trustees
are not otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUND MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These meetings
may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental policies,
approve a management contract, or for other purposes. Shareholders not
attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy. Fidelity will
mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and information
about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are entitled to
is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The fund is managed by FMR, which chooses the fund's investments and
handles its business affairs. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.
(FMR U.K.), in London, England, and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc. (FMR Far East), in Tokyo, Japan, assist FMR with foreign
investments.
Thomas Soviero is manager of Spartan High Income Fund, which he has
managed since January 1996. He also manages several institutional high
yield bond accounts. Previously, he served as an analyst and director of
high yield research. Mr. Soviero joined Fidelity in 1989.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
FDC d istributes and markets Fidelity's funds and services. Fidelity
Service Co. (FSC) performs transfer agent servicing functions for the fund.
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR U.K., and FMR Far
East. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners
of a class of shares of common stock representing approximately 49% of the
voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act), control of a company is presumed where one individual or group
of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company;
therefore, the Johnson family may be deemed under the 1940 Act to form a
controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
A broker-dealer may use a portion of the commissions paid by the fund to
reduce the fund's custodian or transfe r agent fees . FMR may use
its broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund shares to
carry out the fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives
brokera ge services and commission rates comparable to those of other
broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT
APPROAC H
The fund seeks high current income by investing primarily in all types of
income-producing debt securities, preferred stocks, and convertible
securities. FMR normally invests at least 65% of the fund's total assets in
these securities. When consistent with its goal, the fund may also consider
the potential for growth of capital. The fund may also invest in futures
contracts and other derivatives to adjust its investment exposure.
Although the fund has no limits on the quality and maturity of its
investments, its strategy typically leads to longer-term, lower-quality,
fixed-income securities. These domestic and foreign investments may present
the risk of default or may be in default. If consistent with its investment
objective, however, the fund can also invest in common stocks, other equity
securities, and debt securities not currently paying interest but which are
expected to do so in the future. Performance is also especially affected by
individual company news. The success of the fund's investment strategy
depends on FMR's analysis of a company's relative values and its potential
for success in light of its current financial situation, its industry
position, economic conditions, and interest rate trends.
The fund's yield and share price change daily and are based on changes in
interest rates, market conditions, other economic and political news, and
on the quality and maturity of its investments. In general, bond prices
rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more
pronounced for longer-term securities. Lower-quality securities offer
higher yields, but also carry more risk . FMR may use various investment
techniques to hedge a portion of the fund's risks, but there is no
guarantee that these strategies will work as intended. When you sell your
shares of the fund, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for
them.
FMR normally invests the fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. The fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
preferred stocks and investment-grade debt instruments for temporary,
defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related
risks. Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlie r in
this section. A complete listing of the fund's limitations and more
detailed information about the fund's investments are contained in the
fund's SAI. Policies and limitations are considered at the time of
purchase; the sale of instruments is not required in the event of a
subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with the fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help the fund achieve its
goal. F und holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in
the fund's financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year.
For a free SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888 .
EQUITY SECURITIES may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible
securities, and warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent
an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Although equity securities
have a history of long-term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based
on changes in a company's financial condition and on overall market and
economic conditions. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these
factors.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may not invest more than 20% of its total assets in
equity securities. This restriction does not apply to income-producing
preferred stocks and convertible securities, nor to equity securities
acquired as part of a unit with fixed-income securities.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or
variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current
interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. In
general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Debt
securities have varying degrees of quality and varying levels of
sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Longer-term bonds are generally
more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds.
U.S. Government securities are high-quality instruments issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the
U.S. Government. Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States. Some are supported only by the
credit of the agency that issued them.
Lower-quality debt securities (sometimes called "junk bonds") are
considered to have speculative characteristics and involve greater risk of
default or price changes due to changes in interest rates, economic
conditions, and the issuer's creditworthiness, or they may already be in
default. As a result, their market prices tend to fluctuate more than
higher-quality securities.
The default rate of lower-quality debt securities is likely to be higher
when issuers have difficulty meeting projected goals or obtaining
additional financing. This could occur during economic recessions or
periods of high interest rates. If an issuer defaults, the fund may try to
protect the interests of security holders if it determines such action to
be in the interest of its shareholders.
Lower-quality securities may be thinly traded, making them difficult to
sell promptly at an acceptable price. If market quotations are unavailable,
lower-quality securities are valued under guidelines established by the
Board of Trustees, including the use of outside pricing services .
Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the ability
of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities, and the
fund's ab ility to dispose of these securities.
The table on page provides a summary of ratings assigned to debt holdings
(not including money market instruments) in the fund's portfolio. These
figures are dollar-weighted averages of month-end portfolio holdings during
fiscal 1996, and are presented as a percentage of total security
investments. These percentages are historical and do not necessarily
indicate the fund's current or future debt holdings.
FISCAL 1996 DEBT HOLDINGS, BY RATING
MOODY'S
INVESTORS SERVICE STANDARD & POOR'S
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS) (AS A % OF
INVESTMENTS)
Rating Average Rating Average
INVESTMENT GRADE *
Highest quality Aaa 1.1 % AAA 1.1 %
High quality Aa 0 % AA 0 %
Upper-medium grade A 0 % A 0 %
Medium grade Baa . 1 % BBB 1.5 %
LOWER QUALITY *
Moderately speculative Ba 12.4 % BB 12.1 %
Speculative B 30.0 % B 32.5 %
Highly speculative Caa 11.5 % CCC 5.1 %
Poor quality Ca . 4 % CC 0 %
Lowest quality, no interest C C
In default, in arrears -- D . 6 %
55.5 % 52.9 %
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS)
SECURITIES NOT RATED BY MOODY'S OR S&P(dagger)
Investment Grade (double dagger) 0 %
Lower Quality (double dagger) 13.2 %
Total 13.2 %
* FOR SOME FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS, FMR ASSIGNS THE RATINGS OF THE
SOVEREIGN CREDIT OF THE ISSUING GOVERNMENT.
(dagger) THE DOLLAR-WEIGHTED AVERAGE PERCENTAGES REFLECTED IN THE TABLE MAY
INCLUDE SECURITIES RATED BY OTHER NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RATING
SERVICES, AS
WELL AS UNRATED SECURITIES.
(double dagger) AS DETERMINED BY FMR
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES are high-quality, short-term obligations issued
by the U.S. Government, corporations, financial institutions, and other
entities. These obligations may carry fixed, variable, or floating interest
rates.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve additional risks and considerations. These include risks relating
to political or economic conditions in foreign countries, fluctuations in
foreign currencies, withholding or other taxes, operational risks,
increased regulatory burdens, and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Additionally,
governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to repay
principal and interest when due and may require that the conditions for
payment be renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign investments,
especially those in developing countries, more volatile than U.S.
investm ents.
ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE SECURITIES include interests in pools of
lower-rated debt securities, consumer loans or mortgages, or complex
instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped
mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may be
significantly affected by changes in interest rates, the market's
perception of issuers, and the creditworthiness of the parties involved.
Some securities may have a structure that makes their reaction to interest
rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their value highly
volatile. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.
STRIPPED SECURITIES are the separate income or principal components of a
debt security. Their risks are similar to those of other debt securities,
although they may be more volatile and the value of certain types of
stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED INSTRUMENTS include real estate investment trusts,
commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, and real estate
financings. Real estate-related instruments are sensitive to factors such
as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash
flow of underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the management
skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related instruments
may also be affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such as those
relating to the environment.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. The fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or other factors that
affect security values. These techniques may involve derivative
transactions such as b uying and selling options and futures contracts,
entering into currency exchange contracts or swap agreements, purchasing
indexed securities, and selling securities short.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of the fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of the fund and may involve a small investment
of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
DIRECT DEBT. Loans and other direct debt instruments are interests in
amounts owed to another party by a company, government, or other borrower.
They have additional risks beyond conventional debt securities because they
may entail less legal protection for the fund, or there may be a
requirement that the fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by
FMR, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which
means that they may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price.
The sale of some illiquid securities, and some other securities, may be
subject to legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result
in a loss or may be costly to the fund.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more
than 15% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date.
The market value of a security could change during this period.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS may include securities of closed-end investment
companies.
DIVERSIFICATION. Diversifying a fund's investment portfolio can reduce the
risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not
purchase a security if, as a resul t, more than 5% of its total
assets would be invested in the securities of any i ssuer. The fund
may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry. These
limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities.
BORROWING. The fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If the fund borrows money,
its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. If the fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes,
but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
LENDING securities to broker-dealers and institutions, including Fidelity
Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI), an affiliate of FMR, is a means of earning
income. This practice could result in a loss or a delay in recovering the
fund's securities. The fund may also lend money to other funds advised by
FMR.
RESTRICTIONS: Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's
total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. The
following paragraph restates all those that are fundamental. All policies
stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in the
following paragraph, can be changed without shareholder approval.
The fund seeks a high level of current income by investing primarily in
high-yielding, fixed-income securities. In pursuing this objective, growth
of capital may also be considered when consistent with the fund's objective
of seeking high current income.
With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in any one issuer. The fund may not invest more than
25% of its total assets in any one industry. The fund may borrow only for
temporary or emergency purposes, but not in an amount exceeding 33% of its
total assets. Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 33% of the fund's
total assets.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted
from shareholder accounts.
The fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs. FMR in turn may pay fees to affiliates who provide
assistance with these services.
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the fund for management fees
above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to be repaid by the fund
if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal
year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time
without notice, can decrease the fund's expenses and boost its performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. The fund pays
the fee at the annual rate of .80% of its average net assets. This rate
is higher then that of most other mutual funds.
FMR HAS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. These
sub-advisers provide FMR with investment research and advice on issuers
based outside the United States. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%, respectively,
of the costs of providing these services.
FSC performs many transaction and accounting functions for the fund. These
services include processing shareholder transactions and calculating the
fund's share price. FMR, and not the fund, pays for these services.
To offset shareholder service costs, FMR or its affiliates also collect the
fund's $5.00 exchange fee, $5.00 account closeout fee, and $5.00 fee for
wire purchases and redemptions. For fiscal 1996, these fees amounted to
$17,000, $2,000, and $0, respectively.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. This plan recognizes
that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay expenses
associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments to third
parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder support
services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is important to
note, however, that the fund does not pay FMR any separate fees for this
service.
The fund's portfolio turnover rate for fiscal 1996 was 170 %. This
rate varies from year to year. High turnover rates increase transaction
costs and may increase taxable capital gains. FMR considers these effects
when evaluating the anticipated benefits of short-term investing.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, FBSI. Fidelity is also a leader
in providing tax-sheltered retirement plans for individuals investing on
their own or through their employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a representative in person, Fidelity has
over 80 wal k-in Investor Centers across the country.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in the fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in the fund through a brokerage account.
If you are investing through FBSI or another financial institution or
investment professional, refer to its program materials for any special
provisions regarding your investment in the fund.
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in t he table that follows .
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If your employer offers the fund through a retirement program,
contact your employer for more information. Otherwise, call Fidelity
directly.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds
in the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 215
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $ 386 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 26 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 225
(checkmark)
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
THE FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. The fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $10,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $10,000
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $1,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $1,000
Through automatic investment plans $500
MINIMUM BALANCE $5,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $5,000
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio
Advisory Services. Refer to the program materials for details .
UNDERSTANDING THE
SPARTAN APPROACH(registered trademark)
Fidelity's Spartan Approach is
based on the principle that
lower fund expenses can
increase returns. The Spartan
funds keep expenses low in
two ways. First, higher
investment minimums reduce
the effect of a fund's fixed
costs, many of which are paid
on a per-account basis.
Second, unlike most mutual
funds that include transaction
costs as part of overall fund
expenses, Spartan
shareholders pay directly for
the transactions they make.
(checkmark)
<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to "Spartan
check payable to High Income Fund."
"Spartan High Income Indicate your fund
Fund." Mail to the account number on
address indicated on your check and mail to
the application. the address printed on
your account statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) There may be a $5.00 (small solid bullet) There may be a $5.00
fee for each wire fee for each wire
purchase. purchase.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify "Spartan High
Bank Routing Income Fund" and
#021001033, include your account
Account #00163053. number and your
Specify "Spartan High name.
Income
Fund" and include your
new account number
and your name.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, leave at least $5,000
worth of shares in the account to keep it open.
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in t he
table that follows .
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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IF YOU SELL SHARES OF THE FUND AFTER HOLDING THEM LESS THAN 270 DAYS DAYS, THE FUND WILL
DEDUCT A REDEMPTION FEE EQUAL TO 1% OF THE VALUE OF THOSE SHARES. IF YOUR ACCOUNT
BALANCE IS LESS THAN $50,000, THERE ARE FEES FOR INDIVIDUAL REDEMPTION TRANSACTIONS:
$5.00 FOR EACH EXCHANGE, BANK WIRE, AND ACCOUNT CLOSEOUT.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received by Fidelity
before 4 p.m. Eastern time
for money to be wired on the
next business day.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT BALANCES
1-800-544-7544
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
QUOTES
1-800-544-8544
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports a nd
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than
one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports, prospectuses, or historical account information.
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing. There may be a $5.00 fee for
each exchange out of the fund, unless you place your transaction on
Fidelity's automated exchange services.
Note that exchanges out of the fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE(registered trademark) enables you to transfer money by
phone between your bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are
complete within three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDERSM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
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DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY FUNDA
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<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE ITS SHARE PRICE FLUCTUATES, THE FUND MAY NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE
CHOICE FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
The fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and
capital gains to shareholders each year. Income dividends are declared
daily and paid monthly. Capital gains are normally distributed in June and
December.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. The fund offers four
options:
5. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
6. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
7. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gain
distributions.
8. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
Dividends will be reinvested at the fund's NAV on the last day of the
month. Capital gain distributions will be reinvested at the NAV as of the
date the fund deducts the distribution from its NAV. The mailing of
distribution checks will begin within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
The fund earns interest from
its investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund may
realize capital gains if it sells
securities for a higher price
than it paid for them. These
are passed along as CAPITAL
GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid
on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, the fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to other
Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive
when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of the fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares just before the fund deducts a
capital gain distribution from its NAV, you will pay the full price for the
shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a
taxable distribution.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may impose taxes on the fund
and its investments and these taxes generally will reduce the fund's
distributions. However, an offsetting tax credit or deduction may be
available to you. If so, your tax statement will show more taxable income
or capital gains than were actually distributed by the fund, but will also
show the amount of the available offsetting credit or deduction.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates the fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
THE FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
The fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency
into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If quotations are not
readily available, or if the values have been materially affected by events
occurring after the closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a
method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
THE FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require the fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. The fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of the fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
(small solid bullet) You begin to earn dividends as of the first business
day following the day of your purchase.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
YOU MAY BUY OR SELL SHARES OF THE FUND TH ROUGH AN INVESTMENT
PROFESSIONA L, INCLUDING A BROKER, who may charge you a t ransaction
fee for this service. If you invest through an investment professional,
read your investment professional's program materials for any
additional service features or fees that may apply. Certain features of
the fund, such as the minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts, may
be modified.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when the fund is priced on
the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect the fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; however, shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) The fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
THE REDEMPTION FEE, if applicable, will be deducted from the amount of your
redemption. This fee is paid to the fund rather than FMR, and it does not
apply to shares that were acquired through reinvestment of distributions.
If shares you are redeeming were not all held for the same length of time,
those shares you held longest will be redeemed first for purposes of
determining whether the fee applies.
THE FEES FOR INDIVIDUAL TRANSACTIONS are waived if your account balance at
the time of the transaction is $50,000 or more. Otherwise, you should note
the following:
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 exchange fee will be deducted from the
amount of your exchange.
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 wire fee will be deducted from the amount of
your wire.
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 account closeout fee does not apply to
exchanges or wires.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $60.00 per shareholder. It is expected that accounts will
be valued on the second Friday in November of each year. Accounts opened
after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that year. The fee,
which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to offset in part the
relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts. The fee will not be
deducted from retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement
accounts), accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in
Fidelity funds exceed $50,000. Eligibility for the $50,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity mutual fund accounts maintained by FSC
or FBSI which are registered under the same social security number or which
list the same social security number for the custodian of a Uniform
Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $5,000, you will be given 30 days'
notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase your
balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send the
proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day your
account is closed and the $5.00 account closeout fee will be charged.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of the fund
for shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be registered
for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, the fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more than four
exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under common
ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if the
fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant
portions of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the fund.
Although the fund will attempt to give you prior notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time. The
fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege in
the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
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." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective
elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most
unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
AA - Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other
elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than
in Aaa securities.
A Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
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 future
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
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or 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 are the lowest-rated class of bonds, and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher-rated issues only in small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated
categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher-rated
categories.
BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B - Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual
or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC - Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.
In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is
not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The
CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC - Debt rated CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed,
but debt service payments are continued.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating will also
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments
are jeopardized.
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
SPARTAN(registered trademark) HIGH INCOME FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 24, 1996
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the fund's current Prospectus (dated June 24, 1996). Please retain
this document for future reference. The fund's financial statements and
financial highlights, included in the Annual Report for the fiscal yea r
e nded April 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference. To obtain
an additional copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report, please call
Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contract
Distribution and Service Plan
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Co. (FSC)
SPH-ptb-696
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be
changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund.
However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below,
the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of
Additional Information are not fundamental and may be changed without
shareholder approval. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the government of the United States or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, (a) more than 25% of the value of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer, or (b)
with respect to 75% of its total assets, more than 5% of the value of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others (except to the extent that the
fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities);
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the government of the United States or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total
assets (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of
issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (but this limit
does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements).
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund does not currently
intend to purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, the fund would own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of th at issuer.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(iii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iv) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(vi) The f und does not currently intend to purchase interests in real
estate investment trusts that are not readily marketable or interests in
real estate limited partnerships that are not listed on an exchange or
traded on the NASDAQ National Market System if, as a result, the sum of
such interests and other investments considered illiquid under limitation
(v) would exceed 15% of the fund's net a ssets.
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 7.5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements.)
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply to securities received as dividends, through offers of
exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or merger.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to purchase warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the fund's net assets. Included
in that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the fund's net assets, may be
warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to
securities are not subject to these restrictions.
(xi) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(xii) Th e fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of
any issuer if those officers and trustees of the trust and those officers
and directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's
securities.
For purposes of limitation (ix), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asse t-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions" on page
.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. The fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. government
securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers
in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term
borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has established and
periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving
affiliated financial institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Asset-backed securities represent interests in
pools of consumer loans (generally unrelated to mortgage loans) and most
often are structured as passthrough securities. Interest and principal
payments ultimately depend upon payment of the underlying loans by
individuals, although the securities may be supported by letters of credit
or other credit enhancements. The value of asset-backed securities may also
depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool,
the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing the
credit enhancement.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The fund may purchase the shares of
closed-end investment companies to facilitate investment in certain
countries. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade at a premium
or a discount to their net asset value.
DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. The fund may buy and sell securities on a
delayed-delivery or when-issued basis. These transactions involve a
commitment by the fund to purchase or sell specific securities at a
predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after
the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no
interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. The fund
may receive fees for entering into delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. Because the fund is not required to pay for securities until
the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with
the fund's other investments. If the fund remains substantially fully
invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the
delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When
delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the fund will set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its
purchase obligations. When the fund has sold a security on a
delayed-delivery basis, the fund does not participate in further gains or
losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a
delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities,
the fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity, or could suffer
a loss.
The fund may renegotiate delayed-delivery transactions after they are
entered into, and may sell underlying securities before they are delivered,
which may result in capital gains or losses.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securi ties, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S.
investments. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and
of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will
fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
Foreign investments involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments,
and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the
interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include the possibility of
expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or
convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There
is no assurance that FMR will be able to anticipate these potential events
or counter their effects. These risks are magnified for investments in
developing countries, which may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade
a small number of securities.
Economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. It is
anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the
United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading practices,
including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be
released prior to receipt of payment, may result in increased risk in the
event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. In addition, the costs of foreign
investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investors. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. It may
also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to
those applicable to U.S. issuers.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United
States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depository Receipts (ADR's) as well as other "hybrid" forms of
ADRs including European Depository Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depository
Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a
foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and
generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar
financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depository bank may
not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may
charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and
interest and corporate actions. ADRs are an alternative to directly
purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and
currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks
associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks
of the underlying issuer's count ry.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The fund may conduct foreign currency
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. The fund will convert currency on a spot basis from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they
do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which
they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the fund at one rate, while offering a lesser
rate of exchange should the fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the
contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The fund may use currency forward contracts for any purpose consistent with
its investment objective. The following discussion summarizes the principal
currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be
used by the fund. The fund may also use swap agreements, indexed
securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign
currencies for the same purposes.
When the fund agrees to buy or sell 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 U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transaction, the fund will be able to protect itself
against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or
received. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "settlement hedge"
or "transaction hedge." The fund may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or
sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific
investments have not yet been selected by FMR.
The fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example,
if the fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter
into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars
to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes
in security values caused by other factors. The fund could also hedge the
position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the
pound sterling - for example, by entering into a forward contract to sell
Deutschemarks or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. This
type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer
advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not
hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars.
Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not
perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are
denominated.
The fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure
from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from
U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another
foreign currency. For example, if the fund held investments denominated in
Deutschemarks, the fund could enter into forward contracts to sell
Deutschemarks and purchase Swiss Francs. This type of strategy, sometimes
known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the
currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is
purchased, much as if the fund had sold a security denominated in one
currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another.
Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged
currency, but will cause the fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the
value of the currency it purchases.
Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover
currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the fund will
segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose
is essentially speculative. The fund will not segregate assets to cover
forward contracts entered into for hedging purposes, including settlement
hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on FMR's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Currency management strategies
may substantially change the fund's investment exposure to changes in
currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the fund if
currencies do not perform as FMR anticipates. For example, if a currency's
value rose at a time when FMR had hedged the fund by selling that currency
in exchange for dollars, the fund would be unable to participate in the
currency's appreciation. If FMR hedges currency exposure through proxy
hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the
security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in
tandem. Similarly, if FMR increases the fund's exposure to a foreign
currency, and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss.
There is no assurance that FMR's use of currency management strategies will
be advantageous to the fund or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
FUND'S RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The fund does not intend to direct or
administer the day-to-day operations of any company. The fund, however, may
exercise its rights as a shareholder and may communicate its views on
important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, and
shareholders of a company when FMR determines that such matters could have
a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company.
The activities that the fund may engage in, either individually or in
conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing
proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities;
seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in
a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of
the company or a portion of its assets; or supporting or opposing third
party takeover efforts. This area of corporate activity is increasingly
prone to litigation and it is possible that the fund could be involved in
lawsuits related to such activities. FMR will monitor such activities with
a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation
against the fund and the risk of actual liability if the fund is involved
in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against
the fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies, OTC
Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The fund will comply with
guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of options and
futures strategies by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so require will
set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account in
the amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be
sold while the futures or option strategy is outstanding, unless they are
replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility
that segregation of a large percentage of the fund's assets could impede
portfolio management or the fund's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, the fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match the fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The fund may invest in options and futures
contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other
characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which
involves a risk that the options or futures position will not track the
performance of the fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in the fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated
with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated
gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other
investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When the fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
the fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P
500(registered trademark)). Futures can be held until their delivery dates,
or can be closed out before then if a liquid secondary market is available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase the fund's exposure to positive and
negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When the fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of the fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the fund, the fund may
be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has filed a
notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the fund can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, the fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the fund's investments in futures contracts and
options, and the fund's policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information, may be
changed as regulatory agencies permit.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for the fund
to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the
secondary market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation
limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable
positions, and potentially could require the fund to continue to hold a
position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value.
As a result, the fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or
futures positions could also be impaired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Currency futures
contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that
they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally
is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase
the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the
right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options
and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed above. The fund
may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency
options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign
currencies. The fund may also purchase and write currency options in
conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of
the fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect
the fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the fund's
foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other
than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency
options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over
time.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the fund greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the fund
obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. The fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When the fund writes a put option, it takes
the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return
for receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the
strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to
the option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. The fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of the fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the fund to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, non-government stripped fixed-rate
mortgage-backed securities, and over-the-counter options. Also, FMR may
determine some restricted securities, government-stripped fixed-rate
mortgage-backed securities, loans and other direct debt instruments,
emerging market securities, and swap agreements to be illiquid. However,
with respect to over-the-counter options the fund writes, all or a portion
of the value of the underlying instrument may be illiquid depending on the
assets held to cover the option and the nature and terms of any agreement
the fund may have to close out the option before expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. The fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies,
precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators.
Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or
deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference
to a specific instrument or statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for
example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on the price
of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities typically are
short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or
interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more
specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting
in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument,
or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase,
resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on
the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices
that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies
relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they
are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the
United States and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject
to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their
values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness
deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks,
corporations, and certain U.S. government agencies. Indexed securities may
be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, the fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Interfund
loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum
duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A fund
will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those
available from other short-term instruments (such as repurchase
agreements), and will borrow through the program only when the costs are
equal to or lower than the cost of bank loans. A fund may have to borrow
from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not
renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost
investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
LOANS AND OTHER DIRECT DEBT INSTRUMENTS. Direct debt instruments are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower
to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to
suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to
other parties. Direct debt instruments are subject to the fund's policies
regarding the quality of debt securities.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily
upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and
interest. Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally
recognized rating service. If the fund does not receive scheduled interest
or principal payments on such indebtedness, the fund's share price and
yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the
fund more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of
scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the
liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's
obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of
borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater
risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or
restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small
fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries
also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the
repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and
repay principal when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to the fund.
For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the fund could become part owner of
any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with
owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that
under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the fund could be held
liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary. Direct debt
instruments that are not in the form of securities may offer less legal
protection to the fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In the
absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the fund relies on FMR's
research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation
could adversely affect the fund.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that
acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan,
as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or
other indebtedness, the fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it
may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against
a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of the fund were
determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors,
the fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the
loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or
interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by the fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments
obligating the fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may
have the effect of requiring the fund to increase its investment in a
borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the
borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
The fund will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its potential obligations under standby financing
commitments.
The fund limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one
issuer or in issuers within the same industry (see limitations (1) and
(5) ) . For purposes of these limitations, the fund generally will
treat the borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the
case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution
serves as financial intermediary between the fund and the borrower, if the
participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor
relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require the fund, in
appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending
institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a
financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict the fund's
ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial
intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry,
even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and
industries.
LOWER-QUALITY DEBT SECURITIES. While the market for high-yield corporate
debt securities has been in existence for many years and has weathered
previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in the
use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of
the future performance of the high-yield bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active
than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect
the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not
available, lower-quality debt securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Trustees, including the use of
outside pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing
high-yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for
which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are
available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect
the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt
securities and the fund's ability to dispose of these securities.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities,
FMR's research and credit analysis are an especially important part of
managing securities of this type held by the fund. In considering
investments for the fund, FMR will attempt to identify those issuers of
high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet
future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
FMR's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest
or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
The fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to
pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder
to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this
to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The fund may purchase mortgage-backed
securities issued by government and non-government entities such as banks,
mortgage lenders, or other financial institutions. A mortgage-backed
security may be an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of
mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some
mortgage-backed securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations or
CMOs, make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of
intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate
and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage-backed
securities are based on different types of mortgages including those on
commercial real estate or residential properties. Other types of
mortgage-backed securities will likely be developed in the future, and the
fund may invest in them if FMR determines they are consistent with the
fund's investment objective and policies.
The value of mortgage-backed securities may change due to shifts in the
market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may
adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole. Non-government
mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than those issued by
government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than
government issues. Mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment
risk. Prepayment, which occurs when unscheduled or early payments are made
on the underlying mortgages, may shorten the effective maturities of these
securities and may lower their total returns.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the
fund from risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation,
the securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank,
marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the
sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently
appear possible to eliminate all risks from these transactions
(particularly the possibility that the value of the underlying security
will be less than the resale price, as well as delays and costs to the fund
in connection with bankruptcy proceedings), it is the fund's current policy
to engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose
creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where
registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay all or part of
the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the
time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to
sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such
a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain
a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration
of the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement.
The fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties
whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. The fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows the fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which the fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
SHORT SALES. The fund may enter into short sales with respect to stocks
underlying its convertible security holdings. For example, if FMR
anticipates a decline in the price of the stock underlying a convertible
security a fund holds, it may sell the stock short. If the stock price
subsequently declines, the proceeds of the short sale could be expected to
offset all or a portion of the effect of the stock's decline on the value
of the convertible security. The fund currently intends to hedge no more
than 15% of its total assets with short sales on equity securities
underlying its convertible security holdings under normal circumstances.
When the fund enters into a short sale, it will be required to set aside
securities equivalent in kind and amount to those sold short (or securities
convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to
hold them aside while the short sale is outstanding. The fund will incur
transaction costs, including interest expense, in connection with opening,
maintaining, and closing short sales.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES are created when a U.S. government
agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal
components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual
securities. The holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while
the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments
from the same underlying security.
The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may be particularly
affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall, prepayment
rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase
prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of
investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap
agreements may increase or decrease the fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign
currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other
factors such as security prices or inflation rates. Swap agreements can
take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The fund is
not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if FMR determines it
is consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to exchange
payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and
increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and
floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on
how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall
volatility of the fund's investments and its share price and yield.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that
determine the amounts of payments due to and from the fund. If a swap
agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make
such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness
declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline,
potentially resulting in losses. The fund expects to be able to eliminate
its exposure under swap agreements either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same
party or a similarly creditworthy party.
The fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If the fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If the fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
VARIABLE OR FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS bear variable or floating interest
rates and carry rights that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain
financial intermediaries. Floating rate instruments have interest rates
that change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate while
variable rate instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in
the interest rate. These formulas are designed to result in a market value
for the instrument that approximates its par value.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. Zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments;
instead, they are sold at a deep discount from their face value and are
redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not
pay current income, their prices can be very volatile when interest rates
change. In calculating its dividends, the fund takes into account as income
a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and
its face value.
A broker-dealer creates a DERIVATIVE ZERO by separating the interest and
principal components of a U.S. Treasury security and selling them as two
individual securities. CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities), TIGRs (Treasury Investment Growth Receipts), and TRs (Treasury
Receipts) are examples of derivative zeros.
The Federal Reserve Bank creates STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and Principal of Securities) by separating the interest and
principal components of an outstanding U.S. Treasury bond and selling them
as individual securities. Bonds issued by the Resolution Funding
Corporation (REFCORP) and the Financing Corporation (FICO) can also be
separated in this fashion. ORIGINAL ISSUE ZEROS are zero coupon securities
originally issued by the U.S. government, a government agency, or a
corporation in zero coupon form.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of the fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the management
contract. FMR is also responsible for the placement of transaction orders
for other investment companies and accounts for which it or its affiliates
act as investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers, subject to
applicable limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR considers
various relevant factors, including, but not limited to: the size and type
of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the
security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement
capability, and financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the
broker-dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the
reasonableness of any commissions. Commissions for investments traded on
foreign exchanges will be higher than for investments traded on U. S.
exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who provide
research and execution services to the fund or other accounts over which
FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services may
include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) based upon the quality
of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the fund may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the fund or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the fund. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause the
fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith that
such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers, viewed in
terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall responsibilities to the
fund and its other clients. In reaching this determination, FMR will not
attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research
services provided, or to determine what portion of the compensation should
be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the fund or shares of other Fidelity funds
to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services provided by
and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI)
and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR Corp., if the
commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to commissions charged by
non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for similar services. From
September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated under the name Fidelity
Brokerage Services Limited, Inc. (FBSL). As of January 1995, FBSL was
converted to an unlimited liability company and assumed the name FBS. Prior
to September 4, 1992, FBSL operated under the name Fidelity Portfolio
Services, Ltd. (FPSL) as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity
International Limited (FIL). Edward C. Johnson 3d is Chairman of FIL. Mr.
Johnson 3d, Johnson family members, and various trusts for the benefit of
the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting
common stock of FIL.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
The Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its responsibilities
in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the
fund and review the commissions paid by the fund over representative
periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in relation to the
benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1996 and 1995, the fund's
portfolio turnover rates were 170 % and 172%, respectively. Because a
high turnover rate increases transaction costs and may increase taxable
gains, FMR carefully weighs the anticipated benefits of short-term
investing against these consequences.
For fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994, the fund paid brokerage commissions of
$ 267,000 , $45 9,000 , and $0, respectively. The fund pays both
commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio
transactions. FBSI is paid on a commission basis. During fiscal 1996, 1995,
and 1994, the fund paid brokerage commissions of $ 3,000 ,
$35,0 00 , and $0, respectively, to FBSI. During fiscal 1996, this
amounted to approximately 1.23 % of the aggregate brokerage
commissions paid by the fund for transactions involving approximately
1.69 % of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions for which the
fund paid brokerage commissions. The difference between the percentage of
brokerage commissions paid to and the percentage of the dollar amount of
transactions effected through FBSI is a result of the low commission rates
charged by FBSI.
During fiscal 1996, the fund paid $ 238,000 in commissions to
brokerage firms that provided research services involving approximately
$ 128,484,000 of transactions. The provision of research services was
not necessarily a factor in the placement of all this business with such
firms.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar
fees paid by the fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and
advisable. The fund seeks to recapture soliciting broker-dealer fees on the
tender of portfolio securities, but at present no other recapture
arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue to review
whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally permissible
and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business judgment whether
it would be advisable for the fund to seek such recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for the fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will
produce better executions and prices for the fund. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to the fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be said
to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Portf olio securities are valued by various methods depending on the
primary market or exchange on which they trade. Most equity securities for
which the primary market is the U.S. are valued at last sale price or, if
no sale has occurred, at the closing bid price. Most equity securities for
which the primary market is outside the U.S. are valued using the official
closing price or the last sale price in the principal market where they are
traded. If the last sale price (on the local exchange) is unavailable, the
last evaluated quote or last bid price is normally used. Short-term
securities are valued either at amortized cost or at original cost plus
accrued interest, both of which approximate current value. Convertible
securities and fixed-income securities are valued primarily by a pricing
service that uses a vendor security valuation matrix which incorporates
both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques.
This two-fold approach is believed to more accurately reflect fair value
because it takes into account appropriate factors such as institutional
trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate,
maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data,
without exclusive reliance upon quoted, exchange, or over-the-counter
prices. Use of pricing services has been approved by the Board of Trustees.
Securities and other assets for which there is no readily available market
are valued in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
The procedures set forth above need not be used to determine the value of
the securities owned by the fund if, in the opinion of a committee
appointed by the Board of Trustees, some other method (e.g., closing
over-the-counter bid prices in the case of debt instruments traded on an
exchange) would more accurately reflect the fair market value of such
securities.
Generally, the valuation of foreign and domestic equity securities, as well
as corporate bonds, U.S. government securities, money market instruments,
and repurchase agreements, is substantially completed each day at the close
of the NYSE. The values of any such securities held by the fund are
determined as of such time for the purpose of computing the fund's net
asset value. Future contracts and options are valued on the basis of market
quotations, if available. Foreign security prices are furnished by
independent brokers or quotation services which express the value of
securities in their local currency. FSC gathers all exchange rates daily at
the close of the NYSE using the last quoted price on the local currency and
then translates the value of foreign securities from their local currency
into U.S. dollars. Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to
exchange rate fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the
calculation of net asset value. If an extraordinary event that is expected
to materially affect the value of a portfolio security occurs after the
close of an exchange on which that security is traded, then the security
will be valued as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by
the Board of Trustees.
PERFORMANCE
The fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The fund's share price, yield, and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value
of fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields for the fund are computed by dividing the fund's
interest and dividend income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of
expenses, by the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions
during the period, dividing this figure by the fund's net asset value (NAV)
at the end of the period, and annualizing the result (assuming compounding
of income) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. Yields do not
reflect the fund's 1% redemption fee, which applies to shares held less
than 270 days. Income is calculated for purposes of yield quotations in
accordance with standardized methods applicable to all stock and bond
funds. Dividends from equity investments are treated as if they were
accrued on a daily basis, solely for the purposes of yield calculations. In
general, interest income is reduced with respect to bonds trading at a
premium over their par value by subtracting a portion of the premium from
income on a daily basis, and is increased with respect to bonds trading at
a discount by adding a portion of the discount to daily income. For the
fund's investments denominated in foreign currencies, income and expenses
are calculated first in their respective currencies, and are then converted
to U.S. dollars, either when they are actually converted or at the end of
the 30-day or one month period, whichever is earlier. Capital gains and
losses generally are excluded from the calculation as are gains and losses
from currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Income calculated for the purposes of calculating the fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding of income
assumed in yield calculations, the fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account, or the income reported
in the fund's financial statements.
In calculating the fund's yield, a fund may from time to time use a
portfolio security's coupon rate instead of its yield to maturity in order
to reflect the risk premium on that security. This practice will have the
effect of reducing the fund's yield.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing the fund's performance and in
providing a basis for comparison with other investment alternatives.
However, the fund's yield fluctuates, unlike investments that pay a fixed
interest rate over a stated period of time. When comparing investment
alternatives, investors should also note the quality and maturity of the
portfolio securities of respective investment companies they have chosen to
consider.
Investors should recognize that in periods of declining interest rates the
fund's yield will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates,
and in periods of rising interest rates the fund's yield will tend to be
somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net
new money to the fund from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be
invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the
fund's holdings, thereby reducing the fund's current yield. In periods of
rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to occur.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of the fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's NAV over a
stated period. Average annual total returns are calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical investment in
the fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded
percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of
growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. For example,
a cumulative total return of 100% over ten years would produce an average
annual total return of 7.18%, which is the steady annual rate of return
that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years. While
average annual total returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that the fund's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
total returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, the fund may quote unaveraged
or cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis and may or may not include the effect of the
fund's 1% redemption fee on shares held less than 270 days. Excluding the
fund's redemption fee from a total return calculation produces a higher
total return figure. Total returns, yields, and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration, and may omit or include the effect of the $5.00 account
closeout fee.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using the fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by the fund
and reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, the
fund's adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following table shows the fund's yield and
total returns for peri ods end ed April 30, 1996. Total return figures
include the effect of the $5.00 account closeout fee based on an average
size account, but not the fund's 1% redemption fee, applicable to shares
held less than 270 days.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thirty-Day One Five One Five
Yield Year Years Life of Year Years Life of
Fund* Fund*
8.57 % 16.05 % 17.13 % 17.87 % 16.05 % 120.47 % 154.28 %
</TABLE>
* From August 29, 1990 (commencement of operations).
The following table shows the income and capital elements of the fund's
cumulative total return. The table compares the fund's return to the record
of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500), the Dow Jones
Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living (measured by the Consumer
Price Index, or CPI) over the same period. The CPI information is as of the
month end closest to the initial investment date for each fund. The S&P 500
and DJIA comparisons are provided to show how the fund's total return
compared to the record of a broad average of common stocks and a narrower
set of stocks of major industrial companies, respectively, over the same
period. Of course, since the fund invests in fixed-income securities,
common stocks represent a different type of investment from the fund.
Common stocks generally offer greater growth potential than the fund, but
generally experience greater price volatility, which means greater
potential for loss. In addition, common stocks generally provide lower
income than a fixed-income investment such as the fund. Figures for the S&P
500 and DJIA are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of stocks and,
unlike the fund's returns, do not include the effect of paying brokerage
commissions or other costs of investing.
During the period from August 29, 1990 (commencement of operations) to
April 30, 1996, a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Spartan High Income
Fund would have grown to $ 25,430 , assuming all distributions were
reinvested. This was a period of fluctuating interest rates and bond prices
and the figures below should not be considered representative of the
dividend income or capital gain or loss that could be realized from an
investment in the fund today.
SPARTAN HIGH INCOME FUND INDICES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
Ended Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 12,510 $ 10,398 $ 2,522 $ 25,430 $ 23,986 $ 25,068 $ 11,877
1995 11,990 7,728 2,194 21, 822 18,420 19,01 4 11,543
1994 11,880 5,808 2,039 19,727 15,682 15,772 11,201
1993 12,220 4,364 919 17,503 14,890 14,283 10,942
1992 11,900 2,664 401 14,965 1 3,629 13,587 1 0,600
1991* 10,640 893 0 11,533 11,950 11,326 10,274
</TABLE>
* From August 29, 1990 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 made on August 29,
1990, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The cost of the
initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost of
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period covered
(their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 22,098 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 6,600 for
dividends and $ 1,680 for capital gains distributions. Tax
consequences of different investments have not been factored into the above
figures. The figures in the table shown above do not reflect the effect of
the fund's $5.00 account closeout fee or the fund's 1% redemption fee
applicable to shares held less than 270 days.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. The fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Lipper generally ranks funds on the basis of
total return, assuming reinvestment of distributions, but does not take
sales charges or redemption fees into consideration, and is prepared
without regard to tax consequences. Lipper may also rank funds based on
yield. In addition to the mutual fund rankings, the fund's performance may
be compared to stock, bond, and money market mutual fund performance
indices prepared by Lipper or other organizations. The fund may be compared
to the Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index, a market-capitalization
weighted index which includes all domestic and yankee high-yield bonds that
have an outstanding par value of at least $50 million and maturities of at
least one year. Both interest and price return are calculated daily based
on an accrued schedule and trader pricing. The quality range is less than
BBB-/Baa3 but not in default (DDD1 or less). Split-rated issues (i.e.,
investment grade by one rating agency and high-yield by another) are
included in the Index based on the issue's corresponding composite rating.
Only bonds for which accurate pricing is available are included.
Structured-note issues, deferred interest bonds, and pay-in-kind bonds are
excluded. When comparing these indices, it is important to remember the
risk and return characteristics of each type of investment. For example,
while stock mutual funds may offer higher potential returns, they also
carry the highest degree of share price volatility. Likewise, money market
funds may offer greater stability of principal, but generally do not offer
the higher potential returns available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, the fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
The fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, the
fund may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, the
fund does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are
not FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the CPI), and combinations of
various capital markets. The performance of these capital markets is based
on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
A fund may compare its performance or the performance of securities in
which it may invest to averages published by IBC USA (Publications), Inc.
of Ashland, Massachusetts. These averages assume reinvestment of
distributions. The IBC 's /All Taxable, which is reported in the
IBC's MONEY FUND REPORT (trademark) , covers 791 taxable
money market funds. The IBC's Bond Fund Report
AverageS(trademark)/Corporate, which is reported in the IBC's BOND
FUND REPORT (trademark) , covers 546 taxable bond funds and
63 high yield funds. When evaluating comparisons to money market funds,
investors should consider the relevant differences in investment objectives
and policies. Specifically, money market funds invest in short-term,
high-quality instruments and seek to maintain a stable $1.00 share price.
The fund, however, invests in longer-term instruments and its share price
changes daily in response to a variety of factors.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations ;
saving for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity
credit card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or
business publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic
and political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition,
investment philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a
particular mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may
also reprint, and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from
Fidelity Focus, a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity
fund shareholders.
The fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. The fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data. In advertising, the fund
may also discuss or illustrate examples of interest rate sensitivity.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate the fund's price movements over specific
periods of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
The fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment
plans, including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program,
an investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
The fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of April 30, 1996, FMR advised over $ 25.5 billion in tax-free
fund assets, $ 82 billion in money market fund assets, $ 271
billion in equity fund assets, $ 53 billion in international fund
assets, and $ 23 billion in Spartan fund assets. The fund may
reference the growth and variety of money market mutual funds and the
adviser's innovation and participation in the industry. The equity funds
under management figure represents the largest amount of equity fund assets
under management by a mutual fund investment adviser in the United States,
making FMR America's leading equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its
subsidiaries, and affiliates maintain a worldwide information and
communications network for the purpose of researching and managing
investments abroad.
In addition to performance rankings, each fund may compare its total
expense ratio to the average total expense ratio of similar funds tracked
by Lipper. A fund's total expense ratio is a significant factor in
comparing bond and money market investments because of its effect on yield.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for 1996: New Year's
Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Although FMR expects
the same holiday schedule to be observed in the future, the NYSE may modify
its holiday schedule at any time. In addition, the fund will not process
wire purchases and redemptions on days when the Federal Reserve Wire System
is closed.
FSC normally determines the fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). To the extent that portfolio securities are
traded in other markets on days when the NYSE is closed , the fund's NAV
may be affected on days when investors do not have access to the fund to
purchase or redeem shares. In addition, trading in some of the fund's
portfolio securities may not occur on days when the fund is open for
business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other
property on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and
will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), the fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, the fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. Because the fund's income is primarily derived from interest,
dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
Short-term capital gains are distributed as dividend income, but do not
qualify for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of the fund's
dividends derived from certain U.S. government obligations may be exempt
from state and local taxation. Gains (losses) attributable to foreign
currency fluctuations are generally taxable as ordinary income, and
therefore will increase (decrease) dividend distributions. As a
consequence, FMR may adjust the fund's income distributions to reflect the
effect of currency fluctuations. However, if foreign currency losses exceed
the fund's net investment income during a taxable year, all or a portion of
the distributions made in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as
a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing each shareholder's
cost basis in his or her fund. The fund will send each shareholder a notice
in January describing the tax status of dividend and capital gain
distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by the fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of the fund, and such shares are held
six months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to
the amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
the fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of April 30, 1996, the fund hereby designates approximately
$ 1,161,000 as a capital gain dividend for the purpose of the
dividend-paid deduction.
FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and
interest paid with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may
also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign
securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of the
fund's total assets are invested in securities of foreign issuers, the fund
may elect to pass through foreign taxes paid and thereby allow shareholders
to take a credit or deduction on their individual tax returns.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. The fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some forward currency contracts, futures contracts, and options
are included in this 30% calculation, which may limit the fund's
investments in such instruments.
If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities,
defined as passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) in the Internal
Revenue Code, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of
any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares.
Interest charges may also be imposed on the fund with respect to deferred
taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Generally, the fund will
elect to mark-to-market any PFIC shares. Unrealized gains will be
recognized as income for tax purposes and must be distributed to
shareholders as dividends.
The fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and
no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax
situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting
common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member
employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the
vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Class B
shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which
all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of
Class B shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act),
control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company.
Therefore, through their ownership of voting common stock and the execution
of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be
deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to
FMR Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by three of its divisions as follows: FSC, which is the transfer
and shareholder servicing agent for certain of the funds advised by FMR;
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, which performs
shareholder servicing functions for institutional customers and funds sold
through intermediaries; and Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing Company,
which provides marketing services to various companies within the Fidelity
organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees, Mem bers of the Advisory Boa rd, and executive officers
of the trust are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has
held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last
five years. All persons named as Trustees and Members of the Ad visory
Board also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by FMR. The
business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested person"
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR. The business
address of all the other Trustees and Members of the Advisory Board is
Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 9235, Boston, Massachusetts 02 205-9235.
Those Trustees who are "interested persons" by virtue of their affiliation
with either the trust or FMR are indicated by an asterisk (*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d ( 65) , Trustee and President, is Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and
Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a
Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD (5 4), Trustee and Senior Vice President, is
President of FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX (6 3), Trustee (1991), is a consultant to Western Mining
Corporation (1994). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill
Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production, 1990). Until
March 1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union
Pacific Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of
Sanifill Corporation (non-hazardous waste, 1993) and CH2M Hill Companies
(engineering). In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the
Texas State Chamber of Commerce, and he is a member of advisory boards of
Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS ( 64) , Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
RICHARD J. FLYNN ( 72), Trustee and Chairman of the non-intere sted
Trustees, is a financial consultant. Prior to September 1986, Mr. Flynn was
Vice Chairman and a Director of the Norton Company (manufacturer of
industrial devices). He is currently a Trustee of College of the Holy Cross
and Old Sturbridge Village, Inc., and he previously served as a Director of
Mechanics Bank (1971-1995).
E. BRADLEY JONES (6 8), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr.
Jones was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is
a Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products), and
he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and
marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (1985-1995).
In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate Investments,
a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of University
School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK (63), Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (19 95) at
Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant.
From 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Greenwich Hospital Association, a Member of the Public Oversight Board of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice
Section (1995), and as a Public Governor of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (1996).
*PETER S. LYNCH (5 3), Trustee is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR
(1992). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of the
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston.
GERALD C. McDONOUGH (66), T rustee and Vice-Chairman of the
non-interested Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group (strategic
advisory services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp. (physical
distribution services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of ACME-Cleveland Corp.
(metal working, telecommunications and electronic products), Brush-Wellman
Inc. (metal refining), York International Corp. (air conditioning and
refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (water treatment equipment,
1992), and Associated Estates Realty Corporation (a real estate investment
trust, 1993).
EDWARD H. MALONE ( 71), Tru stee. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Mr.
Malone was Chairman, General Electric Investment Corporation and a Vice
President of General Electric Company. He is a Director of Allegheny Power
Systems, Inc. (electric utility), General Re Corporation (reinsurance) and
Mattel Inc. (toy manufacturer). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of the
Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, and he is a member of the Advisory Boards of Butler Capital
Corporation Funds and Warburg, Pincus Partnership Funds.
MARVIN L. MANN (63), Tru stee (1993) is Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc.
(office machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice
President of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and
President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries.
Mr. Mann is a Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart
(marketing services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as
the Campaign Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a
member of the University of Alabama President's Cabinet.
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS ( 67), T rustee, is President of The Wales Group,
Inc. (management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in
1987, Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia
Corporation (bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation
(bank holding company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM O. McCOY (62), Member of the Advisory Board (1996), is the Vice
President of Finance for the University of North Carolina (16-school
system, 1995). Prior to his retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice
Chairman of the Board of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and
President of BellSouth Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty
Corporation (holding company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real estate,
1994), and Carolina Power and Light Company (electric utility, 1996).
Previously, he was a Director of First American Corporation (bank holding
company, 1979-1996). In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of the Board
of Visitors for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and
for the Kenan Flager Business School (University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill).
ROBERT A. LAWRENCE ( 43), V ice President (1994), is Vice President of
Fidelity's high income funds and Senior Vice President of FMR (1993). Prior
to joining FMR, Mr. Lawrence was Managing Director of the High Yield
Department for Citicorp (1984-1991).
ARTHUR S. LORING ( 48), Se cretary, is Senior Vice President (1993)
and General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER ( 48), Treasurer (1995), is Treasurer of the
Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr.
Rathgeber was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he
served in various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary
Accounting (1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief
Operations Officer of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995).
JOHN H. COSTELLO (4 9) , Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH ( 50), As sistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of
FMR (1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds,
Mr. Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of
each current Trustee of the fund for his or her services as Trustee for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1 996 .
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Aggregate Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Compensation Retirement Benefits Benefits Upon Compensation
from Accrued as Part of Retirement from from the Fund
the Fund Fund Expenses the Fund Complex* Complex*
from the Fund
Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead ** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox 369 5,200 52,000 128,000
Phyllis Burke Davis 357 5,200 52,000 125,000
Richard J. Flynn 447 0 52,000 160,500
Edward C. Johnson 3d ** 0 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 362 5,200 49,400 128,000
Donald J. Kirk 362 5,200 52,000 129,500
Peter S. Lynch ** 0 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 353 5,200 52,000 128,000
Edward H. Malone 365 5,200 44,200 128,000
Marvin L. Mann 369 5,200 52,000 128,000
Thomas R. Williams 357 5,200 52,000 125,000
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 1995 for 219 funds in the complex.
** Interested Trustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
The non-interested Tru stees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on the fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval. Only non-interested trustees are eligible to
participate in the Plan.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988, the non-interested
Trustees, at the en d of the calendar year after attaining age 72, become
eligible to participate in a retirement program under which they receive
payments during their lifetime from a fund based on their basic trustee
fees and length of service. The obligation of a fund to make such payments
is not secured or funded. Trustees become eligible if, at the time of
retirement, they have served on the Board for at least five years.
Currently, Messrs. Ralph S. Saul, William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham,
and David L. Yunich, all former non-interested Trustees, receive retirement
benefits under the progra m.
On April 30, 1996 the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in the
aggregate, less than 1 % of the fund's total outstanding shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser
and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs the
investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments,
compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of the fund or FMR
performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's
records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal and state
laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and
furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects to
the Trustees.
FMR is responsible for the payment of all expenses of the fund with certain
exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FMR include, without limitation,
expenses for the typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy materials to
shareholders; legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian, auditor and
non-interested Trustees; costs of typesetting, printing, and mailing
prospectuses and statements of additional information, notices and reports
to shareholders; the fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and
Investment Company Institute dues. FMR also provides for transfer agent and
dividend disbursing services and portfolio and general accounting record
maintenance through FSC.
FMR pays all other expenses of the fund with the following exceptions: fees
and expenses of all Trustees of the trust who are not "interested persons"
of the trust or FMR (the non-interested Trustees); interest on borrowings;
taxes; brokerage commissions (if any); and such nonrecurring expenses as
may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund may be a
party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify the officers and
Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is the fund's manager pursuant to a management contract dated November
1, 1993, which was approved by shareholders on October 20, 1993. The
management fee paid to FMR is reduced by an amount equal to the fees and
expenses of the non-interested Trustees.
For the services of FMR under the contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee at the annual rate of .80% of the average net assets of the
fund throughout the month. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1996, 1995,
and 1994, FMR received $ 8,341,400 , $5,294, 000 , and
$5,054, 000 , respectively, after reduction of fees and expenses of
the non-interested Trustees. In fiscal 1996, the fund received $68,000
in credits reducing management fees.
Pursuant to the management contract in effect prior to November 1, 1993,
the fund paid FMR a monthly management fee at the annual rate of .70% of
its average net assets.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase the fund's total returns and yield and repayment of
the reimbursement by the fund will lower its total returns and yield.
To defray shareholder service costs, FMR or its affiliates also collect the
fund's $5.00 exchange fee, $5.00 account closeout fee, and $5.00 fee for
wire purchases and redemptions. Shareholder transaction fees and charges
collected by FMR are indicated in the fo llowing table .
Year Ended Account
April 30 Exchange Fees Closeout Fees Wire Fees
1996 $ 16,751 $ 2,045 $ 340
1995 19,381 2,337 840
1994 28,240 1,620 970
SUB-ADVISERS. On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory
agreements with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. Pursuant to the sub-advisory
agreements, FMR may receive investment advice and research services outside
the United States from the sub-advisers.
Currently, FMR U.K. and FMR Far East each focus on issuers in countries
other than the United States such as those in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Basin.
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East, which were organized in 1986, are wholly owned
subsidiaries of FMR. Under the sub-advisory agreements FMR pays the fees of
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. For providing non-discretionary investment
advice and research services, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal
to 110% and 105%, respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs
incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
services.
For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, no fees were
paid by FMR to FMR U.K. and FMR Far East on behalf of the fund.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on behalf of the
fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may not
engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except pursuant to a
plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved
by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur certain expenses that
might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of
distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan also specifically
recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use its management
fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay
promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and
sale of shares of the fund. In addition, the Plan provides that FMR may use
its resources, including its management fee revenues, to make payments to
third parties that assist in selling shares of the fund, or to third
parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services.
No third party payments were made in fiscal 1996.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that
the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those made to
FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the
Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the
distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of fund shares may
result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided
more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders
have other relationships.
The Plan was approved by shareholders of Spartan High Income Fund on
November 13, 1991.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the fund
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase securities
issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under the Plan. No
preference for the instruments of such depository institutions will be
shown in the selection of investments.
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC , an affiliate of FMR, performs transfer agency, dividend
disbursing, and shareholder servicing functions for the fund. The costs of
these services are borne by FMR pursuant to its management contract with
the fund. Under this arrangement, FSC receives an annual account fee
and an asset-based fee each based on account size and fund
type for each retail account and certain institutional accounts. With
respect to certain institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an
annual account fee and an asset based fee based on account
type or fund type. These annual account fees are subject to increase
based on postal rate changes. FSC also collects small account fees from
certain accounts with balances of less than $2,500. FSC also calculates the
fund's net asset value per share and dividends, maintains the fund's
general accounting records, and administers the fund's securities lending
program. For pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a fee
based on the fund's average net assets. The costs of these services are
also borne by FMR pursuant to its management contract with the fund.
The fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts corporation
organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement calls
for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business,
to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered
at net asset value. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection
with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Spartan High Income Fund is a fund of Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust, an open-end management investment company originally
organized as a Massachusetts corporation on June 25, 1970. On September 5,
1984, the trust was reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust, at which
time the name was changed from Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. to
Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund. On October 2 5, 19 85 the trust's name
was changed to Fidelity Flexible Bond Fund and on August 31, 1986, it was
changed to Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Currently, there are five funds of
the trust: Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond
Fund , Spartan Government Income Fund, Spartan High Income Fund, and
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund. The Declaration of Trust
permits the Trustees to create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying names
"Fidelity" and "Spartan" may be withdrawn.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts
law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees include a provision limiting the obligations created
thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The Declaration of Trust
also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund
and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal
liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and its funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New
York, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is responsible
for the safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment of the
subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The custodian takes no part in
determining the investment policies of a fund or in deciding which
securities are purchased or sold by a fund. However, a fund may invest in
obligations of the custodian and may purchase securities from or sell
securities to the custodian. Chemical Bank, headquartered in New York, also
may serve as a special purpose custodian of certain assets in connection
with pooled repurchase agreement transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR.
Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and
general business loans. In the judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of
those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial
or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts serves as the trust's independent accountant. The auditor
examines financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax,
and related services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1996 are included in the fund's Annual Report,
which is a separate report supplied with this Statement of Additional
Information. The fund's financial statements and financial highlights are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST:
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FUND AND
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER
PROSPECTUS PROSPECTUS SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1................................................. Cover Page
...
2a................................................ Expenses
..
Contents; The Funds at a Glance; Who May Want to Invest
b,c...............................................
3a............................................... Financial Highlights
*
b.................................................
.
Performance
c.................................................
.
d................................................. Performance
.
4a(i) Charter
..............................................
The Funds at a Glance; Investment Principles and Risks
(ii)..............................................
Investment Principles and Risks
b.................................................
.
Who May Want to Invest; Investment Principles and Risks
c.................................................
.
5a Charter
.................................................
Cover Page; The Funds at a Glance; Doing Business with
b(i).............................................. Fidelity
b(ii) Charter
............................................
Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
b(iii)...........................................
.
c............................................... Charter
Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
d.................................................
.
Cover Page; Charter
e.................................................
.
Expenses
f..................................................
.
g(i).............................................. Charter
..
g(ii)............................................. *
..
5A Performance
................................................
6a(i)............................................ Charter
...
a(ii) How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares; Transaction Details;
............................................ Exchange Restrictions
Charter
a(iii)...........................................
*
b.................................................
Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
c................................................
*
d.................................................
Doing Business with Fidelity; How to Buy Shares; How to Sell
e................................................. Shares; Investor Services
Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
f,g...............................................
7a................................................ Cover Page; Charter
..
Expenses; How to Buy Shares; Transaction Details
b.................................................
.
*
c.................................................
.
How to Buy Shares
d.................................................
.
*
e.................................................
.
Breakdown of Expenses
f..................................................
.
8................................................. How to Sell Shares, Investor Services; Transaction Details;
.. Exchange Restrictions
9................................................. *
..
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Part B Statement of Additional Information Section
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
10, Cover Page
11........................................
12............................................. Description of the Trust
.
13a-c....................................... Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
d............................................
14a, Trustees and Officers
b........................................
*
c.............................................
15a, *
b.........................................
Trustees and Officers
c.............................................
16a(i)....................................... FMR, Portfolio Transactions
..
Trustees and Officers
a(ii)........................................
a(iii), Management Contracts
b...................................
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
c............................................
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
d,e..........................................
Distribution and Service Plans
f............................................
*
g.............................................
Description of the Trust
h.............................................
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
i.............................................
17a,b,c..................................... Portfolio Transactions
...
*
d,e.........................................
18a........................................... Description of the Trust
..
*
b.............................................
19a........................................... Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
..
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information; Valuation of
b............................................ Portfolio Securities
*
c.............................................
20............................................. Distributions and Taxes
..
21a(i),(ii),,(iii), Contracts with FMR Affiliates
b.......................
22a........................................... *
..
Performance
b.............................................
23............................................. Financial Statements
..
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how each
fund invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about each fund and its investments, you can obtain a copy of
the funds' most recent financial reports and portfolio listing, or a copy
of the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated June 24, 1996.
The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and is available along with other related materials, for reference on the
SEC's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is incorporated
herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). For a free
copy of either document, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
SSG/SPG-pro-696
SPARTAN(REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
SHORT-
INTERMEDIATE
GOVERNMENT
FUND
and
SPARTAN(REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
GOVERNMENT
INCOME
FUND
Each fund invests in U.S. government securities. Spartan Short-Intermediate
Government seeks high current income with preservation of capital. Spartan
Government Income seeks high current income.
PROSPECTUS
JUNE 24, 1996(FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON, MA 02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUNDS AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES Each fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of each fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How each fund has
done over time.
THE FUNDS IN DETAIL CHARTER How each fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
Each fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
KEY FACTS
THE FUNDS AT A GLANCE
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager.
As with any mutual fund, there is no assurance that a fund will achieve its
goal.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMED. GOV'T.
GOAL: High current income with preservation of capital.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government and its agencies while normally maintaining an average maturity
of two to five years.
SIZE: As of April 30, 1996, the fund had over $ 78 m illion in
assets.
SPARTAN GOV'T. INCOME
GOAL: High current income.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in securities of any maturity issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. government and its agencies.
SIZE: As of April 30 , 1996, the fund had over $233 million
in assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
These funds may be appropriate for investors who seek high current income
from a portfolio of U.S. government securities. A fund's level of risk and
potential reward depend on the quality and maturity of its investments.
Because Spartan Government Income can invest in securities with any
maturity, it has the potential for higher yields, but also carries a higher
degree of risk.
The value of the funds' investments and the income they generate will vary
from day to day, and generally reflect interest rates, market conditions,
and other economic and political news. When you sell your shares, they may
be worth more or less than what you paid for them. By themselves, the funds
do not constitute a balanced investment plan.
The Spartan family of funds is designed for cost-conscious investors
looking for higher yields through lower costs. The Spartan
Approach(registered trademark) requires investors to make high minimum
investments and, in some cases, to pay for individual transactions.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking
to maximize return must
assume greater risk. The
funds in this prospectus are
in the I NCOME category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(right arrow) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly in
stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you pay when you buy, sell or
hold shares of a fund. See page for more information about these fees.
Maximum sales charge on purchases and
reinvested distributions None
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Exchange and wire transaction fees $5.00
Checkwriting fee, per check written $2.00
Account closeout fee $5.00
Annual account maintenance fee
(for accounts under $2,500) $12.00
THESE FEES ARE WAIVED if your account balance at the time of the
transaction is $50,000 or more.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of each fund's assets. Each
fund pays a management fee to FMR. Expenses are factored into each fund's
share price or dividends and are not charged directly to shareholder
accounts (see page ).
The following are projections based on historical expenses adjusted to
reflect current fees , and are calculated as a percentage of each
fund's average net assets. FMR has entered into an arrangement on
behalf of Spartan Government Income with the fund's custodian and transfer
agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash balances is used to reduce
fund expenses. If these reductions are included, the total operating
expenses presented in the table would be .57%.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMED. GOV'T.
Management fee .6 5 %
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .00%
Total fund operating expenses .6 5 %
SPARTAN GOV'T. INCOME
Management fee (after .6 0 %
reimbursement)
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .00%
Total fund operating expenses .6 0 %
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that each fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses after
the number of years indicated, first assuming that you leave your account
open, and then assuming that you close your account at the end of the
period:
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMED. GOV'T.
Account Account
open closed
After 1 year $ 7 $ 12
After 3 years $ 21 $ 26
After 5 years $ 36 $ 41
After 10 years $ 81 $ 86
SPARTAN GOV'T. INCOME
Account Account
open closed
After 1 year $ 6 $ 11
After 3 years $ 20 $ 25
After 5 years $ 35 $ 40
After 10 years $ 80 $ 85
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
FMR has voluntarily agreed to limit Spartan Government Income's total
operating expenses to .60% of its average net assets. This arrangement will
remain in effect until May 31, 1998. If this agreement were not in effect,
the management fee, other expenses, and total operating expenses would be
.65%, .00%, and .65%, respectively. Expenses eligible for reimbursement do
not include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, or extraordinary
expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables that follow are included in each fund's Annual Report and have
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P . , independent accountants.
Their reports on the financial statements and financial highlights are
included in the Annual Reports. The financial statements and financial
highlights are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of)
the funds ' Statement of Additional Information.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
55.Selected Per-Share Data and Ratios
56.Years ended April 30 1996 1995 1994F 1993D
57.Net asset value, beginning of period $ 9.440 $ 9.490 $ 10.090 $ 10.000
58.Income from Investment Operations
.688 .665 .616 .257
Net investment income
59. Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (.045) (.065) (.579) .083
E
60. Total from investment operations .643 .600 .037 .340
61.Less Distributions
(.683) (.650) (.617) (.250)
From net investment income
62. In excess of net investment income -- -- (.010) --
63. In excess of net realized gain -- -- (.010) --
64. Total distributions (.683) (.650) (.637) (.250)
65.Net asset value, end of period $ 9.400 $ 9.440 $ 9.490 $ 10.090
66.Total return B,C 6.92 6.60 .29 3.43%
% % %
67.Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $ 78,278 $ 93,888 $ 53,726 $ 54,853
68.Ratio of expenses to average net assetsG .45 .10 .10 .02%
% % % A
69.Ratio of net investment income to average 7.16 7.35 7.33 7.28%
net assets % % % A
70.Portfolio turnover rate 161 282 271 587%
% % % A
</TABLE>
A ANNUALIZED
B TOTAL RETURNS DO NOT INCLUDE THE ACCOUNT CLOSEOUT FEE AND PERIODS LESS
THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED.
C TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN REDUCED
DURING THE PERIODS SHOWN.
D FROM DECEMBER 18, 1992 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO APRIL 30, 1993
E THE AMOUNT SHOWN FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING DOES NOT CORRESPOND WITH THE
AGGREGATE NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DUE TO THE TIMING
OF SALES AND REPURCHASES OF FUND SHARES IN RELATION TO FLUCTUATING MARKET
VALUES OF THE INVESTMENT OF THE FUND.
F EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INTEREST INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
G FMR AGREED TO REIMBURSE A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES DURING THE
PERIOD. WITHOUT THIS REIMBURSEMENT, THE FUND'S EXPENSE RATIO WOULD HAVE
BEEN HIGHER.
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
71.Selected Per-Share Data
and Ratios
72.Years ended 1996 1995 1994F 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989D
April 30
73.Net asset $ 9.950 $ 10.00 $ 10.93 $ 10.90 $ 10.64 $ 10.03 $ 10.05 $ 10.00
value, beginning 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of period
74.Income from .672 .640 .624 .784 .846 .870 .936 .328
Investment
Operations
Net investment
income
75. Net realized .132 .055E (.720) .370 .294 .610 .010 .050
and
unrealized gain
(loss)
76. Total from .804 .695 (.096) 1.154 1.140 1.480 .946 .378
investment
operations
77.Less (.664) (.700) (.574) (.704) (.840) (.870) (.936) (.328)
Distributions
From net
investment income
78. In excess of -- (.045) -- -- -- -- -- --
net
investment
income
79. From net -- -- (.100) (.420) (.040) -- (.030) --
realized gain
80. In excess of -- -- (.160) -- -- -- -- --
net
realized gain
81. Total (.664) (.745) (.834) (1.124) (.880) (.870) (.966) (.328)
distributions
82.Net asset $ 10.09 $ 9.950 $ 10.00 $ 10.93 $ 10.90 $ 10.64 $ 10.03 $ 10.05
value, end of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
period
83.Total returnB,C 8.10% 7.32% (1.14) 11.12% 11.05% 15.27% 9.47% 3.83%
%
84.Net assets, end $ 233,5 $ 239,8 $ 286,6 $ 457,7 $ 482,8 $ 430,4 $ 282,5 $ 21,13
of period (000 97 99 54 25 37 43 55 5
omitted)
85.Ratio of .65% .65% .65% .65% .65% .53%H .16%H .65%A
expenses to
average net assets
86.Ratio of .62%G .65% .65% .65% .65% .53% .16% .65%A
expenses to
average net assets
after expense
reductions
87.Ratio of net 6.55% 7.34% 6.79% 7.11% 7.77% 8.35% 9.02% 9.26%A
investment income
to average net
assets
88.Portfolio 114% 303% 354% 170% 59% 96% 68% 277%A
turnover rate
</TABLE>
A ANNUALIZED
B TOTAL RETURNS DO NOT INCLUDE THE ACCOUNT CLOSEOUT FEE AND PERIODS LESS
THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED.
C TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN REDUCED
DURING SOME OF THE PERIODS SHOWN.
D FROM DECEMBER 20, 1988 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO APRIL 30, 1989
E THE AMOUNT SHOWN FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING DOES NOT CORRESPOND WITH THE
AGGREGATE NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DUE TO THE TIMING
OF SALES AND REPURCHASES OF FUND SHARES IN RELATION TO FLUCTUATING MARKET
VALUES OF THE INVESTMENT OF THE FUND.
F EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INTEREST INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
G FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
H FMR AGREED TO REIMBURSE A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES DURING THE
PERIOD. WITHOUT THIS REIMBURSEMENT THE FUND'S EXPENSE RATIO WOULD HAVE BEEN
HIGHER.
PERFORMANCE
Bond fund performance can be measured as TOTAL RETURN or YIELD. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes or any transaction fees you may have paid. The figures
would be lower if fees were taken into account.
Each fund's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30. The tables
below show each fund's performance over past fiscal years compared to
different measures, including a comparative index and a competitive funds
average. The charts on page present each fund's calendar year performance
and do not reflect the effect of the $5 account closeout fee.
UNDERSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Because these funds invest
in fixed-income securities,
their performance is related
to changes in interest rates.
Funds that hold short-term
bonds are usually less
affected by changes in
interest rates than long-term
bond funds. For that reason,
long-term bond funds typically
offer higher yields and carry
more risk than short-term
bond funds.
(checkmark)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal periods ended Past 1 Past 5 Life of
April 30, 1996 year year s fund
Spartan Short-Intermediate 6.92% n/a 5.09%A
Government
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 1-5 7.20% n/a n/a
Year Index
Lipper Short -Intermediate U.S. 6.64% 6.41 % n/a
Government Funds Average
Spartan Government Income 8.10% 7.19 % 8.74%B
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 8.26% 8.03 % n/a
Index
Lipper General U.S. Government 7.15% 6.97 % n/a
Funds Average
</TABLE>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal periods ended Past 1 Past 5 Life of
April 30, 1996 year years fund
Spartan Short-Intermediate 6.92 % n/a 18.23 % A
Government
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 1-5 7.20 % n/a n/a
Year Index
Lipper Short -Intermediate U.S. 6.64% 36.48 % n/a
Government Funds Average
Spartan Government Income 8.10% 41.54 % 85.43%B
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 8.26 % 47.13 % n/a
Index
Lipper General U.S. Government 7.15% 40.18 % n/a
Funds Average
</TABLE>
A FROM DECEMBER 18, 1992 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
B FROM DECEMBER 20, 1988 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT
Calendar year total returns 1993 1994 1995
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government 5.68
% -0.52 % 12.29 %
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 1-5 Year Index 6.89
% -0.79% 12.61%
Lipper Short - Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Average
6.96 % -2.26 % 12.46 %
Consumer Price Index 2.75 % 2.67 % 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 5.68
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: -0.52
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 12.29
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Spartan
Short-Interm
ediate
Government
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
Calendar year total returns 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Spartan Government Income 15.23 % 9.17 % 15.11 %
7.12 % 7.34 % -3.5
9 % 18.17 %
Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency Index 14.24 % 8.78 %
15.33 % 7.24 % 10.
74 % -3.40 % 18.39 %
Lipper General U.S. Government Funds Average 12.46 % 8.22 %
14.44 % 6.4
1 % 9.42 % -4.64 % 17.34 %
Consumer Price Index 4.65 % 6.11 % 3.06 % 2.90 %
2.75 % 2.67 % 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: nil
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 15.23
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 9.17
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 15.11
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 7.119999999999999
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 7.34
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: -3.59
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 18.17
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Spartan
Government
Income
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment in a fund over a given
period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period of
time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of return that,
if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return
if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results.
YIELD refers to the income generated by an investment in a fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. Yields are
calculated according to a standard that is required for all stock and bond
funds. Because this differs from other accounting methods, the quoted yield
may not equal the income actually paid to shareholders.
THE SALOMON BROTHERS TREASURY/AGENCY 1-5 YEAR INDEX, the
comparative index for Spartan Short-Intermediate Government, is a
market-capitalization weighted index comprised of U.S. Treasury and
government agency securities. Issues included in the Index have fixed-rate
coupons and weighted average lives of one to five years.
T HE SALOMON BROTHERS TREASURY/AGENCY INDEX, the comparative index for
Spartan Government Income, is a market-capitalization weighted index
comprised of U.S. Treasury and government agency securities. Issues
included in the Index have fixed-rate coupons and weig hted average
lives greater than one year.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGES ARE the Lipper Short-Intermediate
U.S. Government Funds Average (Spartan Short-Intermediate Government) and
the Lipper General U.S. Government Funds Average (Spartan Government
Income), which currently reflect the performance of over 96 and 181 mutual
funds, respectively, with similar objectives. These averages, which assume
reinvestment of distributions, are published by Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. government.
The funds' recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
THE FUNDS IN DETAIL
CHARTER
EACH FUND IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools shareholders' money
and invests it toward a specified goal. Each fund is a diversified fund of
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 5, 1984.
EACH FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the funds' activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
funds, and review the funds' performance. The majority of trustees are not
otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUNDS MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These
meetings may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental
policies, approve a management contract, or for other purposes.
Shareholders not attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy.
Fidelity will mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and
information about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are
entitled to is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The funds are managed by FMR, which chooses their investments and handles
their business affairs.
Curtis Hollingsworth is manager and vice president of Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government, which he has managed since December 1992.
Mr. Hollingsworth also manages several other Fidelity bond funds.
Mr. Hollingsworth joined Fidelity in 1983.
Robert Ives is manager of Spartan Government Income, which he has managed
since October 1993. Mr. Ives also manages several other Fidelity bond
funds. Mr. Ives joined Fidelity in 1991, after receiving an M.B.A. from
the University of Chicago. Previously, Mr. Ives was a consultant to the
U.S. Air Force for MITRE Corp.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) distributes and markets Fidelity's
funds and services. Fidelity Service Co. (FSC) performs transfer agent
servicing functions for each fund .
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR. Members of the Edward C.
Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners of a class of shares of common
stock representing approximately 49% of the voting power of FMR Corp. Under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), control of a company is
presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25% of
the voting stock of that company; therefore, the Johnson family may be
deemed under the 1940 Act to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp.
FMR may use its broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund
shares to carry out a fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives
brokerage services and commission rates comparable to those of other
broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
EACH FUND'S INVESTMENT APPROACH
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT seeks as high a level of current
income as is consistent with preservation of capital by investing in U.S.
government securities and instruments related to U.S. government
securities under normal conditions . The fund normally maintains a
dollar-weighted average maturity of two to five years.
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME seeks a high level of current income by investing
in U.S. government securities and instruments related to U.S. government
securities under normal conditions . Although the fund does not maintain
an average maturity within a specified range, FMR seeks to manage the fund
so that it generally reacts to changes in interest rates similarly to
government bonds with maturities of five to 12 years.
EACH FUND normally invests only in U.S. government securities and
repurchase agreements and other instruments related to U.S.
government securities. Under normal conditions, the funds will invest at
least 65% of their total assets in U.S. government securities and
repurchase agreements for U.S. government securities. Other instruments may
include futures or options on U.S. government securities or interests in
U.S. government securities that have been repackaged by dealers or other
third parties. It is important to note that neither the funds' share
prices or yields are guaranteed by the U.S. government.
The funds differ primarily with respect to the maturity of their
investments and therefore their sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Although each fund can invest in securities of any maturity, Spartan
Government Income generally maintains a longer average maturity. As a
result, Spartan Government Income will tend to have greater share price
fluctuation. As of April 30, 1996, the dollar-weighted average maturity for
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government and Spartan Government Income was
approximately 3 and 9 years, respectively. (In determining a security's
maturity for purposes of calculating a fund's average maturity, an estimate
of the average time for its principal to be paid may be used. This can be
substantially shorter than its stated final maturity).
The total return from a bond is a combination of income and price gains or
losses. While income is the most important component of bond returns over
time, a fund's emphasis on income does not mean that the funds invest only
in the highest-yielding bonds available, or that they can avoid risks to
principal. In selecting investments for the funds, FMR considers a bond's
income potential together with its potential for price gains or losses. FMR
focuses on assembling a portfolio of income-producing securities that it
believes will provide the best tradeoff between risk and return with the
range of securities that are eligible investments for the funds.
Each fund's yield and share price change daily and are based on changes in
interest rates, market conditions, other economic and political news, and
on the quality and maturity of their investments. In general, bond prices
rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more
pronounced for longer-term securities. FMR may use various investment
techniques to hedge a portion of the funds' risks, but there is no
guarantee that these strategies will work as intended. When you sell your
shares of the funds, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for
them.
FMR normally invests each fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. Each fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
investment-grade money market or short-term debt instruments for temporary,
defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which a fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of a fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlier in this section.
A complete listing of each fund's limitations and more detailed information
about each fund's investments are contained in a fund's SAI. Policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of instruments
is not required in the event of a subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with a fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help a fund achieve its goal.
Fund holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in each fund's
financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year. For a free
SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or
variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current
interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. In
general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Debt
securities have varying degrees of quality and varying levels of
sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Longer-term bonds are generally
more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES are high-quality, short-term obligations issued by
the U.S. Government, corporations, financial institutions, and other
entities. These obligations may carry fixed, variable, or floating interest
rates.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are high-quality debt instruments issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of
the U.S. Government. Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States. For example, U.S. Government
securities such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage
Association are supported by the instrumentality's right to borrow money
from the U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances. Other U.S. Government
securities such as those issued by the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding
Corporation are supported only by the credit of the entity that issued
them.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES AND MORTGAGE SECURITIES include interests in pools
of lower-rated debt securities, consumer loans or mortgages, or complex
instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped
mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may be
significantly affected by changes in interest rates, the market's
perception of issuers, and the creditworthiness of the parties
involved. Some securities may have a structure that makes their reaction to
interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their value
highly volatile. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.
STRIPPED SECURITIES are the separate income or principal components of a
debt security. Their risks are similar to those of other debt securities,
although they may be more volatile and the value of certain types of
stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, a fund buys a security at
one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. A fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices , interest
rates, or other factors that affect security values. These techniques may
involve derivative transactions such as buying and selling options and
futures contracts, entering into swap agreements and purchasing indexed
securities.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of a fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with a
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of a fund and may involve a small investment of
cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by FMR, under the
supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which means that they
may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. Difficulty in
selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund.
RESTRICTIONS: A fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than
10% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date.
The market value of a security could change during this period.
BORROWING. Each fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If a fund borrows money, its
share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is
paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: Each fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency
purposes, but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. The
following paragraphs restate all those that are fundamental. All policies
stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in the
following paragraphs, can be changed without shareholder approval.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT seeks a s high a level
of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital.
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME seeks a high level of current income by investing
principally in U.S. government securities (securities issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.)
EACH FUND may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, but not in
an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the funds pay fees related to their daily
operations. Expenses paid out of a fund's assets are reflected in its share
price or dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor
deducted from shareholder accounts.
Each fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs.
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the funds for management
fees above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to be repaid by a
fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the
fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any
time without notice, can decrease a fund's expenses and boost its
performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. Each fund
pays a management fee at the annual rate of .65% of the fund's average net
assets. The total management fee rate for Spartan Short-Intermediate
Government for fiscal 1996, after reimburse ment, was .45%.
FMR has voluntarily agreed to limit Spartan Government Income's total
operating expenses to an annual rate of .60% of average net assets. This
arrangement will continue in effect until May 31, 1998.
FSC performs many transaction and accounting functions for the funds. These
services include processing shareholder transactions and calculating each
fund's share price. FMR, and not the funds, pays for these services.
To offset shareholder service costs, FMR or its affiliates also collect the
funds' $5.00 exchange fee, $5.00 account closeout fee, $5.00 fee for wire
purchases and redemptions, and the $2.00 checkwriting charge. For fiscal
1996, the fees amounted to $4,740, $340, $265, and $450, respectively, for
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government and $3,865, $940, $235, and $330,
respectively, for Spartan Government Income.
Each fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. These plans
recognize that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay
expenses associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments
to third parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder
support services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is
important to note, however, that the funds do not pay FMR any separate fees
for this service.
For fiscal 1996, the portfolio turnover rates for Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government and Spartan Government Income were 161% and
114%, respectively. These rates vary from year to year. High turnover
rates increase transaction costs and may increase taxable capital gains.
FMR considers these effects when evaluating the anticipated benefits of
short-term investing.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services,
Inc. (FBSI). Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-sheltered
retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their
employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a representative in person, Fidelity has
over 80 walk-in Investor Centers across the country.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in a fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in a fund through a brokerage account.
If you are investing through FBSI or another financial institution or
investment professional, refer to its program materials for any special
provisions regarding your investment in a fund.
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in the table on page .
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If your employer offers a fund through a retirement program,
contact your employer for more information. Otherwise, call Fidelity
directly.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds in
the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 215
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $ 386 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 26 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 225
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WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
EACH FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. Each fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $10,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $10,000
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $1,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $1,000
Through automatic investment plans $500
MINIMUM BALANCE $5,000
For Fidelity retirement accounts $5,000
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio Advisory
Services. Refer to the program materials for details.
UNDERSTANDING THE
SPARTAN APPROACH(registered trademark)
Fidelity's Spartan Approach is
based on the principle that
lower fund expenses can
increase returns. The Spartan
funds keep expenses low in
two ways. First, higher
investment minimums reduce
the effect of a fund's fixed
costs, many of which are paid
on a per-account basis.
Second, unlike most mutual
funds that include transaction
costs as part of overall fund
expenses, Spartan
shareholders pay directly for
the transactions they make.
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TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to the complete
check payable to the name of the fund.
complete name of the Indicate your fund
fund of your choice. account number on
Mail to the address your check and mail to
indicated on the the address printed on
application. your account statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) There may be a $5.00 (small solid bullet) There may be a $5.00
fee for each wire fee for each wire
purchase. purchase.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify the complete
Bank Routing name of the fund and
#021001033, include your account
Account #00163053. number and your
Specify the complete name.
name of the fund and
include your new
account number and
your name.
Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, leave at least $5,000
worth of shares in the account to keep it open.
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in the table
that follows.
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
CHECKWRITING
If you have a checkbook for your account, you may write an unlimited number
of checks. Do not, however, try to close out your account by check.
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE IS LESS THAN $50,000, THERE ARE FEES FOR INDIVIDUAL REDEMPTION
TRANSACTIONS: $2.00 FOR EACH CHECK YOU WRITE AND $5.00 FOR EACH EXCHANGE, BANK WIRE,
AND ACCOUNT CLOSEOUT.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received by Fidelity
before 4 p.m. Eastern time
for money to be wired on the
next business day.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Check (check_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Minimum check: $1,000.
(small solid bullet) All account owners must sign
a signature card to receive a
checkbook.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than
one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports, prospectuses, or historical account information.
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing. There may be a $5.00 fee for
each exchange out of the funds, unless you place your transaction on
Fidelity's automated exchange services.
Note that exchanges out of a fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT BALANCES
1-800-544-7544
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
QUOTES
1-800-544-8544
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE(registered trademark) enables you to transfer money by
phone between your bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are
complete within three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDER SM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
<TABLE>
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY FUND A
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$500 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE THEIR SHARE PRICES FLUCTUATE, THESE FUNDS MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE
CHOICES FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
Each fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and
capital gains to shareholders each year. Income dividends are declared
daily and paid monthly. Capital gains are normally distributed in June and
December.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. Each fund offers four
options:
9. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
10. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
11. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital
gain distributions.
12. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
Dividends will be reinvested at the fund's NAV on the last day of the
month. Capital gain distributions will be reinvested at the NAV as of the
date the fund deducts the distribution from its NAV. The mailing of
distribution checks will begin within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
Each fund earns interest from
its investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund may
realize capital gains if it sells
securities for a higher price
than it paid for them. These
are passed along as CAPITAL
GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in a fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid
on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, each fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
Mutual fund dividends from U.S. government securities are generally free
from state and local income taxes. However, particular states may limit
this benefit, and some types of securities, such as repurchase agreements
and some agency-backed securities, may not qualify for the benefit. In
addition, some states may impose intangible property taxes. You should
consult your own tax adviser for details and up-to-date information on the
tax laws in your state.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to other
Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive
when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of a fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares just before a fund deducts a capital
gain distribution from its NAV, you will pay the full price for the shares
and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable
distribution.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, a fund may
have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUNDS ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates each fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
EACH FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
Each fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
If quotations are not readily available, assets are valued by a method that
the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
EACH FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require a fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. Each fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of a fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) Each fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees a fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
(small solid bullet) You begin to earn dividends as of the first business
day following the day of your purchase.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
YOU MAY BUY OR SELL SHARES OF THE FUNDS THROUGH AN INVESTMENT
PROFESSION AL, INCLUDING A BROKER, who may charge you a transaction
fee for this service. If you invest through an investment professional,
read your investment professional's program materials for any additional
service features or fees that may apply. Certain features of the fund, such
as the minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts, may be
modified.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when a fund is priced on the
following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect a fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; however, shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) Each fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
(small solid bullet) If you sell shares by writing a check and the amount
of the check is greater than the value of your account, your check will be
returned to you and you may be subject to additional charges.
THE FEES FOR INDIVIDUAL TRANSACTIONS are waived if your account balance at
the time of the transaction is $50,000 or more. Otherwise, you should note
the following:
(small solid bullet) The $2.00 checkwriting charge will be deducted from
your account.
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 exchange fee will be deducted from the
amount of your exchange.
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 wire fee will be deducted from the amount of
your wire.
(small solid bullet) The $5.00 account closeout fee does not apply to
exchanges or wires, but it will apply to checkwriting.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $60.00 per shareholder. It is expected that accounts will
be valued on the second Friday in November of each year. Accounts opened
after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that year. The fee,
which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to offset in part the
relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts. The fee will not be
deducted from retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement
accounts), accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in
Fidelity funds exceed $50,000. Eligibility for the $50,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity mutual fund accounts maintained by FSC
or FBSI which are registered under the same social security number or which
list the same social security number for the custodian of a Uniform
Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $5,000, you will be given 30 days'
notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase your
balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send the
proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day your
account is closed and the $5.00 account closeout fee will be charged.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of a fund for
shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be registered
for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, each fund reserves the right to temporarily or
permanently terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more
than four exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under
common ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) Each fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if a fund
receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions
of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides
with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to a fund.
Although the funds will attempt to give you prior notice whenever they are
reasonably able to do so, they may impose these restrictions at any time.
The funds reserve the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege
in the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
SPARTAN(registered trademark) SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FUND
SPARTAN(registered trademark) GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
FUNDS OF FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 24, 1996
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the funds' current Prospectus (dated June 24, 1996 ). Please retain
this document for future reference. The funds' financial statements and
financial highlights, included in the Annual Report for the fiscal year
ended April 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference. To
obtain an additional copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report, please
call Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contracts
Distribution and Service Plans
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
Appendix
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Co. (FSC)
SSG/SPG -ptb- 696
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of a fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
The fund s' fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be
changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund.
However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below,
the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of
Additional Information are not fundamental and may be changed without
shareholder approval.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FUND
(SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT)
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
(a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities;
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal
business activities are in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements.
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to invest in interests in real
estate investment trusts that are not readily marketable, or to invest in
interests in real estate limited partnerships that are not listed on the
New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or traded on the
NASDAQ National Market System.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to make loans, but this limitation
does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply to securities received as dividends, through offers of
exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or merger.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to purchase warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the fund's net assets. Included
in that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the fund's net assets, may be
warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to
securities are not subject to these restrictions.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(xi) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of
any issuer if those officers and Trustees of the Trust and those officers
and directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's
securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions"
beginning on page .
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
(SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME)
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the government of the United States or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, (a) more than 25% of the value of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer, or (b)
with respect to 75% of its total assets, more than 5% of the value of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others (except to the extent that the
fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities);
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal
business activities are in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities (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);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing and selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements.
THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund does not currently
intend to purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, the fund would own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(iii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iv) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to invest in interests in real
estate investment trusts that are not readily marketable, or to invest in
interests in real estate limited partnerships that are not listed on the
New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or traded on the
NASDAQ National Market System.
(vii) The fund does not currently intend make loans, but this limitation
does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply to securities received as dividends, through offers of
exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or merger.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions"
beginning on page .
Each fund's investments must be consistent with its investment objective
and policies. Accordingly, not all of the security types and investment
techniques discussed below are eligible investments for each of the funds.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. A fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. government
securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers
in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term
borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has established and
periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving
affiliated financial institutions.
DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. Each fund may buy and sell securities on a
delayed-delivery or when-issued basis. These transactions involve a
commitment by a fund to purchase or sell specific securities at a
predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after
the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no
interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. The
funds may receive fees for entering into delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, each fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. Because a fund is not required to pay for securities until
the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with
the fund's other investments. If a fund remains substantially fully
invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the
delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When
delayed-delivery purchases are outstanding, the fund will set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its
purchase obligations. When a fund has sold a security on a delayed-delivery
basis, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with
respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery
transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the fund could miss
a favorable price or yield opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Each fund may renegotiate delayed-delivery transactions after they are
entered into, and may sell underlying securities before they are delivered,
which may result in capital gains or losses.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, OTC Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and
Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The funds will comply
with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to coverage of options and futures strategies by mutual funds, and
if the guidelines so require will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a
segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy is
outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a
result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of a
fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the fund's ability to
meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. A fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, a fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match a fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The funds may invest in options and
futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities,
or other characteristics from the securities in which they typically
invest, which involves a risk that the options or futures position will not
track the performance of a fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in a fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated with
its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains
or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When a fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
a fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index. Futures can
be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before then if a
liquid secondary market is available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase a fund's exposure to positive and negative
price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of a fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be
entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIO NS TRANSACTIONS. Each fund has filed a
notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The funds intend to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the funds can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, each fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase
put options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the
fund's total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the funds' investments in futures contracts and
options, and the funds' policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information, may be
changed as regulatory agencies permit.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for a fund to
enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary
market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions,
and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until
delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a
fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or futures
positions could also be impaired.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the funds greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, a fund obtains
the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. A fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in
the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When a fund writes a put option, it takes the
opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for
receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the strike
price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to the
option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. A fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates a fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of a fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of a fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the funds to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, non-government stripped fixed-rate
mortgage-backed securities, and over-the-counter options. Also, FMR may
determine some government-stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities to
be illiquid. However, with respect to over-the-counter options a fund
writes, all or a portion of the value of the underlying instrument may be
illiquid depending on the assets held to cover the option and the nature
and terms of any agreement the fund may have to close out the option before
expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, a fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. Each fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, or other
financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are
debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is
determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic. A mortgage
indexed security, for example, could be synthesized to replicate the
performance of mortgage securities and the characteristics of direct
ownership.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security or other instrument to which they are indexed,
and may also be influenced by interest rate changes. At the same time,
indexed securities are subject to the credit risks associated with the
issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the
issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Indexed securities may be more
volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, each fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates , but
each fund currently intends to participate in this program only as a
borrower . Interfund borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have
a maximum duration of seven days. A fund will borrow through the
program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the cost s of
bank loans. Loans may be called on one day's notice, and a fund may
have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan
is called or not renewed.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The funds may purchase mortgage-backed
securities issued by government and non-government entities such as banks,
mortgage lenders, or other financial institutions. A mortgage-backed
security is an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of
mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some
mortgage-backed securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations or
CMOs, make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of
intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate
and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage-backed
securities are based on different types of mortgages including those on
commercial real estate or residential properties. Other types of
mortgage-backed securities will likely be developed in the future, and the
funds may invest in them if FMR determines they are consistent with the
funds' investment objective and policies.
The value of mortgage-backed securities may change due to shifts in the
market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes
may adversely affect the mortgage securities market as a whole.
Non-government mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than
those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater
price changes than government issues. Mortgage-backed securities are
subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment, which occurs when unscheduled or
early payments are made on the underlying mortgages, may shorten the
effective maturities of these securities and may lower their total returns.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the fund
from the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the
securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank, marked-to-market
daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the
accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently appear possible to
eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility
that the value of the underlying security will be less than the resale
price, as well as delays and costs to a fund in connection with bankruptcy
proceedings), it is each fund's current policy to engage in repurchase
agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been
reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement. A
fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties whose
creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such transactions may
increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's assets and may be
viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. A fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows a fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES are created when a U.S. government
agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal
components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual
securities. The holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while
the holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments
from the same underlying security.
The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may be particularly
affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall, prepayment
rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase
prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of
investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap
agreements may increase or decrease a fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates,
or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. Swap
agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of
names. A fund is not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if
FMR determines it is consistent with the fund's investment objective and
policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to pay fixed
rates in exchange for floating rates while holding fixed-rate bonds, the
swap would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to long-term interest
rates. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options.
Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease
the overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and
yield.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, or other factors that determine the
amounts of payments due to and from a fund. If a swap agreement calls for
payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when
due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declined, the
value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting
in losses. Each fund expects to be able to eliminate its exposure under
swap agreements either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering
into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly
creditworthy party.
Each fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If a fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If a fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
VARIABLE OR FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS bear variable or floating interest
rates and carry rights that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain
financial intermediaries. Floating rate instruments have interest rates
that change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate while
variable rate instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in
the interest rate. These formulas are designed to result in a market value
for the instrument that approximates its par value.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. Zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments;
instead, they are sold at a deep discount from their face value and are
redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not
pay current income, their prices can be very volatile when interest rates
change. In calculating its dividends, a fund takes into account as income a
portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond's purchase price and
its face value.
A broker-dealer creates a DERIVATIVE ZERO by separating the interest and
principal components of a U.S. Treasury security and selling them as two
individual securities. CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities), TIGRs (Treasury Investment Growth Receipts), and TRs (Treasury
Receipts) are examples of derivative zeros.
The Federal Reserve Bank creates STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and Principal of Securities) by separating the interest and
principal components of an outstanding U.S. Treasury bond and selling them
as individual securities. Bonds issued by the Resolution Funding
Corporation (REFCORP) and the Financing Corporation (FICO) can also be
separated in this fashion. ORIGINAL ISSUE ZEROS are zero coupon securities
originally issued by the U.S. government, a government agency, or a
corporation in zero coupon form.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of each fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the
management contract. FMR is also responsible for the placement of
transaction orders for other investment companies and accounts for which it
or its affiliates act as investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers,
subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR
considers various relevant factors, including, but not limited to: the size
and type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for
the security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement
capability, and financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the
broker-dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the
reasonableness of any commissions.
The funds may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who
provide research and execution services to the funds or other accounts over
which FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services
may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) based upon the quality
of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the funds may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the funds or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the funds. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause
each fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith
that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers,
viewed in terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall
responsibilities to the funds and its other clients. In reaching this
determination, FMR will not attempt to place a specific dollar value on the
brokerage and research services provided, or to determine what portion of
the compensation should be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the funds or shares of other Fidelity
funds to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services
provided by and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services,
Inc. (FBSI) and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR
Corp., if the commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to
commissions charged by non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for
similar services. From September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated
under the name Fidelity Brokerage Services Limited, Inc. (FBSL). As of
January 1995, FBSL was converted to an unlimited liability company and
assumed the name FBS. Prior to September 4, 1992, FBSL operated under the
name Fidelity Portfolio Services, Ltd. (FPSL) as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Fidelity International Limited (FIL). Edward C. Johnson 3d is Chairman
of FIL. Mr. Johnson 3d, Johnson family members, and various trusts for the
benefit of the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of
the voting common stock of FIL.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
Each fund's Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions
on behalf of the funds and review the commissions paid by each fund over
representative periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in
relation to the benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal periods ended April 30 , 1996 and 1995, the
portfolio turnover rates were 161% and 282%, respectively for Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government and 114% and 303%, respectively for
Spartan Government Income . Because a high turnover rate increases
transaction costs and may increase taxable gains, FMR carefully weighs the
anticipated benefits of short-term investing against these consequences.
For fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994, Spartan Short-Intermediate Government and
Spartan Government Income paid no brokerage commissions.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the funds of some portion of the brokerage commissions or
similar fees paid by the funds on portfolio transactions is legally
permissible and advisable. Each fund seeks to recapture soliciting
broker-dealer fees on the tender of portfolio securities, but at present no
other recapture arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue
to review whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally
permissible and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business
judgment whether it would be advisable for each fund to seek such
recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of each fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for each fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as each fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the funds to participate in volume transactions
will produce better executions and prices for the funds. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to each fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be
said to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each fund's net asset value per share (NAV) is determined by FSC under
procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Portfolio securities are
valued primarily on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service
which uses both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing
techniques that take into account appropriate factors such as
institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality,
coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other
market data, without exclusive reliance on quoted prices or exchange or
over-the-counter prices, since such valuations are believed to reflect more
accurately the fair value of such securities. Use of the pricing service
has been approved by the Board of Trustees. There are a number of pricing
services available, and the Trustees, or officers acting on behalf of the
Trustees, on the basis of ongoing evaluation of these services, may use
other pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing service in
whole or in part. Securities not valued by the pricing service and for
which quotations are readily available are valued at market values
determined on the basis of their latest available bid prices as furnished
by recognized dealers in such securities. Futures contracts and options are
valued on the basis of market quotations, if available. Securities and
other assets for which quotations or pricing service valuations are not
readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good
faith under consistently applied procedures under the general supervision
of the Board of Trustees.
PERFORMANCE
The funds may quote performance in various ways. All performance
information supplied by the funds in advertising is historical and is not
intended to indicate future returns. Each fund's share price, yield, and
total return fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors,
and the value of fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their
original cost.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields for a fund are computed by dividing the fund's
interest income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of expenses, by
the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the
period, dividing this figure by the fund's net asset value (NAV) at the end
of the period, and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income)
in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. Income is calculated for
purposes of yield quotations in accordance with standardized methods
applicable to all stock and bond funds. In general, interest income is
reduced with respect to bonds trading at a premium over their par value by
subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is
increased with respect to bonds trading at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. Capital gains and losses generally are
excluded from the calculation.
Income calculated for the purposes of calculating a fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding of income
assumed in yield calculations, a fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account, or the income reported
in the fund's financial statements.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing a fund's performance and in
providing a basis for comparison with other investment alternatives.
However, each fund's yield fluctuates, unlike investments that pay a fixed
interest rate over a stated period of time. When comparing investment
alternatives, investors should also note the quality and maturity of the
portfolio securities of respective investment companies they have chosen to
consider.
Investors should recognize that in periods of declining interest rates a
fund's yield will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates,
and in periods of rising interest rates the fund's yield will tend to be
somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net
new money to a fund from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be
invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the
fund's holdings, thereby reducing the fund's current yield. In periods of
rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to occur.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of a fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's NAV over a
stated period. Average annual total returns are calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical investment in a
fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded
percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of
growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. For example,
a cumulative total return of 100% over ten years would produce an average
annual total return of 7.18%, which is the steady annual rate of return
that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years. While
average annual total returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that a fund's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
total returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, a fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis. Total returns, yields, and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration, and may omit or include the effect of the $5.00 account
closeout fee.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using a fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by a fund and
reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, a fund's
adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following tables show each fund's yields and
total returns for periods ended April 30, 1996. Total return figures
include the effect of the $5.00 account closeout fee based on an average
size account.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thirty -Day One Five Life of One Five Life of
Yield Year Years Fund Year Years Fund
Spartan
Short-
Intermediate 5.78% 6.91% N/A 5.09 %* 6.91 % N/A 18.21 %*
Government
Spartan
Government
Income 6.14% 8.10 % 7.19 % 8.74 %** 8.10 % 41.53 % 85.42 %**
</TABLE>
* From December 18, 1992 (commencement of operations).
** From December 20, 1988 (commencement of operations).
Note: If FMR had not reimbursed certain fund expenses during these periods,
each fund's total returns would have been lower.
The following table shows the income and capital elements of each fund's
cumulative total return. The table compares each fund's return to the
record of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500), the Dow Jones
Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living (measured by the Consumer
Price Index, or CPI) over the same period. The CPI information is as of the
month end closest to the initial investment date for each fund. The S&P 500
and DJIA comparisons are provided to show how each fund's total return
compared to the record of a broad average of common stocks and a narrower
set of stocks of major industrial companies, respectively, over the same
period. Of course, since each fund invests in fixed-income securities,
common stocks represent a different type of investment from the fund.
Common stocks generally offer greater growth potential than the funds, but
generally experience greater price volatility, which means greater
potential for loss. In addition, common stocks generally provide lower
income than a fixed-income investment such as the funds. Figures for the
S&P 500 and DJIA are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of stocks and,
unlike the funds' returns, do not include the effect of paying brokerage
commissions or other costs of investing.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT. During the period from
December 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 1996, a
hypothetical $10,000 investment in Spartan Short-Intermediate Government
would have grown to $ 11,823 , assuming all distributions were
reinvested. This was a period of fluctuating interest rates and bond prices
and the figures below should not be considered representative of the
dividend income or capital gain or loss that could be realized from an
investment in the fund today.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund INDICES
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period
Ended Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
April 30 Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 9,400 $ 2,413 $ 10 $ 11,823 $ 16,432 $ 18,604 $ 11,015
1995 $ 9,440 $ 1,607 $ 10 $ 11,057 $ 12,620 $ 14,113 $ 10,705
1994 $ 9,490 $ 873 $ 10 $ 10,373 $ 10,744 $ 11,705 $ 10,388
1993* $ 10,090 $ 253 $ 0 $ 10,343 $ 10,201 $ 10,600 $ 10,148
</TABLE>
* From December 18, 1992 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 made on December
18, 1992, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The cost of
the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost of
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period covered
(their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 12,485 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 2,210 for
dividends and $ 10 for capital gains distributions. Tax consequences
of different investments have not been factored into the above figures. The
figures in the table do not reflect the effect of the fund's $5.00 account
closeout fee.
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME. During the period from December 20, 1988
(commencement of operations) to April 30, 1996 , a hypothetical
$10,000 investment in Spartan Government Income would have grown to
$ 18,543 , assuming all distributions were reinvested. This was a
period of fluctuating interest rates and bond prices and the figures below
should not be considered representative of the dividend income or capital
gain or loss that could be realized from an investment in the fund today.
Spartan Government Income Fund INDICES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
Period
Ended $10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
April 30 Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 10,090 $ 7,462 $ 991 $ 18,543 $ 29,304 $ 32,154 $ 12,971
1995 $ 9,950 $ 6,225 $ 978 $ 17,153 $ 22,505 $ 24,389 $ 12,606
1994 $ 10,000 $ 5,000 $ 983 $ 15,983 $ 19,160 $ 20,230 $ 12,232
1993 $ 10,930 $ 4,566 $ 672 $ 16,168 $ 18,191 $ 18,320 $ 11,950
1992 $ 10,900 $ 3,566 $ 84 $ 14,550 $ 16,651 $ 17,428 $ 11,577
1991 $ 10,640 $ 2,429 $ 33 $ 13,102 $ 14,600 $ 14,528 $ 11,220
1990 $ 10,030 $ 1,305 $ 31 $ 11,366 $ 12,414 $ 12,869 $ 10,697
1989* $ 10,050 $ 333 $ 0 $ 10,383 $ 11,228 $ 11,283 $ 10,216
</TABLE>
* From December 20, 1988 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 made on December
20, 1988, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The cost of
the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost of
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period covered
(their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 18,775 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 5,660 for
dividends and $ 750 for capital gains distributions. Tax consequences
of different investments have not been factored into the above figures. The
figures in the table do not reflect the effect of the fund's $5.00 account
closeout fee.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. A fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Generally, Lipper rankings are based
on the total return, assum e reinvestment of distributions, do
not take sales charges or redemption fees into consideration, and
are prepared without regard to tax consequences. Lipper may also
rank funds based on yield. In addition to the mutual fund rankings, a
fund's performance may be compared to stock, bond, and money market mutual
fund performance indices prepared by Lipper or other organizations. Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government and Spartan Government Income may be compared
to the Salomon Brothers Treasury/Agency 1-5 Year Index and the Salomon
Brothers Treasury/Agency Index, respectively. Both indexes are
market-capitalization weighted and are comprised of U.S. Treasury and
government agency securities. Issues included in the Salomon Brothers
Treasury/Agency 1-5 Year Index have fixed-rate coupons and weighted average
lives of one to five years, while issues included in the Salomon Brothers
Treasury/Agency Index have fixed-rate coupons and average lives greater
than one year. For each index, U.S. Treasury issues have entry and exit
amounts of $1 billion public amount outstanding and government agency
issues have entry and exit amounts of $100 million and $75 million,
respectively. Whe n comparing these indices, it is important to remember
the risk and return characteristics of each type of investment. For
example, while stock mutual funds may offer higher potential returns, they
also carry the highest degree of share price volatility. Likewise, money
market funds may offer greater stability of principal, but generally do not
offer the higher potential returns available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, a fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
A fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, a fund
may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, a fund
does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are not
FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the Consumer Price Index), and
combinations of various capital markets. The performance of these capital
markets is based on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
A fund may compare its performance or the performance of securities in
which it may invest to averages published by IBC USA (Publications), Inc.
of Ashland, Massachusetts. These averages assume reinvestment of
distributions. The IBC Financial Data, Inc.'s. MONEY FUND
AVERAGES(trademark)/Government, which is reported in IBC's MONEY FUND
REPORT(trademark), covers 233 government money market funds. The
IBC' s Bond Fund Report AverageS(trademark)/Government, which is
reported in IBC's BOND FUND REPORT(registered trademark), covers 253
government bond funds. When evaluating comparisons to money market funds,
investors should consid er the relevant differences in investment
objectives and policies. Specifically, money market funds invest in
short-term, high-quality instruments and seek to maintain a stable $1.00
share price. Bond funds, however, invest in longer-term instruments and
their share price changes daily in response to a variety of factors.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations; saving
for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity credit
card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or business
publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic and
political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition, investment
philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a particular
mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may also reprint,
and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from Fidelity Focus,
a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity fund shareholders.
A fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. A fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data. In advertising, a fund
may also discuss or illustrate examples of interest rate sensitivity.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate a fund's price movements over specific periods
of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
A fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment plans,
including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program, an
investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
A fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of April 30 , 1996, FMR advised over $25.5 billion in tax-free
fund assets, $82 billion in money market fund assets, $271 billion in
equity fund assets, $53 billion in international fund assets, and $23
billion in Spartan fund assets. The funds may reference the growth and
var iety of money market mutual funds and the adviser's innovation and
participation in the industry. The equity funds under management figure
represents the largest amount of equity fund assets under management by a
mutual fund investment adviser in the United States, making FMR America's
leading equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its subsidiaries, and affiliates
maintain a worldwide information and communications network for the purpose
of researching and managing investments abroad.
In addition to performance rankings, each fund may compare its total
expense ratio to the average total expense ratio of similar funds tracked
by Lipper. A fund's total expense ratio is a significant factor in
comparing bond and money market investments because of its effect on yield.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Each fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for 1996: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed),
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Although
FMR expects the same holiday schedule to be observed in the future, the
NYSE may modify its holiday schedule at any time. In addition, the funds
will not process wire purchases and redemptions on days when the Federal
Reserve Wire System is closed.
FSC normally determines each fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). To the extent that portfolio securities are
traded in other markets on days when the NYSE is closed, a fund's NAV may
be affected on days when investors do not have access to the fund to
purchase or redeem shares. In addition, trading in some of a fund's
portfolio securities may not occur on days when the fund is open for
business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing a fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other property
on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and will incur
any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), each fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, each fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. Because each fund's income is primarily derived from interest,
dividends from the fund generally will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders.
Short-term capital gains are distributed as dividend income, but do not
qualify for the dividends received deduction. A portion of each fund's
dividends derived from certain U.S. government obligations may be exempt
from state and local taxation. Each fund will send each shareholder a
notice in January describing the tax status of dividend and capital gain
distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by each fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of a fund, and such shares are held six
months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to the
amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
each fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of April 30, 1996, Spartan Short-Intermediate Government had a
capital loss carryforward aggregating approximately $3,075,000. This
capital loss carryforward of which $168,000, $2,326,000 and $581,000 will
expire on April 30, 2002, April 30, 2003, and April 30, 2004, respectively,
is available to offset future gains. As of April 30, 1996, Spartan
Government Income had a capital loss carryforward aggregating approximately
$14,627,000. This capital loss carryforward of which $13,235,000 and
$1,392,000 will expire on April 30, 2003, and April 30, 2004, respectively,
is available to offset future gains.
Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (merger), between
Spartan Government Income and Spartan Long-Term Government Bond Fund
(Spartan Long-Term Government), effective May 31, 1996, Spartan Government
Income acquired all of the assets and assumed all the liabilities of
Spartan Long-Term Government in a tax-free exchange for shares of Spartan
Government Income. Pursuant to the merger, Spartan Government Income
assumed a capital loss carryforward attributable to Spartan Long-Term
Government aggregating approximately $1,059,000, to the extent provided by
regulations.
STATE AND LOCAL TAX ISSUES. For mutual funds organized as business trusts,
state law provides for a pass-through of the state and local income tax
exemption afforded to direct owners of U.S. government securities. Some
states limit this to mutual funds that invest a certain amount in U.S.
government securities, and some types of securities, such as repurchase
agreements and some agency backed securities, may not qualify for this
benefit. The tax treatment of your dividend distributions from a fund will
be the same as if you directly owned your proportionate share of the U.S.
government securities in each fund's portfolio. Because the income earned
on most U.S. government securities in which each fund invests is exempt
from state and local income taxes, the portion of your dividends from each
fund attributable to these securities will also be free from income taxes.
The exemption from state and local income taxation does not preclude states
from assessing other taxes on the ownership of U.S. government securities.
In a number of states, corporate franchise (income) tax laws do not exempt
interest earned on U.S. government securities whether such securities are
held directly or through a fund.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUNDS. Each fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
each fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. Each fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some futures contracts and options are included in this 30%
calculation, which may limit a fund's investments in such instruments.
Each fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting each fund and its shareholders,
and no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether a fund is suitable to their particular tax situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting
common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member
employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the
vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Class B
shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which
all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of
Class B shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act),
control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company.
Therefore, through their ownership of voting common stock and the execution
of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be
deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by three of its divisions as follows: FSC, which is the transfer
and shareholder servicing agent for certain of the funds advised by FMR;
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, which performs
shareholder servicing functions for institutional customers and funds sold
through intermediaries; and Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing Company,
which provides marketing services to various companies within the Fidelity
organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board, and executive officers of
the trust are listed below. Except as indicated, eac h individual has
held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last
five years. All persons named as Trustees and Members of the Advisory
Board also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by FMR.
The business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested
person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR.
The business address of all the other Trustees and Members of the Advisory
Board is Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 9235, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9235. Those Trustees who are "interested persons" by virtue of
their affiliation with either the trust or FMR are indicated by an asterisk
(*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d (65), Trustee and President, is Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and Chairman of
the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a Director of
FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD (54), Trustee and Senior Vice President, is President of
FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management &
Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX (63), Trustee (1991), is a consultant to Western Mining
Corporation (1994). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill
Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March
1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific
Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of
Sanifill Corporation (non-hazardous waste, 1993) and CH2M Hill Companies
(engineering). In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the
Texas State Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of advisory boards of
Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS (64), Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
RICHARD J. FLYNN (72), Trustee and Chairman of the non-interested Trustees,
is a financial consultant. Prior to September 1986, Mr. Flynn was Vice
Chairman and a Director of the Norton Company (manufacturer of industrial
devices). He is currently a Trustee of College of the Holy Cross and Old
Sturbridge Village, Inc., and he previously served as a Director of
Mechanics Bank (1971-1995).
E. BRADLEY JONES (68), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr. Jones
was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is a
Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products), and
he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and
marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (1985-1995).
In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate Investments,
a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of University
School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK (63), Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (1995) at Columbia
University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant. From
1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Greenwich Hospital Association, and as a Member of the Public Oversight
Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC
Practice Section (1995), and as a Public Governor of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (1996).
*PETER S. LYNCH (53), Trustee, is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR (1992).
Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of the
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston.
GERALD C. McDONOUGH (66), Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the non-interested
Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group (strategic advisory
services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp. (physical distribution
services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of ACME-Cleveland Corp. (metal
working, telecommunications and electronic products), Brush-Wellman Inc.
(metal refining), York International Corp. (air conditioning and
refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (water treatment equipment,
1992), and Associated Estates Realty Corporation (a real estate investment
trust, 1993).
EDWARD H. MALONE (71), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Mr. Malone
was Chairman, General Electric Investment Corporation and a Vice President
of General Electric Company. He is a Director of Allegheny Power Systems,
Inc. (electric utility), General Re Corporation (reinsurance) and Mattel
Inc. (toy manufacturer). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of the Naples
Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and
he is a member of the Advisory Boards of Butler Capital Corporation Funds
and Warburg, Pincus Partnership Funds.
MARVIN L. MANN (63), Trustee (1993) is Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc. (office
machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice President of
International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and President and
General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries. Mr. Mann is a
Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart (marketing
services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as the Campaign
Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a member of the
University of Alabama President's Cabinet.
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS (67), Trustee, is President of The Wales Group, Inc.
(management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in 1987,
Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia Corporation
(bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The
First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation (bank holding
company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM O. McCOY (62), Member of the Advisory Board (1996), is the Vice
President of Finance for the University of North Carolina (16-school
system, 1995). Prior to his retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice
Chairman of the Board of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and
President of BellSouth Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty
Corporation (holding company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real estate,
1994), and Carolina Power and Light Company (electric utility, 1996).
Previously, he was a Director of First American Corporation (bank holding
company, 1979-1996). In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of the Board
of Visitors for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and
for the Kenan Flager Business School (University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill).
FRED L. HENNING, JR. (56), Vice President, is Vice President of Fidelity's
money market (1994) and fixed-income (1995) funds and Senior Vice President
of FMR Texas Inc.
CURTIS HOLLINGSWORTH (39), is manager and Vice President of Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government, which he has managed since December 1992.
Mr. Hollingsworth also manages several other Fidelity bond funds. Mr.
Hollingsworth joined Fidelity in 1983.
ARTHUR S. LORING (48), Secretary, is Senior Vice President (1993) and
General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER (48), Treasurer (1995), is Treasurer of the Fidelity
funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr. Rathgeber
was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he served in
various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary Accounting
(1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief Operations Officer
of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995)
JOHN H. COSTELLO (49), Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH (50), Assistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of FMR
(1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds, Mr.
Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of
each current trustee of each fund for his or her services as trustee for
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996.
COMPENSATION TABLE
Aggregate Compensation
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Gary Ralph F. Phyllis Richard Edward C. E. Donald Peter S. Gerald C. Edward Marvin L. Thomas
Burkhead** Cox Burke J. Flynn Johnson 3d** Bradley J. Kirk Lynch** McDonough H. Mann R.
Davis Jones Malone Williams
Spartan $ 0 $ 33 $ 33 $ 42 $ 0 $ 34 $ 34 $ 0 $ 33 $ 33 $ 33 $ 33
Short-Interm
ediate
Government
Spartan 0 95 94 117 0 95 95 0 93 94 95 94
Government
Income
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Retirement Benefits Upon Compensation
Benefits Accrued Retirement from from the Fund
as Part of Fund the Fund Complex*
Expenses from the Complex*
Fund Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox 5,200 52,000 128,000
Phyllis Burke Davis 5,200 52,000 125,000
Richard J. Flynn 0 52,000 160,500
Edward C. Johnson 3d** 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 5,200 49,400 128,000
Donald J. Kirk 5,200 52,000 129,500
Peter S. Lynch** 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 5,200 52,000 128,000
Edward H. Malone 5,200 44,200 128,000
Marvin L. Mann 5,200 52,000 128,000
Thomas R. Williams 5,200 52,000 125,000
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 1995 for 219 funds in the complex.
** Interested trustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
The non-interested Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on a fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
Each fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval. Only non-interested Trustees are eligible to
participate in the Plan.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988, the non-interested
Trustees, upon reaching age 72, become eligible to participate in a
retirement program under which they receive payments during their lifetime
from a fund based on their basic trustee fees and length of service. The
obligation of a fund to make such payments is not secured or funded.
Trustees become eligible if, at the time of retirement, they have served on
the Board for at least five years. Currently, Messrs. Ralph S. Saul,
William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham, and David L. Yunich, all former
non-interested Trustees, receive retirement benefits under the program.
On April 30 , 1996 the Trustees and officers of each fund owned,
in the aggregate, less than 1% of each fund's total outstanding shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
Each fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with each fund, FMR acts as investment
adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs
the investments of each fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides each fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing each fund's investments,
compensates all officers of each fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of each fund or
FMR performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of each fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining each fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with each fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining each
fund's records and the registration of each fund's shares under federal and
state laws; developing management and shareholder services for each fund;
and furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects
to the Trustees.
FMR is responsible for the payment of all expenses of each fund with
certain exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FMR include, without
limitation, expenses for the typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy
materials to shareholders; legal expenses, and the fees of the custodian,
auditor and non-interested Trustees; costs of typesetting, printing, and
mailing prospectuses and statements of additional information, notices and
reports to shareholders; each fund's proportionate share of insurance
premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. FMR also provides for
transfer agent and dividend disbursing services and portfolio and general
accounting record maintenance through FSC.
FMR pays all other expenses of each fund with the following exceptions:
fees and expenses of all Trustees of the trust who are not "interested
persons" of the trust or FMR (the non-interested Trustees); interest on
borrowings; taxes; brokerage commissions (if any); and such nonrecurring
expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund
may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify the officers
and Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund's manager pursuant to a
management contract dated November 19, 1992, which was approved by FMR,
then the sole shareholder of the fund on that date. FMR is Spartan
Government Income Fund's manager pursuant to a management contract dated
November 1, 1989, which was approved by the fund's shareholders on October
18, 1989. The management fee paid to FMR is reduced by an amount equal to
the fees and expenses paid by each fund to the non-interested Trustees.
For the services of FMR under each contract, each fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee at the annual rate of .65% of average net assets throughout
the month. Fees received by FMR, after reduction of fees and expenses paid
by the fund to the non-interested Trustees, for the last three fiscal years
are shown in the table below.
As a result of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated March 8,
1996, between Spartan Government Income and Spartan Long-Term Government,
FMR has voluntarily agreed to limit Spartan Government Income's total
operating expenses to .60% of its average net assets. This arrangement will
be in effect until May 31, 1998. If this Agreement were not in effect, the
management fee, other expenses, and total operating expenses would be .65%,
.00%, and .65%. Expenses eligible for reimbursement do not include
interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, or extraordinary expenses.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of each
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase each fund's total returns and yield and repayment of
the reimbursement by each fund will lower its total returns and yield.
During the fiscal periods reported, FMR voluntarily agreed to reimburse
certain funds to the extent that the fund's aggregate operating expenses
were in excess of an annual rate of its average net assets. The following
table identifies the funds in reimbursement; the levels of and periods for
such reimbursement; the amount of management fees incurred under each
contract before reimbursement; and the dollar amount reimbursed by FMR, if
any, for each period.
SPARTAN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
From To Expense Limitation
February 1, 1996 -- .65%
September 1, 1995 January 31, 1996 .50%
July 1, 1995 August 31, 1995 .35%
May 1, 1995 June 24, 1995 .20%
June 1, 1993 April 30, 1995 .10%
April 1, 1993 May 31, 1993 .05%
Management Fee s
Fiscal Year Before Reimbursement and Credits Amount of Expense Limitation
Reimbursement
1996 $ 597,622 $ 181,572
1995 $ 366,621 $ 310,316
1994 $ 400,737 $ 341,347
</TABLE>
SPARTAN GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
From To Expense Limitation
June 1, 1996 May 31, 1998 .60%
December 20, 1988 May 31, 1996 .65%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Management Fees Amount of Expense Amount of
Before Reimbursement Limitation Credits Reducing
and Credits Reimbursement Management Fees
1996 $1,583,630 $0 $65,486
1995 $1,638,449 $0 $0
1994 $2,577,718 $0 $0
</TABLE>
To defray shareholder service costs, FMR or its affiliates also collect
each fund's $5.00 exchange fee, $5.00 account closeout fee, $5.00 fee for
wire purchases and redemptions, and $2.00 checkwriting charge. Shareholder
transaction fees and charges collected by FMR are indicated in the table
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period Ended Account Checkwriting
April 30 Exchange Closeout Wire Fees Charges
Fees Fees
Spartan Short-Intermediate 1996 $ 4,740 $ 340 $ 265 $ 450
Government
1995 $ 2,065 $ 575 $ 105 $ 478
1994 $ 3,010 $ 315 $ 155 $ 385
Spartan Government 1996 $ 3,865 $ 940 $ 235 $ 330
Income
1995 $ 6,944 $ 1,755 $ 405 $ 376
1994 $ 25,365 $ 1,800 $ 635 $ 339
</TABLE>
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Trustees have approved Distribution and Service Plans on behalf of the
funds (the Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may
not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except
pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The
Plans, as approved by the Trustees, allow the funds and FMR to incur
certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by
the funds of distribution expenses.
Under each Plan, if the payment of management fees by the funds to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the funds of the distribution of their
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plans. Each Plan also
specifically recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use
its management fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without
limitation, to pay promotional and administrative expenses in connection
with the offer and sale of shares of each fund. In addition, each Plan
provides that FMR may use its resources, including its management fee
revenues, to make payments to third parties that assist in selling shares
of each fund, or to third parties, including banks, that render shareholder
support services.
No third party payments were made in fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994.
Prior to approving each Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that the
Plans do not authorize payments by a fund other than those made to FMR
under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that each Plan
gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the distribution
of shares of each fund, additional sales of fund shares may result.
Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more
effectively under the Plans by local entities with whom shareholders have
other relationships.
The Plan was approved by FMR as the then sole shareholder of Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government on November 19, 1992. Spartan Government
Income's Plan was approved by shareholders on October 18, 1989.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the funds
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
Each fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase securities
issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under the Plans.
No preference for the instruments of such depository institutions will be
shown in the selection of investments.
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC , an affiliate of FMR, performs transfer agency, dividend
disbursing, and shareholder servicing functions for the funds. The costs of
these services are borne by FMR pursuant to its management contract with
each fund. Under this arrangement, FSC receives an annual account
fee and an asset-based fee each based on account size and fund
type for each retail account and certain institutional accounts . With
respect to certain institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an
annual account fee and an asset-based fee based on account type or fund
type. These annual account fees are subject to increase based on postal
rate changes. FSC also collects small account fees from certain
accounts with balances of less than $2,500. FSC also calculates each fund's
NAV and dividends, and maintains each fund's general accounting
records. For pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a fee
based on each fund's average net assets. The costs of these services are
also borne by FMR pursuant to its management contract with each fund.
Each fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts
corporation organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement
calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other
business, to secure purchasers for shares of each fund, which are
continuously offered at net asset value. Promotional and administrative
expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund and Spartan
Government Income Fund are funds of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust , an
open-end management investment company originally organized as a
Massachusetts business corporation on June 25, 1970. On September 5, 1984,
the trust was reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust, at which time
its name was changed from Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. to Fidelity
Corporate Bond Fund. On October 23, 1985 the trust's name was changed to
Fidelity Flexible Bond Fund, and on August 31, 1986 it was changed to
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust. Currently, there are five funds of the trust:
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fun d,
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Spartan Government Income Fund,
and Spartan High Income Fund . The Declaration of Trust permits the
Trustees to create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying names
"Fidelity" and "Spartan" may be withdrawn. There is a remote possibility
that one fund might become liable for any misstatement in its prospectus or
statement of additional information about another fund.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees shall include a provision limiting the obligations
created thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust
provides for indemnification out of each fund's property of any
shareholders held personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request,
assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of
a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability
is limited to circumstances in which the fund itself would be unable to
meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of
personal liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and the funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. The Bank of New York, 110 Washington Street, New York, New York,
is custodian of the assets of each fund. The custodian is responsible for
the safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment of the subcustodian
banks and clearing agencies. The custodian takes no part in determining the
investment policies of a fund or in deciding which securities are purchased
or sold by a fund. However, a fund may invest in obligations of the
custodian and may purchase securities from or sell securities to the
custodian. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and Chemical Bank,
each headquartered in New York, also may serve as the special purpose
custodian of certain assets in connection with pooled repurchase agreement
transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR.
Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and
general business loans. In the judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of
those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial
or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. , One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts, serves as the trust's independent accountant. The
auditor examines financial statements for the funds and provides other
audit, tax, and related services.
LITIGATION. In April 1995, a former shareholder of the fund filed a
class action complaint in the United States District Court in Philadelphia
against Fidelity Fixed Income Trust, FMR, Distributors Corporation and FMR
Corp. The complaint alleges that, in violation of the federal securities
laws and a Pennsylvania consumer protection statute, the fund's
prospectuses and registration statements prior to June 1995 contained
misleading statements regarding the dollar-weighted average maturity of the
fund's portfolio. The complaint seeks rescission and unspecified monetary
damages and attorney's fees, and such other relief as the Court may grant.
The defendants deny the allegations in the complaint and intend to defend
the action vigorously.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1996 are included in the fund's Annual Report, which
is a separate report supplied with this Statement of Additional
Information. Each fund's financial statements and financial highlights are
incorporated herein by reference.
APPENDIX
DOLLAR-WEIGHTED AVERAGE MATURITY is derived by multiplying the value of
each investment by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these
calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of the fund's
portfolio. An obligation's maturity is typically determined on a stated
final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take
advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or
redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be
called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date.
Also, the maturities of mortgage-backed securities, including
collateralized mortgage obligations and some asset-backed
securities , are determined on a weighted average life basis, which
is the average time for principal to be repaid. For a mortgage security,
this average time is calculated by estimating the timing of principal
payments, including unscheduled prepayments, during the life of the
mortgage. The weighted average life of these securities is likely to be
substantially shorter than their stated final maturity.
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a)(1) Financial Statements for Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 are incorporated by reference to the
fund's Statement of Additional Information and were filed on June 18, 1996
for Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (File No. 2-41839) pursuant to Rule 30d-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein by
reference.
(a)(2) Financial Statements for Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (formerly
known as Fidelity Short-Term Bond Portfolio) for the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1996 are incorporated by reference to the fund's Statement of
Additional Information and were filed on June 18, 1996 for Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust (File No. 2-41839) pursuant to Rule 30d-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(3) Financial Statements for Spartan Government Income Fund for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 are incorporated by reference to the
fund's Statement of Additional Information and were filed on June 18, 1996
for Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (File No. 2-41839) pursuant to Rule 30d-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein by
reference.
(a)(4) Financial Statements for Spartan High Income Fund for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1996 are incorporated by reference to the fund's
Statement of Additional Information and were filed on June 18, 1996 for
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (File No. 2-41839) pursuant to Rule 30d-1 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein by
reference.
(a)(5) Financial Statements for Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund
for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 are incorporated by reference to
the fund's Statement of Additional Information and were filed on June 18,
1996 for Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust (File No. 2-41839) pursuant to Rule
30d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein
by reference.
(b) Exhibits
1. Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated March 17, 1994, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(a) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 70.
2. Bylaws of the Trust, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 2(a) of Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318)
Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
3. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
5. (a) Management Contract, dated November 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity Short Term Bond
Fund) and Fidelity Management & Research Company is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 5(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 71.
(b) Management Contract, dated November 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(b) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 71.
(c) Management Contract, dated November 1, 1989, between Spartan
Government Fund (currently known as Spartan Government Income Fund) and
Fidelity Management & Research Company is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 5(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(d) Management Contract, dated November 1, 1993, between Spartan High
Income Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(e) Management Contract, dated November 19, 1992, between Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government Fund and Fidelity Management & Research
Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(f) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1989, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) on
behalf of Fidelity Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity
Short-Term Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(f)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(g) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1989, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East)
on behalf of Fidelity Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 5(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(h) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1989, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) on
behalf of Fidelity Flexible Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
5(h) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(i) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1989, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East)
on behalf of Fidelity Flexible Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
5(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(j) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) on
behalf of Spartan High Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 5(j) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(k) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research Company and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East)
on behalf of Spartan High Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 5(k) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
6. (a) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 1, 1987, between
Fidelity Flexible Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity Investment
Grade Bond Fund) and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 6(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(b) Amendment, dated January 1, 1988, to General Distribution Agreement
between Fidelity Flexible Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund) and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(b) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 74.
(c) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 1, 1987, between Fidelity
Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity Short-Term Bond
Fund) and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 6(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(d) Amendment, dated January 1, 1988, to General Distribution Agreement
between Fidelity Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity
Short-Term Bond Fund) and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(d) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 74.
(e) General Distribution Agreement, dated November 7, 1988, between
Spartan Government Fund (currently known as Spartan Government Income Fund)
and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 6(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(f) General Distribution Agreement, dated July 19, 1989, between Spartan
High Income Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 6(f) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(g) Amendment, dated May 10, 1994, to General Distribution Agreement
between Spartan High Income Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(g) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 74.
(h) General Distribution Agreement, dated November 19, 1992, between
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund and Fidelity Distributors
Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit 6(h).
7. (a) Retirement Plan for Non-Interested Person Trustees, Directors or
General Partners, as amended on November 16, 1995, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 7(a) of Fidelity Select
Portfolio's (File No. 2-69972) Post-Effective Amendment No.
54.
(b) The Fee Deferrral Plan for Non-Interested Person Directors and
Trustees of the Fidelity Funds, effective as of December 1,
1995, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 7(b) of Fidelity
School Street Trust's (File No. 2-57167) Post-Effective Amendment No.
47.
8. (a) Custodian Agreement and Appendix C, dated December 1, 1994, between
The Bank of New York and the Registrant, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Fidelity Hereford Street Trust's
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 (File No. 33-52577).
(b) Appendix A, dated January 18, 1996, to the Custodian Agreement, dated
December 1, 1994, between The Bank of New York and the Registrant, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b) of Fidelity Institutional
Cash Portfolios Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 (File 2-74808).
(c) Appendix B, dated September 14, 1995, to the Custodian Agreement,
dated December 1, 1994, between The Bank of New York and the Registrant, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(e) of Fidelity Charles Street
Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 (File No. 2-73133).
(d) Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement among The Bank of New
York, J. P. Morgan Securities, Inc., and the Registrant, dated February 12,
1996, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(d) of Fidelity
Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment
No. 31.
(e) Schedule 1 to the Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement between
The Bank of New York and the Registrant, dated February 12, 1996, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(e) of Fidelity Institutional
Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(f) Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement among Chemical Bank,
Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., and the Registrant, dated November 13,
1995, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(f) of Fidelity
Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment
No. 31.
(g) Schedule 1 to the Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement between
Chemical Bank and the Registrant, dated November 13, 1995, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 8(g) of Fidelity Institutional Cash
Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(h) Joint Trading Account Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York
and the Registrant, dated May 11, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 8(h) of Fidelity Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No.
2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(i) First Amendment to Joint Trading Account Custody Agreement between
The Bank of New York and the Registrant, dated July 14, 1995, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(i) of Fidelity Institutional
Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
9. Not applicable.
10. Not applicable.
11. Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. is filed herein as Exhibit 11.
12. Not applicable.
13. Not applicable.
14. (a) Fidelity Individual Retirement Account Custodial Agreement and
Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(a) of Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No.
2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(b) Fidelity Institutional Individual Retirement Account Custodial
Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 14(d) of Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File
No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(c) National Financial Services Corporation Individual Retirement Account
Custodial Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(h) of Fidelity Union Street
Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(d) Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Services Individual Retirement Account
Custodial Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(i) of Fidelity Union Street
Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(e) Fidelity 403(b)(7) Custodial Account Agreement, as currently in
effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(e) of Fidelity
Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(f) National Financial Services Corporation Defined Contribution
Retirement Plan and Trust Agreement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(k) of Fidelity Union Street
Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(g) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement Profit Sharing/401K Plan, as
currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
14(l) of Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318)
Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(h) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement Money Purchase Pension Plan, as
currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(m)
of Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective
Amendment No. 87.
(i) Fidelity Investments Section 403(b)(7) Individual
Custodial Account Agreement and Dis closure Statement, as currently in
effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(f) of
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust's (File No. 2-52322) Post Effective Amend-
ment No. 57.
(j) Plymouth Investments Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and
Trust Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(o) of Fidelity Commonwealth Trust's (File No.
2-52322) Post Effective Amendment No. 57.
(k) The Fidelity Prototype Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Trust
Basic Plan Document and Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(d) of Fidelity Securities
Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post Effective Amend- ment No. 33.
(l) The Institutional Prototype Plan Basic Plan Document,
Standardized Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized Adoption
Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 14(o) of Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post
Effective Amendment No. 33.
(m) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement 100SM Profit Sharing/401(k) Basic
Plan Document, Standardized Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized
Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(f) of Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No.
2-93601) Post Effective Amendment No. 33.
(n) The Fidelity Investments 401(a) Prototype Plan for Tax-Exempt
Employers Basic Plan Document, Standardized Profit Sharing Plan
Adoption Agreement, Non-Standardized Discretionary Contribution Plan
No. 002 Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized Discretionary
Contribution Plan No. 003 Adoption Agree- ment, as currently in effect,
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(g) of Fidelity
Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601)Post Effective Amendment No. 33.
(o) Fidelity Investments 403(b) Sample Plan Basic Plan Document and
Adoption Agree- ment, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(p) of Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No.
2-93601) Post Effective Amendment No. 33.
(p) Fidelity Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and Trust Agreement,
as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
14(c) of Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post Effective
Amendment No. 33.
15. (a) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity Short-Term
Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(a) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(b) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity
Flexible Bond Portfolio (currently known as Fidelity Investment Grade Bond
Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(b) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(c) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Spartan High
Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(c) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(d) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Spartan
Government Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(d) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
(e) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 15(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
16. (a) A schedule for computation of performance quotations for Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund on behalf of the Trust is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 16 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74
(b) A schedule for the computation of adjusted NAVs for Fidelity
Investment Grade Bond Fund on behalf of the Trust is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 16(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 74.
17. Financial Data Schedules for the funds are filed herein as Exhibit 27.
18. Not applicable.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant
The Board of Trustees of Registrant is the same as the boards of other
funds advised by FMR, each of which has Fidelity Management & Research
Company as its investment adviser. In addition, the officers of these
funds are substantially identical. Nonetheless, Registrant takes the
position that it is not under common control with these other funds since
the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the
result of an official position with the respective funds.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
April 30, 1996
Title of Class: Shares of Beneficial Interest
Name of Series Number of Recordholders
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund 223,801
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund 79,837
Spartan Government Income Fund 6,423
Spartan High Income Fund 36,824
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund 12,167
Item 27. Indemnification
Article XI, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust sets forth the
reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification shall be
provided to any past or present Trustee or officer. It states that the
Registrant shall indemnify any present or past Trustee or officer to the
fullest extent permitted by law against liability and all expenses
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding in which he is involved by virtue of his service as a Trustee,
an officer, or both. Additionally, amounts paid or incurred in settlement
of such matters are covered by this indemnification. Indemnification will
not be provided in certain circumstances, however. These include instances
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, and reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of the particular office involved.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Registrant
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its
directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the
Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any
loss, liability, claim, damages or expense arising by reason of any person
acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration
statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder
reports or other information filed or made public by the Registrant
included a materially misleading statement or omission. However, the
Registrant does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless
to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and
in conformity with, information furnished to the Registrant by or on behalf
of the Distributor. The Registrant does not agree to indemnify the parties
against any liability to which they would be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, and reckless disregard of the
obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement.
Pursuant to the agreement by which Fidelity Service Company ("Service") is
appointed sub-transfer agent, the Transfer Agent agrees to indemnify
Service for its losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses to the
extent the Transfer Agent is entitled to and receives indemnification from
the Registrant for the same events. Under the Transfer Agency Agreement,
the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold the Transfer Agent harmless
against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses resulting
from:
(1) any claim, demand, action or suit brought by any person other than the
Registrant, which names the Transfer Agent and/or the Registrant as a party
and is not based on and does not result from the Transfer Agent's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties, and
arises out of or in connection with the Transfer Agent's performance under
the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2) any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to
by the Transfer Agent's willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or
reckless disregard of its duties) which results from the negligence of the
Registrant, or from the Transfer Agent's acting upon any instruction(s)
reasonably believed by it to have been executed or communicated by any
person duly authorized by the Registrant, or as a result of the Transfer
Agent's acting in reliance upon advice reasonably believed by the Transfer
Agent to have been given by counsel for the Registrant, or as a result of
the Transfer Agent's acting in reliance upon any instrument or stock
certificate reasonably believed by it to have been genuine and signed,
countersigned or executed by the proper person.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
(1) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
FMR serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment
companies. The directors and officers of the Adviser have held, during the
past two fiscal years, the following positions of a substantial nature.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Edward C. Johnson 3d Chairman of the Executive Committee of FMR;
President and Chief Executive Officer of FMR Corp.;
Chairman of the Board and a Director of FMR, FMR
Corp., FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management &
Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management &
Research (Far East) Inc.; President and Trustee of
funds advised by FMR.
J. Gary Burkhead President of FMR; Managing Director of FMR Corp.;
President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc.; Senior Vice
President and Trustee of funds advised by FMR.
Peter S. Lynch Vice Chairman and Director of FMR.
Robert Beckwitt Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
David Breazzano Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Stephan Campbell Vice President of FMR (1993).
Dwight Churchill Vice President of FMR (1993).
William Danoff Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Scott DeSano Vice President of FMR (1993).
Penelope Dobkin Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Larry Domash Vice President of FMR (1993).
George Domolky Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Robert K. Duby Vice President of FMR.
Margaret L. Eagle Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Kathryn L. Eklund Vice President of FMR.
Richard B. Fentin Senior Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund
advised by FMR.
Daniel R. Frank Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Michael S. Gray Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Lawrence Greenberg Vice President of FMR (1993).
Barry A. Greenfield Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
William J. Hayes Senior Vice President of FMR; Equity Division
Leader.
Robert Haber Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Richard C. Habermann Senior Vice President of FMR (1993).
Daniel Harmetz Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Ellen S. Heller Vice President of FMR.
John Hickling Vice President of FMR (1993) and of funds advised by
FMR.
Robert F. Hill Vice President of FMR; Director of Technical
Research.
Curtis Hollingsworth Vice President of FMR (1993).
Stephen P. Jonas Treasurer and Vice President of FMR (1993));
Treasurer of FMR Texas Inc. (1993), Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (1993), and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
(1993).
David B. Jones Vice President of FMR (1993).
Steven Kaye Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Frank Knox Vice President of FMR (1993).
Robert A. Lawrence Senior Vice President of FMR (1993); High Income
Division Leader.
Alan Leifer Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Harris Leviton Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Bradford E. Lewis Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Malcolm W. MacNaught III Vice President of FMR (1993).
Robert H. Morrison Vice President of FMR; Director of Equity Trading.
David Murphy Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Andrew Offit Vice President of FMR (1993).
Judy Pagliuca Vice President of FMR (1993).
Jacques Perold Vice President of FMR.
Anne Punzak Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Lee Sandwen Vice President of FMR (1993).
Patricia A. Satterthwaite Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Thomas T. Soviero Vice President of FMR (1993).
Richard Spillane Vice President of FMR; Senior Vice President and
Director of Operations and Compliance of FMR U.K.
(1993).
Robert E. Stansky Senior Vice President of FMR (1993) and of funds
advised by FMR.
Gary L. Swayze Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR;
Tax-Free Fixed-Income Group Leader.
Thomas Sweeney Vice President of FMR (1993).
Beth F. Terrana Senior Vice President of FMR (1993) and of funds
advised by FMR.
Joel Tillinghast Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund advised
by FMR.
Robert Tucket Vice President of FMR (1993).
George A. Vanderheiden Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of funds
advised by FMR; Growth Group Leader.
Jeffrey Vinik Senior Vice President of FMR (1993) and of a fund
advised by FMR.
Arthur S. Loring Senior Vice President (1993), Clerk, and General
Counsel of FMR; Vice President, Legal of FMR Corp.;
Secretary of funds advised by FMR.
</TABLE>
(2) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (U.K.) INC. (FMR U.K.)
FMR U.K. provides investment advisory services to Fidelity Management &
Research Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company. The directors and
officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a
substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Edward C. Johnson 3d Chairman and Director of FMR U.K.; Chairman of the
Executive Committee of FMR; Chief Executive
Officer of FMR Corp.; Chairman of the Board and a
Director of FMR, FMR Corp., FMR Texas Inc., and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.;
President and Trustee of funds advised by FMR.
J. Gary Burkhead President and Director of FMR U.K.; President of
FMR; Managing Director of FMR Corp.; President and
a Director of FMR Texas Inc. and Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc.; Senior Vice
President and Trustee of funds advised by FMR.
Richard C. Habermann Senior Vice President of FMR U.K.; Senior Vice
President of Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.; Director of Worldwide Research of FMR.
Richard Spillane Senior Vice President and Director of Operations and
Compliance of FMR U.K. (1993).
Stephen P. Jonas Treasurer of FMR U.K. (1993), Fidelity Management
& Research (Far East) Inc. (1993), and FMR Texas
Inc. (1993); Treasurer and Vice President of FMR
(1993).
David Weinstein Clerk of FMR U.K.; Clerk of Fidelity Management &
Research (Far East) Inc.; Secretary of FMR Texas Inc.
(3) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH (FAR EAST) INC. (FMR Far East)
FMR Far East provides investment advisory services to Fidelity Management
& Research Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company. The directors
and officers of the Sub-Adviser have held the following positions of a
substantial nature during the past two fiscal years.
Edward C. Johnson 3d Chairman and Director of FMR Far East;
Chairman of the Executive Committee of FMR;
Chief Executive Officer of FMR Corp.;
Chairman of the Board and a Director of FMR,
FMR Corp., FMR Texas Inc. and Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.; President
and Trustee of funds advised by FMR.
J. Gary Burkhead President and Director of FMR Far East;
President of FMR; Managing Director of FMR
Corp.; President and a Director of FMR Texas
Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
(U.K.) Inc.; Senior Vice President and Trustee
of funds advised by FMR.
Richard C. Habermann Senior Vice President of FMR Far East; Senior
Vice President of Fidelity Management &
Research (U.K.) Inc.; Director of Worldwide
Research of FMR.
William R. Ebsworth Vice President of FMR Far East.
Bill Wilder Vice President of FMR Far East (1993).
Stephen P. Jonas Treasurer of FMR Far East (1993), Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (1993),
and FMR Texas Inc. (1993); Treasurer
and Vice President of FMR (1993).
David C. Weinstein Clerk of FMR Far East; Clerk of Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.; Secretary
of FMR Texas Inc.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
(a) Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) acts as distributor for most
funds advised by FMR.
(b)
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address* With Underwriter With Registrant
Edward C. Johnson 3d Director Trustee and President
Michael Mlinac Director None
Mark Peterson Director None
Neal Litvak President None
Arthur S. Loring Vice President and Clerk Secretary
Caron Ketchum Treasurer and Controller None
Gary Greenstein Assistant Treasurer None
Jay Freedman Assistant Clerk None
Linda Holland Compliance Officer None
* 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA
(c) Not applicable.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31a of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are
maintained by Fidelity Management & Research Company or Fidelity Service
Co., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109, or the funds' custodian The
Bank of New York, 110 Washington Street, New York, N.Y.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) The Registrant undertakes for Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund,
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (formerly known as Fidelity Short-Term Bond
Portfolio), Spartan Government Income Fund, Spartan High Income Fund, and
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund: 1) to call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a
trustee or trustees, when requested to do so by record holders of not less
than 10% of its outstanding shares; and 2) to assist in communications with
other shareholders pursuant to Section 16(c)(1) and (2), whenever
shareholders meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 16(c) seek the
opportunity to communicate with other shareholders with a view toward
requesting a meeting.
(b) The Registrant, on behalf of Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund,
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (formerly known as Fidelity Short-Term Bond
Portfolio), Spartan Government Income Fund, Spartan High Income Fund, and
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund, provided the information
required by Item 5A is contained in the annual report, undertakes to
furnish to each person to whom a prospectus has been delivered, upon their
request and without charge, a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report
to shareholders.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all
of the requirements for the effectiveness of this Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly
caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 20th day
of June 1996.
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
By /s/Edward C. Johnson 3d (dagger)
Edward C. Johnson 3d, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
(Signature) (Title) (Date)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d(dagger) President and Trustee June 20, 1996
Edward C. Johnson 3d (Principal Executive Officer)
</TABLE>
/s/Kenneth A. Rathgeber Treasurer June 20, 1996
Kenneth A. Rathgeber
/s/J. Gary Burkhead Trustee June 20, 1996
J. Gary Burkhead
/s/Ralph F. Cox * Trustee June 20, 1996
Ralph F. Cox
/s/Phyllis Burke Davis * Trustee June 20, 1996
Phyllis Burke Davis
/s/Richard J. Flynn * Trustee June 20, 1996
Richard J. Flynn
/s/E. Bradley Jones * Trustee June 20, 1996
E. Bradley Jones
/s/Donald J. Kirk * Trustee June 20, 1996
Donald J. Kirk
/s/Peter S. Lynch * Trustee June 20, 1996
Peter S. Lynch
/s/Edward H. Malone * Trustee June 20, 1996
Edward H. Malone
/s/Marvin L. Mann_____* Trustee June 20, 1996
Marvin L. Mann
/s/Gerald C. McDonough* Trustee June 20, 1996
Gerald C. McDonough
/s/Thomas R. Williams * Trustee June 20, 1996
Thomas R. Williams
(dagger) Signatures affixed by J. Gary Burkhead pursuant to a power of
attorney dated December 15, 1994 and filed herewith.
* Signature affixed by Robert C. Hacker pursuant to a power of attorney
dated December 15, 1994 and filed herewith.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Directors, Trustees or General Partners, as the case
may be, of the following investment companies:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund Fidelity Income Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series I Fidelity Institutional Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Investment Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series III Fidelity Magellan Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series V Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VI Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VII Fidelity New York Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VIII Fidelity Puritan Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Capital Trust Fidelity Securities Fund
Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity Select Portfolios
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust Fidelity Sterling Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Congress Street Fund Fidelity Summer Street Trust
Fidelity Contrafund Fidelity Trend Fund
Fidelity Corporate Trust Fidelity U.S. Investments-Bond Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity U.S. Investments-Government Securities
Fidelity Deutsche Mark Performance Fund, L.P.
Portfolio, L.P. Fidelity Union Street Trust
Fidelity Devonshire Trust Fidelity Yen Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Exchange Fund Spartan U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fidelity Financial Trust Fund
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund
Fidelity Government Securities Fund Variable Insurance Products Fund II
Fidelity Hastings Street Trust
</TABLE>
plus any other investment company for which Fidelity Management & Research
Company acts as investment adviser and for which the undersigned
individuals serve as Board Members (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby
severally constitute and appoint Arthur J. Brown, Arthur C. Delibert,
Robert C. Hacker, Richard M. Phillips, Dana L. Platt and Stephanie A.
Djinis, each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with
full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign
for us and in our names in the appropriate capacities, all Pre-Effective
Amendments to any Registration Statements of the Funds, any and all
subsequent Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements, any
Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other
instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in
our names and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem
necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
WITNESS our hands on this fifteenth day of December, 1994.
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d /s/Donald J. Kirk
Edward C. Johnson 3d Donald J. Kirk
/s/J. Gary Burkhead /s/Peter S. Lynch
J. Gary Burkhead Peter S. Lynch
/s/Ralph F. Cox /s/Marvin L. Mann
Ralph F. Cox Marvin L. Mann
/s/Phyllis Burke Davis /s/Edward H. Malone
Phyllis Burke Davis Edward H. Malone
/s/Richard J. Flynn /s/Gerald C. McDonough
Richard J. Flynn Gerald C. McDonough
/s/E. Bradley Jones /s/Thomas R. Williams
E. Bradley Jones Thomas R. Williams
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned President and Director, Trustee or General Partner, as
the case may be, of the following investment companies:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund Fidelity Institutional Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series I Fidelity Investment Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Magellan Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series III Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Money Market Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series V Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VI Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VII Fidelity New York Municipal Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VIII Fidelity Puritan Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Capital Trust Fidelity Securities Fund
Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity Select Portfolios
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust Fidelity Sterling Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Congress Street Fund Fidelity Summer Street Trust
Fidelity Contrafund Fidelity Trend Fund
Fidelity Corporate Trust Fidelity U.S. Investments-Bond Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity U.S. Investments-Government Securities
Fidelity Destiny Portfolios Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Deutsche Mark Performance Fidelity Union Street Trust
Portfolio, L.P. Fidelity Yen Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Devonshire Trust Spartan U.S. Treasury Money Market
Fidelity Exchange Fund Fund
Fidelity Financial Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund II
Fidelity Government Securities Fund
Fidelity Hastings Street Trust
Fidelity Income Fund
</TABLE>
plus any other investment company for which Fidelity Management & Research
Company acts as investment adviser and for which the undersigned individual
serves as President and Board Member (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby
severally constitute and appoint J. Gary Burkhead, my true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to
sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, all Pre-Effective
Amendments to any Registration Statements of the Funds, any and all
subsequent Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements, any
Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other
instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in
my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorney-in-fact deem
necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Investment Company Act of 1940, and all related
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify
and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
WITNESS my hand on the date set forth below.
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d December 15, 1994
Edward C. Johnson 3d
Exhibit 6(h)
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
between
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST
Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund
and
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
Agreement made this 19th day of November, 1992, between Fidelity
Fixed-Income Trust, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal
place of business in Boston, Massachusetts and which may issue one or more
series of beneficial interest ("Issuer"), with respect to shares of Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government Fund, a series of the Issuer, and Fidelity
Distributors Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal
place of business in Boston, Massachusetts ("Distributors").
In consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained,
the parties agree as follows:
1. Sale of Shares - The Issuer grants to Distributors the right to sell
shares on behalf of the Issuer during the term of this Agreement and
subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended ("1933 Act"), and of the laws governing the sale of securities in
the various states ("Blue Sky Laws") under the following terms and
conditions: Distributors (i) shall have the right to sell, as agent on
behalf of the Issuer, shares authorized for issue and registered under the
1933 Act, and (ii) may sell shares under offers of exchange, if available,
between and among the funds advised by Fidelity Management & Research
Company ("FMR").
2. Sale of Shares by the Issuer - The rights granted to Distributors shall
be nonexclusive in that the Issuer reserves the right to sell its shares to
investors on applications received and accepted by the Issuer. Further,
the Issuer reserves the right to issue shares in connection with the merger
or consolidation, or acquisition by the Issuer through purchase or
otherwise, with any other investment company, trust, or personal holding
company.
3. Shares Covered by this Agreement - This Agreement shall apply to
unissued shares of the Issuer, shares of the Issuer held in its treasury in
the event that in the discretion of the Issuer treasury shares shall be
sold, and shares of the Issuer repurchased for resale.
4. Public Offering Price - Except as otherwise noted in the Issuer's
current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information, all shares
sold to investors by Distributors or the Issuer will be sold at the public
offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions
will be the net asset value per share, as determined in the manner
described in the Issuer's current Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional
Information, plus a sales charge (if any) described in the Issuer's current
Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information. The Issuer shall in
all cases receive the net asset value per share on all sales. If a sales
charge is in effect, Distributors shall have the right subject to such
rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as may then
be in effect pursuant to Section 22 of the Investment Company Act of 1940
to pay a portion of the sales charge to dealers who have sold shares of the
Issuer. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect,
the Issuer shall collect the fee on behalf of Distributors and, unless
otherwise agreed upon by the Issuer and Distributors, Distributors shall be
entitled to receive all of such fees.
5. Suspension of Sales - If and whenever the determination of net asset
value is suspended and until such suspension is terminated, no further
orders for shares shall be processed by Distributors except such
unconditional orders as may have been placed with Distributors before it
had knowledge of the suspension. In addition, the Issuer reserves the
right to suspend sales and Distributors' authority to process orders for
shares on behalf of the Issuer if, in the judgment of the Issuer, it is in
the best interests of the Issuer to do so. Suspension will continue for
such period as may be determined by the Issuer.
6. Solicitation of Sales - In consideration of these rights granted to
Distributors, Distributors agrees to use all reasonable efforts, consistent
with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the Issuer.
This shall not prevent Distributors from entering into like arrangements
(including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions)
with other issuers. This does not obligate Distributors to register as a
broker or dealer under the Blue Sky Laws of any jurisdiction in which it is
not now registered or to maintain its registration in any jurisdiction in
which it is now registered. If a sales charge is in effect, Distributors
shall have the right to enter into sales agreements with dealers of its
choice for the sale of shares of the Issuer to the public at the public
offering price only and fix in such agreements the portion of the sales
charge which may be retained by dealers, provided that the Issuer shall
approve the form of the dealer agreement and the dealer discounts set forth
therein and shall evidence such approval by filing said form of dealer
agreement and amendments thereto as an exhibit to its currently effective
Registration Statement under the 1933 Act.
7. Authorized Representations - Distributors is not authorized by the
Issuer to give any information or to make any representations other than
those contained in the appropriate registration statements or Prospectuses
and Statements of Additional Information filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act (as these registration statements,
Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information may be amended from
time to time), or contained in shareholder reports or other material that
may be prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer for Distributors' use. This
shall not be construed to prevent Distributors from preparing and
distributing sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate.
8. Portfolio Securities - Portfolio securities of the Issuer may be bought
or sold by or through Distributors, and Distributors may participate
directly or indirectly in brokerage commissions or "spreads" for
transactions in portfolio securities of the Issuer.
9. Registration of Shares - The Issuer agrees that it will take all action
necessary to register shares under the 1933 Act (subject to the necessary
approval of its shareholders) so that there will be available for sale the
number of shares Distributors may reasonably be expected to sell. The
Issuer shall make available to Distributors such number of copies of its
currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as
Distributors may reasonably request. The Issuer shall furnish to
Distributors copies of all information, financial statements and other
papers which Distributors may reasonably request for use in connection with
the distribution of shares of the Issuer.
10. Expenses - The Issuer shall pay all fees and expenses (a) in connection
with the preparation, setting in type and filing of any registration
statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the
1933 Act and amendments for the issue of its shares, (b) in connection with
the registration and qualification of shares for sale in the various states
in which the Board of Trustees of the Issuer shall determine it advisable
to qualify such shares for sale (including registering the Issuer as a
broker or dealer or any officer of the Issuer as agent or salesman in any
state), (c) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing any report
or other communication to shareholders of the Issuer in their capacity as
such, and (d) of preparing, setting in type, printing and mailing
Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and any supplements
thereto sent to existing shareholders.
As provided in the Distribution and Service Plan adopted by the Issuer, it
is recognized by the Issuer that FMR may make payment to Distributors with
respect to any expenses incurred in the distribution of shares of the
Issuer, such payments payable from the past profits or other resources of
FMR including management fees paid to it by the Issuer.
11. Indemnification - The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
Distributors and each of its directors and officers and each person, if
any, who controls Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933
Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the
reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability,
claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any shares,
based upon the ground that the registration statement, Prospectus,
Statement of Additional Information, shareholder reports or other
information filed or made public by the Issuer (as from time to time
amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make
the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or
the common law. However, the Issuer does not agree to indemnify
Distributors or hold it harmless to the extent that the statement or
omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information
furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of Distributors. In no case (i) is
the indemnity of the Issuer in favor of Distributors or any person
indemnified to be deemed to protect Distributors or any person against any
liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which Distributors or
such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason
of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement, or (ii) is the Issuer to be liable under its indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against
Distributors or any person indemnified unless Distributors or person, as
the case may be, shall have notified the Issuer in writing of the claim
within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written
notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been
served upon Distributors or any such person (or after Distributors or such
person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent).
However, failure to notify the Issuer of any claim shall not relieve the
Issuer from any liability which it may have to Distributors or any person
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its
indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Issuer shall be
entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so
elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims,
but if the Issuer elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be
conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to Distributors or
person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the
Issuer elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel,
Distributors, officers or directors or controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of
any additional counsel retained by them. If the Issuer does not elect to
assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse Distributors, officers or
directors or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the
suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
The Issuer agrees to notify Distributors promptly of the commencement of
any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or trustees
in connection with the issuance or sale of any of the shares.
Distributors also covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold
harmless the Issuer and each of its Board members and officers and each
person, if any, who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of
the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense
(including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged
loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees
incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring
any shares, based upon the 1933 Act or any other statute or common law,
alleging any wrongful act of Distributors or any of its employees or
alleging that the registration statement, Prospectus, Statement of
Additional Information, shareholder reports or other information filed or
made public by the Issuer (as from time to time amended) included an untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading,
insofar as the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in
conformity with information furnished to the Issuer by or on behalf of
Distributors. In no case (i) is the indemnity of Distributors in favor of
the Issuer or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Issuer or
any person against any liability to which the Issuer or such person would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless
disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) is
Distributors to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Issuer or any person
indemnified unless the Issuer or person, as the case may be, shall have
notified Distributors in writing of the claim within a reasonable time
after the summons or other first written notification giving information of
the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Issuer or any such
person (or after the Issuer or such person shall have received notice of
service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify Distributors
of any claim shall not relieve Distributors from any liability which it may
have to the Issuer or any person against whom the action is brought
otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph. In the case of any notice to Distributors, it shall be entitled
to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to
assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim, but if
Distributors elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted
by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Issuer, to its officers and
Board and to any controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in
the suit. In the event that Distributors elects to assume the defense of
any suit and retain counsel, the Issuer or controlling persons, defendant
or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expense of any
additional counsel retained by them. If Distributors does not elect to
assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the Issuer, officers and
Board or controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the
suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
Distributors agrees to notify the Issuer promptly of the commencement of
any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the issue and
sale of any of the shares.
12. Effective Date - This agreement shall be effective upon its execution,
and unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force until January
31, 1993 and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is approved
annually by the vote of a majority of the Board members of the Issuer, and
by the vote of those Board members of the Issuer who are not "interested
persons" of the Issuer and, if a plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 is in effect, by the vote of those Board members of the
Issuer who are not "interested persons" of the Issuer and who are not
parties to the Distribution and Service Plan or this Agreement and have no
financial interest in the operation of the Distribution and Service Plan or
in any agreements related to the Distribution and Service Plan, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This
Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As
used in this paragraph, the terms "assignment" and "interested persons"
shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act
of 1940 as now in effect or as hereafter amended. In addition to
termination by failure to approve continuance or by assignment, this
Agreement may at any time be terminated by either party upon not less than
sixty days' prior written notice to the other party.
13. Notice - Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party
to the other shall be deemed sufficient if sent by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed by the party giving notice to the other
party at the last address furnished by the other party to the party giving
notice: if to the Issuer, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
and if to Distributors, at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
14. Limitation of Liability - Distributors is expressly put on notice of
the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of
Trust or other organizational document of the Issuer and agrees that the
obligations assumed by the Issuer under this contract shall be limited in
all cases to the Issuer and its assets. Distributors shall not seek
satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any
shareholder of the Issuer. Nor shall Distributors seek satisfaction of any
such obligation from the Trustees or any individual Trustee of the Issuer.
Distributors understands that the rights and obligations of each series of
shares of the Issuer under the Issuer's Declaration of Trust or other
organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all
other series.
15. This agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the
choice of laws provisions thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has executed this instrument in its name
and behalf, and its seal affixed, by one of its officers duly authorized,
and Distributors has executed this instrument in its name and behalf by one
of its officers duly authorized, as of the day and year first above
written.
FIDELITY FIXED-INCOME TRUST:
On Behalf Of Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund
By /s/ J. Gary Burkhead
FIDELITY DISTRIBUTORS CORPORATION
By /s/ N. Litvack
Exhibit 11
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference, into the Prospectuses
and Statements of Additional Information in Post-Effective Amendment No. 77
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust:
Spartan High Income Fund, Spartan Short-Intermediate Government Fund,
Spartan Government Income Fund, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, and
Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund of our reports dated June 10, 1996 on the
financial statements and financial highlights included in the April 30,
1996 Annual Reports to Shareholders of Spartan High Income Fund, Spartan
Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Spartan Government Income Fund,
Fidelity Investment Grade Bond Fund, and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund.
We further consent to the references to our Firm under the headings
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Auditor" in the Statements
of Additional Information.
/s/COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Boston, Massachusetts
June 18, 1996
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