- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 33-32548) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 19
AND
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 22
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUNDS
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN DECLARATION OF TRUST)
P.O. BOX 2600, VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER (610) 669-1000
R. GREGORY BARTON, ESQUIRE
P.O. BOX 876
VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS AMENDMENT BECOME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 28, 2000, PURSUANT
TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF RULE 485.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
VANGUARD(R)
INTERNATIONAL STOCK
INDEX FUNDS
Prospectus
April 28, 2000
This prospectus contains
financial data for the
Funds through the
fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999.
VANGUARD EUROPEAN
STOCK INDEX FUND
VANGUARD PACIFIC STOCK
INDEX FUND
VANGUARD EMERGING
MARKETS STOCK INDEX
FUND
VANGUARD DEVELOPED
MARKETS INDEX FUND
VANGUARD TOTAL
INTERNATIONAL STOCK
INDEX FUND
[MEMBERS OF THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
<PAGE>
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUNDS
Prospectus
April 28, 2000
A Group of International Stock Index Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
2 FUND PROFILES
2 Vanguard European Stock Index Fund
5 Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund
8 Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund
12 Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund
14 Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
14 MORE ON THE FUNDS
24 THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
25 INVESTMENT ADVISER
26 DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
27 SHARE PRICE
28 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
32 INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
32 Services and Account Features
33 Types of Accounts
34 Buying Shares
36 Redeeming Shares
40 Transferring Registration
40 Fund and Account Updates
GLOSSARY (inside back cover)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY READING THIS PROSPECTUS IS IMPORTANT
This prospectus explains the objective, risks, and strategies of each of the
Vanguard International Stock Index Funds. To highlight terms and concepts
important to mutual fund investors, we have provided "Plain Talk(R)"
explanations along the way. Reading the prospectus will help you to decide which
Fund, if any, is the right investment for you. We suggest that you keep it for
future reference.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Vanguard European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each
offer two separate classes of shares: Investor and Institutional. This
prospectus offers the Funds' Investor Shares, which have an investment minimum
of $3,000 ($1,000 for IRAs) and are intended for individual investors. Please
call Vanguard's Institutional Investor Group at 1-800-523-1036 to obtain a
separate prospectus that offers the Funds' Institutional Shares as well as the
institutional version of Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund. These
institutional options have an investment minimum of $10 million and generally
are not available to investors who require special employee benefit plan
services.
The Funds' separate share classes have different expenses; as a result,
their investment performances will vary. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL REFERENCES
IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO FEES, EXPENSES, AND INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RELATE
SPECIFICALLY TO INVESTOR SHARES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
WHAT IS INDEXING?
An index is an unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used
as a standard to measure investment performance. An index (or "passively
managed") fund tries to track, as closely as possible, the performance of an
established target index. The fund does this by holding all, or a representative
sample, of the securities that comprise the index. Keep in mind that an index
fund has operating expenses and transaction costs, while a market index does
not. Therefore, an index fund, while expected to track its target index closely,
typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly.
Stock index funds may seek to track indexes that hold a certain type of
stock--such as growth or value, small-cap or large-cap, or those from just one
industry--or they may seek to track indexes that consist of a broader range of
stocks--for example, the entire foreign stock market.
Index funds are not actively managed by investment advisers who buy and
sell securities based on research and analysis in an attempt to outperform a
particular benchmark or the market as a whole. Rather, index funds simply
attempt to mirror what the target index does, for better or worse.
WHAT INDEX FUNDS DOES VANGUARD OFFER?
Vanguard offers a variety of stock (both U.S. and international), bond, and
balanced index funds. This prospectus provides information about Vanguard's
International Stock Index Funds. There are five such Funds offered in this
prospectus, each of which seeks to track a different segment of the
international stock market:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SEEKS TO TRACK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock Index Fund European stock markets
Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Australian and Far East
stock markets
Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock 13 emerging stock markets in
Index Fund Europe, Asia, Africa, and
Latin America
Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund European, Australian, and Far
East stock markets
Vanguard Total International Stock European, Australian, Far East,
Index Fund and 13 emerging stock
markets in Europe, Asia,
Africa, and Latin America
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus contains profiles that summarize key features of each Fund.
Following the profiles, there is important additional information about the
Funds.
<PAGE>
2
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard European Stock Index
Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital
International (MSCI) Europe Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index. The MSCI Europe Index is
made up of approximately 550 common stocks of companies located in 15 European
countries--mostly in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands,
(which comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000), as well as in Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. For
more information about passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON
THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to four countries (United Kingdom,
France, Germany, and the Netherlands) involves a higher degree of country
risk than that of more geographically diversified international funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely
Europe--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or natural
disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five calendar years and since inception compare with those of a broad-based
securities market index. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not
indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
3
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1991 12.40%
1992 -3.32%
1993 29.13%
1994 1.88%
1995 22.28%
1996 21.26%
1997 24.23%
1998 28.86%
1999 16.62%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the annual account
maintenance fee imposed on accounts with balances of
less than $10,000, or the transaction fee imposed on
purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If these amounts
were reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 20.37% (quarter ended March 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -14.41% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock
Index Fund** 16.62% 22.58% 14.61%
MSCI Europe Index 15.77 22.27 14.78
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee
imposed on accounts with balances of less than $10,000, or the
transaction fee imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
Account Maintenance Fee (for accounts under $10,000): $10/year*
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.22%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.07%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.29%
*The account maintenance fee will be deducted from your annual
distribution of the Fund's dividends. If your distribution is less
than the fee, fractional shares will be automatically redeemed to make
up the difference.
<PAGE>
4
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$30 $93 $163 $368
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $3,000; $1,000 for IRAs and custodial
accounts for minors
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception Europe
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
June 18, 1990 079
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 CUSIP NUMBER
$6.1 billion 922042205
SUITABLE FOR IRAS TICKER SYMBOL
Yes VEURX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
5
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Pacific Stock Index
Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI Pacific Free Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely by a fund are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free Index. The MSCI Pacific Free
Index consists of approximately 420 common stocks of companies located in Japan
(which comprised 82% of the Index's market capitalization as of March 31, 2000),
Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. For more information about
passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Japan involves a higher degree
of country risk than that of more geographically diversified international
funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely the
Pacific region--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five years and since inception compare with those of a broad-based
securities market index. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not
indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
6
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1991 10.65%
1992 -18.17%
1993 35.46%
1994 13.04%
1995 2.75%
1996 -7.82%
1997 -25.67%
1998 2.41%
1999 57.05%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the annual account
maintenance fee imposed on accounts with balances of
less than $10,000, or the transaction fee imposed on
purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If these amounts
were reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 26.50% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -20.69% (quarter ended December 31, 1997).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Pacific Stock
Index Fund** 57.05% 2.52% 3.20%
MSCI Pacific Free Index 56.38 2.39 3.08
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee
imposed on accounts with balances of less than $10,000, or the
transaction fee imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
Account Maintenance Fee (for accounts under $10,000): $10/year*
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.31%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.06%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.37%
*The account maintenance fee will be deducted from your annual
distribution of the Fund's dividends. If your distribution is less
than the fee, fractional shares will be automatically redeemed to make
up the difference.
<PAGE>
7
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$38 $119 $208 $468
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $3,000; $1,000 for IRAs and custodial
accounts for minors
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception Pacific
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
June 18, 1990 072
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 CUSIP NUMBER
$2.5 billion 922042106
SUITABLE FOR IRAS TICKER SYMBOL
Yes VPACX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
8
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock
Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Select Emerging Markets Free
Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the Select Emerging Markets Free Index. The Select
Emerging Markets Free Index includes approximately 500 common stocks of
companies located in emerging markets around the world. As of March 31, 2000,
the largest markets covered in the Index were Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa
(which comprised 16%, 14%, and 13% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively). Other countries represented in the Index included Argentina, the
Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, Poland,
Thailand, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Singapore. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard. For more information about passive management, see
"Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. Country risk
is especially high for funds that focus on stocks in emerging markets. The
Index's, and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Mexico, Brazil, and
South Africa involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five calendar years and since inception compare with those of both a
broad-based securities market index and the Fund's target index. Keep in mind
that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will perform in the
future.
<PAGE>
9
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1995 0.56%
1996 15.83%
1997 -16.82%
1998 -18.12%
1999 61.57%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the annual account
maintenance fee imposed on accounts with balances of
less than $10,000, or the transaction fee imposed on
purchases and redemptions. If these amounts were
reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 28.32% (quarter ended December 31, 1999) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -21.52% (quarter ended June 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund** 59.96% 4.88% 6.03%
MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index 66.40 2.00 3.69
Select Emerging Markets
Free Index+ 60.86 4.81 4.93
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*May 4, 1994.
**Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee
imposed on accounts with balances of less than $10,000, but do
reflect the 0.5% transaction fee imposed on purchases and redemptions.
+The Select Emerging Markets Free Index is administered by MSCI
exclusively by Vanguard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
10
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: 0.5%*
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: 0.5%**
Exchange Fee: None
Account Maintenance Fee (for accounts under $10,000): $10/year+
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.32%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.26%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.58%
*The transaction fee on purchases is deducted from all purchases
(including exchanges from other Vanguard funds) but not from
reinvested dividends and capital gains.
**The redemption fee applies to all redemptions (sales or exchanges);
it is deducted from redemption proceeds, and retained by the Fund.
+The account maintenance fee will be deducted from your annual
distribution of the Fund's dividends. If your distribution is less
than the fee, fractional shares will be automatically redeemed to make
up the difference.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, that operating expenses remain the same, and that you redeem all your
shares at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$161 $292 $434 $849
- -------------------------------------------------
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares (the
difference being that the Fund's 0.5% redemption fee would not apply to any of
the periods below, as it would to those above):
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$109 $235 $372 $772
- -------------------------------------------------
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
<PAGE>
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $3,000; $1,000 for IRAs and custodial
accounts for minors
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception EmerMkt
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 4, 1994 533
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 CUSIP NUMBER
$1.1 billion 922042304
SUITABLE FOR IRAS TICKER SYMBOL
Yes VEIEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
12
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Developed Markets
Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to track the performance of the MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far
East (EAFE) Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach. The Fund
seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in two other
Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund.
These other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI
Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific Free Index, which together comprise the MSCI
EAFE Index. The Fund allocates all or substantially all of its assets between
the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund based on the
market capitalization of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index. The
MSCI EAFE Index includes approximately 1,000 common stocks of companies located
in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. For more information about passive
management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--either Europe or
the Far East--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The Fund began operations on May 5, 2000, so performance information (including
annual total returns and average annual total returns) for a full calendar year
is not yet available.
<PAGE>
13
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
Account Maintenance Fee (for accounts under $10,000): $10/year*
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Indirect Operating Expenses: **
*The account maintenance fee will be deducted from your annual
distribution of the Fund's dividends. If your distribution is less
than the fee, fractional shares will be automatically redeemed to make
up the difference.
**Although Developed Markets Index Fund is not expected to incur any net
expenses directly, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the expenses
of the underlying Vanguard funds in which the Fund invests. See THE
FUNDS AND VANGUARD. It is estimated that the Fund's indirect expense
ratio for its first fiscal year, based on its underlying investments,
will be 0.30%.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- ------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
- ------------------------
$35 $110
- ------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $3,000; $1,000 for IRAs and custodial
accounts for minors
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception DevMkt
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 5, 2000 227
SUITABLE FOR IRAS CUSIP NUMBER
Yes 921909701
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
14
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Total International
Stock Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Total International Composite
Index. The Total International Composite Index is a combination of the indexes
tracked by the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund seeks to track the performance of the Total International Composite
Index by investing in three other Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund,
the Pacific Stock Index Fund, and the Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund. These
other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI Europe
Index, the MSCI Pacific Free Index, and the Select Emerging Markets Free Index,
which together comprise the Total International Composite Index. The Fund
allocates all or substantially all of its assets between the European Stock
Index Fund, the Pacific Stock Index Fund, and the Emerging Markets Stock Index
Fund based on the market capitalization of European, Pacific, and emerging
markets stocks in the Total International Composite Index. The Index is a market
capitalization weighted index that combines the MSCI Europe Index, the MSCI
Pacific Free Index, and the Select Emerging Markets Free Index. MSCI administers
the Index exclusively for Vanguard. For more information about passive
management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
calendar year and since inception compare with those of both a broad-based
securities market index and the Fund's target index. Keep in mind that the
Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
15
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1997 -0.77%
1998 15.60%
1999 29.92%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the annual account
maintenance fee imposed on accounts with balances of
less than $10,000, or the transaction fee imposed on
purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If these amounts
were reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 20.49% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -14.53% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Total International
Stock Index Fund** 29.92% 11.64%
MSCI EAFE + Emerging Markets
Free Index 30.33 12.11
Total International Composite
Index+ 28.13 11.30
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*April 29, 1996.
**Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee
imposed on accounts with balances of less than $10,000, or the
transaction fee imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
+Consists of the MSCI EAFE Index and the Select Emerging Markets Free
Index. This index is administered by MSCI exclusively for Vanguard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
16
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
Account Maintenance Fee (for accounts under $10,000): $10/year*
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Indirect Operating Expenses: **
*The account maintenance fee will be deducted from your annual
distribution of the Fund's dividends. If your distribution is less
than the fee, fractional shares will be automatically redeemed to make
up the difference.
**Although Total International Stock Index Fund is not expected to incur
any net expenses directly, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the
expenses of the underlying Vanguard funds in which the Fund invests.
See THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD. The Fund's indirect expense ratio, based
on its underlying investments, was 0.34% as of December 31, 1999.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$35 $110 $193 $434
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $3,000; $1,000 for IRAs and custodial
accounts for minors
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception TotIntl
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
April 29, 1996 113
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 CUSIP NUMBER
$2.6 billion 921909602
SUITABLE FOR IRAS TICKER SYMBOL
Yes VGTSX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
17
MORE ON THE FUNDS
The following sections discuss other important features of Vanguard
International Stock Index Funds, including indexing methods, fund
characteristics, costs and market-timing, fund turnover, and other investment
policies and risks.
WHY INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS?
Index funds appeal to many investors for a number of reasons:
- - Diversification. Index funds generally invest in a diversified mix of
companies and industries.
- - Relative consistency. Index funds typically track the performance of
relevant market benchmarks more closely than comparable actively managed
funds do.
- - Low cost. Index funds do not have many of the expenses of an actively
managed fund--such as research--and keep trading activity, and thus
brokerage commissions, to a minimum.
- - Low realization of capital gains. Because an index fund typically sells
securities only to respond to redemption requests or to adjust the number
of shares it holds to reflect a change in its target index, the fund's
turnover rate--and thus its realization of capital gains--is usually very
low.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE COSTS OF INVESTING
Costs are an important consideration in choosing a mutual fund. That's because
you, as a shareholder, pay the costs of operating a fund, plus any transaction
costs associated with the fund's buying and selling of securities. These costs
can erode a substantial portion of the gross income or capital appreciation a
fund achieves. Even seemingly small differences in expenses can, over time, have
a dramatic effect on a fund's performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEXING METHODS
Some index funds hold each stock found in their target indexes in about the
same proportions as represented in the indexes themselves.
Other index funds may use a different selection process. Because it would
be very expensive to buy all of the stocks held in certain indexes (the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, for example, includes approximately 500 stocks),
funds tracking these larger indexes use a "sampling" technique. Using a
sophisticated computer program, these funds invest in stocks that will, in the
aggregate, recreate the key characteristics of their target indexes. For
instance, if 10% of the market capitalization of the MSCI Europe Index were
attributed to companies in Germany, Vanguard European Stock Index Fund would
invest about 10% of its assets in stocks of German issuers. Furthermore, the
Fund would construct a German portfolio whose size and industry weightings, as
well as average financial characteristics, approximated the German component of
the MSCI Europe Index. The European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index
Funds each employ this sampling method of indexing.
While each Fund attempts to track the performance of its target index,
there is no guarantee that securities selected for the Fund will provide
investment performance exactly matching that of the index.
Yet another indexing approach is to invest in other index funds that seek
to track subsets of a target index. The Total International Stock Index Fund and
Developed Markets Index Fund both use this "fund of funds" approach, which can
be very cost-effective and efficient
<PAGE>
18
when starting an index fund from scratch. For example, the Developed Markets
Index Fund seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in
two other Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock
Index Fund. These other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of
tracking the MSCI Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific Free Index, which together
comprise the MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund allocates its assets between the European
Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund based on the market
capitalization of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
"FUND OF FUNDS"
The term "fund of funds" is used to describe a mutual fund that pursues its
objective by investing in other mutual funds rather than in individual stocks or
bonds. A fund of funds may charge for its own direct expenses, in addition to
bearing a proportionate share of the expenses charged by the underlying funds in
which it invests. Funds of funds are best suited for long-term investors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To track their target indexes as closely as possible, the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds attempt to remain fully invested in foreign stocks
included in their particular indexes. Each Fund intends to invest at least 95%
of its total assets in the stocks of its target index. The Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund normally invests 95% of its total assets in stocks of its
target index, holding the remaining 5% in cash reserves to meet daily redemption
requests. The Total International Stock and Developed Markets Index Funds
normally hold 100% of their assets in shares of their underlying funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Because foreign stock markets operate differently from the U.S. market,
Americans investing abroad will encounter risks not typically associated with
U.S. companies. For instance, foreign companies are not subject to the same
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies; and their stocks may not be as liquid as those of similar U.S.
companies. In addition, foreign stock exchanges, brokers, and companies
generally have less government supervision and regulation than their
counterparts in the United States. These factors, among others, could negatively
impact the returns Americans receive from foreign investments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO STOCK MARKET RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT STOCK
PRICES OVERALL WILL DECLINE OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. STOCK MARKETS
TEND TO MOVE IN CYCLES, WITH PERIODS OF RISING PRICES AND PERIODS OF
FALLING PRICES.
IN ADDITION, INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN STOCK MARKETS CAN BE RISKIER THAN
U.S. STOCK INVESTMENTS. THE PRICES OF INTERNATIONAL STOCKS AND THE PRICES
OF U.S. STOCKS HAVE OFTEN MOVED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. THESE PERIODS HAVE,
IN THE PAST, LASTED FOR AS LONG AS SEVERAL YEARS.
<PAGE>
19
To illustrate the volatility of international stock prices, the following
table shows the best, worst, and average total returns for foreign stock markets
over various periods as measured by the MSCI EAFE Index, a widely used barometer
of international market activity. (Total returns consist of dividend income plus
change in market price.) Note that the returns shown do not include the costs of
buying and selling stocks or other expenses that a real-world investment
portfolio would incur. Note, also, that the gap between best and worst tends to
narrow over the long term.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET RETURNS (1969-1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 20 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Best 69.9% 36.5% 22.8% 16.3%
Worst -23.2 1.5 5.9 12.0
Average 15.2 13.6 14.5 14.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------
The table covers all of the 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods from 1969
through 1999. Keep in mind that this was a particularly favorable period for all
stock markets. These average returns reflect past performance on international
stocks; you should not regard them as an indication of future returns from
either foreign markets as a whole or any of the Funds in particular.
Note that the preceding chart does not take into account returns measured
by the MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, a widely used barometer of less
developed stock markets. Emerging markets can be substantially more volatile
than more developed foreign markets. In addition, because the MSCI EAFE Index
tracks the European and Pacific markets collectively, the above returns do not
reflect the variability of returns from year to year for these markets
individually, or the variability across these and other geographic regions or
market sectors. To illustrate this variability, the following table shows
returns for different international markets--as well as the U.S. market for
comparison--from 1990 to 1999, as measured by their respective indexes. Note
that the returns shown do not include the costs of buying and selling stocks or
other expenses that a real-world investment portfolio would incur.
<PAGE>
20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MARKET RETURNS FOR DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL MARKETS*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN PACIFIC EMERGING U.S.
MARKET MARKET MARKETS MARKETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990 -2.00% -34.43% -10.55% -3.10%
1991 14.12 11.51 59.91 30.47
1992 -3.92 -18.51 11.40 7.62
1993 29.25 36.15 74.84 10.08
1994 2.82 12.82 -7.31 1.32
1995 22.08 2.89 0.01** 37.58
1996 21.42 -8.23 15.19 22.96
1997 23.75 -25.74 -16.37 33.36
1998 28.68 2.64 -18.39 28.58
1999 15.77 56.38 60.86 21.04
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* European market returns are measured by the MSCI Europe Index; Pacific
market returns are measured by the MSCI Pacific Free Index; emerging
markets returns are measured by the Select Emerging Markets Free Index;
and U.S. market returns are measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
** The inception date of the Select Emerging Markets Free Index was May 4,
1994; returns shown for 1990 to 1994 are measured by the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep in mind, however, that these average returns reflect past performance
of the various indexes; you should not consider them as an indication of future
returns from the indexes, or from any of the Funds in particular.
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO COUNTRY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT POLITICAL
EVENTS (A WAR, NATIONAL ELECTIONS), FINANCIAL PROBLEMS (RISING INFLATION,
GOVERNMENT DEFAULT), OR NATURAL DISASTERS (AN EARTHQUAKE, A FLOOD) WILL
WEAKEN A COUNTRY'S ECONOMY AND CAUSE INVESTMENTS IN THAT COUNTRY TO LOSE
MONEY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
REGIONAL VERSUS BROAD INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Regional funds are international funds that invest in a particular geographical
region, such as Europe or the Pacific Basin. Because they concentrate their
holdings in a single region, these funds typically have higher share price
volatility than broadly diversified international stock funds (which, by
investing in many different foreign markets, may offset losses from one country
with gains from another at any given time).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. Stocks from the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
and the Netherlands comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the MSCI Europe Index,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000; stocks from the remaining 11 countries in
the Index have much less significant market capitalization weightings in the
Index and thus much less impact on the Fund's total return. The Fund's heavy
exposure to just four countries involves a higher degree of country risk than
that of more geographically diversified international funds.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. Japanese stocks comprised 82% of the MSCI Pacific
Free Index as of March 31, 2000. Therefore, Japanese stocks represent a
correspondingly large component of the Pacific Stock Index Fund's assets. The
Fund's large investment in the
<PAGE>
21
Japanese stock market involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. As discussed above, emerging markets can
be substantially more volatile than both U.S. and more developed foreign
markets. Therefore, the Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund may expose investors
to a higher degree of volatility than funds that invest in more developed
markets.
DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND. As a fund of funds, the Developed Markets
Index Fund intends to invest all of its assets in shares of the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds; indirectly, its country risk will proportionately
mirror that of the European and Pacific Stock Index Funds.
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUND. As a fund of funds, the Total
International Stock Index Fund intends to invest all of its assets in shares of
the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds; indirectly, its
country risk will proportionately mirror that of the underlying funds. As of
March 31, 2000, the Fund's assets were invested as follows: 60% in the European
Stock Index Fund; 30% in the Pacific Stock Index Fund; and 10% in the Emerging
Markets Stock Index Fund.
[FLAG]EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO CURRENCY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT A STRONGER
U.S. DOLLAR WILL REDUCE RETURNS FOR AMERICANS INVESTING OVERSEAS.
GENERALLY, WHEN THE DOLLAR RISES IN VALUE AGAINST ANOTHER COUNTRY'S
CURRENCY, YOUR INVESTMENT IN THAT COUNTRY LOSES VALUE BECAUSE ITS CURRENCY
IS WORTH FEWER U.S. DOLLARS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A WEAKER U.S. DOLLAR
GENERALLY LEADS TO HIGHER RETURNS FOR AMERICANS HOLDING FOREIGN
INVESTMENTS.
SECURITY SELECTION
In seeking to track its target index, the European Stock Index, Pacific Stock
Index, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each invest in a portfolio of
foreign stocks selected in a manner that mirrors the weightings of their target
indexes. The Total International Stock Index Fund simply invests in shares of
the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds. Likewise, the
Developed Markets Index Fund will simply invest in shares of the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds. Each Fund seeks to provide investment results that
correspond to its target index. The correlation between the performance of a
Fund and its target index is expected to be at least 95%. (A correlation of 100%
would indicate perfect correlation.)
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of approximately 550 common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index,
which is made up of the stocks of companies located in 15 European countries.
Four countries--the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the
Netherlands--dominate the Index, with 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the market
capitalization of the Index, respectively, as of March 31, 2000. The other 11
countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, are much less significant to
the Index and, consequently, the Fund.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of the approximately 420 common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free
Index, which is comprised of the stocks of Pacific Basin companies. The Index is
dominated by the Japanese stock market, which represented 82% of the market
capitalization of the Index as of March 31, 2000. The other four countries
represented in the Index are Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore.
<PAGE>
22
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically
selected sample of the approximately 500 common stocks included in the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, which is made up of the stocks of companies located
in 13 emerging markets of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Three
countries--Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa--represent a majority of the Index,
with 16%, 14%, and 13% of the market capitalization of the Index, respectively,
as of March 31, 2000. The other 10 countries include Argentina, the Czech
Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, and
Turkey. The developed countries of Hong Kong and Singapore are included in the
Index to broaden diversification and ensure adequate liquidity. The Index is
called "select" because it is modeled on a larger index--the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index--but with certain adjustments designed to reduce risk. For
instance, MSCI considers the Hong Kong and Singapore markets too mature to
include in its index, but they are part of the Select Index. Conversely, as of
March 31, 2000, the Select Index excluded certain countries found in the MSCI
Emerging Markets Free Index--Chile, China, Colombia, India, Jordan, Korea,
Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan--due to concerns about liquidity
or entry barriers in those markets. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard, and periodically adjusts the included countries to
keep pace with evolution in world markets. (Such adjustments are made on a
forward-looking basis, so past performance of the Select Index always reflects
actual country representation during the relevant period.)
Although index funds, by their nature, tend to be tax-efficient investment
vehicles, the Funds are generally managed without regard to tax ramifications.
TRANSACTION FEES AND ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEES
Some of Vanguard's index funds charge a transaction fee on purchases of fund
shares to offset the higher costs of trading certain securities, particularly
small-company and international stocks. The transaction fee ensures that these
higher costs are borne by the investors making the transactions--and not by
shareholders already in the fund who do not generate the costs. In addition,
most of Vanguard's index funds charge an account maintenance fee on accounts
under $10,000 to divide the costs of maintaining accounts equitably among
shareholders.
All transaction fees are paid directly to the fund itself (unlike a sales
charge or load that non-Vanguard funds may impose to compensate their sales
representatives). Without transaction fees, some index funds would have trouble
tracking their target indexes.
Vanguard assesses an account maintenance fee on index fund shareholders
whose account balances are below $10,000 (for any reason, including a decline in
the value of a fund's shares) on the date a dividend is distributed. This fee is
intended to allocate the costs of maintaining accounts more equitably among
shareholders. For funds that distribute dividends annually, the account
maintenance fee is $10 per year, deducted from the annual dividend, which
usually is distributed during the last two weeks of the calendar year. If the
fee is deducted from your dividend distribution, you will still be taxed on the
full amount of your dividend (unless you hold your shares through a nontaxable
account). If you are due a dividend that is less than the fee, fractional shares
will be automatically redeemed to make up the difference. This fee cannot be
prepaid.
COSTS AND MARKET-TIMING
Some investors try to profit from a strategy called market-timing--switching
money into investments when they expect prices to rise, and taking money out
when they expect prices to fall. As money is shifted in and out, a fund incurs
expenses for buying and selling
<PAGE>
23
securities. These costs are borne by all fund shareholders, including the
long-term investors who do not generate the costs. Therefore, the Vanguard
International Stock Index Funds have adopted the following policies, among
others, designed to discourage short-term trading:
- - Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request--including
exchanges from other Vanguard funds--that it regards as disruptive to the
efficient management of the Fund. A purchase request could be rejected
because of the timing of the investment or because of a history of
excessive trading by the investor.
- - The Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund charges a transaction fee on
purchases and redemptions.
- - Telephone and online exchanges are not accepted for non-IRA accounts.
- - There is a limit on the number of times you can exchange into and out of a
Fund (see "Redeeming Shares" in the INVESTING WITH VANGUARD section).
- - Each Fund reserves the right to stop offering shares at any time.
THE VANGUARD FUNDS DO NOT PERMIT MARKET-TIMING. DO NOT INVEST IN THESE
FUNDS IF YOU ARE A MARKET-TIMER.
TURNOVER RATE
Although each Fund seeks to invest for the long term, the Funds retain the right
to sell securities regardless of how long the securities have been held.
Generally, a passively- managed fund sells securities only to respond to
redemption requests or to adjust the number of shares held to reflect a change
in the fund's target index. Because of this, the turnover rate for each Fund has
been extremely low. The Financial Highlights tables beginning on page 29 show
historic turnover rates for each Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
TURNOVER RATE
Before investing in a mutual fund, you should review its turnover rate. This
gives an indication of how transaction costs could affect the fund's future
returns. In general, the greater the volume of buying and selling by the fund,
the greater the impact that brokerage commissions and other transaction costs
will have on its return. Also, funds with high turnover rates may be more likely
to generate capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as income
subject to taxes. The average turnover rate for passively managed foreign stock
index funds in 1999 was roughly 17%; for all foreign stock funds, the average
turnover was approximately 76%, according to Morningstar, Inc. (A turnover rate
of 100% would occur, for example, if a fund sold and replaced securities valued
at 100% of its net assets within a one-year period.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Besides investing in common stocks of foreign companies, each Fund may make
certain other kinds of investments to achieve its objective. Each Fund may
change its objective without shareholder approval.
The Funds may also invest, to a limited extent, in futures and options
contracts, warrants, convertible securities, and swap agreements, which are
types of derivatives. Losses (or gains) involving futures contracts can
sometimes be substantial--in part because a relatively small price movement in a
futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss (or gain) for a
fund. Similar risks exist for warrants (securities that permit their
<PAGE>
24
owners to purchase a specific number of shares of stock at a predetermined
price), convertible securities (securities that may be exchanged for another
asset), and swap agreements (contracts between two parties in which each agrees
to make payments to the other based on the return of a specified index or
asset).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DERIVATIVES
A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived" from)
a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a
commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the S&P 500 Index). Futures and
options are derivatives that have been trading on regulated exchanges for more
than two decades. These "traditional" derivatives are standardized contracts
that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and
published daily. It is these characteristics that differentiate futures and
options from the relatively new types of derivatives. If used for speculation or
as leveraged investments, derivatives can carry considerable risks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For this reason, the Funds will not use futures, options, warrants,
convertible securities, or swap agreements for speculative purposes or as
leveraged investments that magnify the gains or losses of an investment. A
Fund's obligation under futures contracts will not exceed 20% of its total
assets.
The reasons for which a Fund will invest in futures and options are:
- - To keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while
simulating full investment in stocks.
- - To reduce the Fund's transaction costs or add value when these instruments
are favorably priced.
Each Fund may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts in order
to maintain the same currency exposure as its respective Index. A forward
foreign currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a country's currency at
a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future.
In other words, the contract guarantees an exchange rate on a given date.
Managers of international stock funds typically use these contracts to guard
against sudden, unfavorable changes in U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange
rates. However, the Funds will use these contracts for different reasons:
- - To gain currency exposure when investing in futures.
- - To settle trades in a foreign currency.
THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
Vanguard International Stock Index Funds are offered by The Vanguard Group, a
family of more than 35 investment companies with more than 100 funds holding
assets worth more than $550 billion. All of the Vanguard funds share in the
expenses associated with business operations, such as personnel, office space,
equipment, and advertising.
Vanguard also provides marketing services to the funds. Although
shareholders do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 distribution fees, each fund
pays its allocated share of The Vanguard Group's marketing costs.
Total International Stock and Developed Markets Index Funds will indirectly
bear a proportionate share of the expenses of the underlying funds in which they
invest. However, their direct expenses are expected to be very low or zero. For
example, Total International
<PAGE>
25
Stock Index Fund has incurred no direct expenses since its inception in 1996.
Total International Stock and Developed Markets Index Funds may operate without
incurring direct expenses because Vanguard will reimburse them for (i) their
contributions to the cost of operating the underlying funds in which they
invest, and (ii) savings in administrative and marketing costs that Vanguard
expects to derive from their operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
VANGUARD'S UNIQUE CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Vanguard Group is truly a MUTUAL mutual fund company. It is owned jointly by
the funds it oversees and thus indirectly by the shareholders in those funds.
Most other mutual funds are operated by for-profit management companies that may
be owned by one person, by a group of individuals, or by investors who own the
management company's stock. By contrast, Vanguard provides its services on an
"at-cost" basis, and the funds' expense ratios reflect only these costs. No
separate management company reaps profits or absorbs losses from operating the
funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group (Vanguard), P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482, founded in
1975, serves as the Funds' adviser through its Quantitative Equity Group. (The
Developed Markets and Total International Stock Index Funds receive advisory
services indirectly, by investing in other funds.) Vanguard manages the Funds on
an at-cost basis, subject to the control of the Trustees and officers of the
Funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the advisory fees
represented an effective annual rate of less than 0.01% each for the European,
Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds.
The Funds have authorized Vanguard to choose brokers or dealers to handle
the purchase and sale of securities for the Funds, and to get the best available
price and most favorable execution from these brokers or dealers with respect to
all transactions. The Funds may direct Vanguard to use a particular broker for
certain transactions in exchange for commission rebates or research services
provided to the Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE FUNDS' ADVISER
The Vanguard Group provides investment advisory services to many Vanguard funds;
as of December 31, 1999, the Group managed more than $371 billion in total
assets. The individual responsible for overseeing the European, Pacific, and
Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds' investments is:
GEORGE U. SAUTER, Managing Director of Vanguard, and head of Vanguard's
Quantitative Equity Group; has worked in investment management since 1985;
primary responsibility for Vanguard's stock indexing policy and strategy since
joining the company in 1987; A.B., Dartmouth College; M.B.A., University of
Chicago.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
26
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
FUND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund distributes to shareholders virtually all of its net income (interest
and dividends, less expenses), as well as any capital gains realized from the
sale of its holdings. Distributions generally occur in December. In addition, a
Fund may occasionally be required to make supplemental dividend or capital gains
distributions at some other time during the year. You can receive distributions
of income dividends or capital gains in cash, or you can have them automatically
reinvested in more shares of the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the fund's income from
interest and dividends, and gains from the sale of investments. You receive such
earnings as either an income dividend or a capital gains distribution. Income
dividends come from both the dividends that the fund earns from its holdings and
the interest it receives from its money market and bond investments. Capital
gains are realized whenever the fund sells securities for higher prices than it
paid for them. These capital gains are either short-term or long-term, depending
on whether the fund held the securities for one year or less, or more than one
year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC TAX POINTS
Vanguard will send you a statement each year showing the tax status of all your
distributions. In addition, taxable investors should be aware of the following
basic tax points:
- - Distributions are taxable to you whether or not you reinvest these amounts
in additional Fund shares.
- - Distributions declared in December--if paid to you by the end of
January--are taxable for federal income tax purposes as if received in
December.
- - Any dividends and short-term capital gains that you receive are taxable to
you as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
- - Any distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as
long-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes, no matter how long
you've owned shares in the Fund.
- - Capital gains distributions may vary considerably from year to year as a
result of the Funds' normal investment activities and cash flows.
- - A sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable event. This means that you
may have a capital gain to report as income, or a capital loss to report as
a deduction, when you complete your federal income tax return.
- - Dividend and capital gains distributions that you receive, as well as your
gains or losses from any sale or exchange of Fund shares, may be subject to
state and local income taxes.
- - The European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds may be
subject to foreign taxes or foreign tax withholding on dividends, interest,
and some capital gains that they receive on foreign securities. You may
qualify for an offsetting credit or deduction under U.S. tax laws for your
portion of a Fund's foreign tax obligations, provided that you meet certain
requirements. Because the Total International Stock and Developed Markets
Index Funds invest in foreign stocks indirectly through other funds, their
investors are not able to take advantage of foreign tax credits or
deductions. See your tax adviser or IRS publications for more information.
<PAGE>
27
GENERAL INFORMATION
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. By law, Vanguard must withhold 31% of any taxable
distributions or redemptions from your account if you do not:
- - provide us with your correct taxpayer identification number;
- - certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct; and
- - confirm that you are not subject to backup withholding.
Similarly, Vanguard must withhold from your account if the IRS instructs us to
do so.
FOREIGN INVESTORS. The Vanguard funds generally do not offer their shares for
sale outside of the United States. Foreign investors should be aware that U.S.
withholding and estate taxes may apply to any investments in Vanguard funds.
INVALID ADDRESSES. If a dividend or capital gains distribution check mailed to
your address of record is returned as undeliverable, Vanguard will automatically
reinvest all future distributions until you provide us with a valid mailing
address.
TAX CONSEQUENCES. This prospectus provides general tax information only. If you
are investing through a tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, special
tax rules apply. Please consult your tax adviser for detailed information about
a fund's tax consequences for you.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
"BUYING A DIVIDEND"
Unless you are investing through a tax-deferred retirement account (such as an
IRA), you should avoid buying shares of a fund shortly before it makes a
distribution, because doing so can cost you money in taxes. This is known as
"buying a dividend." For example: On December 15, you invest $5,000, buying 250
shares for $20 each. If the fund pays a distribution of $1 per share on December
16, its share price would drop to $19 (not counting market change). You still
have only $5,000 (250 shares x $19 = $4,750 in share value, plus 250 shares x $1
= $250 in distributions), but you owe tax on the $250 distribution you
received--even if you reinvest it in more shares. To avoid "buying a dividend,"
check a fund's distribution schedule before you invest.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE PRICE
Each Fund's share price, called its net asset value, or NAV, is calculated each
business day after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(the NAV is not calculated on holidays or other days when the Exchange is
closed). Net asset value per share for the Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds is computed by adding up the total value of the
Fund's investments (i.e., shares of the underlying funds) and other assets,
subtracting any of its liabilities (debts), and then dividing by the number of
Fund shares outstanding:
TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES
NET ASSET VALUE = --------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Net asset value per share for the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets
Stock Index Funds is computed in a similar way, by dividing the net assets
attributed to each class by the number of Fund shares outstanding for that
class.
<PAGE>
28
Knowing the daily net asset value is useful to you as a shareholder because
it indicates the current value of your investment. The Fund's NAV, multiplied by
the number of shares you own, gives you the dollar amount you would have
received had you sold all of your shares back to the Fund that day. Because
foreign securities markets may operate on days which are not business days in
the United States, the value of a Fund's holdings may change on days when
shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
A NOTE ON PRICING: A Fund's investments will be priced at their market
value when market quotations are readily available. When these quotations are
not readily available, investments will be priced at their fair value,
calculated according to procedures adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees. A
Fund also may use fair value pricing if the value of a security held by the Fund
is materially affected by events occurring after the close of the primary
markets or exchanges on which such security is traded. In these situations,
prices used by the Fund to calculate its net asset value may differ from quoted
or published prices for the underlying securities.
Each Fund's share price can be found daily in the mutual fund listings of
most major newspapers under the heading "Vanguard Index Funds." Different
newspapers use different abbreviations for each Fund, but the most common are
EUROPE, PACIFIC, EMERMKT, DEVMKT, and TOTINTL for the European, Pacific,
Emerging Markets, Developed Markets, and Total International Stock Index Funds,
respectively.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
each Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception
(except for the Developed Markets Index Fund, which did not start operations
until May 5, 2000), and certain information reflects financial results for a
single Fund share. The total returns in each table represent the rate that an
investor would have earned or lost each year on an investment in the Fund
(assuming reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions). This
information has been derived from the financial statements audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, whose report--along with
each Fund's financial statements--is included in the Funds' most recent annual
report to shareholders. You may have the annual report sent to you without
charge by contacting Vanguard.
<PAGE>
29
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
HOW TO READ THE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TABLE
This explanation uses the European Stock Index Fund as an example. The Fund
began fiscal 1999 with a net asset value (price) of $25.28 per share. During the
year, the Fund earned $0.50 per share from investment income (interest and
dividends) and $3.69 per share from investments that had appreciated in value or
that were sold for higher prices than the Fund paid for them.
Shareholders received $0.65 per share in the form of dividend and capital gains
distributions. A portion of each year's distributions may come from the prior
year's income or capital gains.
The earnings ($4.19 per share) minus the distributions ($0.65 per share)
resulted in a share price of $28.82 at the end of the year. This was an increase
of $3.54 per share (from $25.28 at the beginning of the year to $28.82 at the
end of the year). For a shareholder who reinvested the distributions in the
purchase of more shares, the total return from the Fund was 16.62% for the year.
As of December 31, 1999, the Fund had $6.1 billion in net assets. For the year,
its expense ratio was 0.29% ($2.90 per $1,000 of net assets); and its net
investment income amounted to 1.99% of its average net assets. It sold and
replaced securities valued at 7% of its net assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02 $11.76
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .50 .41 .38 .34 .32
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 3.69 5.40 3.63 2.63 2.30
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.19 5.81 4.01 2.97 2.62
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.50) (.52) (.37) (.36) (.32)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains (.15) (.14) (.08) (.06) (.04)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.65) (.66) (.45) (.42) (.36)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $28.82 $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 16.62% 28.86% 24.23% 21.26% 22.28%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $6,106 $4,479 $2,432 $1,595 $1,017
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.29% 0.29% 0.31% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 1.99% 1.97% 2.19% 2.45% 2.66%
Turnover Rate 7% 7% 3% 4% 2%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000 or the annual account maintenance fee.
<PAGE>
30
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.84 $7.72 $10.51 $11.50 $11.31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .08 .085 .09 .10 .10
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.39 .100 (2.79) (1.00) .21
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.47 .185 (2.70) (.90) .31
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $12.22 $7.84 $ 7.72 $10.51 $11.50
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 57.05% 2.41% -25.67% -7.82% 2.75%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $2,526 $1,033 $827 $978 $831
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.37% 0.40% 0.35% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 0.95% 1.17% 1.03% 0.89% 0.97%
Turnover Rate 6% 4% 8% 9% 1%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000 or the annual account maintenance fee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.91 $9.98 $12.28 $10.75 $10.87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .24 .27 .24 .18 .15
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.62 (2.08) (2.31) 1.52 (.09)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.86 (1.81) (2.07) 1.70 .06
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $21.50 $7.91 $ 9.98 $12.28 $10.75
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 61.57% -18.12% -16.82% 15.83% 0.56%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $1,138 $577 $660 $637 $234
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.58% 0.61% 0.57% 0.60% 0.60%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 2.55% 2.99% 1.96% 1.69% 2.00%
Turnover Rate 22% 22% 19% 1% 3%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases (0.5%
beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% from 11/3/1997 to 3/31/2000, 1.5% from 1/1/1997 to
11/2/1997, 2.0% in 1995 through 1996), the transaction fee on redemptions
(0.5% beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% through 3/31/2000), or the annual account
maintenance fee.
<PAGE>
31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD TOTAL INTERNATIONAL
STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.19 $ 9.87 $10.14 $10.26
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .21 .21 .18 .150
Capital Gain Distributions
Received .04 .02 .02 .015
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 3.09 1.31 (.28) (.110)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 3.34 1.54 (.08) .055
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.21) (.21) (.17) (.160)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains (.01) (.01) (.02) (.015)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.22) (.22) (.19) (.175)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $14.31 $11.19 $ 9.87 $10.14
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN** 29.92% 15.60% -0.77% 0.55%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Period (Millions) $2,570 $1,375 $903 $280
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0% 0% 0% 0%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 2.04% 2.18% 2.19% 1.51%+
Turnover Rate 1% 2% 0% 0%
================================================================================
*April 29 (inception) through December 31, 1996.
**Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to April 1, 2000 or the annual account maintenance fee.
+Annualized.
The Funds are not sponsored, sold, promoted, or endorsed by Morgan Stanley
Capital International. Standard & Poor's(R)," "S&P(R)," "S&P 500(R)," "Standard
& Poor's 500," and "500," are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and
have been licensed for use by The Vanguard Group.
<PAGE>
32
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
Are you looking for the most convenient way to open or add money to a Vanguard
account? Obtain instant access to fund information? Establish an account for a
minor child or for your retirement savings?
Vanguard can help. Our goal is to make it easy and pleasant for you to do
business with us.
The following sections of the prospectus briefly explain the many services
we offer. Booklets providing detailed information are available on the services
marked with a [BOOK ICON]. Please call us to request copies.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES AND ACCOUNT FEATURES
Vanguard offers many services that make it convenient to buy, sell, or exchange
shares, or to obtain fund or account information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS (SALES AND EXCHANGES)
Automatically set up for these Funds unless you notify us otherwise. Note:
Limitations do apply; see page 37.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD(R) DIRECT DEPOSIT SERVICE [BOOK ICON]
Automatic method for depositing your paycheck or U.S. government payment
(including Social Security and government pension checks) into your account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD(R) AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE [BOOK ICON]
Automatic method for moving a fixed amount of money from one Vanguard fund
account to another.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD FUND EXPRESS(R) [BOOK ICON]
Electronic method for buying or selling shares. You can transfer money between
your Vanguard fund account and an account at your bank, savings and loan, or
credit union on a systematic schedule.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD DIVIDEND EXPRESS(R) [BOOK ICON]
Electronic method for transferring dividend and/or capital gains distributions
directly from your Vanguard fund account to your bank, savings and loan, or
credit union account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD TELE-ACCOUNT(R) 1-800-662-6273 (ON-BOARD) [BOOK ICON]
Toll-free 24-hour access to Vanguard fund and account information--as well as
some transactions--by using any touch-tone phone. Tele-Account provides total
return, share price, price change, and yield quotations for all Vanguard funds;
gives your account balances and history (e.g., last transaction, latest dividend
distribution); and allows you to sell or exchange shares to and from most
Vanguard funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS VANGUARD(TM) www.vanguard.com [BOOK ICON]
You can use your personal computer to perform certain transactions for most
Vanguard funds by accessing our website. To establish this service, you must
register through our website. We will then mail you an account access password
that allows you to process the following financial and administrative
transactions online:
- - Open a new account.*
- - Buy, sell, or exchange shares of most funds.
- - Change your name/address.
<PAGE>
33
- - Add/change fund options (including dividend options, Vanguard Fund Express,
bank instructions, checkwriting, and Vanguard Automatic Exchange Service).
(Some restrictions may apply.) Please call our Client Services Department
for assistance.
*Only current Vanguard shareholders can open a new account online, by exchanging
shares from other existing Vanguard accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT: 1-800-662-7447 (SHIP) TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-952-3335
Call Vanguard for information on our funds, fund services, and retirement
accounts, and to request literature.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: 1-800-662-2739 (CREW) TEXT TELEPHONE: 1-800-749-7273
Call Vanguard for information on your account, account transactions, and account
statements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES FOR CLIENTS OF VANGUARD'S INSTITUTIONAL DIVISION: 1-888-809-8102
Vanguard's Institutional Division offers a variety of specialized services for
large institutional investors, including the ability to effect account
transactions through private electronic networks and third-party recordkeepers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
Individuals and institutions can establish a variety of accounts with Vanguard.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR ONE OR MORE PEOPLE
Open an account in the name of one (individual) or more (joint tenants) people.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR HOLDING PERSONAL TRUST ASSETS [BOOK ICON]
Invest assets held in an existing personal trust.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS [BOOK ICON]
Open a traditional IRA account or a Roth IRA account. Eligibility and other
requirements are established by federal law and Vanguard custodial account
agreements. For more information, please call 1-800-662-7447 (SHIP).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AN ORGANIZATION [BOOK ICON]
Open an account as a corporation, partnership, endowment, foundation, or other
entity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THIRD-PARTY TRUSTEE RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS
Open an account as a retirement trust or plan based on an existing corporate or
institutional plan. These accounts are established by the trustee of the
existing plan.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD PROTOTYPE PLANS
Open a variety of retirement accounts using Vanguard prototype plans for
individuals, sole proprietorships, and small businesses. For more information,
please call 1-800-662-2003.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON INVESTING WITH VANGUARD THROUGH OTHER FIRMS
You may purchase or sell Fund shares through a financial intermediary such as a
bank, broker, or investment adviser. If you invest with Vanguard through an
intermediary, please read that firm's program materials carefully to learn of
any special rules that may apply. For example, special terms may apply to
additional service features, fees, or other policies. Consult your intermediary
to determine when your order will be priced.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
34
BUYING SHARES
You buy your shares at a Fund's next-determined net asset value after Vanguard
receives your request. As long as your request is received before the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, generally 4 p.m. Eastern time,
you will buy your shares at that day's net asset value.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM INVESTMENT TO . . .
open a new account
$3,000 (regular account); $1,000 (traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs).
add to an existing account
$100 by mail or exchange; $1,000 by wire.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON LOW BALANCES
Each Fund reserves the right to close any nonretirement fund account whose
balance falls below the minimum initial investment. The Fund will deduct a $10
annual fee in June if your nonretirement account balance at that time is below
$2,500. The low balance fee is waived for investors who have aggregate Vanguard
account assets of $50,000 or more.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON PURCHASE FEES
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund deducts a 0.5% fee from all purchases
(including exchanges from other Vanguard funds), but not from reinvested
dividends or capital gains.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY MAIL TO . . . [ENVELOPE ICON]
open a new account
Complete and sign the account registration form and enclose your check.
add to an existing account
Mail your check with an Invest-By-Mail form detached from your confirmation
statement to the address listed on the form. Please do not alter Invest-By-Mail
forms, since they are fund- and account-specific.
Make your check payable to: The Vanguard Group-(insert appropriate Fund number;
see below)
European Stock Index Fund-79
Pacific Stock Index Fund-72
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund-533
Developed Markets Index Fund-227
Total International Stock Index Fund-113
All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars, and checks must be drawn on U.S.
banks.
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 1110 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
For clients of Vanguard's Institutional Division . . .
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
<PAGE>
35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent check fraud, Vanguard will not accept checks made
payable to third parties.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY TELEPHONE TO . . . [TELEPHONE ICON]
open a new account
Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24 hours a day--or Client Services during business
hours--to exchange from another Vanguard fund account with the same registration
(name, address, taxpayer identification number, and account type). (Note that
some restrictions apply to index fund accounts.)
add to an existing account
Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24 hours a day--or Client Services during business
hours--to exchange from another Vanguard fund account with the same registration
(name, address, taxpayer identification number, and account type). (Note that
some restrictions apply to index fund accounts.) Use Vanguard Fund Express (see
"Services and Account Features") to transfer assets from your bank account. Call
Client Services before your first use to verify that this option is available.
Vanguard Tele-Account Client Services
1-800-662-6273 1-800-662-2739
*You must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) through Tele-Account at
least seven days before you request your first exchange.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once you have initiated a telephone transaction and a
confirmation number has been assigned, the transaction cannot be revoked. We
reserve the right to refuse any purchase request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY WIRE TO OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT OR ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT [WIRE ICON]
Call Client Services to arrange your wire transaction. Wire transactions to
retirement accounts are only available for asset transfers and rollovers from
other financial institutions. Individual IRA contributions will not be accepted
by wire.
Wire to:
FRB ABA 021001088
HSBC Bank USA
For credit to:
Account: 000112046
Vanguard Incoming Wire Account
In favor of:
European Stock Index Fund-79
Pacific Stock Index Fund-72
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund-533
Developed Markets Index Fund-227
Total International Stock Index Fund-113
[Account number, or temporary number for a new account]
[Registered account owner(s)]
[Registered address]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
36
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can redeem (that is, sell or exchange) shares purchased by check or Vanguard
Fund Express at any time. However, while your redemption request will be
processed at the next-determined net asset value after it is received, your
redemption proceeds will not be available until payment for your purchase is
collected, which may take up to ten calendar days.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON LARGE PURCHASES
It is important that you call Vanguard before you invest a large dollar amount.
It is our responsibility to consider the interests of all Fund shareholders, and
so we reserve the right to refuse any purchase that may disrupt a Fund's
operation or performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEEMING SHARES
This section describes how you can redeem--that is, sell or exchange--a Fund's
shares.
When Selling Shares:
- - Vanguard sends the redemption proceeds to you or a designated third party.*
- - You can sell all or part of your Fund shares at any time.
*May require a signature guarantee; see footnote on page 39.
When Exchanging Shares:
- - The redemption proceeds are used to purchase shares of a different Vanguard
fund.
- - You must meet the receiving fund's minimum investment requirements.
- - Vanguard reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege,
limit the amount of an exchange, or reject an exchange at any time, without
notice.
- - In order to exchange into an account with a different registration
(including a different name, address, or taxpayer identification number),
you must include the guaranteed signature of all current account owners on
your written instructions.
In both cases, your transaction will be based on the Fund's next-determined
share price, subject to any special rules described in this "Redeeming Shares"
section of the prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON REDEMPTION FEES
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund imposes a 0.5% redemption fee on all share
redemptions. Currently, redemption fees do not apply to Fund shares held through
Vanguard's separate recordkeeping system for employee benefit plan accounts, due
to certain economies associated with these accounts. However, the Fund reserves
the right to impose redemption fees on its shares at any time if warranted by
the Fund's future costs of processing redemptions from these accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Once a redemption is initiated and a confirmation number given, the
transaction CANNOT be canceled.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
37
HOW TO REQUEST A REDEMPTION
You can request a redemption from your Fund account in any one of three ways:
online, by telephone, or by mail.
The Vanguard funds whose shares you cannot exchange online or by telephone
are: VANGUARD U.S. STOCK INDEX FUNDS, VANGUARD BALANCED INDEX FUND, VANGUARD
INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUNDS, VANGUARD REIT INDEX FUND, and VANGUARD GROWTH
AND INCOME FUND. These funds do, however, permit online and telephone exchanges
within IRAs and some other retirement accounts. If you sell shares of these
funds online, you will receive a redemption check at your address of record.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONLINE REQUESTS [COMPUTER ICON]
ACCESS VANGUARD at www.vanguard.com
You can use your personal computer to sell or exchange shares of most Vanguard
funds by accessing our website. To establish this service, you must register
through our website. We will then mail you an account access password that will
enable you to sell or exchange shares online (as well as perform other
transactions).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE REQUESTS [TELEPHONE ICON]
All Account Types Except Retirement:
Call Vanguard Tele-Account 24 hours a day--or Client Services during business
hours--to sell shares.
Retirement Accounts:
You can exchange--but not sell--shares by calling Tele-Account or Client
Services.
Vanguard Tele-Account Client Services
1-800-662-6273 1-800-662-2739
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL INFORMATION: We will automatically establish the telephone redemption
option for your account, unless you instruct us otherwise in writing. While
telephone redemption is easy and convenient, this account feature involves a
risk of loss from unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Vanguard will take
reasonable precautions to protect your account from fraud. You should do the
same by keeping your account information private and immediately reviewing any
account statements that we send to you. Make sure to contact Vanguard
immediately about any transaction you believe to be unauthorized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We reserve the right to refuse a telephone redemption if the caller is unable to
provide:
- - The ten-digit account number.
- - The name and address exactly as registered on the account.
- - The primary Social Security or employer identification number as registered
on the account.
- - The Personal Identification Number (PIN), if applicable (for instance,
Tele-Account).
Please note that Vanguard will not be responsible for any account losses
due to telephone fraud, so long as we have taken reasonable steps to verify the
caller's identity. If you wish to remove the telephone redemption feature from
your account, please notify us in writing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Vanguard reserves the right to revise or terminate the telephone redemption
privilege at any time, without notice. In addition, Vanguard can stop selling
shares or postpone payment at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. If you
<PAGE>
38
experience difficulty making a telephone redemption during periods of drastic
economic or market change, you can send us your request by regular or express
mail. Follow the instructions on selling or exchanging shares by mail in this
section.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL REQUESTS [ENVELOPE ICON]
All Account Types Except Retirement:
Send a letter of instruction signed by all registered account holders. Include
the fund name and account number and (if you are selling) a dollar amount or
number of shares OR (if you are exchanging) the name of the fund you want to
exchange into and a dollar amount or number of shares. To exchange into an
account with a different registration (including a different name, address,
taxpayer identification number, or account type), you must provide Vanguard with
written instructions that include the guaranteed signatures of all current
owners of the fund from which you wish to redeem.
Vanguard Retirement Accounts:
For information on how to request distributions from:
- - Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs--call Client Services.
- - SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, and Profit-Sharing and
Money Purchase Pension (Keogh) Plans--call Individual Retirement Plans at
1-800-662-2003.
Depending on your account registration type, additional documentation may be
required.
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 1110 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
For clients of Vanguard's Institutional Division . . .
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON LARGE REDEMPTIONS
It is important that you call Vanguard before you redeem a large dollar amount.
It is our responsibility to consider the interests of all fund shareholders, and
so we reserve the right to delay delivery of your redemption proceeds--up to
seven days--if the amount may disrupt a Fund's operation or performance.
If you redeem more than $250,000 worth of Fund shares within any 90-day
period, the Fund reserves the right to pay part or all of the redemption
proceeds above $250,000 in-kind, i.e., in securities, rather than in cash. If
payment is made in-kind, you may incur brokerage commissions if you elect to
sell the securities for cash.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTIONS FOR REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
You may receive your redemption proceeds in one of three ways: check, exchange
to another Vanguard fund, or Fund Express redemption.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHECK REDEMPTIONS
Normally, Vanguard will mail your check within two business days of a
redemption.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
39
EXCHANGE REDEMPTIONS
As described above, an exchange involves using the proceeds of your redemption
to purchase shares of another Vanguard fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND EXPRESS REDEMPTIONS
Vanguard will electronically transfer funds to your pre-linked checking or
savings account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR OUR MUTUAL PROTECTION
For your best interests and ours, Vanguard applies these additional requirements
to redemptions:
REQUEST IN "GOOD ORDER"
All redemption requests must be received by Vanguard in "good order." This means
that your request must include:
- - The Fund name and account number.
- - The amount of the transaction (in dollars or shares).
- - Signatures of all owners exactly as registered on the account (for mail
requests).
- - Signature guarantees (if required).*
- - Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
- - Any outstanding certificates representing shares to be redeemed.
*For instance, a signature guarantee must be provided by all registered account
shareholders when redemption proceeds are to be sent to a different person or
address. A signature guarantee can be obtained from most commercial and savings
banks, credit unions, trust companies, or member firms of a U.S. stock
exchange.
TRANSACTIONS ARE PROCESSED AT THE NEXT-DETERMINED SHARE PRICE AFTER VANGUARD HAS
RECEIVED ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITS ON ACCOUNT ACTIVITY
Because excessive account transactions can disrupt the management of a Fund and
increase the Fund's costs for all shareholders, Vanguard limits account activity
as follows:
- - You may make no more than TWO SUBSTANTIVE "ROUND TRIPS" THROUGH A FUND
during any 12-month period.
- - Your round trips through a Fund must be at least 30 days apart.
- - A Fund may refuse a share purchase at any time, for any reason.
- - Vanguard may revoke an investor's telephone exchange privilege at any time,
for any reason.
A "round trip" is a redemption from a Fund followed by a purchase back into
the Fund. Also a "round trip" covers transactions accomplished by any
combination of methods, including transactions conducted by check, wire, or
exchange to/from another Vanguard fund. "Substantive" means a dollar amount that
Vanguard determines, in its sole discretion, could adversely affect the
management of a Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETURN YOUR SHARE CERTIFICATES
Any portion of your account represented by share certificates cannot be redeemed
until you return the certificates to Vanguard. Certificates must be returned
(unsigned), along with a letter requesting the sale or exchange you wish to
process, via certified mail to:
The Vanguard Group
455 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1815
<PAGE>
40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL TRADES ARE FINAL
Vanguard will not cancel any transaction request (including any purchase or
redemption) that we believe to be authentic once the request has been initiated
and a confirmation number assigned.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNCASHED CHECKS
Please cash your distribution or redemption checks promptly. Vanguard will not
pay interest on uncashed checks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERRING REGISTRATION
You can transfer the registration of your Fund shares to another owner by
completing a transfer form and sending it to Vanguard.
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 1110 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-1110 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
For clients of Vanguard's Institutional Division . . .
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 455 Devon Park Drive
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Wayne, PA 19087-1815
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND AND ACCOUNT UPDATES
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
We will send you account and tax statements to help you keep track of your Fund
account throughout the year as well as when you are preparing your income tax
returns.
In addition, you will receive financial reports about your Fund twice a
year. These comprehensive reports include an assessment of the Fund's
performance (and a comparison to its industry benchmark), an overview of the
financial markets, a report from the adviser, and the Fund's financial
statements which include a listing of the Fund's holdings.
To keep each Fund's costs as low as possible (so that you and other
shareholders can keep more of the Fund's investment earnings), Vanguard attempts
to eliminate duplicate mailings to the same address. When two or more Fund
shareholders have the same last name and address, we send just one Fund report
to that address--instead of mailing separate reports to each shareholder. If you
want us to send separate reports, notify our Client Services Department at
1-800-662-2739.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONFIRMATION STATEMENT
Sent each time you buy, sell, or exchange shares; confirms the trade date and
the amount of your transaction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY [BOOK ICON]
Mailed quarterly for most accounts; shows the market value of your account at
the close of the statement period, as well as distributions, purchases, sales,
and exchanges for the current calendar year.
<PAGE>
41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mailed in February and August for these Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX STATEMENTS
Generally mailed in January; report previous year's dividend and capital gains
distributions, proceeds from the sale of shares, and distributions from IRAs or
other retirement accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COST REVIEW STATEMENT [BOOK ICON]
Issued quarterly for most taxable accounts (accompanies your Portfolio Summary);
shows the average cost of shares that you redeemed during the calendar year,
using only the average cost single category method.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT
An investment approach that seeks to exceed the average returns of the financial
markets. Active managers rely on research, market forecasts, and their own
judgment and experience in selecting securities to buy and sell.
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTION
Payment to mutual fund shareholders of gains realized on securities that a fund
has sold at a profit, minus any realized losses.
CASH RESERVES
Cash deposits, short-term bank deposits, and money market instruments which
include U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit (CDs), repurchase
agreements, commercial paper, and banker's acceptances.
COMMON STOCK
A security representing ownership rights in a corporation. A stockholder is
entitled to share in the company's profits, some of which may be paid out as
dividends.
COUNTRY RISK
The chance that domestic events--such as political upheaval, financial troubles,
or a natural disaster--will weaken a country's securities markets.
CURRENCY RISK
The chance that a foreign investment will decrease in value because of
unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates.
DIVIDEND INCOME
Payment to shareholders of income from interest or dividends generated by a
fund's investments.
EXPENSE RATIO
The percentage of a fund's average net assets used to pay its expenses. The
expense ratio includes management fees, administrative fees, and any 12b-1
distribution fees.
INDEX
An unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used as a standard
to measure investment performance.
INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND
A mutual fund that invests in the stocks of companies located outside the United
States.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
An organization that makes the day-to-day decisions regarding a fund's
investments.
MUTUAL FUND
An investment company that pools the money of many people and invests it in a
variety of securities in an effort to achieve a specific objective over time.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)
The market value of a mutual fund's total assets, minus liabilities, divided by
the number of shares outstanding. The value of a single share is called its
share value or share price.
PASSIVE MANAGEMENT
A low-cost investment strategy in which a mutual fund attempts to match--rather
than outperform--a particular stock or bond market index. Also known as
indexing.
PRINCIPAL
The amount of money you put into an investment.
TOTAL RETURN
A percentage change, over a specified time period, in a mutual fund's net asset
value, with the ending net asset value adjusted to account for the reinvestment
of all distributions of dividends and capital gains.
VOLATILITY
The fluctuations in value of a mutual fund or other security. The greater a
fund's volatility, the wider the fluctuations between its high and low prices.
YIELD
Income (interest or dividends) earned by an investment, expressed as a
percentage of the investment's price.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
[THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
Post Office Box 2600
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you'd like more information about
Vanguard International Stock Index
Funds, the following documents are
available free upon request:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO
SHAREHOLDERS
Additional information about the
Funds' investments is available in
the Funds' annual and semiannual
reports to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI provides more detailed
information about the Funds (there
is a separate SAI for Vanguard
Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds,
which are legally a part of Vanguard
STAR Funds).
The current annual and semiannual
reports and each SAI are
incorporated by reference into
(and are thus legally a part of)
this prospectus.
To receive a free copy of the latest
annual or semiannual report or the
SAI, or to request additional
information about the Funds or other
Vanguard funds, please contact us
as follows:
THE VANGUARD GROUP
INVESTOR INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 2600
VALLEY FORGE, PA
19482-2600
TELEPHONE:
1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-952-3335
WORLD WIDE WEB:
WWW.VANGUARD.COM
If you are a current Fund shareholder
and would like information about
your account, account transactions,
and/or account statements,
please call:
CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
TELEPHONE:
1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-749-7273
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (SEC)
You can review and copy
information about the Funds
(including the SAI) at the SEC's
Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC. To find out more
about this public service, call the
SEC at 1-202-942-8090. Reports and
other information about the Funds
are also available on the SEC's
website (www.sec.gov), or you can
receive copies of this information,
for a fee, by electronic request at
the following e-mail address:
[email protected], or by writing
the Public Reference Section,
Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, DC
20549-0102.
Funds' Investment Company Act
file number: 811-5972 (811-3919)
for Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds)
(C) 2000 The Vanguard Group, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Vanguard Marketing Corporation,
Distributor.
P072N-04/28/2000
<PAGE>
VANGUARD(R)
INTERNATIONAL STOCK
INDEX FUNDS
Participant Prospectus
April 28, 2000
This prospectus contains
financial data for the
Funds through the
fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999.
VANGUARD EUROPEAN
STOCK INDEX FUND
VANGUARD PACIFIC STOCK
INDEX FUND
VANGUARD EMERGING
MARKETS STOCK INDEX
FUND
VANGUARD DEVELOPED
MARKETS INDEX FUND
VANGUARD TOTAL
INTERNATIONAL STOCK
INDEX FUND
[MEMBERS OF THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
<PAGE>
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUNDS
Participant Prospectus
April 28, 2000
A Group of International Stock Index Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
2 FUND PROFILES
2 Vanguard European Stock Index Fund
5 Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund
8 Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund
11 Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund
13 Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
16 MORE ON THE FUNDS
23 THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
24 INVESTMENT ADVISER
25 DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
25 SHARE PRICE
26 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
29 INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
30 ACCESSING FUND INFORMATION BY COMPUTER
GLOSSARY (inside back cover)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY READING THIS PROSPECTUS IS IMPORTANT
This prospectus explains the objective, risks, and strategies of each of the
Vanguard International Stock Index Funds. To highlight terms and concepts
important to mutual fund investors, we have provided "Plain Talk(R)"
explanations along the way. Reading the prospectus will help you to decide which
Fund, if any, is the right investment for you. We suggest that you keep it for
future reference.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Vanguard European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each
offer two separate classes of shares: Investor and Institutional. This
prospectus offers the Funds' Investor Shares to participants in
employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans. Please call Vanguard to obtain
separate prospectuses that offer:
- - Investor Shares for private investors ($3,000 minimum)--1-800-662-7447
- - Institutional Shares for very large investors ($10 million
minimum)--1-800-523-1036
The Funds' separate share classes have different expenses; as a result,
their investment performances will vary. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL REFERENCES
IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO FEES, EXPENSES, AND INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RELATE
SPECIFICALLY TO INVESTOR SHARES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
WHAT IS INDEXING?
An index is an unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used
as a standard to measure investment performance. An index (or "passively
managed") fund tries to track, as closely as possible, the performance of an
established target index. The fund does this by holding all, or a representative
sample, of the securities that comprise the index. Keep in mind that an index
fund has operating expenses and transaction costs, while a market index does
not. Therefore, an index fund, while expected to track its target index closely,
typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly.
Stock index funds may seek to track indexes that hold a certain type of
stock--such as growth or value, small-cap or large-cap, or those from just one
industry--or they may seek to track indexes that consist of a broader range of
stocks--for example, the entire foreign stock market.
Index funds are not actively managed by investment advisers who buy and
sell securities based on research and analysis in an attempt to outperform a
particular benchmark or the market as a whole. Rather, index funds simply
attempt to mirror what the target index does, for better or worse.
WHAT INDEX FUNDS DOES VANGUARD OFFER?
Vanguard offers a variety of stock (both U.S. and international), bond, and
balanced index funds. This prospectus provides information about Vanguard's
International Stock Index Funds. There are five such Funds offered in this
prospectus, each of which seeks to track a different segment of the
international stock market:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SEEKS TO TRACK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock Index Fund European stock markets
Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Australian and Far East
stock markets
Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock 13 emerging stock markets in
Index Fund Europe, Asia, Africa, and
Latin America
Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund European, Australian, and Far
East stock markets
Vanguard Total International Stock European, Australian, Far East,
Index Fund and 13 emerging stock
markets in Europe, Asia,
Africa, and Latin America
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus contains profiles that summarize key features of each Fund.
Following the profiles, there is important additional information about the
Funds.
<PAGE>
2
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard European Stock Index
Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital
International (MSCI) Europe Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index. The MSCI Europe Index is
made up of approximately 550 common stocks of companies located in 15 European
countries--mostly in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands,
(which comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000), as well as in Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. For
more information about passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON
THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to four countries (United Kingdom,
France, Germany, and the Netherlands) involves a higher degree of country
risk than that of more geographically diversified international funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely
Europe--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or natural
disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five calendar years and since inception compare with those of a broad-based
securities market index. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not
indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
3
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1991 12.40%
1992 -3.32%
1993 29.13%
1994 1.88%
1995 22.28%
1996 21.26%
1997 24.23%
1998 28.86%
1999 16.62%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If the
fee was reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 20.37% (quarter ended March 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -14.41% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock
Index Fund** 16.62% 22.58% 14.61%
MSCI Europe Index 15.77 22.27 14.78
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee imposed on purchases
prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.22%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.07%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.29%
<PAGE>
4
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$30 $93 $163 $368
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Distributed annually in December Europe
INVESTMENT ADVISER VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, 079
Pa., since inception
CUSIP NUMBER
INCEPTION DATE 922042205
June 18, 1990
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 TICKER SYMBOL
$6.1 billion VEURX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
5
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Pacific Stock Index
Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI Pacific Free Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely by a fund are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free Index. The MSCI Pacific Free
Index consists of approximately 420 common stocks of companies located in Japan
(which comprised 82% of the Index's market capitalization as of March 31, 2000),
Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. For more information about
passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Japan involves a higher degree
of country risk than that of more geographically diversified international
funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely the
Pacific region--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five years and since inception compare with those of a broad-based
securities market index. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not
indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
6
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1991 10.65%
1992 -18.17%
1993 35.46%
1994 13.04%
1995 2.75%
1996 -7.82%
1997 -25.67%
1998 2.41%
1999 57.05%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If the
fee was reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 26.50% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -20.69% (quarter ended December 31, 1997).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Pacific Stock
Index Fund** 57.05% 2.52% 3.20%
MSCI Pacific Free Index 56.38 2.39 3.08
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee imposed on purchases
prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.31%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.06%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.37%
<PAGE>
7
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$38 $119 $208 $468
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Distributed annually in December Pacific
INVESTMENT ADVISER VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, 072
Pa., since inception
INCEPTION DATE CUSIP NUMBER
June 18, 1990 922042106
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 TICKER SYMBOL
$2.5 billion VPACX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
8
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock
Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Select Emerging Markets Free
Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the Select Emerging Markets Free Index. The Select
Emerging Markets Free Index includes approximately 500 common stocks of
companies located in emerging markets around the world. As of March 31, 2000,
the largest markets covered in the Index were Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa
(which comprised 16%, 14%, and 13% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively). Other countries represented in the Index included Argentina, the
Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, Poland,
Thailand, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Singapore. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard. For more information about passive management, see
"Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. Country risk
is especially high for funds that focus on stocks in emerging markets. The
Index's, and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Mexico, Brazil, and
South Africa involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
and five calendar years and since inception compare with those of both a
broad-based securities market index and the Fund's target index. Keep in mind
that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will perform in the
future.
<PAGE>
9
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1995 0.56%
1996 15.83%
1997 -16.82%
1998 -18.12%
1999 61.57%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases and redemptions. If these
amounts were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 28.32% (quarter ended December 31, 1999) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -21.52% (quarter ended June 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund** 59.96% 4.88% 6.03%
MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index 66.40 2.00 3.69
Select Emerging Markets
Free Index+ 60.86 4.81 4.93
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*May 4, 1994.
**Return figures reflect the 0.5% transaction fee imposed on purchases
and redemptions.
+The Select Emerging Markets Free Index is administered by MSCI
exclusively by Vanguard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: 0.5%*
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: 0.5%**
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.32%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.26%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.58%
*The transaction fee on purchases is deducted from all purchases
(including exchanges from other Vanguard funds) but not from
reinvested dividends and capital gains.
**The redemption fee applies to all redemptions (sales or exchanges);
it is deducted from redemption proceeds, and retained by the Fund.
<PAGE>
10
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, that operating expenses remain the same, and that you redeem all your
shares at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$161 $292 $434 $849
- -------------------------------------------------
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares (the
difference being that the Fund's 0.5% redemption fee would not apply to any of
the periods below, as it would to those above):
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$109 $235 $372 $772
- -------------------------------------------------
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Distributed annually in December EmerMkt
INVESTMENT ADVISER VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, 533
Pa., since inception
INCEPTION DATE CUSIP NUMBER
May 4, 1994 922042304
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 TICKER SYMBOL
$1.1 billion VEIEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
11
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Developed Markets
Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to track the performance of the MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far
East (EAFE) Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach. The Fund
seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in two other
Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund.
These other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI
Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific Free Index, which together comprise the MSCI
EAFE Index. The Fund allocates all or substantially all of its assets between
the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund based on the
market capitalization of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index. The
MSCI EAFE Index includes approximately 1,000 common stocks of companies located
in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. For more information about passive
management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--either Europe or
the Far East--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The Fund began operations on May 5, 2000, so performance information (including
annual total returns and average annual total returns) for a full calendar year
is not yet available.
<PAGE>
12
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Indirect Operating Expenses: +
+Although Developed Markets Index Fund is not expected to incur any net
expenses directly, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the expenses
of the underlying Vanguard funds in which the Fund invests. See THE
FUNDS AND VANGUARD. It is estimated that the Fund's indirect expense
ratio for its first fiscal year, based on its underlying investments,
will be 0.30%.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- ------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
- ------------------------
$35 $110
- ------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Distributed annually in December DevMkt
INVESTMENT ADVISER VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, 227
Pa., since inception
INCEPTION DATE CUSIP NUMBER
May 5, 2000 921909701
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
13
FUND PROFILE--
VANGUARD(R) TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Total International
Stock Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Total International Composite
Index. The Total International Composite Index is a combination of the indexes
tracked by the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund seeks to track the performance of the Total International Composite
Index by investing in three other Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund,
the Pacific Stock Index Fund, and the Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund. These
other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI Europe
Index, the MSCI Pacific Free Index, and the Select Emerging Markets Free Index,
which together comprise the Total International Composite Index. The Fund
allocates all or substantially all of its assets between the European Stock
Index Fund, the Pacific Stock Index Fund, and the Emerging Markets Stock Index
Fund based on the market capitalization of European, Pacific, and emerging
markets stocks in the Total International Composite Index. The Index is a market
capitalization weighted index that combines the MSCI Europe Index, the MSCI
Pacific Free Index, and the Select Emerging Markets Free Index. MSCI administers
the Index exclusively for Vanguard. For more information about passive
management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the Fund's performance in each calendar year since
inception. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for one
calendar year and since inception compare with those of both a broad-based
securities market index and the Fund's target index. Keep in mind that the
Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
14
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
----------------------------------------------------
1997 -0.77%
1998 15.60%
1999 29.92%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000. If the
fee was reflected, returns would be less than those
shown.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 20.49% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -14.53% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Total International
Stock Index Fund** 29.92% 11.64%
MSCI EAFE + Emerging Markets
Free Index 30.33 12.11
Total International Composite
Index+ 28.13 11.30
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*April 29, 1996.
**Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee imposed on purchases
prior to April 1, 2000.
+Consists of the MSCI EAFE Index and the Select Emerging Markets Free
Index. This index is administered by MSCI exclusively for Vanguard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based upon those incurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Indirect Operating Expenses: +
+Although Total International Stock Index Fund is not expected to incur
any net expenses directly, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the
expenses of the underlying Vanguard funds in which the Fund invests.
See THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD. The Fund's indirect expense ratio, based
on its underlying investments, was 0.34% as of December 31, 1999.
<PAGE>
15
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$35 $110 $193 $434
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Distributed annually in December TotIntl
INVESTMENT ADVISER VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, 113
Pa., since inception
INCEPTION DATE CUSIP NUMBER
April 29, 1996 921909602
NET ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 TICKER SYMBOL
$2.6 billion VGTSX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
16
MORE ON THE FUNDS
The following sections discuss other important features of Vanguard
International Stock Index Funds, including indexing methods, fund
characteristics, costs and market-timing, fund turnover, and other investment
policies and risks.
WHY INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS?
Index funds appeal to many investors for a number of reasons:
- - Diversification. Index funds generally invest in a diversified mix of
companies and industries.
- - Relative consistency. Index funds typically track the performance of
relevant market benchmarks more closely than comparable actively managed
funds do.
- - Low cost. Index funds do not have many of the expenses of an actively
managed fund--such as research--and keep trading activity, and thus
brokerage commissions, to a minimum.
- - Low realization of capital gains. Because an index fund typically sells
securities only to respond to redemption requests or to adjust the number
of shares it holds to reflect a change in its target index, the fund's
turnover rate--and thus its realization of capital gains--is usually very
low.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE COSTS OF INVESTING
Costs are an important consideration in choosing a mutual fund. That's because
you, as a shareholder, pay the costs of operating a fund, plus any transaction
costs associated with the fund's buying and selling of securities. These costs
can erode a substantial portion of the gross income or capital appreciation a
fund achieves. Even seemingly small differences in expenses can, over time, have
a dramatic effect on a fund's performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEXING METHODS
Some index funds hold each stock found in their target indexes in about the
same proportions as represented in the indexes themselves.
Other index funds may use a different selection process. Because it would
be very expensive to buy all of the stocks held in certain indexes (the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, for example, includes approximately 500 stocks),
funds tracking these larger indexes use a "sampling" technique. Using a
sophisticated computer program, these funds invest in stocks that will, in the
aggregate, recreate the key characteristics of their target indexes. For
instance, if 10% of the market capitalization of the MSCI Europe Index were
attributed to companies in Germany, Vanguard European Stock Index Fund would
invest about 10% of its assets in stocks of German issuers. Furthermore, the
Fund would construct a German portfolio whose size and industry weightings, as
well as average financial characteristics, approximated the German component of
the MSCI Europe Index. The European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index
Funds each employ this sampling method of indexing.
While each Fund attempts to track the performance of its target index,
there is no guarantee that securities selected for the Fund will provide
investment performance exactly matching that of the index.
Yet another indexing approach is to invest in other index funds that seek
to track subsets of a target index. The Total International Stock Index Fund and
Developed Markets Index Fund both use this "fund of funds" approach, which can
be very cost-effective and efficient
<PAGE>
17
when starting an index fund from scratch. For example, the Developed Markets
Index Fund seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in
two other Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock
Index Fund. These other Vanguard funds have the respective objectives of
tracking the MSCI Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific Free Index, which together
comprise the MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund allocates its assets between the European
Stock Index Fund and the Pacific Stock Index Fund based on the market
capitalization of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
"FUND OF FUNDS"
The term "fund of funds" is used to describe a mutual fund that pursues its
objective by investing in other mutual funds rather than in individual stocks or
bonds. A fund of funds may charge for its own direct expenses, in addition to
bearing a proportionate share of the expenses charged by the underlying funds in
which it invests. Funds of funds are best suited for long-term investors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To track their target indexes as closely as possible, the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds attempt to remain fully invested in foreign stocks
included in their particular indexes. Each Fund intends to invest at least 95%
of its total assets in the stocks of its target index. The Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund normally invests 95% of its total assets in stocks of its
target index, holding the remaining 5% in cash reserves to meet daily redemption
requests. The Total International Stock and Developed Markets Index Funds
normally hold 100% of their assets in shares of their underlying funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Because foreign stock markets operate differently from the U.S. market,
Americans investing abroad will encounter risks not typically associated with
U.S. companies. For instance, foreign companies are not subject to the same
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies; and their stocks may not be as liquid as those of similar U.S.
companies. In addition, foreign stock exchanges, brokers, and companies
generally have less government supervision and regulation than their
counterparts in the United States. These factors, among others, could negatively
impact the returns Americans receive from foreign investments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO STOCK MARKET RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT STOCK
PRICES OVERALL WILL DECLINE OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. STOCK MARKETS
TEND TO MOVE IN CYCLES, WITH PERIODS OF RISING PRICES AND PERIODS OF
FALLING PRICES.
IN ADDITION, INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN STOCK MARKETS CAN BE RISKIER THAN
U.S. STOCK INVESTMENTS. THE PRICES OF INTERNATIONAL STOCKS AND THE PRICES
OF U.S. STOCKS HAVE OFTEN MOVED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. THESE PERIODS HAVE,
IN THE PAST, LASTED FOR AS LONG AS SEVERAL YEARS.
<PAGE>
18
To illustrate the volatility of international stock prices, the following
table shows the best, worst, and average total returns for foreign stock markets
over various periods as measured by the MSCI EAFE Index, a widely used barometer
of international market activity. (Total returns consist of dividend income plus
change in market price.) Note that the returns shown do not include the costs of
buying and selling stocks or other expenses that a real-world investment
portfolio would incur. Note, also, that the gap between best and worst tends to
narrow over the long term.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET RETURNS (1969-1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 20 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Best 69.9% 36.5% 22.8% 16.3%
Worst -23.2 1.5 5.9 12.0
Average 15.2 13.6 14.5 14.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------
The table covers all of the 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods from 1969
through 1999. Keep in mind that this was a particularly favorable period for all
stock markets. These average returns reflect past performance on international
stocks; you should not regard them as an indication of future returns from
either foreign markets as a whole or any of the Funds in particular.
Note that the preceding chart does not take into account returns measured
by the MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, a widely used barometer of less
developed stock markets. Emerging markets can be substantially more volatile
than more developed foreign markets. In addition, because the MSCI EAFE Index
tracks the European and Pacific markets collectively, the above returns do not
reflect the variability of returns from year to year for these markets
individually, or the variability across these and other geographic regions or
market sectors. To illustrate this variability, the following table shows
returns for different international markets--as well as the U.S. market for
comparison--from 1990 to 1999, as measured by their respective indexes. Note
that the returns shown do not include the costs of buying and selling stocks or
other expenses that a real-world investment portfolio would incur.
<PAGE>
19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MARKET RETURNS FOR DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL MARKETS*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN PACIFIC EMERGING U.S.
MARKET MARKET MARKETS MARKETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990 -2.00% -34.43% -10.55% -3.10%
1991 14.12 11.51 59.91 30.47
1992 -3.92 -18.51 11.40 7.62
1993 29.25 36.15 74.84 10.08
1994 2.82 12.82 -7.31 1.32
1995 22.08 2.89 0.01** 37.58
1996 21.42 -8.23 15.19 22.96
1997 23.75 -25.74 -16.37 33.36
1998 28.68 2.64 -18.39 28.58
1999 15.77 56.38 60.86 21.04
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* European market returns are measured by the MSCI Europe Index; Pacific
market returns are measured by the MSCI Pacific Free Index; emerging
markets returns are measured by the Select Emerging Markets Free Index;
and U.S. market returns are measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
** The inception date of the Select Emerging Markets Free Index was May 4,
1994; returns shown for 1990 to 1994 are measured by the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep in mind, however, that these average returns reflect past performance
of the various indexes; you should not consider them as an indication of future
returns from the indexes, or from any of the Funds in particular.
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO COUNTRY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT POLITICAL
EVENTS (A WAR, NATIONAL ELECTIONS), FINANCIAL PROBLEMS (RISING INFLATION,
GOVERNMENT DEFAULT), OR NATURAL DISASTERS (AN EARTHQUAKE, A FLOOD) WILL
WEAKEN A COUNTRY'S ECONOMY AND CAUSE INVESTMENTS IN THAT COUNTRY TO LOSE
MONEY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
REGIONAL VERSUS BROAD INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Regional funds are international funds that invest in a particular geographical
region, such as Europe or the Pacific Basin. Because they concentrate their
holdings in a single region, these funds typically have higher share price
volatility than broadly diversified international stock funds (which, by
investing in many different foreign markets, may offset losses from one country
with gains from another at any given time).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. Stocks from the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
and the Netherlands comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the MSCI Europe Index,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000; stocks from the remaining 11 countries in
the Index have much less significant market capitalization weightings in the
Index and thus much less impact on the Fund's total return. The Fund's heavy
exposure to just four countries involves a higher degree of country risk than
that of more geographically diversified international funds.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. Japanese stocks comprised 82% of the MSCI Pacific
Free Index as of March 31, 2000. Therefore, Japanese stocks represent a
correspondingly large component of the Pacific Stock Index Fund's assets. The
Fund's large investment in the
<PAGE>
20
Japanese stock market involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. As discussed above, emerging markets can
be substantially more volatile than both U.S. and more developed foreign
markets. Therefore, the Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund may expose investors
to a higher degree of volatility than funds that invest in more developed
markets.
DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND. As a fund of funds, the Developed Markets
Index Fund intends to invest all of its assets in shares of the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds; indirectly, its country risk will proportionately
mirror that of the European and Pacific Stock Index Funds.
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUND. As a fund of funds, the Total
International Stock Index Fund intends to invest all of its assets in shares of
the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds; indirectly, its
country risk will proportionately mirror that of the underlying funds. As of
March 31, 2000, the Fund's assets were invested as follows: 60% in the European
Stock Index Fund; 30% in the Pacific Stock Index Fund; and 10% in the Emerging
Markets Stock Index Fund.
[FLAG]EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO CURRENCY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT A STRONGER
U.S. DOLLAR WILL REDUCE RETURNS FOR AMERICANS INVESTING OVERSEAS.
GENERALLY, WHEN THE DOLLAR RISES IN VALUE AGAINST ANOTHER COUNTRY'S
CURRENCY, YOUR INVESTMENT IN THAT COUNTRY LOSES VALUE BECAUSE ITS CURRENCY
IS WORTH FEWER U.S. DOLLARS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A WEAKER U.S. DOLLAR
GENERALLY LEADS TO HIGHER RETURNS FOR AMERICANS HOLDING FOREIGN
INVESTMENTS.
SECURITY SELECTION
In seeking to track its target index, the European Stock Index, Pacific Stock
Index, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each invest in a portfolio of
foreign stocks selected in a manner that mirrors the weightings of their target
indexes. The Total International Stock Index Fund simply invests in shares of
the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds. Likewise, the
Developed Markets Index Fund will simply invest in shares of the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds. Each Fund seeks to provide investment results that
correspond to its target index. The correlation between the performance of a
Fund and its target index is expected to be at least 95%. (A correlation of 100%
would indicate perfect correlation.)
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of approximately 550 common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index,
which is made up of the stocks of companies located in 15 European countries.
Four countries--the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the
Netherlands--dominate the Index, with 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the market
capitalization of the Index, respectively, as of March 31, 2000. The other 11
countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, are much less significant to
the Index and, consequently, the Fund.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of the approximately 420 common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free
Index, which is comprised of the stocks of Pacific Basin companies. The Index is
dominated by the Japanese stock market, which represented 82% of the market
capitalization of the Index as of March 31, 2000. The other four countries
represented in the Index are Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore.
<PAGE>
21
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically
selected sample of the approximately 500 common stocks included in the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, which is made up of the stocks of companies located
in 13 emerging markets of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Three
countries--Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa--represent a majority of the Index,
with 16%, 14%, and 13% of the market capitalization of the Index, respectively,
as of March 31, 2000. The other 10 countries include Argentina, the Czech
Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, and
Turkey. The developed countries of Hong Kong and Singapore are included in the
Index to broaden diversification and ensure adequate liquidity. The Index is
called "select" because it is modeled on a larger index--the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index--but with certain adjustments designed to reduce risk. For
instance, MSCI considers the Hong Kong and Singapore markets too mature to
include in its index, but they are part of the Select Index. Conversely, as of
March 31, 2000, the Select Index excluded certain countries found in the MSCI
Emerging Markets Free Index--Chile, China, Colombia, India, Jordan, Korea,
Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan--due to concerns about liquidity
or entry barriers in those markets. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard, and periodically adjusts the included countries to
keep pace with evolution in world markets. (Such adjustments are made on a
forward-looking basis, so past performance of the Select Index always reflects
actual country representation during the relevant period.)
Although index funds, by their nature, tend to be tax-efficient investment
vehicles, the Funds are generally managed without regard to tax ramifications.
TRANSACTION FEES
Some of Vanguard's index funds charge a transaction fee on purchases of fund
shares to offset the higher costs of trading certain securities, particularly
small-company and international stocks. The transaction fee ensures that these
higher costs are borne by the investors making the transactions--and not by
shareholders already in the fund who do not generate the costs. All transaction
fees are paid directly to the fund itself (unlike a sales charge or load that
non-Vanguard funds may impose to compensate their sales representatives).
Without transaction fees, some index funds would have trouble tracking their
target indexes.
COSTS AND MARKET-TIMING
Some investors try to profit from a strategy called market-timing--switching
money into investments when they expect prices to rise, and taking money out
when they expect prices to fall. As money is shifted in and out, a fund incurs
expenses for buying and selling securities. These costs are borne by all fund
shareholders, including the long-term investors who do not generate the costs.
Therefore, the Vanguard International Stock Index Funds have adopted the
following policies, among others, designed to discourage short-term trading:
- - Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request--including
exchanges from other Vanguard funds--that it regards as disruptive to the
efficient management of the Fund. A purchase request could be rejected
because of the timing of the investment or because of a history of
excessive trading by the investor.
- - The Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund charges a transaction fee on
purchases and redemptions.
<PAGE>
22
- - Telephone and online exchanges are not accepted for non-IRA accounts.
- - There is a limit on the number of times you can exchange into and out of a
Fund (see "Exchanges" in the INVESTING WITH VANGUARD section).
- - Each Fund reserves the right to stop offering shares at any time.
THE VANGUARD FUNDS DO NOT PERMIT MARKET-TIMING. DO NOT INVEST IN THESE
FUNDS IF YOU ARE A MARKET-TIMER.
TURNOVER RATE
Although each Fund seeks to invest for the long term, the Funds retain the right
to sell securities regardless of how long the securities have been held.
Generally, a passively- managed fund sells securities only to respond to
redemption requests or to adjust the number of shares held to reflect a change
in the fund's target index. Because of this, the turnover rate for each Fund has
been extremely low. The Financial Highlights tables beginning on page 27 show
historic turnover rates for each Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
TURNOVER RATE
Before investing in a mutual fund, you should review its turnover rate. This
gives an indication of how transaction costs could affect the fund's future
returns. In general, the greater the volume of buying and selling by the fund,
the greater the impact that brokerage commissions and other transaction costs
will have on its return. Also, funds with high turnover rates may be more likely
to generate capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as income
subject to taxes. The average turnover rate for passively managed foreign stock
index funds in 1999 was roughly 17%; for all foreign stock funds, the average
turnover was approximately 76%, according to Morningstar, Inc. (A turnover rate
of 100% would occur, for example, if a fund sold and replaced securities valued
at 100% of its net assets within a one-year period.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Besides investing in common stocks of foreign companies, each Fund may make
certain other kinds of investments to achieve its objective. Each Fund may
change its objective without shareholder approval.
The Funds may also invest, to a limited extent, in futures and options
contracts, warrants, convertible securities, and swap agreements, which are
types of derivatives. Losses (or gains) involving futures contracts can
sometimes be substantial--in part because a relatively small price movement in a
futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss (or gain) for a
fund. Similar risks exist for warrants (securities that permit their owners to
purchase a specific number of shares of stock at a predetermined price),
convertible securities (securities that may be exchanged for another asset), and
swap agreements (contracts between two parties in which each agrees to make
payments to the other based on the return of a specified index or asset).
<PAGE>
23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DERIVATIVES
A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived" from)
a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a
commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the S&P 500 Index). Futures and
options are derivatives that have been trading on regulated exchanges for more
than two decades. These "traditional" derivatives are standardized contracts
that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and
published daily. It is these characteristics that differentiate futures and
options from the relatively new types of derivatives. If used for speculation or
as leveraged investments, derivatives can carry considerable risks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For this reason, the Funds will not use futures, options, warrants,
convertible securities, or swap agreements for speculative purposes or as
leveraged investments that magnify the gains or losses of an investment. A
Fund's obligation under futures contracts will not exceed 20% of its total
assets.
The reasons for which a Fund will invest in futures and options are:
- - To keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while
simulating full investment in stocks.
- - To reduce the Fund's transaction costs or add value when these instruments
are favorably priced.
Each Fund may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts in order
to maintain the same currency exposure as its respective Index. A forward
foreign currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a country's currency at
a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future.
In other words, the contract guarantees an exchange rate on a given date.
Managers of international stock funds typically use these contracts to guard
against sudden, unfavorable changes in U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange
rates. However, the Funds will use these contracts for different reasons:
- - To gain currency exposure when investing in futures.
- - To settle trades in a foreign currency.
THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
Vanguard International Stock Index Funds are offered by The Vanguard Group, a
family of more than 35 investment companies with more than 100 funds holding
assets worth more than $550 billion. All of the Vanguard funds share in the
expenses associated with business operations, such as personnel, office space,
equipment, and advertising.
Vanguard also provides marketing services to the funds. Although
shareholders do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 distribution fees, each fund
pays its allocated share of The Vanguard Group's marketing costs.
Total International Stock and Developed Markets Index Funds will indirectly
bear a proportionate share of the expenses of the underlying funds in which they
invest. However, their direct expenses are expected to be very low or zero. For
example, Total International Stock Index Fund has incurred no direct expenses
since its inception in 1996. Total International Stock and Developed Markets
Index Funds may operate without incurring direct expenses because Vanguard will
reimburse them for (i) their contributions to the cost of operating the
underlying funds in which they invest, and (ii) savings in administrative and
marketing costs that Vanguard expects to derive from their operations.
<PAGE>
24
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
VANGUARD'S UNIQUE CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Vanguard Group is truly a MUTUAL mutual fund company. It is owned jointly by
the funds it oversees and thus indirectly by the shareholders in those funds.
Most other mutual funds are operated by for-profit management companies that may
be owned by one person, by a group of individuals, or by investors who own the
management company's stock. By contrast, Vanguard provides its services on an
"at-cost" basis, and the funds' expense ratios reflect only these costs. No
separate management company reaps profits or absorbs losses from operating the
funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group (Vanguard), P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482, founded in
1975, serves as the Funds' adviser through its Quantitative Equity Group. (The
Developed Markets and Total International Stock Index Funds receive advisory
services indirectly, by investing in other funds.) Vanguard manages the Funds on
an at-cost basis, subject to the control of the Trustees and officers of the
Funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the advisory fees
represented an effective annual rate of less than 0.01% each for the European,
Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds.
The Funds have authorized Vanguard to choose brokers or dealers to handle
the purchase and sale of securities for the Funds, and to get the best available
price and most favorable execution from these brokers or dealers with respect to
all transactions. The Funds may direct Vanguard to use a particular broker for
certain transactions in exchange for commission rebates or research services
provided to the Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE FUNDS' ADVISER
The Vanguard Group provides investment advisory services to many Vanguard funds;
as of December 31, 1999, the Group managed more than $371 billion in total
assets. The individual responsible for overseeing the European, Pacific, and
Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds' investments is:
GEORGE U. SAUTER, Managing Director of Vanguard, and head of Vanguard's
Quantitative Equity Group; has worked in investment management since 1985;
primary responsibility for Vanguard's stock indexing policy and strategy since
joining the company in 1987; A.B., Dartmouth College; M.B.A., University of
Chicago.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
25
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
Each Fund distributes to shareholders virtually all of its net income (interest
and dividends, less expenses), as well as any capital gains realized from the
sale of its holdings. Distributions generally occur in December. In addition,
the Fund may occasionally be required to make supplemental dividend or capital
gains distributions at some other time during the year.
Your dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in
additional Fund shares and accumulate on a tax-deferred basis if you are
investing through an employer-sponsored retirement or savings plan. You will not
owe taxes on these distributions until you begin withdrawals from the plan. You
should consult your plan administrator, your plan's Summary Plan Description, or
your tax adviser about the tax consequences of plan withdrawals.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the fund's income from
interest and dividends, and gains from the sale of investments. You receive such
earnings as either an income dividend or a capital gains distribution. Income
dividends come from both the dividends that the fund earns from its holdings and
the interest it receives from its money market and bond investments. Capital
gains are realized whenever the fund sells securities for higher prices than it
paid for them. These capital gains are either short-term or long-term, depending
on whether the fund held the securities for one year or less, or more than one
year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE PRICE
Each Fund's share price, called its net asset value, or NAV, is calculated each
business day after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(the NAV is not calculated on holidays or other days when the Exchange is
closed). Net asset value per share for the Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds is computed by adding up the total value of the
Fund's investments (i.e., shares of the underlying funds) and other assets,
subtracting any of its liabilities (debts), and then dividing by the number of
Fund shares outstanding:
TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES
NET ASSET VALUE = --------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Net asset value per share for the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets
Stock Index Funds is computed in a similar way, by dividing the net assets
attributed to each class by the number of Fund shares outstanding for that
class.
Knowing the daily net asset value is useful to you as a shareholder because
it indicates the current value of your investment. The Fund's NAV, multiplied by
the number of shares you own, gives you the dollar amount you would have
received had you sold all of your shares back to the Fund that day. Because
foreign securities markets may operate on days which are not business days in
the United States, the value of a Fund's holdings may change on days when
shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
<PAGE>
26
A NOTE ON PRICING: A Fund's investments will be priced at their market
value when market quotations are readily available. When these quotations are
not readily available, investments will be priced at their fair value,
calculated according to procedures adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees. A
Fund also may use fair value pricing if the value of a security held by the Fund
is materially affected by events occurring after the close of the primary
markets or exchanges on which such security is traded. In these situations,
prices used by the Fund to calculate its net asset value may differ from quoted
or published prices for the underlying securities.
Each Fund's share price can be found daily in the mutual fund listings of
most major newspapers under the heading "Vanguard Index Funds." Different
newspapers use different abbreviations for each Fund, but the most common are
EUROPE, PACIFIC, EMERMKT, DEVMKT, and TOTINTL for the European, Pacific,
Emerging Markets, Developed Markets, and Total International Stock Index Funds,
respectively.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
each Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception
(except for the Developed Markets Index Fund, which did not start operations
until May 5, 2000), and certain information reflects financial results for a
single Fund share. The total returns in each table represent the rate that an
investor would have earned or lost each year on an investment in the Fund
(assuming reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains distributions). This
information has been derived from the financial statements audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, whose report--along with
each Fund's financial statements--is included in the Funds' most recent annual
report to shareholders. You may have the annual report sent to you without
charge by contacting Vanguard.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
HOW TO READ THE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TABLE
This explanation uses the European Stock Index Fund as an example. The Fund
began fiscal 1999 with a net asset value (price) of $25.28 per share. During the
year, the Fund earned $0.50 per share from investment income (interest and
dividends) and $3.69 per share from investments that had appreciated in value or
that were sold for higher prices than the Fund paid for them.
Shareholders received $0.65 per share in the form of dividend and capital gains
distributions. A portion of each year's distributions may come from the prior
year's income or capital gains.
The earnings ($4.19 per share) minus the distributions ($0.65 per share)
resulted in a share price of $28.82 at the end of the year. This was an increase
of $3.54 per share (from $25.28 at the beginning of the year to $28.82 at the
end of the year). For a shareholder who reinvested the distributions in the
purchase of more shares, the total return from the Fund was 16.62% for the year.
As of December 31, 1999, the Fund had $6.1 billion in net assets. For the year,
its expense ratio was 0.29% ($2.90 per $1,000 of net assets); and its net
investment income amounted to 1.99% of its average net assets. It sold and
replaced securities valued at 7% of its net assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
27
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02 $11.76
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .50 .41 .38 .34 .32
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 3.69 5.40 3.63 2.63 2.30
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.19 5.81 4.01 2.97 2.62
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.50) (.52) (.37) (.36) (.32)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains (.15) (.14) (.08) (.06) (.04)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.65) (.66) (.45) (.42) (.36)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $28.82 $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 16.62% 28.86% 24.23% 21.26% 22.28%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $6,106 $4,479 $2,432 $1,595 $1,017
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.29% 0.29% 0.31% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 1.99% 1.97% 2.19% 2.45% 2.66%
Turnover Rate 7% 7% 3% 4% 2%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.84 $7.72 $10.51 $11.50 $11.31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .08 .085 .09 .10 .10
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.39 .100 (2.79) (1.00) .21
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.47 .185 (2.70) (.90) .31
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $12.22 $7.84 $ 7.72 $10.51 $11.50
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 57.05% 2.41% -25.67% -7.82% 2.75%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $2,526 $1,033 $827 $978 $831
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.37% 0.40% 0.35% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 0.95% 1.17% 1.03% 0.89% 0.97%
Turnover Rate 6% 4% 8% 9% 1%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000.
<PAGE>
28
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.91 $9.98 $12.28 $10.75 $10.87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .24 .27 .24 .18 .15
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.62 (2.08) (2.31) 1.52 (.09)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.86 (1.81) (2.07) 1.70 .06
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $21.50 $7.91 $ 9.98 $12.28 $10.75
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 61.57% -18.12% -16.82% 15.83% 0.56%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $1,138 $577 $660 $637 $234
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.58% 0.61% 0.57% 0.60% 0.60%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 2.55% 2.99% 1.96% 1.69% 2.00%
Turnover Rate 22% 22% 19% 1% 3%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases (0.5%
beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% from 11/3/1997 to 3/31/2000, 1.5% from 1/1/1997 to
11/2/1997, 2.0% in 1995 through 1996), or the transaction fee on redemptions
(0.5% beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% through 3/31/2000).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD TOTAL INTERNATIONAL
STOCK INDEX FUND
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF PERIOD $11.19 $ 9.87 $10.14 $10.26
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .21 .21 .18 .150
Capital Gain Distributions
Received .04 .02 .02 .015
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 3.09 1.31 (.28) (.110)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 3.34 1.54 (.08) .055
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.21) (.21) (.17) (.160)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains (.01) (.01) (.02) (.015)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.22) (.22) (.19) (.175)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $14.31 $11.19 $ 9.87 $10.14
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN** 29.92% 15.60% -0.77% 0.55%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Period (Millions) $2,570 $1,375 $903 $280
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0% 0% 0% 0%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 2.04% 2.18% 2.19% 1.51%+
Turnover Rate 1% 2% 0% 0%
================================================================================
*April 29 (inception) through December 31, 1996.
**Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to April 1, 2000.
+Annualized.
The Funds are not sponsored, sold, promoted, or endorsed by Morgan Stanley
Capital International. Standard & Poor's(R)," "S&P(R)," "S&P 500(R)," "Standard
& Poor's 500," and "500," are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and
have been licensed for use by The Vanguard Group.
<PAGE>
29
INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
One or more of the Funds is an investment option in your retirement or savings
plan. Your plan administrator or your employee benefits office can provide you
with detailed information on how to participate in your plan and how to elect
any of the Funds as an investment option.
- - If you have any questions about a Fund or Vanguard, including those about
the Fund's investment objective, strategies, or risks, contact Vanguard's
Participant Access Center, toll-free, at 1-800-523-1188.
- - If you have questions about your account, contact your plan administrator
or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for your plan.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS
Your plan's specific provisions may allow you to change your investment
selections, the amount of your contributions, or how your contributions are
allocated among the investment choices available to you. Contact your plan
administrator or employee benefits office for more details.
TRANSACTIONS
Contributions, exchanges, or redemptions of a Fund's shares are processed as
soon as they have been received by Vanguard in good order. Good order means that
your request includes complete information on your contribution, exchange, or
redemption, and that Vanguard has received the appropriate assets.
In all cases, your transaction will be based on the Fund's next-determined
net asset value after Vanguard receives your request (or, in the case of new
contributions, the next-determined net asset value after Vanguard receives the
order from your plan administrator). As long as this request is received before
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, generally 4 p.m.
Eastern time, you will receive that day's net asset value.
EXCHANGES
The exchange privilege (your ability to redeem shares from one fund to purchase
shares of another fund) may be available to you through your plan. Although we
make every effort to maintain the exchange privilege, Vanguard reserves the
right to revise or terminate this privilege, limit the amount of an exchange or
reject any exchange, at any time, without notice. Because excessive exchanges
can potentially disrupt the management of a Fund and increase its transaction
costs, Vanguard limits participant exchange activity to no more than FOUR
SUBSTANTIVE "ROUND TRIPS" THROUGH THE FUND (at least 90 days apart) during any
12-month period. A "round trip" is a redemption from the Fund followed by a
purchase back into the Fund. "Substantive" means a dollar amount that Vanguard
determines, in its sole discretion, could adversely affect the management of the
Fund.
Before making an exchange to or from another fund available in your plan,
consider the following:
- - Certain investment options, particularly funds made up of company stock or
investment contracts, may be subject to unique restrictions.
- - Make sure to read that fund's prospectus. Contact Vanguard Participant
Access Center, toll-free, at 1-800-523-1188 for a copy.
- - Vanguard can accept exchanges only as permitted by your plan. Contact your
plan administrator for details on the exchange policies that apply to your
plan.
<PAGE>
30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON REDEMPTION FEES: The Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund imposes a 0.5%
redemption fee on all share redemptions. Currently, redemption fees do not apply
to Fund shares held through Vanguard's separate recordkeeping system for
employee benefit plan accounts, due to certain economies associated with these
accounts. However, the Fund reserves the right to impose redemption fees on its
shares at any time if warranted by the Fund's future costs of processing
redemptions from these accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESSING FUND INFORMATION BY COMPUTER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB WWW.VANGUARD.COM
Use your personal computer to visit Vanguard's education-oriented website, which
provides timely news and information about Vanguard funds and services; an
online "university" that offers a variety of mutual fund classes; and
easy-to-use, interactive tools to help you create your own investment and
retirement strategies.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT
An investment approach that seeks to exceed the average returns of the financial
markets. Active managers rely on research, market forecasts, and their own
judgment and experience in selecting securities to buy and sell.
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTION
Payment to mutual fund shareholders of gains realized on securities that a fund
has sold at a profit, minus any realized losses.
CASH RESERVES
Cash deposits, short-term bank deposits, and money market instruments which
include U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit (CDs), repurchase
agreements, commercial paper, and banker's acceptances.
COMMON STOCK
A security representing ownership rights in a corporation. A stockholder is
entitled to share in the company's profits, some of which may be paid out as
dividends.
COUNTRY RISK
The chance that domestic events--such as political upheaval, financial troubles,
or a natural disaster--will weaken a country's securities markets.
CURRENCY RISK
The chance that a foreign investment will decrease in value because of
unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates.
DIVIDEND INCOME
Payment to shareholders of income from interest or dividends generated by a
fund's investments.
EXPENSE RATIO
The percentage of a fund's average net assets used to pay its expenses. The
expense ratio includes management fees, administrative fees, and any 12b-1
distribution fees.
INDEX
An unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used as a standard
to measure investment performance.
INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND
A mutual fund that invests in the stocks of companies located outside the United
States.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
An organization that makes the day-to-day decisions regarding a fund's
investments.
MUTUAL FUND
An investment company that pools the money of many people and invests it in a
variety of securities in an effort to achieve a specific objective over time.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)
The market value of a mutual fund's total assets, minus liabilities, divided by
the number of shares outstanding. The value of a single share is called its
share value or share price.
PASSIVE MANAGEMENT
A low-cost investment strategy in which a mutual fund attempts to match--rather
than outperform--a particular stock or bond market index. Also known as
indexing.
PRINCIPAL
The amount of money you put into an investment.
TOTAL RETURN
A percentage change, over a specified time period, in a mutual fund's net asset
value, with the ending net asset value adjusted to account for the reinvestment
of all distributions of dividends and capital gains.
VOLATILITY
The fluctuations in value of a mutual fund or other security. The greater a
fund's volatility, the wider the fluctuations between its high and low prices.
YIELD
Income (interest or dividends) earned by an investment, expressed as a
percentage of the investment's price.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
[THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
Institutional Division
Post Office Box 2900
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you'd like more information about
Vanguard International Stock Index
Funds, the following documents are
available free upon request:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
TO SHAREHOLDERS
Additional information about the
Funds' investments is available in
the Funds' annual and semiannual
reports to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI provides more detailed
information about the Funds (there
is a separate SAI for Vanguard
Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds,
which are legally a part of Vanguard
STAR Funds).
The current annual and semiannual
reports and each SAI are
incorporated by reference into
(and are thus legally a part of)
this prospectus.
To receive a free copy of the latest
annual or semiannual report or the
SAI, or to request additional
information about the Funds or other
Vanguard funds, please contact us
as follows:
THE VANGUARD GROUP
PARTICIPANT ACCESS CENTER
P.O. BOX 2900
VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482-2900
TELEPHONE:
1-800-523-1188
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-523-8004
WORLD WIDE WEB:
WWW.VANGUARD.COM
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (SEC)
You can review and copy
information about the Funds
(including the SAI) at the SEC's
Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC. To find out more
about this public service, call the
SEC at 1-202-942-8090. Reports and
other information about the Funds
are also available on the SEC's
website (www.sec.gov), or you can
receive copies of this information,
for a fee, by electronic request at
the following e-mail address:
[email protected], or by writing
the Public Reference Section,
Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, DC
20549-0102.
Funds' Investment Company Act
file number: 811-5972 (811-3919)
for Developed Markets and Total
International Stock Index Funds)
(C) 2000 The Vanguard Group, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Vanguard Marketing Corporation,
Distributor.
I072N-04/28/2000
<PAGE>
VANGUARD(R) INTERNATIONAL
STOCK INDEX FUNDS
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
VANGUARD(R) INSTITUTIONAL
DEVELOPED MARKETS
INDEX FUND
Prospectus
April 28, 2000
This prospectus contains
financial data for the
Funds through the
fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999.
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL
STOCK INDEX FUNDS
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES OF:
VANGUARD EUROPEAN
STOCK INDEX FUND
VANGUARD PACIFIC
STOCK INDEX FUND
VANGUARD EMERGING
MARKETS STOCK INDEX
FUND
VANGUARD INSTITUTIONAL
DEVELOPED MARKETS
INDEX FUND
[MEMBERS OF THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
<PAGE>
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUNDS INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
VANGUARD INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND
Prospectus
April 28, 2000
A Group of International Stock Index Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
2 FUND PROFILES
2 Vanguard European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares
5 Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares
8 Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares
12 Vanguard Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund
14 MORE ON THE FUNDS
21 THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
22 INVESTMENT ADVISER
22 DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
24 SHARE PRICE
25 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
28 INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
28 Services and Account Features
29 Types of Accounts
29 Buying Shares
31 Redeeming Shares
34 Transferring Registration
34 Fund and Account Updates
35 Mandatory Conversion to Investor Shares
GLOSSARY (inside back cover)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY READING THIS PROSPECTUS IS IMPORTANT
This prospectus explains the objective, risks, and strategies of each of the
Vanguard International Stock Index Funds Institutional Shares and Vanguard
Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund. To highlight terms and concepts
important to mutual fund investors, we have provided "Plain Talk(R)"
explanations along the way. Reading the prospectus will help you to decide which
Fund, if any, is the right investment for you. We suggest that you keep it for
future reference.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Vanguard European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each
offer two separate classes of shares: Investor and Institutional. This
prospectus offers the Funds' Institutional Shares, which have an investment
minimum of $10 million and generally are not available to investors who require
special employee benefit plan services. Please call Vanguard at 1-800-662-7447
to obtain a separate prospectus that offers the Funds' Investor Shares as well
as the investor version of Vanguard Institutional Developed Markets Fund. These
options have an investment minimum of $3,000 ($1,000 for IRAs).
The Funds' separate share classes have different expenses; as a result,
their investment performances will vary. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL REFERENCES
IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO FEES, EXPENSES, AND INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RELATE
SPECIFICALLY TO INSTITUTIONAL SHARES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDEX FUNDS
WHAT IS INDEXING?
An index is an unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used
as a standard to measure investment performance. An index (or "passively
managed") fund tries to track, as closely as possible, the performance of an
established target index. The fund does this by holding all, or a representative
sample, of the securities that comprise the index. Keep in mind that an index
fund has operating expenses and transaction costs, while a market index does
not. Therefore, an index fund, while expected to track its target index closely,
typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly.
Stock index funds may seek to track indexes that hold a certain type of
stock--such as growth or value, small-cap or large-cap, or those from just one
industry--or they may seek to track indexes that consist of a broader range of
stocks--for example, the entire foreign stock market.
Index funds are not actively managed by investment advisers who buy and
sell securities based on research and analysis in an attempt to outperform a
particular benchmark or the market as a whole. Rather, index funds simply
attempt to mirror what the target index does, for better or worse.
WHAT INDEX FUNDS DOES VANGUARD OFFER?
Vanguard offers a variety of stock (both U.S. and international), bond, and
balanced index funds. This prospectus provides information about Vanguard's
International Stock Index Funds Institutional Shares and Vanguard Institutional
Developed Markets Index Fund. There are four such funds, each of which seeks to
track a different segment of the international stock market:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SEEKS TO TRACK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock Index Fund European stock markets
Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Australian and Far East stock
markets
Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock 13 emerging stock markets in
Index Fund Europe, Asia, Africa, and
Latin America
Vanguard Institutional Developed European, Australian, and Far
Markets Index Fund East stock markets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus contains profiles that summarize key features of each Fund.
Following the profiles, there is important additional information about the
Funds.
<PAGE>
2
FUND PROFILE--VANGUARD(R) EUROPEAN STOCK
INDEX FUND INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
The following profile provides you with a summary of the key features of
Vanguard European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital
International (MSCI) Europe Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index. The MSCI Europe Index is
made up of approximately 550 common stocks of companies located in 15 European
countries--mostly in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands,
(which comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000), as well as in Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. For
more information about passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON
THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to four countries (United Kingdom,
France, Germany, and the Netherlands) involves a higher degree of country
risk than that of more geographically diversified international funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely
Europe--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or natural
disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since inception. The table shows how the average annual
total returns of the Fund's Investor Shares for one and five calendar years and
since inception compare with those of a broad-based securities market index.
Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will
perform in the future.
<PAGE>
3
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR INVESTOR SHARES
----------------------------------------------------
1991 12.40%
1992 -3.32%
1993 29.13%
1994 1.88%
1995 22.28%
1996 21.26%
1997 24.23%
1998 28.86%
1999 16.62%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
Note: This prospectus offers the Fund's Institutional
Shares, not the Investor Shares. Performance for the
Investor Shares is shown here because the Fund's
Institutional Shares are new and don't have a full
calendar year of performance. However, the two share
classes are invested in the same portfolio of
securities and will have the same returns except
that their operating expenses differ.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 20.37% (quarter ended March 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -14.41% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard European Stock
Index Fund Investor
Shares** 16.62% 22.58% 14.61%
MSCI Europe Index 15.77 22.27 14.78
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee imposed on purchases
prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold Institutional Shares of the Fund. Since the Fund did not begin offering
Institutional Shares until May 5, 2000, the expenses shown under Annual Fund
Operating Expenses are based upon estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.11%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.07%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.18%
<PAGE>
4
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund's Institutional Shares. This example assumes that the Fund
provides a return of 5% a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The
results apply whether or not you redeem your investment at the end of each
period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$20 $64 $113 $255
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $10 million
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception EuroInst
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 5, 2000 235
NET ASSETS (INVESTOR SHARES) AS OF CUSIP NUMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1999 922042502
$6.1 billion
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
5
FUND PROFILE--VANGUARD(R) PACIFIC STOCK
INDEX FUND INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Pacific Stock Index
Fund Institutional Shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI Pacific Free Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely by a fund are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free Index. The MSCI Pacific Free
Index consists of approximately 420 common stocks of companies located in Japan
(which comprised 82% of the Index's market capitalization as of March 31, 2000),
Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. For more information about
passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. The Index's,
and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Japan involves a higher degree
of country risk than that of more geographically diversified international
funds.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--namely the
Pacific region--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since inception. The table shows how the average annual
total returns of the Fund's Investor Shares for one and five calendar years and
since inception compare with those of a broad-based securities market index.
Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how it will
perform in the future.
<PAGE>
6
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR INVESTOR SHARES
----------------------------------------------------
1991 10.65%
1992 -18.17%
1993 35.46%
1994 13.04%
1995 2.75%
1996 -7.82%
1997 -25.67%
1998 2.41%
1999 57.05%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
Note: This prospectus offers the Fund's Institutional
Shares, not the Investor Shares. Performance for the
Investor Shares is shown here because the Fund's
Institutional Shares are new and don't have a full
calendar year of performance. However, the two share
classes are invested in the same portfolio of
securities and will have the same returns except
that their operating expenses differ.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 26.50% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -20.69% (quarter ended December 31, 1997).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Pacific Stock Index
Fund Investor Shares** 57.05% 2.52% 3.20%
MSCI Pacific Free Index 56.38 2.39 3.08
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*June 18, 1990.
**Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee imposed on purchases
prior to April 1, 2000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold Institutional Shares of the Fund. Since the Fund did not begin offering
Institutional Shares until May 5, 2000, the expenses shown under Annual Fund
Operating Expenses are based upon estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.18%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.06%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.24%
<PAGE>
7
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund's Institutional Shares. This example assumes that the Fund
provides a return of 5% a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The
results apply whether or not you redeem your investment at the end of each
period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$30 $93 $163 $368
- -------------------------------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $10 million
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception PacInst
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 5, 2000 237
NET ASSETS (INVESTOR SHARES) AS OF CUSIP NUMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1999 922042403
$2.5 billion
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
8
FUND PROFILE--VANGUARD(R) EMERGING MARKETS
STOCK INDEX FUND INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock
Index Fund Institutional Shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to match the performance of the Select Emerging Markets Free
Index.*
*The designation "Free" in the name of the Index refers to the securities that
the Index tracks. Some countries restrict foreign investment in certain
industries, so only stocks that can be bought freely are tracked.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach, by
investing all or substantially all of its assets in a representative sample of
the common stocks included in the Select Emerging Markets Free Index. The Select
Emerging Markets Free Index includes approximately 500 common stocks of
companies located in emerging markets around the world. As of March 31, 2000,
the largest markets covered in the Index were Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa
(which comprised 16%, 14%, and 13% of the Index's market capitalization,
respectively). Other countries represented in the Index included Argentina, the
Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, Poland,
Thailand, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Singapore. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard. For more information about passive management, see
"Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters. Country risk
is especially high for funds that focus on stocks in emerging markets. The
Index's, and therefore the Fund's, heavy exposure to Mexico, Brazil, and
South Africa involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risk of investing in
the Fund. The bar chart shows the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since inception. The table shows how the average annual
total returns of the Fund's Investor Shares for one and five calendar years and
since inception compare with those of both a broad-based securities market index
and the Fund's target index. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does
not indicate how it will perform in the future.
<PAGE>
9
----------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR INVESTOR SHARES
----------------------------------------------------
1995 0.56%
1996 15.83%
1997 -16.82%
1998 -18.12%
1999 61.57%
----------------------------------------------------
Return figures do not reflect the transaction fee
imposed on purchases and redemptions. If these
amounts were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown.
Note: This prospectus offers the Fund's Institutional
Shares, not the Investor Shares. Performance for the
Investor Shares is shown here because the Fund's
Institutional Shares are new and don't have a full
calendar year of performance. However, the two share
classes are invested in the same portfolio of
securities and will have the same returns except
that their operating expenses differ.
----------------------------------------------------
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 28.32% (quarter ended December 31, 1999) and the lowest return for a
quarter was -21.52% (quarter ended June 30, 1998).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanguard Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund
Investor Shares** 59.96% 4.88% 6.03%
MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index 66.40 2.00 3.69
Select Emerging Markets
Free Index+ 60.86 4.81 4.93
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*May 4, 1994.
**Return figures reflect the 0.5% transaction fee imposed on purchases
and redemptions.
+The Select Emerging Markets Free Index is administered by MSCI
exclusively for Vanguard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
10
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold Institutional Shares of the Fund. Since the Fund did not begin offering
Institutional Shares until May 5, 2000, the expenses shown under Annual Fund
Operating Expenses are based upon estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: 0.5%*
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: 0.5%**
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Expenses: 0.25%
12b-1 Distribution Fee: None
Other Expenses: 0.20%
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: 0.45%
*The transaction fee on purchases is deducted from all purchases
(including exchanges from other Vanguard funds) but not from
reinvested dividends and capital gains.
**The redemption fee applies to all redemptions (sales or exchanges);
it is deducted from redemption proceeds, and retained by the Fund.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund's Institutional Shares. This example assumes that the Fund
provides a return of 5% a year, that operating expenses remain the same, and
that you redeem all your shares at the end of each period.
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$148 $251 $363 $692
- -------------------------------------------------
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares (the
difference being that the Fund's 0.5% redemption fee would not apply to any of
the periods below, as it would to those above):
- -------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------
$96 $194 $301 $614
- -------------------------------------------------
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
<PAGE>
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $10 million
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception EmergInst
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 5, 2000 239
NET ASSETS (INVESTOR SHARES) AS OF CUSIP NUMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1999 922042601
$1.1 billion
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
12
FUND PROFILE--VANGUARD(R) INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPED
MARKETS INDEX FUND
The following profile summarizes key features of Vanguard Institutional
Developed Markets Index Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks to track the performance of the MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far
East (EAFE) Index.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund employs a "passively managed"--or index--investment approach. The Fund
seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in two other
Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares and the
Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares. These other Vanguard funds have
the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific
Free Index, which together comprise the MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund allocates all
or substantially all of its assets between the European Stock Index Fund
Institutional Shares and the Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares based
on the market capitalization of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE
Index. The MSCI EAFE Index includes approximately 1,000 common stocks of
companies located in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. For more
information about passive management, see "Indexing Methods" under MORE ON THE
FUNDS.
PRIMARY RISKS
THE FUND'S TOTAL RETURN, LIKE STOCK PRICES GENERALLY, WILL FLUCTUATE WITHIN A
WIDE RANGE, SO AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE MONEY OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. The
Fund is also subject to:
- - Country risk, which is the chance that a country's economy will be hurt by
political troubles, financial problems, or natural disasters.
- - Regional risk, which is the chance that an entire region--either Europe or
the Far East--will be hurt by political troubles, financial problems, or
natural disasters.
- - Currency risk, which is the chance that returns will be hurt by a rise in
the value of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies.
- - Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from foreign stocks
will trail returns from other asset classes or the overall stock market.
PERFORMANCE/RISK INFORMATION
The Fund began operations on May 5, 2000, so performance information (including
annual total returns and average annual total returns) for a full calendar year
is not yet available.
<PAGE>
13
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown under Annual Fund Operating Expenses
are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases: None
Transaction Fee on Purchases: None
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends: None
Redemption Fee: None
Exchange Fee: None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses deducted from the Fund's assets)
Indirect Operating Expenses: +
+Although Developed Markets Index Fund is not expected to incur any net
expenses directly, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the expenses
of the underlying Vanguard funds in which the Fund invests. See
THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD. It is estimated that the Fund's indirect
expense ratio for its first fiscal year, based on its underlying
investments, will be 0.20%.
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the
hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest
$10,000 in the Fund. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5%
a year, and that operating expenses remain the same. The results apply whether
or not you redeem your investment at the end of each period.
- ------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
- ------------------------
$24 $74
- ------------------------
THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO REPRESENT ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE. ACTUAL FUTURE EXPENSES MAY BE
HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
Distributed annually in December $10 million
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION
Pa., since inception DevMktInst
INCEPTION DATE VANGUARD FUND NUMBER
May 5, 2000 234
CUSIP NUMBER
921909800
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
14
MORE ON THE FUNDS
The following sections discuss other important features of Vanguard
International Stock Index Funds and Vanguard Institutional Developed Markets
Index Fund, including indexing methods, fund characteristics, costs and
market-timing, fund turnover, and other investment policies and risks.
WHY INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS?
Index funds appeal to many investors for a number of reasons:
- - Diversification. Index funds generally invest in a diversified mix of
companies and industries.
- - Relative consistency. Index funds typically track the performance of
relevant market benchmarks more closely than comparable actively managed
funds do.
- - Low cost. Index funds do not have many of the expenses of an actively
managed fund--such as research--and keep trading activity, and thus
brokerage commissions, to a minimum.
- - Low realization of capital gains. Because an index fund typically sells
securities only to respond to redemption requests or to adjust the number
of shares it holds to reflect a change in its target index, the fund's
turnover rate--and thus its realization of capital gains--is usually very
low.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE COSTS OF INVESTING
Costs are an important consideration in choosing a mutual fund. That's because
you, as a shareholder, pay the costs of operating a fund, plus any transaction
costs associated with the fund's buying and selling of securities. These costs
can erode a substantial portion of the gross income or capital appreciation a
fund achieves. Even seemingly small differences in expenses can, over time, have
a dramatic effect on a fund's performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEXING METHODS
Some index funds hold each stock found in their target indexes in about the same
proportions as represented in the indexes themselves.
Other index funds may use a different selection process. Because it would
be very expensive to buy all of the stocks held in certain indexes (the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, for example, includes approximately 500 stocks),
funds tracking these larger indexes use a "sampling" technique. Using a
sophisticated computer program, these funds invest in stocks that will, in the
aggregate, recreate the key characteristics of their target indexes. For
instance, if 10% of the market capitalization of the MSCI Europe Index were
attributed to companies in Germany, Vanguard European Stock Index Fund would
invest about 10% of its assets in stocks of German issuers. Furthermore, the
Fund would construct a German portfolio whose size and industry weightings, as
well as average financial characteristics, approximated the German component of
the MSCI Europe Index. The European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index
Funds each employ this sampling method of indexing.
While each Fund attempts to track the performance of its target index,
there is no guarantee that securities selected for the Fund will provide
investment performance exactly matching that of the index.
Yet another indexing approach is to invest in other index funds that seek
to track subsets of a target index. The Institutional Developed Markets Index
Fund uses this "fund of funds"
<PAGE>
15
approach, which can be very cost-effective and efficient when starting an index
fund from scratch. For example, the Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund
seeks to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in two other
Vanguard funds--the European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares and the
Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares. These other Vanguard funds have
the respective objectives of tracking the MSCI Europe Index and the MSCI Pacific
Free Index, which together comprise the MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund allocates its
assets between the European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares and the
Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares based on the market capitalization
of European and Pacific stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
"FUND OF FUNDS"
The term "fund of funds" is used to describe a mutual fund that pursues its
objective by investing in other mutual funds rather than in individual stocks or
bonds. A fund of funds may charge for its own direct expenses, in addition to
bearing a proportionate share of the expenses charged by the underlying funds in
which it invests. Funds of funds are best suited for long-term investors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To track their target indexes as closely as possible, the European and
Pacific Stock Index Funds attempt to remain fully invested in foreign stocks
included in their particular indexes. Each Fund intends to invest at least 95%
of its total assets in the stocks of its target index. The Emerging Markets
Stock Index Fund normally invests 95% of its total assets in stocks of its
target index, holding the remaining 5% in cash reserves to meet daily redemption
requests. Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund normally holds100% of its
assets in shares of its underlying funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Because foreign stock markets operate differently from the U.S. market,
Americans investing abroad will encounter risks not typically associated with
U.S. companies. For instance, foreign companies are not subject to the same
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies; and their stocks may not be as liquid as those of similar U.S.
companies. In addition, foreign stock exchanges, brokers, and companies
generally have less government supervision and regulation than their
counterparts in the United States. These factors, among others, could negatively
impact the returns Americans receive from foreign investments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO STOCK MARKET RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT STOCK
PRICES OVERALL WILL DECLINE OVER SHORT OR EVEN LONG PERIODS. STOCK MARKETS
TEND TO MOVE IN CYCLES, WITH PERIODS OF RISING PRICES AND PERIODS OF
FALLING PRICES.
IN ADDITION, INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN STOCK MARKETS CAN BE RISKIER THAN
U.S. STOCK INVESTMENTS. THE PRICES OF INTERNATIONAL STOCKS AND THE PRICES
OF U.S. STOCKS HAVE OFTEN MOVED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. THESE PERIODS HAVE,
IN THE PAST, LASTED FOR AS LONG AS SEVERAL YEARS.
<PAGE>
16
To illustrate the volatility of international stock prices, the following
table shows the best, worst, and average total returns for foreign stock markets
over various periods as measured by the MSCI EAFE Index, a widely used barometer
of international market activity. (Total returns consist of dividend income plus
change in market price.) Note that the returns shown do not include the costs of
buying and selling stocks or other expenses that a real-world investment
portfolio would incur. Note, also, that the gap between best and worst tends to
narrow over the long term.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET RETURNS (1969-1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 20 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Best 69.9% 36.5% 22.8% 16.3%
Worst -23.2 1.5 5.9 12.0
Average 15.2 13.6 14.5 14.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------
The table covers all of the 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods from 1969
through 1999. Keep in mind that this was a particularly favorable period for all
stock markets. These average returns reflect past performance on international
stocks; you should not regard them as an indication of future returns from
either foreign markets as a whole or any of the Funds in particular.
Note that the preceding chart does not take into account returns measured
by the MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, a widely used barometer of less
developed stock markets. Emerging markets can be substantially more volatile
than more developed foreign markets. In addition, because the MSCI EAFE Index
tracks the European and Pacific markets collectively, the above returns do not
reflect the variability of returns from year to year for these markets
individually, or the variability across these and other geographic regions or
market sectors. To illustrate this variability, the following table shows
returns for different international markets--as well as the U.S. market for
comparison--from 1990 to 1999, as measured by their respective indexes. Note
that the returns shown do not include the costs of buying and selling stocks or
other expenses that a real-world investment portfolio would incur.
<PAGE>
17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MARKET RETURNS FOR DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL MARKETS*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN PACIFIC EMERGING U.S.
MARKET MARKET MARKETS MARKETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990 -2.00% -34.43% -10.55% -3.10%
1991 14.12 11.51 59.91 30.47
1992 -3.92 -18.51 11.40 7.62
1993 29.25 36.15 74.84 10.08
1994 2.82 12.82 -7.31 1.32
1995 22.08 2.89 0.01** 37.58
1996 21.42 -8.23 15.19 22.96
1997 23.75 -25.74 -16.37 33.36
1998 28.68 2.64 -18.39 28.58
1999 15.77 56.38 60.86 21.04
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* European market returns are measured by the MSCI Europe Index; Pacific
market returns are measured by the MSCI Pacific Free Index; emerging
markets returns are measured by the Select Emerging Markets Free Index;
and U.S. market returns are measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
** The inception date of the Select Emerging Markets Free Index was May 4,
1994; returns shown for 1990 to 1994 are measured by the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep in mind, however, that these average returns reflect past performance
of the various indexes; you should not consider them as an indication of future
returns from the indexes, or from any of the Funds in particular.
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO COUNTRY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT POLITICAL
EVENTS (A WAR, NATIONAL ELECTIONS), FINANCIAL PROBLEMS (RISING INFLATION,
GOVERNMENT DEFAULT), OR NATURAL DISASTERS (AN EARTHQUAKE, A FLOOD) WILL
WEAKEN A COUNTRY'S ECONOMY AND CAUSE INVESTMENTS IN THAT COUNTRY TO LOSE
MONEY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
REGIONAL VERSUS BROAD INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Regional funds are international funds that invest in a particular geographical
region, such as Europe or the Pacific Basin. Because they concentrate their
holdings in a single region, these funds typically have higher share price
volatility than broadly diversified international stock funds (which, by
investing in many different foreign markets, may offset losses from one country
with gains from another at any given time).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. Stocks from the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
and the Netherlands comprised 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the MSCI Europe Index,
respectively, as of March 31, 2000; stocks from the remaining 11 countries in
the Index have much less significant market capitalization weightings in the
Index and thus much less impact on the Fund's total return. The Fund's heavy
exposure to just four countries involves a higher degree of country risk than
that of more geographically diversified international funds.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. Japanese stocks comprised 82% of the MSCI Pacific
Free Index as of March 31, 2000. Therefore, Japanese stocks represent a
correspondingly large component of the Pacific Stock Index Fund's assets. The
Fund's large investment in the
<PAGE>
18
Japanese stock market involves a higher degree of country risk than that of more
geographically diversified international funds.
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. As discussed above, emerging markets can
be substantially more volatile than both U.S. and more developed foreign
markets. Therefore, the Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund may expose investors
to a higher degree of volatility than funds that invest in more developed
markets.
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPED MARKETS INDEX FUND. As a fund of funds, the
Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund intends to invest all of its assets
in shares of the European and Pacific Stock Index Funds Institutional Shares;
indirectly, its country risk will proportionately mirror that of the European
and Pacific Stock Index Funds.
[FLAG] EACH FUND IS SUBJECT TO CURRENCY RISK, WHICH IS THE CHANCE THAT A
STRONGER U.S. DOLLAR WILL REDUCE RETURNS FOR AMERICANS INVESTING OVERSEAS.
GENERALLY, WHEN THE DOLLAR RISES IN VALUE AGAINST ANOTHER COUNTRY'S
CURRENCY, YOUR INVESTMENT IN THAT COUNTRY LOSES VALUE BECAUSE ITS CURRENCY
IS WORTH FEWER U.S. DOLLARS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A WEAKER U.S. DOLLAR
GENERALLY LEADS TO HIGHER RETURNS FOR AMERICANS HOLDING FOREIGN
INVESTMENTS.
SECURITY SELECTION
In seeking to track its target index, the European Stock Index, Pacific Stock
Index, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each invest in a portfolio of
foreign stocks selected in a manner that mirrors the weightings of their target
indexes. The Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund simply invests in the
Institutional Shares of the European and Pacific Stock Index Funds. Each Fund
seeks to provide investment results that correspond to its target index. The
correlation between the performance of a Fund and its target index is expected
to be at least 95%. (A correlation of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.)
EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of approximately 550 common stocks included in the MSCI Europe Index,
which is made up of the stocks of companies located in 15 European countries.
Four countries--the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the
Netherlands--dominate the Index, with 29%, 15%, 14%, and 8% of the market
capitalization of the Index, respectively, as of March 31, 2000. The other 11
countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, are much less significant to
the Index and, consequently, the Fund.
PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically selected
sample of the approximately 420 common stocks included in the MSCI Pacific Free
Index, which is comprised of the stocks of Pacific Basin companies. The Index is
dominated by the Japanese stock market, which represented 82% of the market
capitalization of the Index as of March 31, 2000. The other four countries
represented in the Index are Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore.
EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND. The Fund invests in a statistically
selected sample of the approximately 500 common stocks included in the Select
Emerging Markets Free Index, which is made up of the stocks of companies located
in 13 emerging markets of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Three
countries--Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa--represent a majority of the Index,
with 16%, 14%, and 13% of the market capitalization of the Index, respectively,
as of March 31, 2000. The other 10 countries include Argentina, the Czech
Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, and
Turkey. The developed countries of Hong Kong and Singapore are included in
<PAGE>
19
the Index to broaden diversification and ensure adequate liquidity. The Index is
called "select" because it is modeled on a larger index--the MSCI Emerging
Markets Free Index--but with certain adjustments designed to reduce risk. For
instance, MSCI considers the Hong Kong and Singapore markets too mature to
include in its index, but they are part of the Select Index. Conversely, as of
March 31, 2000, the Select Index excluded certain countries found in the MSCI
Emerging Markets Free Index--Chile, China, Colombia, India, Jordan, Korea,
Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan--due to concerns about liquidity
or entry barriers in those markets. MSCI administers the Select Index
exclusively for Vanguard, and periodically adjusts the included countries to
keep pace with evolution in world markets. (Such adjustments are made on a
forward-looking basis, so past performance of the Select Index always reflects
actual country representation during the relevant period.)
Although index funds, by their nature, tend to be tax-efficient investment
vehicles, the Funds are generally managed without regard to tax ramifications.
TRANSACTION FEES
Some of Vanguard's index funds charge a transaction fee on purchases of fund
shares to offset the higher costs of trading certain securities, particularly
small-company and international stocks. The transaction fee ensures that these
higher costs are borne by the investors making the transactions--and not by
shareholders already in the fund who do not generate the costs. All transaction
fees are paid directly to the fund itself (unlike a sales charge or load that
non-Vanguard funds may impose to compensate their sales representatives).
Without transaction fees, some index funds would have trouble tracking their
target indexes.
COSTS AND MARKET-TIMING
Some investors try to profit from a strategy called market-timing--switching
money into investments when they expect prices to rise, and taking money out
when they expect prices to fall. As money is shifted in and out, a fund incurs
expenses for buying and selling securities. These costs are borne by all fund
shareholders, including the long-term investors who do not generate the costs.
Therefore, the Vanguard International and Vanguard Institutional Developed
Markets Index Funds have adopted the following policies, among others, designed
to discourage short-term trading:
- - Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request--including
exchanges from other Vanguard funds--that it regards as disruptive to the
efficient management of the Fund. A purchase request could be rejected
because of the timing of the investment or because of a history of
excessive trading by the investor.
- - The Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund charges a transaction fee on
purchases and redemptions.
- - Telephone and online exchanges are not accepted for non-IRA accounts.
- - There is a limit on the number of times you can exchange into and out of a
Fund (see "Redeeming Shares" in the INVESTING WITH VANGUARD section).
- - Each Fund reserves the right to stop offering shares at any time.
THE VANGUARD FUNDS DO NOT PERMIT MARKET-TIMING. DO NOT INVEST IN THESE
FUNDS IF YOU ARE A MARKET-TIMER.
<PAGE>
20
TURNOVER RATE
Although each Fund seeks to invest for the long term, the Funds retain the right
to sell securities regardless of how long the securities have been held.
Generally, a passively-managed fund sells securities only to respond to
redemption requests or to adjust the number of shares held to reflect a change
in the fund's target index. Because of this, the turnover rate for each Fund has
been extremely low. The Financial Highlights tables beginning on page 26 show
historic turnover rates for each Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
TURNOVER RATE
Before investing in a mutual fund, you should review its turnover rate. This
gives an indication of how transaction costs could affect the fund's future
returns. In general, the greater the volume of buying and selling by the fund,
the greater the impact that brokerage commissions and other transaction costs
will have on its return. Also, funds with high turnover rates may be more likely
to generate capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as income
subject to taxes. The average turnover rate for passively managed foreign stock
index funds in 1999 was roughly 17%; for all foreign stock funds, the average
turnover was approximately 76%, according to Morningstar, Inc. (A turnover rate
of 100% would occur, for example, if a fund sold and replaced securities valued
at 100% of its net assets within a one-year period.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Besides investing in common stocks of foreign companies, each Fund may make
certain other kinds of investments to achieve its objective. Each Fund may
change its objective without shareholder approval.
The Funds may also invest, to a limited extent, in futures and options
contracts, warrants, convertible securities, and swap agreements, which are
types of derivatives. Losses (or gains) involving futures contracts can
sometimes be substantial--in part because a relatively small price movement in a
futures contract may result in an immediate and substantial loss (or gain) for a
fund. Similar risks exist for warrants (securities that permit their owners to
purchase a specific number of shares of stock at a predetermined price),
convertible securities (securities that may be exchanged for another asset), and
swap agreements (contracts between two parties in which each agrees to make
payments to the other based on the return of a specified index or asset).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DERIVATIVES
A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived" from)
a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a
commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the S&P 500 Index). Futures and
options are derivatives that have been trading on regulated exchanges for more
than two decades. These "traditional" derivatives are standardized contracts
that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and
published daily. It is these characteristics that differentiate futures and
options from the relatively new types of derivatives. If used for speculation or
as leveraged investments, derivatives can carry considerable risks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
21
For this reason, the Funds will not use futures, options, warrants,
convertible securities, or swap agreements for speculative purposes or as
leveraged investments that magnify the gains or losses of an investment. A
Fund's obligation under futures contracts will not exceed 20% of its total
assets.
The reasons for which a Fund will invest in futures and options are:
- - To keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while
simulating full investment in stocks.
- - To reduce the Fund's transaction costs or add value when these instruments
are favorably priced.
Each Fund may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts in order
to maintain the same currency exposure as its respective Index. A forward
foreign currency contract is an agreement to buy or sell a country's currency at
a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future.
In other words, the contract guarantees an exchange rate on a given date.
Managers of international stock funds typically use these contracts to guard
against sudden, unfavorable changes in U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange
rates. However, the Funds will use these contracts for different reasons:
- - To gain currency exposure when investing in futures.
- - To settle trades in a foreign currency.
THE FUNDS AND VANGUARD
The Funds are offered by The Vanguard Group, a family of more than 35 investment
companies with more than 100 funds holding assets worth more than $550 billion.
All of the Vanguard funds share in the expenses associated with business
operations, such as personnel, office space, equipment, and advertising.
Vanguard also provides marketing services to the funds. Although
shareholders do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 distribution fees, each fund
pays its allocated share of The Vanguard Group's marketing costs.
Vanguard Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund will indirectly bear a
proportionate share of the expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests.
However, the Fund's direct expenses are expected to be very low or zero. The
Fund may operate without incurring direct expenses because Vanguard will
reimburse it for (i) its contributions to the cost of operating the underlying
funds in which it invests, and (ii) savings in administrative and marketing
costs that Vanguard expects to derive from its operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
VANGUARD'S UNIQUE CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Vanguard Group is truly a MUTUAL mutual fund company. It is owned jointly by
the funds it oversees and thus indirectly by the shareholders in those funds.
Most other mutual funds are operated by for-profit management companies that may
be owned by one person, by a group of individuals, or by investors who own the
management company's stock. By contrast, Vanguard provides its services on an
"at-cost" basis, and the funds' expense ratios reflect only these costs. No
separate management company reaps profits or absorbs losses from operating the
funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
22
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Vanguard Group (Vanguard), P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482, founded in
1975, serves as the Funds' adviser through its Quantitative Equity Group.
(Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund receives advisory services
indirectly, by investing in the European and Pacific Stock Index Funds
Institutional Shares.) Vanguard manages the Funds on an at-cost basis, subject
to the control of the Trustees and officers of the Funds. The Funds began
operations on May 5, 2000. Advisory fees for the first fiscal year of the
European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds Institutional Shares
is estimated at an effective annual rate of less than 0.01% each.
The Funds have authorized Vanguard to choose brokers or dealers to handle
the purchase and sale of securities for the Funds, and to get the best available
price and most favorable execution from these brokers or dealers with respect to
all transactions. The Funds may direct Vanguard to use a particular broker for
certain transactions in exchange for commission rebates or research services
provided to the Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
THE FUNDS' ADVISER
The Vanguard Group provides investment advisory services to many Vanguard funds;
as of December 31, 1999, the Group managed more than $371 billion in total
assets. The individual responsible for overseeing the European, Pacific, and
Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds' investments is:
GEORGE U. SAUTER, Managing Director of Vanguard, and head of Vanguard's
Quantitative Equity Group; has worked in investment management since 1985;
primary responsibility for Vanguard's stock indexing policy and strategy since
joining the company in 1987; A.B., Dartmouth College; M.B.A., University of
Chicago.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
FUND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund distributes to shareholders virtually all of its net income (interest
and dividends, less expenses), as well as any capital gains realized from the
sale of its holdings. Distributions generally occur in December. In addition, a
Fund may occasionally be required to make supplemental dividend or capital gains
distributions at some other time during the year. You can receive distributions
of income dividends or capital gains in cash, or you can have them automatically
reinvested in more shares of the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the fund's income from
interest and dividends, and gains from the sale of investments. You receive such
earnings as either an income dividend or a capital gains distribution. Income
dividends come from both the dividends that the fund earns from its holdings and
the interest it receives from its money market and bond investments. Capital
gains are realized whenever the fund sells securities for higher prices than it
paid for them. These capital gains are either short-term or long-term, depending
on whether the fund held the securities for one year or less, or more than one
year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
23
BASIC TAX POINTS
Vanguard will send you a statement each year showing the tax status of all your
distributions. In addition, taxable investors should be aware of the following
basic tax points:
- - Distributions are taxable to you for federal income tax purposes whether or
not you reinvest these amounts in additional Fund shares.
- - Distributions declared in December--if paid to you by the end of
January--are taxable for federal income tax purposes as if received in
December.
- - Any dividends and short-term capital gains that you receive are taxable to
you as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
- - Any distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as
long-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes, no matter how long
you've owned shares in the Fund.
- - Capital gains distributions may vary considerably from year to year as a
result of the Funds' normal investment activities and cash flows.
- - A sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable event. This means that you
may have a capital gain to report as income, or a capital loss to report as
a deduction, when you complete your federal income tax return.
- - State and local income taxes may apply to any dividend or capital gains
distributions that you receive, as well as to your gains or losses from any
sale or exchange of Fund shares.
- - The European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds may be
subject to foreign taxes or foreign tax withholding on dividends, interest,
and some capital gains that they receive on foreign securities. You may
qualify for an offsetting credit or deduction under U.S. tax laws for your
portion of a Fund's foreign tax obligations, provided that you meet certain
requirements. Because the Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund
invests in foreign stocks indirectly through the European and Pacific Stock
Index Funds, its investors are not able to take advantage of foreign tax
credits or deductions. See your tax adviser or IRS publications for more
information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
"BUYING A DIVIDEND"
Unless you are investing through a tax-deferred retirement account (such as an
IRA), you should avoid buying shares of a fund shortly before it makes a
distribution, because doing so can cost you money in taxes. This is known as
"buying a dividend." For example: On December 15, you invest $5,000, buying 250
shares for $20 each. If the fund pays a distribution of $1 per share on December
16, its share price would drop to $19 (not counting market change). You still
have only $5,000 (250 shares x $19 = $4,750 in share value, plus 250 shares x $1
= $250 in distributions), but you owe tax on the $250 distribution you
received--even if you reinvest it in more shares. To avoid "buying a dividend,"
check a fund's distribution schedule before you invest.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. By law, Vanguard must withhold 31% of any taxable
distributions or redemptions from your account if you do not:
- - provide us with your correct taxpayer identification number;
- - certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct; and
- - confirm that you are not subject to backup withholding.
Similarly, Vanguard must withhold from your account if the IRS instructs us to
do so.
<PAGE>
24
FOREIGN INVESTORS. The Vanguard funds generally do not offer their shares for
sale outside of the United States. Foreign investors should be aware that U.S.
withholding and estate taxes may apply to any investments in Vanguard funds.
INVALID ADDRESSES. If a dividend or capital gains distribution check mailed to
your address of record is returned as undeliverable, Vanguard will automatically
reinvest all future distributions until you provide us with a valid mailing
address.
TAX CONSEQUENCES. This prospectus provides general tax information only. If you
are investing through a tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, special
tax rules apply. Please consult your tax adviser for detailed information about
a fund's tax consequences for you.
SHARE PRICE
Each Fund's share price, called its net asset value, or NAV, is calculated each
business day after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(the NAV is not calculated on holidays or other days when the Exchange is
closed). Net asset value per share for the Institutional Developed Markets Index
Fund is computed by adding up the total value of the Fund's investments (i.e.,
shares of the underlying funds) and other assets, subtracting any of its
liabilities (debts), and then dividing by the number of Fund shares outstanding:
TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES
NET ASSET VALUE = --------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Net asset value per share for the European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets
Stock Index Funds is computed in a similar way, by dividing the net assets
attributed to each class by the number of Fund shares outstanding for that
class.
Knowing the daily net asset value is useful to you as a shareholder because
it indicates the current value of your investment. The Fund's NAV, multiplied by
the number of shares you own, gives you the dollar amount you would have
received had you sold all of your shares back to the Fund that day. Because
foreign securities markets may operate on days which are not business days in
the United States, the value of a Fund's holdings may change on days when
shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
A NOTE ON PRICING: A Fund's investments will be priced at their market
value when market quotations are readily available. When these quotations are
not readily available, investments will be priced at their fair value,
calculated according to procedures adopted by the Funds' Board of Trustees. A
Fund also may use fair value pricing if the value of a security held by the Fund
is materially affected by events occurring after the close of the primary
markets or exchanges on which such security is traded. In these situations,
prices used by the Fund to calculate its net asset value may differ from quoted
or published prices for the underlying securities.
Each Fund's share price can be found daily in the mutual fund listings of
most major newspapers under the heading "Vanguard Index Funds." Different
newspapers use different abbreviations for each Fund, but the most common are
EUROINST, PACINST, EMERGINST, and DEVMKTINST for the Institutional Shares of the
European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds, and the Institutional
Developed Markets Index Fund, respectively.
<PAGE>
25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand
each Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception
(except for Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund, which did not start
operations until May 5, 2000), and certain information reflects financial
results for a single Fund share. The total returns in each table represent the
rate that an investor would have earned or lost each year on an investment in
the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividend and capital gains
distributions). This information has been derived from the financial statements
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, whose
report--along with each Fund's financial statements--is included in the Funds'
most recent annual report to shareholders. You may have the annual report sent
to you without charge by contacting Vanguard.
NOTE: This prospectus offers the Funds' Institutional Shares, not the Investor
Shares. Information for the Investor Shares is shown here because each of the
Fund's Institutional Shares are new. However, the two share classes are invested
in the same portfolio of securities and will have the same financial performance
except to the extent that their operating expenses differ.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAIN TALK ABOUT
HOW TO READ THE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TABLE
This explanation uses the European Stock Index Fund Investor Shares as an
example. The Fund began fiscal 1999 with a net asset value (price) of $25.28 per
share. During the year, the Fund earned $0.50 per share from investment income
(interest and dividends) and $3.69 per share from investments that had
appreciated in value or that were sold for higher prices than the Fund paid for
them.
Shareholders received $0.65 per share in the form of dividend and capital gains
distributions. A portion of each year's distributions may come from the prior
year's income or capital gains.
The earnings ($4.19 per share) minus the distributions ($0.65 per share)
resulted in a share price of $28.82 at the end of the year. This was an increase
of $3.54 per share (from $25.28 at the beginning of the year to $28.82 at the
end of the year). For a shareholder who reinvested the distributions in the
purchase of more shares, the total return from the Fund was 16.62% for the year.
As of December 31, 1999, the Fund had $6.1 billion in net assets. For the year,
its expense ratio was 0.29% ($2.90 per $1,000 of net assets); and its net
investment income amounted to 1.99% of its average net assets. It sold and
replaced securities valued at 7% of its net assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
26
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EUROPEAN STOCK INDEX FUND
INVESTOR SHARES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02 $11.76
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .50 .41 .38 .34 .32
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 3.69 5.40 3.63 2.63 2.30
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.19 5.81 4.01 2.97 2.62
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.50) (.52) (.37) (.36) (.32)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains (.15) (.14) (.08) (.06) (.04)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.65) (.66) (.45) (.42) (.36)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $28.82 $25.28 $20.13 $16.57 $14.02
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 16.62% 28.86% 24.23% 21.26% 22.28%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $6,106 $4,479 $2,432 $1,595 $1,017
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.29% 0.29% 0.31% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 1.99% 1.97% 2.19% 2.45% 2.66%
Turnover Rate 7% 7% 3% 4% 2%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD PACIFIC STOCK INDEX FUND
INVESTOR SHARES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.84 $7.72 $10.51 $11.50 $11.31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .08 .085 .09 .10 .10
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.39 .100 (2.79) (1.00) .21
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.47 .185 (2.70) (.90) .31
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.09) (.065) (.09) (.09) (.12)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $12.22 $7.84 $ 7.72 $10.51 $11.50
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 57.05% 2.41% -25.67% -7.82% 2.75%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $2,526 $1,033 $827 $978 $831
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.37% 0.40% 0.35% 0.35% 0.35%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 0.95% 1.17% 1.03% 0.89% 0.97%
Turnover Rate 6% 4% 8% 9% 1%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases imposed
prior to 4/1/2000.
<PAGE>
27
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD EMERGING MARKETS STOCK INDEX FUND
INVESTOR SHARES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 7.91 $9.98 $12.28 $10.75 $10.87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net Investment Income .24 .27 .24 .18 .15
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments 4.62 (2.08) (2.31) 1.52 (.09)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from Investment
Operations 4.86 (1.81) (2.07) 1.70 .06
--------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
Distributions from
Realized Capital Gains -- -- -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (.27) (.26) (.23) (.17) (.18)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END
OF YEAR $21.50 $7.91 $ 9.98 $12.28 $10.75
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* 61.57% -18.12% -16.82% 15.83% 0.56%
================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
Year (Millions) $1,138 $577 $660 $637 $234
Ratio of Total
Expenses to Average
Net Assets 0.58% 0.61% 0.57% 0.60% 0.60%
Ratio of Net
Investment Income to
Average Net Assets 2.55% 2.99% 1.96% 1.69% 2.00%
Turnover Rate 22% 22% 19% 1% 3%
================================================================================
*Total return figures do not reflect the transaction fee on purchases (0.5%
beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% from 11/3/1997 to 3/31/2000, 1.5% from 1/1/1997 to
11/2/1997, 2.0% in 1995 through 1996), or the transaction fee on redemptions
(0.5% beginning 4/1/2000, 1.0% through 3/31/2000).
The Funds are not sponsored, sold, promoted, or endorsed by Morgan Stanley
Capital International. Standard & Poor's(R)," "S&P(R)," "S&P 500(R)," "Standard
& Poor's 500," and "500," are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and
have been licensed for use by The Vanguard Group.
<PAGE>
28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING WITH VANGUARD
Are you looking for the most convenient way to open or add money to a Vanguard
account? Obtain instant access to fund information? Establish an account for a
minor child or for your retirement savings?
Vanguard can help. Our goal is to make it easy and pleasant for you to do
business with us.
The following sections of the prospectus briefly explain the many services
we offer. Booklets providing detailed information are available on the services
marked with a [BOOK ICON]. Please call us to request copies.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES AND ACCOUNT FEATURES
Vanguard offers many services that make it convenient to buy, sell, or exchange
shares, or to obtain fund or account information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS (SALES AND EXCHANGES)
Automatically set up for this Fund unless you notify us otherwise.
Note: Limitations do apply; see page 32.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD(R) AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE [BOOK ICON]
Automatic method for moving a fixed amount of money from one Vanguard fund
account to another.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANGUARD TELE-ACCOUNT(R) 1-800-662-6273 (ON-BOARD) [BOOK ICON]
Toll-free 24-hour access to Vanguard fund and account information--as well as
some transactions--by using any touch-tone phone. Tele-Account provides total
return, share price, price change, and yield quotations for all Vanguard funds;
gives your account balances and history (e.g., last transaction, latest dividend
distribution); and allows you to sell or exchange shares to and from most
Vanguard funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS VANGUARD(TM) www.vanguard.com [BOOK ICON]
You can use your personal computer to perform certain transactions for most
Vanguard funds by accessing our website. To establish this service, you must
register through our website. We will then mail you an account access password
that allows you to process the following financial and administrative
transactions online:
- - Open a new account.*
- - Buy, sell, or exchange shares of most funds.
- - Change your name/address.
- - Add/change fund options (including dividend options, Vanguard Fund Express,
bank instructions, checkwriting, and Vanguard Automatic Exchange Service).
(Some restrictions may apply.) Please call our Client Services Department
for assistance.
*Only current Vanguard shareholders can open a new account online, by exchanging
shares from other existing Vanguard accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES FOR CLIENTS OF VANGUARD'S INSTITUTIONAL DIVISION: 1-888-809-8102
Vanguard's Institutional Division offers a variety of specialized services for
large institutional investors, including the ability to effect account
transactions through private electronic networks and third-party recordkeepers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
29
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
Individuals and institutions can establish a variety of accounts with Vanguard.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR ONE OR MORE PEOPLE
Open an account in the name of one (individual) or more (joint tenants) people.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR HOLDING PERSONAL TRUST ASSETS [BOOK ICON]
Invest assets held in an existing personal trust.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AN ORGANIZATION [BOOK ICON]
Open an account as a corporation, partnership, endowment, foundation, or other
entity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON INVESTING WITH VANGUARD THROUGH OTHER FIRMS
You may purchase or sell Fund shares through a financial intermediary such as a
bank, broker, or investment adviser. If you invest with Vanguard through an
intermediary, please read that firm's program materials carefully to learn of
any special rules that may apply. For example, special terms may apply to
additional service features, fees, or other policies. Consult your intermediary
to determine when your order will be priced.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUYING SHARES
You buy your shares at a Fund's next-determined net asset value after Vanguard
receives your request. As long as your request is received before the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, generally 4 p.m. Eastern time,
you will buy your shares at that day's net asset value. You may convert the
Investor Shares of European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds
into Institutional Shares of the same Fund provided that you meet the minimum
initial investment requirements for such Shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM INVESTMENT TO . . .
open a new account
$10 million
add to an existing account
$100 by mail or exchange; $1,000 by wire.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON PURCHASE FEES
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund deducts a 0.5% fee from all purchases
(including exchanges from other Vanguard funds), but not from reinvested
dividends or capital gains.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY WIRE TO OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT OR ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT [WIRE ICON]
Call your assigned Service Associate to arrange your wire transaction.
Wire to:
FRB ABA 021001088
HSBC Bank USA
For credit to:
Account: 000112046
Vanguard Incoming Wire Account
<PAGE>
30
In favor of:
European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-235
Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-237
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-239
Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund-234
In favor of:
[Account number, or temporary number for a new account]
[Registered account owner(s)]
[Registered address]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY MAIL TO . . . [ENVELOPE ICON]
open a new account
Complete and sign the account registration form and enclose your check.
add to an existing account
Mail your check with an Invest-By-Mail form detached from your confirmation
statement to the address listed on the form. Please do not alter Invest-By-Mail
forms, since they are fund- and account-specific.
Make your check payable to: The Vanguard Group-(insert appropriate Fund number;
see below)
European Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-235
Pacific Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-237
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares-239
Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund-234
All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars, and checks must be drawn on U.S.
banks.
For clients of Vanguard's Institutional Division . . .
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 100 Vanguard Boulevard
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Malvern, PA 19355-2331
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent check fraud, Vanguard will not accept checks made
payable to third parties.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY TELEPHONE TO . . . [TELEPHONE ICON]
open a new account
Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24 hours a day--or your assigned Service Associate
during business hours--to exchange from another Vanguard fund account with the
same registration (name, address, taxpayer identification number, and account
type).
add to an existing account
Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24 hours a day--or your assigned Service Associate
during business hours--to exchange from another Vanguard fund account with the
same registration (name, address, taxpayer identification number, and account
type). (Note that some restrictions apply to index fund accounts.)
Vanguard Tele-Account
1-800-662-6273
*You must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) through Tele-Account at
least seven days before you request your first exchange.
<PAGE>
31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once you have initiated a telephone transaction and a
confirmation number has been assigned, the transaction cannot be revoked. We
reserve the right to refuse any purchase request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can redeem (that is, sell or exchange) shares purchased by check at any
time. However, while your redemption request will be processed at the
next-determined net asset value after it is received, your redemption proceeds
will not be available until payment for your purchase is collected, which may
take up to ten calendar days.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON LARGE PURCHASES
It is important that you call Vanguard before you invest a large dollar amount.
It is our responsibility to consider the interests of all Fund shareholders, and
so we reserve the right to refuse any purchase that may disrupt the Fund's
operation or performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEEMING SHARES
This section describes how you can redeem--that is, sell or exchange--the Fund's
shares.
When Selling Shares:
- - Vanguard sends the redemption proceeds to you or a designated third party.*
- - You can sell all or part of your Fund shares at any time.
*May require a signature guarantee; see footnote on page 33.
When Exchanging Shares:
- - The redemption proceeds are used to purchase shares of a different Vanguard
fund.
- - You must meet the receiving fund's minimum investment requirements.
- - Vanguard reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege,
limit the amount of an exchange, or reject an exchange at any time, without
notice.
- - In order to exchange into an account with a different registration
(including a different name, address, or taxpayer identification number),
you must include the guaranteed signature of all current account owners on
your written instructions.
In both cases, your transaction will be based on the Fund's next-determined
share price, subject to any special rules described in this "Redeeming Shares"
section of the prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON REDEMPTION FEES
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares imposes a 0.5% redemption
fee on all share redemptions. Currently, redemption fees do not apply to Fund
shares held through Vanguard's separate recordkeeping system for employee
benefit plan accounts, due to certain economies associated with these accounts.
However, the Fund reserves the right to impose redemption fees on its shares at
any time if warranted by the Fund's future costs of processing redemptions from
these accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Once a redemption is initiated and a confirmation number given, the
transaction CANNOT be canceled.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
32
HOW TO REQUEST A REDEMPTION
You can request a redemption from your Fund account in any one of three ways:
online, by telephone, or by mail.
The Vanguard funds whose shares you cannot exchange by telephone are
VANGUARD U.S. STOCK INDEX FUNDS, VANGUARD BALANCED INDEX FUND, VANGUARD
INTERNATIONAL STOCK INDEX FUNDS, VANGUARD REIT INDEX FUND, and VANGUARD GROWTH
AND INCOME FUND. These funds do, however, permit telephone exchanges within IRAs
and some other retirement accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE REQUESTS [TELEPHONE ICON]
Call Vanguard Tele-Account 24 hours a day--or your assigned Service Associate
during business hours--to sell shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL INFORMATION: We will automatically establish the telephone redemption
option for your account, unless you instruct us otherwise in writing. While
telephone redemption is easy and convenient, this account feature involves a
risk of loss from unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Vanguard will take
reasonable precautions to protect your account from fraud. You should do the
same by keeping your account information private and immediately reviewing any
account statements that we send to you. Make sure to contact Vanguard
immediately about any transaction you believe to be unauthorized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We reserve the right to refuse a telephone redemption if the caller is unable to
provide:
- - The ten-digit account number.
- - The name and address exactly as registered on the account.
- - The primary Social Security or employer identification number as registered
on the account.
- - The Personal Identification Number (PIN), if applicable (for instance,
Tele-Account).
Please note that Vanguard will not be responsible for any account losses
due to telephone fraud, so long as we have taken reasonable steps to verify the
caller's identity. If you wish to remove the telephone redemption feature from
your account, please notify us in writing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Vanguard reserves the right to revise or terminate the telephone redemption
privilege at any time, without notice. In addition, Vanguard can stop selling
shares or postpone payment at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. If you experience difficulty making a telephone redemption
during periods of drastic economic or market change, you can send us your
request by regular or express mail. Follow the instructions on selling or
exchanging shares by mail in this section.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL REQUESTS [ENVELOPE ICON]
Send a letter of instruction signed by all registered account holders. Include
the fund name and account number and (if you are selling) a dollar amount or
number of shares OR (if you are exchanging) the name of the fund you want to
exchange into and a dollar amount or number of shares. To exchange into an
account with a different registration (including a different name, address,
taxpayer identification number, or account type), you must provide Vanguard with
written instructions that include the guaranteed signatures of all current
owners of the fund from which you wish to redeem.
<PAGE>
33
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 100 Vanguard Boulevard
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Malvern, PA 19355-2331
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NOTE ON LARGE REDEMPTIONS
It is important that you call Vanguard before you redeem a large dollar amount.
It is our responsibility to consider the interests of all fund shareholders, and
so we reserve the right to delay delivery of your redemption proceeds--up to
seven days--if the amount may disrupt the Fund's operation or performance.
If you redeem more than $250,000 worth of fund shares within any 90-day
period, the fund reserves the right to pay part or all of the redemption
proceeds above $250,000 in-kind, i.e., in securities, rather than in cash. If
payment is made in-kind, you may incur brokerage commissions if you elect to
sell the securities for cash.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTIONS FOR REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
You may receive your redemption proceeds in one of three ways: check or exchange
to another Vanguard fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHECK REDEMPTIONS
Normally, Vanguard will mail your check within two business days of a
redemption.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE REDEMPTIONS
As described above, an exchange involves using the proceeds of your redemption
to purchase shares of another Vanguard fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR OUR MUTUAL PROTECTION
For your best interests and ours, Vanguard applies these additional requirements
to redemptions:
REQUEST IN "GOOD ORDER"
All redemption requests must be received by Vanguard in "good order." This means
that your request must include:
- - The Fund name and account number.
- - The amount of the transaction (in dollars or shares).
- - Signatures of all owners exactly as registered on the account (for mail
requests).
- - Signature guarantees (if required).*
- - Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
- - Any outstanding certificates representing shares to be redeemed.
*For instance, a signature guarantee must be provided by all registered account
shareholders when redemption proceeds are to be sent to a different person or
address. A signature guarantee may be obtained from most commercial and savings
banks, credit unions, trust companies, or member firms of a U.S. stock
exchange.
TRANSACTIONS ARE PROCESSED AT THE NEXT-DETERMINED SHARE PRICE AFTER VANGUARD HAS
RECEIVED ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITS ON ACCOUNT ACTIVITY
Because excessive account transactions can disrupt the management of a Fund and
increase the Fund's costs for all shareholders, Vanguard limits account activity
as follows:
- - You may make no more than TWO SUBSTANTIVE "ROUND TRIPS" THROUGH A FUND
during any 12-month period.
- - Your round trips through a Fund must be at least 30 days apart.
- - A Fund may refuse a share purchase at any time, for any reason.
<PAGE>
34
- - Vanguard may revoke an investor's telephone exchange privilege at any time,
for any reason.
A "round trip" is a redemption from the Fund followed by a purchase back into
the Fund. Also a "round trip" covers transactions accomplished by any
combination of methods, including transactions conducted by check, wire, or
exchange to/from another Vanguard fund. "Substantive" means a dollar amount that
Vanguard determines, in its sole discretion, could adversely affect the
management of a Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL TRADES ARE FINAL
Vanguard will not cancel any transaction request (including any purchase or
redemption) that we believe to be authentic once the request has been initiated
and a confirmation number assigned.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNCASHED CHECKS
Please cash your distribution or redemption checks promptly. Vanguard will not
pay interest on uncashed checks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERRING REGISTRATION
You can transfer the registration of your Fund shares to another owner by
completing a transfer form and sending it to Vanguard.
First-class mail to: Express or Registered mail to:
The Vanguard Group The Vanguard Group
P.O. Box 2900 100 Vanguard Boulevard
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2900 Malvern, PA 19355-2331
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND AND ACCOUNT UPDATES
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
We will send you account and tax statements to help you keep track of your Fund
account throughout the year as well as when you are preparing your income tax
returns.
In addition, you will receive financial reports about your Fund twice a
year. These comprehensive reports include an assessment of the Fund's
performance (and a comparison to its industry benchmark), an overview of the
financial markets, a report from the adviser, and the Fund's financial
statements which include a listing of the Fund's holdings.
To keep each Fund's costs as low as possible (so that you and other
shareholders can keep more of the Fund's investment earnings), Vanguard attempts
to eliminate duplicate mailings to the same address. When two or more Fund
shareholders have the same last name and address, we send just one Fund report
to that address--instead of mailing separate reports to each shareholder. If you
want us to send separate reports, notify our Institutional Division at
1-888-809-8102.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONFIRMATION STATEMENT Sent each time you buy, sell, or exchange shares;
confirms the trade date and the amount of your transaction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY [BOOK ICON]
Mailed quarterly for most accounts; shows the market value of your account at
the close of the statement period, as well as distributions, purchases, sales,
and exchanges for the current calendar year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mailed in February and August for these Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX STATEMENTS
Generally mailed in January; report previous year's dividend and capital gains
distributions, and proceeds from the sale of shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANDATORY CONVERSION TO INVESTOR SHARES
Vanguard European, Pacific, and Emerging Markets Stock Index Funds each reserve
the right to convert an investor's Institutional Shares into Investor Shares of
the same Fund if the investor's account balance falls below $10 million. In
addition, Vanguard Institutional Developed Markets Index Fund reserves the right
to redeem an investor's shares if the investor's account balance falls below $10
million. Any such conversion or redemption will be preceded by written notice to
the investor. No transaction fee will be imposed on share-class conversions.
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT
An investment approach that seeks to exceed the average returns of the financial
markets. Active managers rely on research, market forecasts, and their own
judgment and experience in selecting securities to buy and sell.
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTION
Payment to mutual fund shareholders of gains realized on securities that a fund
has sold at a profit, minus any realized losses.
CASH RESERVES
Cash deposits, short-term bank deposits, and money market instruments which
include U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit (CDs), repurchase
agreements, commercial paper, and banker's acceptances.
COMMON STOCK
A security representing ownership rights in a corporation. A stockholder is
entitled to share in the company's profits, some of which may be paid out as
dividends.
COUNTRY RISK
The chance that domestic events--such as political upheaval, financial troubles,
or a natural disaster--will weaken a country's securities markets.
CURRENCY RISK
The chance that a foreign investment will decrease in value because of
unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates.
DIVIDEND INCOME
Payment to shareholders of income from interest or dividends generated by a
fund's investments.
EXPENSE RATIO
The percentage of a fund's average net assets used to pay its expenses. The
expense ratio includes management fees, administrative fees, and any 12b-1
distribution fees.
INDEX
An unmanaged group of securities whose overall performance is used as a standard
to measure investment performance.
INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND
A mutual fund that invests in the stocks of companies located outside the United
States.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
An organization that makes the day-to-day decisions regarding a fund's
investments.
MUTUAL FUND
An investment company that pools the money of many people and invests it in a
variety of securities in an effort to achieve a specific objective over time.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)
The market value of a mutual fund's total assets, minus liabilities, divided by
the number of shares outstanding. The value of a single share is called its
share value or share price.
PASSIVE MANAGEMENT
A low-cost investment strategy in which a mutual fund attempts to match--rather
than outperform--a particular stock or bond market index. Also known as
indexing.
PRINCIPAL
The amount of money you put into an investment.
TOTAL RETURN
A percentage change, over a specified time period, in a mutual fund's net asset
value, with the ending net asset value adjusted to account for the reinvestment
of all distributions of dividends and capital gains.
VOLATILITY
The fluctuations in value of a mutual fund or other security. The greater a
fund's volatility, the wider the fluctuations between its high and low prices.
YIELD
Income (interest or dividends) earned by an investment, expressed as a
percentage of the investment's price.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
[THE VANGUARD GROUP(R) LOGO]
Institutional Division
Post Office Box 2600
Valley Forge, PA 19482-2600
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you'd like more information about
Vanguard International Stock Index
Funds, the following documents are
available free upon request:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
TO SHAREHOLDERS
Additional information about the
Funds' investments is available in
the Funds' annual and semiannual
reports to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI provides more detailed
information about the Funds (there
is a separate SAI for Vanguard
Institutional Developed Markets
Index Fund, which is legally a part of
Vanguard STAR Funds).
The current annual and semiannual
reports and each SAI are
incorporated by reference into
(and are thus legally a part of)
this prospectus.
To receive a free copy of the latest
annual or semiannual report or the
SAI, or to request additional
information about the Funds or other
Vanguard funds, please contact us
as follows:
If you are an Individual Investor:
THE VANGUARD GROUP
INVESTOR INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 2900
VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482-2900
TELEPHONE:
1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-952-3335
If you are a client of Vanguard's
Institutional Division:
THE VANGUARD GROUP
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR
INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 2900
VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482-2900
TELEPHONE:
1-888-809-8102
WORLD WIDE WEB:
WWW.VANGUARD.COM
If you are a current Fund shareholder
and would like information about
your account, account transactions,
and/or account statements,
please call:
CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
TELEPHONE:
1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-749-7273
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (SEC)
You can review and copy
information about the Funds
(including the SAI) at the SEC's
Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC. To find out more
about this public service, call the
SEC at 1-202-942-8090. Reports and
other information about the Funds
are also available on the SEC's
website (www.sec.gov), or you can
receive copies of this information,
for a fee, by electronic request at
the following e-mail address:
[email protected], or by writing
the Public Reference Section,
Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, DC
20549-0102.
Funds' Investment Company Act
file number: 811-5972 (811-3919
for Institutional Developed Markets
Index Fund)
(C) 2000 The Vanguard Group, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Vanguard Marketing Corporation,
Distributor.
I235N-04/28/2000
<PAGE>
PART B
VANGUARD(R) INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUNDS
(THE TRUST)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APRIL 28, 2000
This Statement is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with
the Trust's current Prospectuses (dated April 28, 2000). To obtain a Prospectus
or the most recent Annual Report to Shareholders, which contains the Funds'
Financial Statements as hereby incorporated by reference, please call:
INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
1-800-662-7447(SHIP)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST.....................................................B-1
INVESTMENT POLICIES..........................................................B-3
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS...........................................B-8
SHARE PRICE..................................................................B-9
PURCHASE OF SHARES..........................................................B-10
REDEMPTION OF SHARES........................................................B-10
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS.....................................................B-10
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS......................................................B-14
TOTAL RETURN................................................................B-14
COMPARATIVE INDEXES.........................................................B-16
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................................B-18
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
ORGANIZATION
The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation in 1989, and was
reorganized as a Delaware business trust in July, 1998. Prior to its
reorganization as a Delaware business trust, the Trust was known as Vanguard
International Equity Index Fund, Inc. The Trust is registered with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as an open-end, diversified management
investment company. It currently offers the following diversified Funds:
European Stock Index Fund
Pacific Stock Index Fund
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund
(individually, a Fund; collectively, the Funds)
Each of the Funds offers two classes of shares, Investor Shares and
Institutional Shares. Institutional Shares of a Fund are available only to those
investing at least $10 million in the Fund.
The Trust has the ability to offer additional funds or classes of shares.
There is no limit on the number of full and fractional shares that each fund or
share class may issue.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
CUSTODIAN. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, serves as the Funds' custodian. The custodian is
responsible for maintaining each Fund's assets and keeping all necessary
accounts and records of Fund assets.
B-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 30 South 17th Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds' independent accountants.
The accountants audit financial statements for the Funds and provide other
related services.
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT. The Funds' transfer agent and
dividend-paying agent is The Vanguard Group, Inc., 100 Vanguard Boulevard,
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FUNDS' SHARES
RESTRICTIONS ON HOLDING OR DISPOSING OF SHARES. There are no restrictions
on the right of shareholders to retain or dispose of each Fund's shares, other
than the possible future termination of a Fund. The Funds may be terminated by
reorganization into another mutual fund or by liquidation and distribution of
the assets of the affected Fund. Unless terminated by reorganization or
liquidation, the Funds will continue indefinitely.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. The Trust is organized under Delaware law, which
provides that shareholders of a business trust are entitled to the same
limitations of personal liability as shareholders of a corporation organized
under Delaware law. Effectively, this means that a fund shareholder will not be
personally liable for payment of the fund's debts except by reason of his or her
own conduct or acts. In addition, a shareholder could incur a financial loss on
account of a fund obligation only if the fund itself had no remaining assets
with which to meet such obligation. We believe that the possibility of such a
situation arising is extremely remote.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS. The shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive any
dividends or other distributions declared for such Fund. No shares have priority
or preference over any other shares of the same Fund with respect to
distributions. Distributions will be made from the assets of a Fund, and will be
paid ratably to all shareholders of the Fund (or class) according to the number
of shares of such Fund (or class) held by shareholders on the record date. The
amount of income dividends per share may vary between separate share classes of
the same Fund based upon differences in the way that expenses are allocated
between share classes pursuant to a multiple class plan.
VOTING RIGHTS. Shareholders are entitled to vote on a matter if: (i) a
shareholder vote is required under the 1940 Act; (ii) the matter concerns an
amendment of the Declaration of Trust that would adversely affect to a material
degree the rights and preferences of the shares of any class or Fund; or (iii)
the Trustees determine that it is necessary or desirable to obtain a shareholder
vote. The 1940 Act requires a shareholder vote under various circumstances,
including to elect or remove Trustees upon written request of shareholders
representing 10% or more of a fund's net assets, and to change any fundamental
policy of the fund. Fund shareholders receive one vote for each dollar of net
asset value owned on the record date, and a fractional vote for each fractional
dollar of net asset value owned on the record date. However, only the shares of
a Fund affected by a particular matter are entitled to vote on that matter.
Voting rights are non-cumulative and cannot be modified without a majority vote.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of Fund liquidation, shareholders will be
entitled to receive a pro rata share of the applicable Fund's net assets.
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS. There are no preemptive rights associated with shares of
each Fund.
CONVERSION RIGHTS. Shareholders of a Fund may convert their shares into
another clss of shares of the same Fund upon the satisfaction of any then
applicable eligibility requirements.
REDEMPTION PROVISIONS. The Funds' redemption provisions are described in
their current prospectuses and elsewhere in this Statement of Additional
Information.
SINKING FUND PROVISIONS. The Funds have no sinking fund provisions.
CALLS OR ASSESSMENTS. Each Fund's shares, when issued, are fully paid and
non-assessable.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUNDS
Each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. This special tax status means that a
Fund will not be liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed
to shareholders. In order to preserve its tax status, each Fund must comply with
certain requirements. If a Fund fails to meet these requirements in any taxable
year, it will be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and
all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of
B-2
<PAGE>
net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, will be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund could be required to
recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make
substantial distributions before regaining its tax status as a regulated
investment company.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following policies supplement the investment policies set forth in the
Funds' Prospectuses.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. Each Fund invests virtually all of its assets in
foreign securities under normal circumstances. Investors should recognize that
investing in securities of foreign companies involves certain special
considerations which are not typically associated with investing in U.S.
companies.
CURRENCY RISK. The stocks of foreign companies are frequently denominated
in foreign currencies, and the Funds may temporarily hold uninvested reserves in
bank deposits in foreign currencies. As such, the Funds will be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, and may incur costs in connection with conversions between various
currencies. The investment policies of the Funds permit them to enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to hedge holdings and
commitments against changes in the level of future currency rates. Such
contracts involve an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a
future date at a price set at the time of the contract.
COUNTRY RISK. As foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable
to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available
information about certain foreign companies than about domestic companies.
Securities of some foreign companies are generally less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable domestic companies. There is generally less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed
companies than in the U.S. In addition, with respect to certain foreign
countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,
political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect
U.S. investments in those countries.
Although the Funds will endeavor to achieve most favorable execution costs
in their portfolio transactions, fixed commissions on many foreign stock
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. In
addition, it is expected that the expenses for custodian arrangements of the
Funds' foreign securities will be somewhat greater than the expenses for a fund
that invests primarily in domestic securities.
Certain foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and
interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are
recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce
the income received from the companies comprising the Funds. However, these
foreign withholding taxes are not expected to have a significant impact on the
Funds, since each Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and any income
should be considered incidental.
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF NON-U.S. TRANSACTIONS. Special rules govern the
Federal income tax treatment of certain transactions denominated in terms of a
currency other than the U.S. dollar or determined by reference to the value of
one or more currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The types of transactions
covered by the special rules include the following: (i) the acquisition of, or
becoming the obligor under, a bond or other debt instrument (including, to the
extent provided in Treasury regulations, preferred stock); (ii) the accruing of
certain trade receivables and payables; and (iii) the entering into or
acquisition of any forward contract, futures contract, option or similar
financial instrument if such instrument is not marked to market. The disposition
of a currency other than the U.S. dollar by a taxpayer whose functional currency
is the U.S. dollar is also treated as a transaction subject to the special
currency rules. However, foreign currency-related regulated futures contracts
and nonequity options are generally not subject to the special currency rules if
they are or would be treated as sold for their fair market value at year-end
under the marking-to-market rules applicable to other futures contracts unless
an election is made to have such currency rules apply. With respect to
transactions covered by the special rules, foreign currency gain or loss is
calculated separately from any gain or loss on the underlying transaction and is
normally taxable as ordinary income or loss. A taxpayer may elect to treat as
capital gain or loss foreign currency gain or loss arising from certain
identified forward contracts, futures contracts, and options that are capital
assets in the hands of the taxpayer and which are not part of a straddle. The
Treasury Department issued regulations under which certain transactions subject
to the special currency rules that are part of a "section 988 hedging
transaction" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
B-3
<PAGE>
the Treasury regulations) will be integrated and treated as a single transaction
or otherwise treated consistently for purposes of the Code. Any gain or loss
attributable to the foreign currency component of a transaction engaged in by a
Fund which is not subject to the special currency rules (such as foreign equity
investments other than certain preferred stock) will be treated as capital gain
or loss and will not be segregated from the gain or loss on the underlying
transaction. It is anticipated that some of the non-U.S. dollar-denominated
investments and foreign currency contracts the Funds may make or enter into will
be subject to the special currency rules described above.
FOREIGN TAX CREDIT. 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 tax credit or
deduction on their tax returns. If shareholders meet certain holding period
requirements with respect to Fund shares, an offsetting tax credit may be
available. If shareholders do not meet the holding period requirements, they may
still be entitled to a deduction for certain foreign taxes. In either case, a
shareholder's 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.
A shareholder that is a nonresident alien for U.S. tax purposes may be
subject to adverse U.S. tax consequences. For example, dividends and short-term
capital gains paid by the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal
withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate if applicable). Foreign
investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. tax
treatment of ownership of shares in the Funds.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund, along with the other members of The
Vanguard Group, may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks,
brokers, or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances. A
repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a fixed-income
security (generally a security issued by the U.S. Government or an agency
thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller,
subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the
next business day). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan
collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest
rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated
to the interest rate on the underlying instrument. In these transactions, the
securities acquired by a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must
have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are
held by a custodian bank until repurchased. In addition, the Board of Trustees
will monitor the Funds' repurchase agreement transactions generally and will
establish guidelines and standards for review of the creditworthiness of any
bank, broker, or dealer party to a repurchase agreement with a Fund.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if
the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the
underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the
Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to
the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization
under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the
underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of
the Fund and therefore the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in
the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other
party to the agreement. While the Fund's management acknowledges these risks, it
is expected that they will be controlled through careful monitoring procedures.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities that may not be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at
approximately the value at which they are being carried on the Fund's books.
Each Fund may invest in restricted, privately placed securities that, under
the Commission's rules, may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers.
Because these securities can be resold only to qualified institutional buyers or
after they have been held for a number of years, they may be considered illiquid
securities--meaning that they could be difficult for the Fund to convert to cash
if needed.
If a substantial market develops for a restricted security held by a Fund,
it will be treated as a liquid security, in accordance with procedures and
guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. This generally includes securities
that are unregistered that can be sold to qualified institutional buyers in
accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. While the Fund's
investment adviser determines the liquidity of restricted
B-4
<PAGE>
securities on a daily basis, the Board oversees and retains ultimate
responsibility for the adviser's decisions. Several factors that the Board
considers in monitoring these decisions include the valuation of a security, the
availability of qualified institutional buyers, and the availability of
information about the security's issuer.
LENDING OF SECURITIES. Each Fund may lend its investment securities to
qualified institutional investors (typically brokers, dealers, banks, or other
financial institutions) who need to borrow securities in order to complete
certain transactions, such as covering short sales, avoiding failures to deliver
securities, or completing arbitrage operations. By lending its investment
securities, a Fund attempts to increase its net investment income through the
receipt of interest on the loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the
securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the
account of the Fund. The terms and the structure and the aggregate amount of
such loans must be consistent with the 1940 Act, and the Rules or
interpretations of the Commission thereunder. These provisions limit the amount
of securities a Fund may lend to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets, and require
that (a) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund collateral consisting of
cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government having at all times not less than 100% of the value of
the securities loaned, (b) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the
price of the securities loaned rises (i.e., the borrower "marks to the market"
on a daily basis), (c) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund at
any time, and (d) the Fund receive reasonable interest on the loan (which may
include the Fund's investing any cash collateral in interest bearing short-term
investments), any distribution on the loaned securities and any increase in
their market value. Loan arrangements made by each Fund will comply with all
other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New York
Stock Exchange, which presently require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver
the securities within the normal settlement time of three business days. All
relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the broker,
dealer, or institution, will be considered in making decisions with respect to
the lending of securities, subject to review by the Board of Trustees.
At the present time, the Staff of the Commission does not object if an
investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with loaned
securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and
approved by the investment company's Trustees. In addition, voting rights pass
with the loaned securities, but if a material event will occur affecting an
investment on loan, the loan must be called and the securities voted.
VANGUARD INTERFUND LENDING PROGRAM. The Commission has issued an exemptive
order permitting the Funds and other Vanguard funds to participate in Vanguard's
interfund lending program. This program allows the Vanguard funds to borrow
money from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The
program is subject to a number of conditions, including the requirement that no
fund may borrow or lend money through the program unless it receives a more
favorable interest rate than is available from a typical bank for a comparable
transaction. In addition, a Vanguard fund may participate in the program only if
and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the fund's
investment objective and other investment policies. The Boards of Trustees of
the Vanguard funds are responsible for ensuring that the interfund lending
program operates in compliance with all conditions of the Commission's exemptive
order.
FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS, WARRANTS, CONVERTIBLE
SECURITIES, AND SWAP AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into futures contracts,
warrants, options on futures contracts, convertible securities, and swap
agreements for the purpose of remaining fully invested and reducing transaction
costs. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase
by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified
future time and at a specified price. Futures contracts which are standardized
as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument are traded on national
futures exchanges. The Fund's trading of futures contracts and options is
regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC), a U.S. Government agency. Assets committed to futures
contracts will be segregated to the extent required by law.
Each Fund will "under normal circumstances" invest at least 80% of its
assets in stocks represented in its respective index. However, each Fund has
given itself the flexibility to invest up to 50% of its assets in futures and
options under other than normal circumstances. Any investment in futures and
options over 20% of a Fund's assets would be made in emergency situations, for
short-term purposes.
Although most futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or
acceptance of the underlying financial instrument, the Funds will generally only
utilize stock index contracts which are settled by a cash
B-5
<PAGE>
amount equal to the value of an explicit stock index (such as the Standard &
Poor's 500 Stock Index) on the contract maturity date. In most cases, however,
the contracts are closed out before the settlement date. Closing out an open
futures position is done by taking an opposite position ("buying" a contract
which has previously been "sold," "selling" a contract previously "purchased")
in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are
incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold.
Futures traders are required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or
government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open
positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure
completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying security)
if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Minimal initial
margin requirements are established by the futures exchange and may be changed.
Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange
minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin which
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is
marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that
the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of
additional "variation" margin will be required. Conversely, change in the
contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of
excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and
from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. The Fund
expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.
Traders in futures contracts, in general, use the futures markets for one
of two purposes: 1) to offset or hedge unfavorable changes in the value of
securities otherwise held (or expected to be held) for investment purposes; or,
2) to profit from fluctuations in the financial instrument underlying the value
of the futures contracts. In either case, futures contracts general offer a cost
effective and efficient means to replicate exposure to various financial
instruments. The Funds intend to use futures contracts to either simulate full
(or near full) investment in stocks, while keeping cash on hand to meet
shareholder redemptions, or to reduce transaction costs. A Fund will not utilize
futures contracts to leverage its exposure to gains and losses to that above
100% of its assets.
Regulations of the CFTC applicable to the Funds require that all of their
futures transactions constitute bona fide hedging transactions except to the
extent that the aggregate initial margins and premiums required to establish any
non-hedging positions do not exceed five percent of the value of a Fund's
portfolio. The Funds will only sell futures contracts to protect securities it
owns against price declines or purchase contracts to protect against an increase
in the price of securities it intends to purchase. As evidence of this hedging
interest, the Funds expect that approximately 75% of all futures contract
purchases will be "completed;" that is, equivalent amounts of related securities
will have been purchased or are being purchased by the Funds upon sale of open
futures contracts.
Although techniques other than the sale and purchase of futures contracts
could be used to control a Fund's exposure to market fluctuations, the use of
futures contracts may be a more effective means of hedging this exposure. While
the Funds will incur commission expenses in both opening and closing out futures
positions, these costs are lower than transaction costs incurred in the purchase
and sale of the underlying securities.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS. A Fund will not enter into
futures contract transactions to the extent that, immediately thereafter, the
sum of its initial margin deposits on open contracts exceeds 5% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets. In addition, the Fund will not enter into
futures contracts to the extent that its outstanding obligations to purchase
securities under these contracts would exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets.
RISK FACTORS IN FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. Positions in futures contracts may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such
futures. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not
be possible to close a futures position. In the event of adverse price
movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to
maintain its required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient
cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements
at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be
required to make delivery of the instruments underlying
B-6
<PAGE>
futures contracts it holds. The inability to close options and futures positions
also could have an adverse impact on the ability to effectively hedge the Fund.
A Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures
contract by only entering into futures which are traded on national futures
exchanges and for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be
substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and the extremely
high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. As a result, a relatively
small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and
substantial loss (as well as gain) to the investor. For example, if at the time
of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a
subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a
total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction
costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a
loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit if the contract were closed
out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in
excess of the amount invested in the contract. However, because the futures
strategies of each Fund are engaged in only for hedging purposes, the adviser
does not believe that a Fund is subject to the risks of loss frequently
associated with futures transactions. A Fund would presumably have sustained
comparable losses if, instead of the futures contracts, it had invested in the
underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.
Utilization of futures transactions by a Fund does involve the risk of
imperfect or no correlation, particularly considering that futures contracts
have set maturity dates (referred to as "expiration dates") while the underlying
equity securities of the contract generally do not. It is also possible that a
Fund could both lose money on futures contracts and also experience a decline in
value of its portfolio securities. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of
margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom a Fund has an
open position in a futures contract or related option. Additionally, investments
in futures and options involve the risk that the investment adviser will
incorrectly predict stock market and interest rate trends.
Most futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures
contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the
maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down
from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once
the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may
be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only
price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit
potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable
positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit
for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby
preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures
traders to substantial losses.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to
make payments to the other party based on the change in market value of a
specified index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to
the first party based on the return of a different specified index or asset.
Although swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its
payment obligations thereunder, the Funds will minimize this risk by entering
into agreements that mark to market no less frequently than quarterly. Swap
agreements also bear the risk that a Fund will not be able to meet its
obligation to the counterparty. This risk will be mitigated by investing the
Fund in the specific asset for which it is obligated to pay a return.
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES CONTRACTS. Each Fund is required for
federal income tax purposes to recognize as income for each taxable year its net
unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the
year as well as those actually realized during the year. In these cases, any
gain or loss recognized with respect to a futures contract is considered to be
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss,
without regard to the holding period of the contract. Gains and losses on
certain other futures contracts (primarily non-U.S. futures contracts) are not
recognized until the contracts are closed and are treated as long-term or
short-term depending on the holding period of the contract. Sales of futures
contracts which are intended to hedge against a change in the value of
securities held by a Fund may affect the holding period of such securities and,
consequently, the nature of the gain or loss on such securities upon
disposition. A Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on
futures contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions
held by the Fund.
In order for a Fund to continue to qualify for Federal income tax treatment
as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income for a
taxable year must be derived from qualifying income; i.e.,
B-7
<PAGE>
dividends, interest, income derived from loans of securities, gains from the
sale of securities or of foreign currencies, or other income derived with
respect to the Fund's business of investing in securities or currencies. It is
anticipated that any net gain recognized on futures contracts will be considered
qualifying income for purposes of the 90% requirement.
Each Fund will distribute to shareholders annually any net capital gains
which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes on futures
transactions. Such distributions will be combined with distributions of capital
gains realized on the Fund's other investments and shareholders will be advised
on the nature of the transactions.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Each Fund is subject to the following fundamental investment limitations,
which cannot be changed in any material way without the approval of the holders
of a majority of the affected Fund's shares. For these purposes, a "majority" of
shares means shares representing the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of the votes
cast to approve a change, so long as shares representing more than 50% of the
Fund's net asset value are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than
50% of the Fund's net asset value.
ASSESSABLE SECURITIES. Each Fund may not invest in assessable securities or
securities involving unlimited liability on the part of the holders thereof.
BORROWING. Each Fund may not borrow money, except for temporary or
emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 15% of the Fund's net assets. Each
Fund may borrow money through banks, or Vanguard's interfund lending program
only, and must comply with all applicable regulatory conditions. Each Fund may
not make any additional investments whenever its outstanding borrowings exceed
5% of net assets.
COMMODITIES. Each Fund may not invest in commodities, except that each Fund
may invest in stock futures contracts, stock options, and options on stock
futures contracts. Under normal circumstances, no more than 5% of a Fund's total
assets may be used as initial margin deposit for futures contracts, and no more
than 20% of a Fund's total assets may be invested in futures contracts or
options at any time.
DIVERSIFICATION. With respect to 75% of its total assets, each Fund may
not: (i) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer, or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 5%
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in that issuer's securities. This
limitation does not apply to obligations of the United States Government, its
agencies, or instrumentalities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Fund may not acquire any security if, as a
result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are
illiquid.
INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION. Each Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total
assets in any one industry.
INVESTING FOR CONTROL. Each Fund may not invest in a company for the
purpose of controlling its management.
INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Fund may not invest in any other investment
company, except through a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets, or to
the extent permitted by Section 12 of the 1940 Act. Investment companies whose
shares the Fund acquires pursuant to Section 12 must have investment objectives
and investment policies consistent with those of the Fund.
LOANS. Each Fund may not lend money to any person except by purchasing
fixed income securities, entering into repurchase agreements, lending its
portfolio securities, or through Vanguard's interfund lending program.
MARGIN. Each Fund may not purchase securities on margin or sell securities
short, except as permitted by the Funds' investment policies relating to
commodities.
OIL, GAS, MINERALS. Each Fund may not invest in oil, gas, or other mineral
exploration or development programs.
PLEDGING ASSETS. Each Fund may not pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate more
than 15% of its net assets.
REAL ESTATE. Each Fund may not invest directly in real estate, although it
may invest in securities of companies that deal in real estate and bonds secured
by real estate.
SENIOR SECURITIES. Each Fund may not issue senior securities, except in
compliance with the 1940 Act.
B-8
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING. Each Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting
securities issued by other persons. The Fund will not be considered an
underwriter when disposing of its investment securities.
None of these limitations prevents a Fund from participating in The
Vanguard Group (Vanguard). Because each Fund is a member of Vanguard, each Fund
may own securities issued by Vanguard, make loans to Vanguard, and contribute to
Vanguard's costs or other financial requirements. See Management of the Funds
for more information.
The investment limitations set forth above are considered at the time
investment securities are purchased. If a percentage restriction is adhered to
at the time the investment is made, a later increase in percentage resulting
from a change in the market value of assets will not constitute a violation of
such restriction.
SHARE PRICE
Each Fund's share price, or "net asset value" per share, is calculated by
dividing the net assets attributable to each share class by the total number of
shares outstanding for that class. The net asset value is determined as of the
regular close of the New York Stock Exchange (the Exchange, generally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading.
Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available
(includes those securities listed on national securities exchanges, as well as
those quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market) will be valued at the last quoted sales
price on the day the valuation is made. Such securities which are not traded on
the valuation date are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. Price
information on exchange-listed securities is taken from the exchange where the
security is primarily traded. Any foreign securities are valued at the latest
quoted sales price available before the time when assets are valued. Securities
may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such
prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
Short-term instruments (those with remaining maturities of 60 days or less)
may be valued at cost, plus or minus any amortized discount or premium, which
approximates market value.
Bonds and other fixed income securities may be valued on the basis of
prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect
the fair market value of such securities. The prices provided by a pricing
service may be determined without regard to bid or last sale prices of each
security, but take into account institutional-size transactions in similar
groups of securities as well as any developments related to specific securities.
Foreign securities are valued at the last quoted sales price, or the most
recently determined closing price calculated according to local market
convention, available at the time a Fund is valued. Prices are obtained from the
broadest and most representative market on which the securities trade. If events
which materially affect the value of each Fund's investments occur after the
close of the securities markets on which such securities are primarily traded,
those investments may be valued by such methods as the Board of Trustees deems
in good faith to reflect fair value.
In determining each Fund's net asset value per share, all assets and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S. dollars using the officially quoted daily exchange rates used by Morgan
Stanley Capital International in calculating various benchmarking indexes. This
officially quoted exchange rate may be determined prior to or after the close of
a particular securities market. If such quotations are not available or do not
reflect market conditions at the time the Fund is valued, the rate of exchange
will be determined in accordance with policies established in good faith by the
Board of Trustees.
Other assets and securities for which no quotations are readily available
or which are restricted as to sale (or resale) are valued by such methods as the
Board of Trustees deems in good faith to reflect fair value.
The share price for each Fund can be found daily in the mutual fund
listings of most major newspapers under the heading of Vanguard Index Funds.
B-9
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Each Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion (i) to suspend the
offerings of its shares, (ii) to reject purchase orders when in the judgment of
management such rejection is in the best interests of the Fund, and (iii) to
reduce or waive the minimum investment for or any other restrictions on initial
and subsequent investments as well as redemption fees for certain fiduciary
accounts or under circumstances where certain economies can be achieved in sales
of the Fund's shares.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Each Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment
(i) during any period that the New York Stock Exchange is closed, or trading on
the Exchange is restricted as determined by the Commission, (ii) during any
period when an emergency exists as defined by the Commission as a result of
which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities
owned by it, or fairly to determine the value of its assets, and (iii) for such
other periods as the Commission may permit.
Each Fund has made an election with the Commission to pay in cash all
redemptions requested by any shareholder of record limited in amount during any
90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund at
the beginning of such period.
No charge is made by the Fund for redemptions from the European and Pacific
Funds. There is a 0.5% redemption fee charged for redemptions from the Emerging
Markets Fund. The redemption fee is paid to the Fund to reimburse the Fund for
transaction costs it incurs while liquidating securities in order to meet fund
redemptions. Shares redeemed may be worth more or less than what was paid for
them, depending on the market value of the securities held by the Funds.
TRADING SHARES THROUGH CHARLES SCHWAB
Each Fund has authorized Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab) to accept on
its behalf purchase and redemption orders under certain terms and conditions.
Schwab is also authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase
and redemption orders on each Fund's behalf subject to those terms and
conditions. Under this arrangement, each Fund will be deemed to have received a
purchase or redemption order when Schwab or, if applicable, Schwab's authorized
designee, accepts the order in accordance with each Fund's instructions.
Customer orders that are properly transmitted to each Fund by Schwab, or if
applicable, Schwab's authorized designee, will be priced as follows:
Orders received by Schwab before 3 p.m. Eastern time on any business day,
will be sent to Vanguard that day and your share price will be based on each
Fund's net asset value calculated at the close of trading that day. Orders
received by Schwab after 3 p.m. Eastern time, will be sent to Vanguard on the
following business day and your share price will be based on each Fund's net
asset value calculated at the close of trading that day.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
The officers of each Fund manage its day-to-day operations and are
responsible to the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for
the Funds and choose its officers. The following is a list of the Trustees and
officers of the Funds and a statement of their present positions and principal
occupations during the past five years. As a group, the Funds' Trustees and
officers own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Each Trustee
also serves as a Director of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and as a Trustee of each
of the funds administered by Vanguard. The mailing address of the Trustees and
officers of the Funds is Post Office Box 876, Valley Forge, PA 19482.
JOHN J. BRENNAN, (DOB: 7/29/1954) Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Trustee*
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and
Trustee of each of the investment companies in The Vanguard Group.
B-10
<PAGE>
JOANN HEFFERNAN HEISEN, (DOB: 1/25/1950) Trustee
Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and member of the Executive Committee
of Johnson & Johnson (Pharmaceuticals/Consumer Products); Director of Johnson &
Johnson*MERCK Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., The Medical Center at Princeton, and
Women's Research and Education Institute.
BRUCE K. MACLAURY, (DOB: 5/7/1931) Trustee
President Emeritus of The Brookings Institution (Independent Non-Partisan
Research Organization); Director of American Express Bank, Ltd., The St. Paul
Companies, Inc. (Insurance and Financial Services), and National Steel Corp.
BURTON G. MALKIEL, (DOB: 8/28/1932) Trustee
Chemical Bank Chairman's Professor of Economics, Princeton University; Director
of Prudential Insurance Co. of America, Banco Bilbao Gestinova, Baker Fentress &
Co. (Investment Management), The Jeffrey Co. (Holding Company), and Select
Sector SPDR Trust (Exchange-Traded Mutual Fund).
ALFRED M. RANKIN, JR., (DOB: 10/8/1941) Trustee
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of NACCO Industries,
Inc. (Machinery/Coal/ Appliances); and Director of The BFGoodrich Co. (Aircraft
Systems/Manufacturing/Chemicals).
JOHN C. SAWHILL, (DOB: 6/12/1936) Trustee
President and Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy (Non-Profit
Conservation Group); Director of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Procter & Gamble
Co., NACCO Industries (Machinery/Coal/Appliances), and Newfield Exploration Co.
(Energy); formerly, Director and Senior Partner of McKinsey & Co., and President
of New York University.
JAMES O. WELCH, JR., (DOB: 5/13/1931) Trustee
Retired Chairman of Nabisco Brands, Inc. (Food Products); retired Vice Chairman
and Director of RJR Nabisco (Food and Tobacco Products); Director of TECO
Energy, Inc., and Kmart Corp.
J. LAWRENCE WILSON, (DOB: 3/2/1936) Trustee
Retired Chairman of Rohm & Haas Co. (Chemicals); Director of Cummins Engine
Co.(Diesel Engine Company), and The Mead Corp. (Paper Products); and Trustee of
Vanderbilt University.
RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY, (DOB: 12/7/1938) Secretary*
Managing Director of The Vanguard Group, Inc.; Secretary of The Vanguard Group,
Inc. and of each of the investment companies in The Vanguard Group.
THOMAS J. HIGGINS, (DOB: 5/21/1957) Treasurer*
Principal of The Vanguard Group, Inc.; Treasurer of each of the investment
companies in The Vanguard Group.
ROBERT D. SNOWDEN, (DOB: 9/4/1961) Controller*
Principal of The Vanguard Group, Inc.; Controller of each of the investment
companies in The Vanguard Group.
- ---------
*Officers of the Funds are "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act.
THE VANGUARD GROUP
Each Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group of Investment Companies, which
consists of more than 100 funds. Through their jointly-owned subsidiary, The
Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard), the Funds and the other funds in The Vanguard
Group obtain at cost virtually all of their corporate management,
administrative, and distribution services. Vanguard also provides investment
advisory services on an at-cost basis to certain Vanguard funds.
Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management and administrative
personnel needed to provide the requisite services to the funds and also
furnishes the funds with necessary office space, furnishings, and equipment.
Each fund pays its share of Vanguard's net expenses, which are allocated among
the funds under methods approved by the Board of Trustees of each fund. In
addition, each fund bears its own direct expenses, such as legal, auditing, and
custodian fees.
The Funds' officers are also officers and employees of Vanguard. No officer
or employee owns, or is permitted to own, any securities of any external adviser
for the funds.
B-11
<PAGE>
Vanguard has adopted a Code of Ethics designed to prevent employees who may
have access to nonpublic information about the trading activities of the Funds
(access persons) from profiting from that information. The Code permits access
persons to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities
that may be held by the Funds, but places substantive and procedural
restrictions on their trading activities. For example, the Code requires that
access persons of the Funds receive advance approval for every securities trade
to ensure that there is no conflict with the trading activities of the Funds.
Vanguard was established and operates under an Amended and Restated Funds'
Service Agreement which was approved by the shareholders of each of the funds.
The amounts which each of the funds has invested are adjusted from time to time
in order to maintain the proportionate relationship between each fund's relative
net assets and its contribution to Vanguard's capital. The Amended and Restated
Funds' Service Agreement provides that each Vanguard fund may be called upon to
invest up to 0.40% of its current net assets in Vanguard as contributions to
Vanguard's capitalization. At December 31, 1999, each Fund had contributed
capital to Vanguard representing 0.02 of each Fund's net assets. The total
amount contributed by the Funds was $1,796,000, which represented 1.8% of
Vanguard's capitalization.
MANAGEMENT. Corporate management and administrative services include: (1)
executive staff; (2) accounting and financial; (3) legal and regulatory; (4)
shareholder account maintenance; (5) monitoring and control of custodian
relationships; (6) shareholder reporting; and (7) review and evaluation of
advisory and other services provided to the Funds by third parties.
DISTRIBUTION. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
The Vanguard Group, Inc., provides all distribution and marketing activities for
the funds in the Group. The principal distribution expenses are for advertising,
promotional materials and marketing personnel. Distribution services may also
include organizing and offering to the public, from time to time, one or more
new investment companies which will become members of The Vanguard Group. The
Trustees and officers of Vanguard determine the amount to be spent annually on
distribution activities, the manner and amount to be spent on each fund, and
whether to organize new investment companies.
One half of the distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional nature
is allocated among the funds based upon relative net assets. The remaining one
half of those expenses is allocated among the funds based upon each fund's sales
for the preceding 24 months relative to the total sales of the funds as a Group;
provided, however, that no fund's aggregate quarterly rate of contribution for
distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional nature shall exceed 125% of
the average distribution expense rate for The Vanguard Group, and that no fund
shall incur annual distribution expenses in excess of 20/100 of 1% of its
average month-end net assets. Expenses paid to Vanguard for marketing and
distribution activities will be allocated to the class of shares of each Fund on
behalf of which the expenses were incurred by making such allocations to each
share class as if each such class were a separate Vanguard fund. Expenses
associated with Vanguard's provision of shareholder account services will be
allocated to each share class on the basis of the amount incurred by each share
class.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999, the Funds
incurred the following approximate amounts of The Vanguard Group's management
(including transfer agency), distribution, and marketing expenses.
FUND 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
European Stock Index Fund ......... $4,979,000 $7,906,000 $12,019,000
Pacific Stock Index Fund .......... 2,737,000 2,932,000 5,173,000
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund . 2,410,000 2,036,000 2,643,000
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Investment advisory services to the Funds are provided on an
"internalized," at-cost basis from an experienced investment management staff
employed directly by Vanguard. The compensation and other expenses of this staff
are paid by the Vanguard funds utilizing these services.
B-12
<PAGE>
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999, the Funds
incurred expenses for investment advisory services of approximately the
following amounts:
FUND 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
European Stock Index Fund .............. $23,000 $47,000 $87,000
Pacific Stock Index Fund ............... 23,000 47,000 87,000
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund ...... 23,000 47,000 87,000
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
The same individuals serve as Trustees of all Vanguard funds (with two
exceptions, which are noted in the table appearing below), and each fund pays a
proportionate share of the Trustees' compensation. The funds employ their
officers on a shared basis, as well. However, officers are compensated by The
Vanguard Group, Inc., not the funds.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES. The funds compensate their independent Trustees--that
is, the ones who are not also officers of the funds--in three ways:
- - The independent Trustees receive an annual fee for their service to the
funds, which is subject to reduction based on absences from scheduled Board
meetings.
- - The independent Trustees are reimbursed for the travel and other expenses
that they incur in attending Board meetings.
- - Upon retirement, the independent Trustees receive an aggregate annual fee
of $1,000 for each year served on the Board, up to fifteen years of
service. This annual fee is paid for ten years following retirement, or
until each Trustee's death.
"INTERESTED" TRUSTEE. Mr. Brennan serves as a Trustee, but is not paid in
this capacity. He is, however, paid in his role as officer of The Vanguard
Group, Inc.
COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table provides compensation details for
each of the Trustees. We list the amounts paid as compensation and accrued as
retirement benefits by the Funds for each Trustee. In addition, the table shows
the total amount of benefits that we expect each Trustee to receive from all
Vanguard funds upon retirement, and the total amount of compensation paid to
each Trustee by all Vanguard funds.
VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX FUNDS
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PENSION OR TOTAL
AGGREGATE RETIREMENT COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION BENEFITS ACCRUED FROM ALL VANGUARD
FROM THESE AS PART OF THESE ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUNDS PAID TO
FUNDS FUNDS' EXPENSES BENEFITS UPON TRUSTEES
NAMES OF TRUSTEES (1) (1) RETIREMENT (2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John C. Bogle(3) None None None None
John J. Brennan None None None None
JoAnn Heffernan Heisen $1,376 $76 $15,000 $80,000
Bruce K. MacLaury $1,426 $129 $12,000 $75,000
Burton G. Malkiel $1,386 $125 $15,000 $80,000
Alfred M. Rankin, Jr. $1,376 $92 $15,000 $80,000
John C. Sawhill $1,376 $116 $15,000 $80,000
James O. Welch, Jr. $1,376 $134 $15,000 $80,000
J. Lawrence Wilson $1,376 $97 $15,000 $80,000
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) The amounts shown in this column are based on the Funds' fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999.
(2) The amounts reported in this column reflect the total compensation paid to
each Trustee for his or her service as Trustee of 103 Vanguard funds (102
in the case of Mr. Malkiel; 93 in the case of Mr. MacLaury) for the 1999
calendar year.
(3) Mr. Bogle has retired from the Funds' Board, effective December 31, 1999.
B-13
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
In placing portfolio transactions, each Fund uses its best judgment to
choose the broker most capable of providing the brokerage services necessary to
obtain the best available price and most favorable execution. The full range and
quality of brokerage services available are considered in making these
determinations. In those instances where it is reasonably determined that more
than one broker can offer the brokerage services needed to obtain the best
available price and most favorable execution, consideration will be given to
those brokers which supply statistical information and provide other services in
addition to execution services to the Funds.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999, the Funds
paid the following approximate amounts in brokerage commissions.
FUND 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
European Stock Index Fund ......... $1,522,000 $4,485,000 $3,125,000
Pacific Stock Index Fund .......... 605,000 370,000 1,003,000
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund . 2,302,000 987,000 1,829,000
TOTAL RETURN
The average annual total return of each Fund for the one- and five-year
periods ended December 31, 1999 and since its inception are set forth below:
1 YEAR ENDED 5 YEARS ENDED SINCE
FUND 12/31/1999 12/31/1999 INCEPTION*
- ---- ---------- ---------- ----------
European Stock Index Fund**........ 16.62% 22.58% 14.61%
Pacific Stock Index Fund**......... 57.05% 2.52% 3.20%
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund+. 59.96% 4.88% 6.03%
- ---------
*June 18, 1990 for European and Pacific Stock Index Funds, and May 4, 1994 for
Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund.
**Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee imposed on
accounts with balances of less than $10,000, or the transaction fee imposed on
purchases prior to April 1, 2000.
+Return figures do not reflect the annual account maintenance fee imposed on
accounts with balances of less than $10,000, but do reflect the 0.5% trans-
action fee imposed on purchases and redemptions.
The Funds' transaction fees were as follows:
FUND PURCHASE FEES REDEMPTION FEES
- ---- ------------- ---------------
European Stock Index None (beginning 4/1/2000) None
Fund 0.5% (from 11/3/1997 to 3/31/2000)
1.0% (from 6/18/1990 to 11/2/1997)
Pacific Stock Index None (beginning 4/1/2000) None
Fund 0.5% (from 1/1/1997 to 3/31/2000)
1.0% (from 6/18/1990 to 12/31/1996)
Emerging Markets Stock 0.5% (beginning 4/1/2000) 0.5% (beginning
Index Fund 1.0% (from 11/3/1997 to 3/31/2000) 4/1/2000)
1.5% (from 1/1/1997 to 11/2/1997) 1.0% (from 5/4/
2.0% (from 5/4/1994 to 12/31/1996) 1994 to 3/31/
2000
B-14
<PAGE>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
Average annual total return is the average annual compounded rate of return
for the periods of one year, five years, ten years or the life of the Fund, all
ended on the last day of a recent month. Average annual total return quotations
will reflect changes in the price of the Fund's shares and assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the respective periods were
reinvested in Fund shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding
the average annual compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over
such periods according to the following formula (average annual total return is
then expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)1/N - 1
Where:
T =average annual total return
P =a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
n =number of years
ERV =ending redeemable value: ERV is the value, at the end
of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the applicable
period
AVERAGE ANNUAL AFTER-TAX TOTAL RETURN QUOTATION
We calculate the Fund's average annual after-tax total return by finding
the average annual compounded rate of return over the 1-, 5-, and 10-year
periods that would equate the initial amount invested to the after-tax value,
according to the following formulas:
P (1+T)N = ATV
Where:
P =a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T =average annual after-tax total return
n =number of years
ATV =after-tax value at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year
periods of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the time period, assuming no liquidation
of the investment at the end of the measurement periods
Instructions:
1. Assume all distributions by the Fund are reinvested--less the taxes due on
such distributions--at the price on the reinvestment dates during the
period. Adjustments may be made for subsequent re-characterizations of
distributions.
2. Calculate the taxes due on distributions by the Fund by applying the
highest federal marginal tax rates to each component of the distributions
on the reinvestment date (e.g., ordinary income, short-term capital gain,
long-term capital gain, etc.). For periods after December 31, 1997, the
federal marginal tax rates used for the calculations are 39.6% for ordinary
income and short-term capital gains and 20% for long-term capital gains.
Note that the applicable tax rates may vary over the measurement period.
Assume no taxes are due on the portions of any distributions classified as
exempt interest or non-taxable (i.e., return of capital). Ignore any
potential tax liabilities other than federal tax liabilities (e.g., state
and local taxes).
3. Include all recurring fees that are charged to all shareholder accounts.
For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an
account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Assume that
no additional taxes or tax credits result from any redemption of shares
required to pay such fees.
4. State the total return quotation to the nearest hundredth of one percent.
B-15
<PAGE>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Cumulative total return is the cumulative rate of return on a hypothetical
initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative total return
quotations reflect changes in the price of the Fund's shares and assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were reinvested in
Fund shares. Cumulative total return is calculated by finding the cumulative
rates of a return of a hypothetical investment over such periods, according to
the following formula (cumulative total return is then expressed as a
percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C =cumulative total return
P =a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
ERV =ending redeemable value: ERV is the value, at the end
of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the applicable
period
SEC YIELDS
Yield is the net annualized yield based on a specified 30-day (or one
month) period assuming semiannual compounding of income. Yield is calculated by
dividing the net investment income per share earned during the period by the
maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to the
following formula:
YIELD = 2[((A-B)/CD+1)6 - 1]
Where:
a =dividends and interest earned during the period
b =expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c =the average daily number of shares outstanding during
the period that were entitled to receive dividends
d =the maximum offering price per share on the last day of
the period
COMPARATIVE INDEXES
Vanguard may use reprinted material discussing The Vanguard Group, Inc. or
any of the member funds of The Vanguard Group of Investment Companies. The funds
may use one or more of the following unmanaged indexes for comparative
performance purposes:
SELECT EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX--is an unpublished index which includes
common stocks of companies located in 13 emerging markets and the developed
countries of Hong Kong and Singapore.
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EUROPE, AUSTRALASIA, FAR EAST INDEX--is an
arithmetic, market value-weighted average of the performance of over 1,000
securities listed on the stock exchanges of countries in Europe, Australia,
Asia, and the Far East.
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX--an arithmetic,
market value-weighted average of the performance of securities listed on the
stock exchanges of 22 developing countries.
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EUROPE, AUSTRALASIA, FAR EAST + SELECT
EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX--an arithmetic, market value-weighted average of the
performance of securities listed on the stock markets of Europe, Australia, the
Far East and 15 developing countries.
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL COMPOSITE INDEX--a Vanguard maintained index that combines
the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index with the Select Emerging
Markets Free Index on a market value-weighted basis.
FT-ACTUARIES WORLD INDEX--includes approximately 2,400 securities from 24
countries including the U.S.
FT-ACTUARIES EURO-PACIFIC INDEX--a subset of the FT Actuaries World Index, which
excludes companies in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South Africa.
SALOMON-RUSSELL PRIMARY MARKET INDEX--consists of the approximately 700 largest
stocks within 23 countries.
SALOMON-RUSSELL EXTENDED MARKET INDEX--consists of approximately 1,000 medium
and small capitalization stocks from 23 countries.
SALOMON-RUSSELL BROAD MARKET INDEX--consists of all of the stocks within the
Primary Market Index and the Extended Market Index.
B-16
<PAGE>
RUSSELL UNIVERSE OF NON-U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIOS--a universe of separate accounts
and pooled funds available to U.S. investors, which invest in international
equities.
RUSSELL UNIVERSE OF WORLD EQUITY PORTFOLIOS--a universe of equity-oriented
global portfolios.
LIPPER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSE--a universe of mutual funds that invest in
international equities.
LIPPER DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSE--a universe of mutual funds that
invest in international equities from more than one country.
LIPPER INTERNATIONAL AVERAGE--the average return of the portfolios included in
the Lipper International Universe.
LIPPER DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL AVERAGE--the average return of the portfolios
included in the Lipper Diversified International Universe.
STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE STOCK PRICE INDEX--includes stocks selected by
Standard & Poor's Index Committee to include leading companies in leading
industries and to reflect the U.S. stock market.
STANDARD AND POOR'S MIDCAP 400 INDEX--is composed of 400 medium sized domestic
stocks.
STANDARD AND POOR'S SMALLCAP 600/BARRA VALUE INDEX--contains stocks of the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index which have a lower than average price-to-book ratio.
STANDARD AND POOR'S SMALLCAP 600/BARRA GROWTH INDEX--contains stocks of the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index which have a higher than average price-to-book ratio.
RUSSELL 1000 VALUE INDEX--consists of the stocks in the Russell 1000 Index
(comprising the 1,000 largest U.S.-based companies measured by total market
capitalization) with the lowest price-to-book ratios, comprising 50% of the
market capitalization of the Russell 1000.
WILSHIRE 5000 TOTAL MARKET INDEX--consists of more than 7,000 common equity
securities, covering all stocks in the U.S. for which daily pricing is
available.
WILSHIRE 4500 COMPLETION INDEX--consists of all stocks in the Wilshire 5000
except for the 500 stocks in the Standard and Poor's 500 Index.
SALOMON BROTHERS HIGH-GRADE CORPORATE BOND INDEX--consists of publicly issued,
non-convertible corporate bonds rated Aa or Aaa. It is a value-weighted, total
return index, including approximately 800 issues with maturities of 12 years or
greater.
BARING EMERGING MARKETS INDEX--a diversified index of approximately 250
relatively liquid stocks from 13 emerging market countries.
SALOMON BROTHERS BROAD INVESTMENT-GRADE BOND INDEX--is a market-weighted index
that contains approximately 4,700 individually priced investment-grade corporate
bonds rated BBB or better, U.S. Treasury and agency issues, and mortgage
pass-through securities.
SHEARSON LEHMAN LONG-TERM TREASURY BOND INDEX--is composed of all bonds covered
by the Shearson Lehman Hutton Treasury Bond Index with maturities of ten years
or greater.
NASDAQ INDUSTRIAL INDEX--is composed of more than 3,000 industrial issues. It is
a value-weighted index calculated on price change only and does not include
income.
COMPOSITE INDEX--65% Standard & Poor's 500 Index and 35% Lehman Brothers
Corporate A or Better Bond Index.
COMPOSITE INDEX--65% Lehman Brothers Corporate A or Better Bond Index and a 35%
weighting in a blended equity composite (75% Standard & Poor's/BARRA Value
Index, 12.5% Standard & Poor's Utilities Index and 12.5% Standard & Poor's
Telephone Index).
LEHMAN BROTHERS LONG-TERM CORPORATE AA OR BETTER BOND INDEX--consists of all
publicly issued, fixed rate, nonconvertible investment grade,
dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt rated Aa or Aaa.
B-17
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds' Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31,
1999, appearing in the Funds' 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders, and the report
thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, also appearing
therein, are incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional
Information. For a more complete discussion of the performance, please see the
Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
SAI072-04/28/2000
B-18