UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act File Number: 811-10063
T. Rowe Price International Index Fund, Inc. |
|
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
David Oestreicher |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
|
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (410) 345-2000
Date
of fiscal year end: October 31
Date
of reporting period: October 31, 2016
Item 1. Report to Shareholders
International Equity Index Fund |
October
31, 2016 |
The views and opinions in this report were current as of October 31, 2016. They are not guarantees of performance or investment results and should not be taken as investment advice. Investment decisions reflect a variety of factors, and the managers reserve the right to change their views about individual stocks, sectors, and the markets at any time. As a result, the views expressed should not be relied upon as a forecast of the funds future investment intent. The report is certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires mutual funds and other public companies to affirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the information in their financial reports is fairly and accurately stated in all material respects.
REPORTS ON THE WEB
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Managers Letter
Fellow Shareholders
Developed non-U.S. equity markets experienced two major sell-offs during the 12-month reporting period but finished with modest losses after recovering much of the lost ground. Early in 2016, equities came under pressure as Chinese and global economic growth concerns intensified. And in June, markets were hit by a brief but intense sell-off after UK citizens voted in favor of leaving the European Union. However, equities rebounded as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the European Central Bank unveiled new stimulus efforts and the Federal Reserve delayed additional rate increases. Oil prices also bounced back from 13-year lows reached in mid-February, providing relief to the beleaguered energy sector and oil-exporting nations.
The International Equity Index Fund returned 1.43% and -1.97% for the 6- and 12-month periods ended October 31, 2016, respectively, compared with 0.56% and -2.04% for the FTSE All World Developed ex North America Index (FTSE index). The fund gives shareholders exposure to non-U.S. stocks in developed markets by closely matching the structure of the index.
Differences in the funds results relative to the benchmark primarily reflect fair value pricing at the end of the period, operating and management expenses, and taxesnone of which are incurred by the benchmark. As described in the funds prospectus, because there are timing differences between when the fund prices its securities and when certain foreign markets close, the fund adjusts the prices of its portfolio securities to reflect market events that may affect prices after the close of foreign markets. The fund values its securities in this way to protect shareholders and deter market timing by speculators. Since the index does not need to apply fair valuation, this technicality contributed to the performance disparity between the fund and the index.
MARKET REVIEW
As shown in the Market Performance table, the major markets in which the fund invests produced mixed results for the 12-month period, with Australia and Asian countries doing well while European returns lagged. Australia led the way, helped by a rebound in commodity prices. Many Asian markets advanced strongly, as China attempted to manage its economic slowdown through continued stimulus measures.
Japanese shares fell about 10% in local currency terms, but yen strength versus the greenback resulted in a gain of 3.55% for U.S. investors. The yen strengthened even though the BoJ expanded its stimulus efforts over the last year. These efforts included introducing negative interest rates at the beginning of 2016 and targeting 10-year Japanese government bond yields around 0% near the end of the reporting period.
The euro was down slightly versus the U.S. dollar, and most European markets declined. Italian shares tumbled more than 20% due to concerns about nonperforming bank loans. In the UK, strong returns in local currency terms were offset by the British pounds drop versus the dollar, which stemmed mostly from the countrys decision to leave the European Union and expectations for an economic slowdown. Austria and Portugal produced positive returns. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, Europes economy continued to show positive momentum.
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
The FTSE indexs largest country weightings include Japan, the UK, and developed markets in Europe and the Pacific Rim. The fund is constructed by sorting the market in each country in the index by industry groups and targeting a representative sampling of the stocks in each industry for inclusion. The fund attempts to replicate the indexs performance by investing in stocks in proportion to their allocation in the index.
At the end of October, as shown in the accompanying Geographic Diversification chart, Europe represented 57% of net assets, Japan accounted for 25%, and the Pacific Rim composed 16%. Changes to the portfolios sector weights since our previous letter, as shown in the Sector Diversification table on page 4, were relatively insignificant. Financials, industrials and business services, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, and health care remained the funds largest sector allocations and accounted for nearly 70% of assets.
Supported by a rebound in the prices of oil and other commodities, materials and energy were among the best-performing sectors for the 12-month period, producing respective returns of about 12.3% and 6.5%. Information technology shares were also strong, rising almost 9%, while the industrials and business services sector produced modest gains. The health care sector, on the other hand, had the weakest performance, losing more than 9% amid concerns about the potential for increased regulatory pressures in key markets. Financial stocks also performed poorly, declining about 7%, as extremely lowor negativeinterest rates in Europe and Japan cut into bank profits.
Your fund remained broadly diversified, consistent with the FTSE index. The funds 25 largest holdings represented less than 21% of total net assets at the end of our reporting period, as shown in the table on page 7. Food company Nestle (Switzerland), oil producer Royal Dutch Shell (UK), and pharmaceutical company Roche Holding (Switzerland) were the funds largest positions. (Please refer to the funds portfolio of investments for a complete list of holdings and the amount each represents in the portfolio.)
The portfolios leading contributors came from a variety of industries. Several energy and mining companies, including Switzerland-based Glencore, turned in solid performances. South Korean chipmaker Samsung Electronics produced strong results, although the stock slumped late in the reporting period when the company scrapped its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after numerous reports of the devices catching fire. Telecom company KDDI and electronics manufacturer Keyence, which are both based in Japan, were top performers, and German sports apparel maker Adidas also added value.
Several companies in the pharmaceutical industry showed notable weakness. Novartis (Switzerland) reported declining revenue from Gleevec, its cancer treatment. Share prices of drugmakers Novo Nordisk (Denmark), Bayer (Germany), Roche Holding, and Sanofi (France) also declined during the period. In banking, UK-based Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays weighed on results.
As a reminder, please note that our strategy in this fund is to mirror the benchmark index and give investors exposure to the major international markets in the developed world. We make no individual stock selections based on bottom-up fundamental research.
INVESTMENT OUTLOOK
Global growth expectations are modest for the near term, weighed down by increased uncertainty resulting from Brexit and further evidence of declining global trade activity. Japanese growth has remained tepid and uneven despite aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus and has become increasingly vulnerable to a stronger yen. The uncertainties created by Britains decision to leave the European Union are likely to impact corporate and consumer spending within Europe for an extended period.
At current levels, equity valuations in many markets are trending above historical averages, with profit margins declining and earnings growth providing little support; however, slow but positive economic growth could be supportive of most sectors. And while valuations vary across different regions, many international markets continue to look attractive relative to the U.S.
Our mission is to provide investors with low-cost exposure to non-U.S. equities through a diversified portfolio designed to replicate the performance of our benchmark index. As mentioned earlier, we do not make investment decisions based on our view of individual stocks or economies, and we believe that an allocation to foreign securities should be an integral part of a diversified investment portfolio.
Thank you for investing with T. Rowe Price.
Respectfully submitted,
Neil Smith
Chairman of the funds Investment Advisory Committee
November 17, 2016
The committee chairman has day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with committee members in developing and executing the funds investment program.
RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTING
Funds that invest overseas generally carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. assets. Funds investing in a single country or in a limited geographic region tend to be riskier than more diversified funds. Risks can result from varying stages of economic and political development; differing regulatory environments, trading days, and accounting standards; and higher transaction costs of non-U.S. markets. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to currency risk, or a decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency.
GLOSSARY
FTSE All World Developed ex North America Index: A broadly diversified stock market index based on the investable market capitalization of more than 1,000 predominantly larger companies listed in 21 countries. The indexs major markets include the UK, Japan, and developed countries in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
Performance and Expenses
Growth of $10,000 |
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which may include a broad-based market index and a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
Fund Expense Example |
As a mutual fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other fund expenses. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the most recent six-month period and held for the entire period.
Actual Expenses
The first line of the following table (Actual) provides
information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the
information on this line, together with your account balance, to estimate the
expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by
$1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then
multiply the result by the number on the first line under the heading Expenses
Paid During Period to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during
this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison
Purposes
The information on the second
line of the table (Hypothetical) is based on hypothetical account values and
expenses derived from the funds actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year
rate of return before expenses (not the funds actual return). You may compare
the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds by contrasting this
5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the
shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and
expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or
expenses you paid for the period.
Note: T. Rowe Price charges an account service fee that is not included in the accompanying table. The account service fee is charged on a quarterly basis, usually during the last week of a calendar quarter, and applies to accounts with balances below $10,000 on the day of the assessment. The fee is charged to accounts that fall below $10,000 for any reason, including market fluctuations, redemptions, or exchanges. When an account with less than $10,000 is closed either through redemption or exchange, the fee is charged and deducted from the proceeds. The fee applies to IRAs but not to retirement plans directly registered with T. Rowe Price Services or accounts maintained by intermediaries through NSCC® Networking. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.
You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. To the extent a fund charges transaction costs, however, the total cost of owning that fund is higher.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes to Financial Statements |
T. Rowe Price International Index Fund, Inc. (the corporation), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The International Equity Index Fund (the fund) is a diversified, open-end management investment company established by the corporation. The fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth.
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 (ASC 946). The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including, but not limited to, ASC 946. GAAP requires the use of estimates made by management. Management believes that estimates and valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the valuations reflected in the accompanying financial statements may differ from the value ultimately realized upon sale or maturity.
Investment Transactions, Investment Income, and Distributions Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized for financial reporting purposes. Dividends received from mutual fund investments are reflected as dividend income; capital gain distributions are reflected as realized gain/loss. Dividend income and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income tax-related interest and penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as income tax expense. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are reported on the identified cost basis. Income distributions are declared and paid annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Capital gain distributions are generally declared and paid by the fund annually.
Currency Translation Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate, using the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as quoted by a major bank. Purchases and sales of securities, income, and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains and losses is reflected as a component of security gains and losses.
Redemption Fees A 2% fee is assessed on redemptions of fund shares held for 90 days or less to deter short-term trading and to protect the interests of long-term shareholders. Redemption fees are withheld from proceeds that shareholders receive from the sale or exchange of fund shares. The fees are paid to the fund and are recorded as an increase to paid-in capital. The fees may cause the redemption price per share to differ from the net asset value per share.
New Accounting Guidance In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a new rule, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, which, among other provisions, amends Regulation S-X to require standardized, enhanced disclosures, particularly related to derivatives, in investment company financial statements. Compliance with the guidance is required for financial statements filed with the SEC on or after August 1, 2017; adoption will have no effect on the funds net assets or results of operations.
NOTE 2 - VALUATION
The funds financial instruments are valued and its net asset value (NAV) per share is computed at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally 4 p.m. ET, each day the NYSE is open for business. However, the NAV per share may be calculated at a time other than the normal close of the NYSE if trading on the NYSE is restricted, if the NYSE closes earlier, or as may be permitted by the SEC.
Fair Value The funds financial instruments are reported at fair value, which GAAP defines as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The T. Rowe Price Valuation Committee (the Valuation Committee) is an internal committee that has been delegated certain responsibilities by the funds Board of Directors (the Board) to ensure that financial instruments are appropriately priced at fair value in accordance with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Subject to oversight by the Board, the Valuation Committee develops and oversees pricing-related policies and procedures and approves all fair value determinations. Specifically, the Valuation Committee establishes procedures to value securities; determines pricing techniques, sources, and persons eligible to effect fair value pricing actions; oversees the selection, services, and performance of pricing vendors; oversees valuation-related business continuity practices; and provides guidance on internal controls and valuation-related matters. The Valuation Committee reports to the Board and has representation from legal, portfolio management and trading, operations, risk management, and the funds treasurer.
Various valuation techniques and inputs are used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. GAAP establishes the following fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
Level 1 quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments that the fund can access at the reporting date
Level 2 inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in inactive markets, interest rates and yield curves, implied volatilities, and credit spreads)
Level 3 unobservable inputs
Observable inputs are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, and reflect the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. Unobservable inputs are those for which market data are not available and are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. GAAP requires valuation techniques to maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. When multiple inputs are used to derive fair value, the financial instrument is assigned to the level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value of the financial instrument. Input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level but rather the degree of judgment used in determining those values.
Valuation Techniques Equity securities listed or regularly traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market are valued at the last quoted sale price or, for certain markets, the official closing price at the time the valuations are made. OTC Bulletin Board securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the quotation on the exchange determined to be the primary market for such security. Listed securities not traded on a particular day are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for domestic securities and the last quoted sale or closing price for international securities.
For valuation purposes, the last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted to reflect the fair value of such securities at the close of the NYSE. If the fund determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the NYSE will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities, the fund will adjust the previous quoted prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the NYSE. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust quoted prices to reflect fair value, the fund reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. The fund may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the fund is open. The fund uses outside pricing services to provide it with quoted prices and information to evaluate or adjust those prices. The fund cannot predict how often it will use quoted prices and how often it will determine it necessary to adjust those prices to reflect fair value. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the fund routinely compares quoted prices, the next days opening prices in the same markets, and adjusted prices.
Actively traded equity securities listed on a domestic exchange generally are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Non-U.S. equity securities generally are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy despite the availability of quoted prices because, as described above, the fund evaluates and determines whether those quoted prices reflect fair value at the close of the NYSE or require adjustment. OTC Bulletin Board securities, certain preferred securities, and equity securities traded in inactive markets generally are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Debt securities generally are traded in the OTC market. Debt securities with remaining maturities of less than one year at the time of acquisition generally use amortized cost in local currency to approximate fair value. However, if amortized cost is deemed not to reflect fair value or the fund holds a significant amount of such securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, the securities are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service. Generally, debt securities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in mutual funds are valued at the mutual funds closing NAV per share on the day of valuation and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Financial futures contracts are valued at closing settlement prices and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Assets and liabilities other than financial instruments, including short-term receivables and payables, are carried at cost, or estimated realizable value, if less, which approximates fair value.
Thinly traded financial instruments and those for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee. The objective of any fair value pricing determination is to arrive at a price that could reasonably be expected from a current sale. Financial instruments fair valued by the Valuation Committee are primarily private placements, restricted securities, warrants, rights, and other securities that are not publicly traded.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the Valuation Committee regularly makes good faith judgments to establish and adjust the fair valuations of certain securities as events occur and circumstances warrant. For instance, in determining the fair value of an equity investment with limited market activity, such as a private placement or a thinly traded public company stock, the Valuation Committee considers a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the issuers business prospects, its financial standing and performance, recent investment transactions in the issuer, new rounds of financing, negotiated transactions of significant size between other investors in the company, relevant market valuations of peer companies, strategic events affecting the company, market liquidity for the issuer, and general economic conditions and events. In consultation with the investment and pricing teams, the Valuation Committee will determine an appropriate valuation technique based on available information, which may include both observable and unobservable inputs. The Valuation Committee typically will afford greatest weight to actual prices in arms length transactions, to the extent they represent orderly transactions between market participants, transaction information can be reliably obtained, and prices are deemed representative of fair value. However, the Valuation Committee may also consider other valuation methods such as market-based valuation multiples; a discount or premium from market value of a similar, freely traded security of the same issuer; or some combination. Fair value determinations are reviewed on a regular basis and updated as information becomes available, including actual purchase and sale transactions of the issue. Because any fair value determination involves a significant amount of judgment, there is a degree of subjectivity inherent in such pricing decisions, and fair value prices determined by the Valuation Committee could differ from those of other market participants. Depending on the relative significance of unobservable inputs, including the valuation technique(s) used, fair valued securities may be categorized in Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Valuation Inputs The following table summarizes the funds financial instruments, based on the inputs used to determine their fair values on October 31, 2016:
There were no material transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the year ended October 31, 2016.
Following is a reconciliation of the funds Level 3 holdings for the year ended October 31, 2016. Gain (loss) reflects both realized and change in unrealized gain/loss on Level 3 holdings during the period, if any, and is included on the accompanying Statement of Operations. The change in unrealized gain/loss on Level 3 instruments held at October 31, 2016, totaled $(14,000) for the year ended October 31, 2016. Transfers into and out of Level 3 are reflected at the value of the financial instrument at the beginning of the period. During the year, transfers into Level 3 resulted from a lack of observable market data for the security.
NOTE 3 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
During the year ended October 31, 2016, the fund invested in derivative instruments. As defined by GAAP, a derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from an underlying security price, foreign exchange rate, interest rate, index of prices or rates, or other variable; it requires little or no initial investment and permits or requires net settlement. The fund invests in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are consistent with its investment objectives, policies, and overall risk profile, as described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, such as seeking to hedge against declines in principal value, increase yield, invest in an asset with greater efficiency and at a lower cost than is possible through direct investment, or to adjust credit exposure. The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and potentially much greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the instruments on which the derivatives are based. The fund at all times maintains sufficient cash reserves, liquid assets, or other SEC-permitted asset types to cover its settlement obligations under open derivative contracts.
The fund values its derivatives at fair value and recognizes changes in fair value currently in its results of operations. Accordingly, the fund does not follow hedge accounting, even for derivatives employed as economic hedges. Generally, the fund accounts for its derivatives on a gross basis. It does not offset the fair value of derivative liabilities against the fair value of derivative assets on its financial statements, nor does it offset the fair value of derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or obligation to return collateral. As of October 31, 2016, the fund held equity futures cumulative unrealized loss of $96,000; the value reflected on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the related unsettled variation margin.
Additionally, during the year ended October 31, 2016, the fund recognized $49,000 of realized gain on Futures and a $(190,000) change in unrealized gain/loss on Futures related to its investments in equity derivatives; such amounts are included on the accompanying Statement of Operations.
Counterparty Risk and Collateral The fund invests in exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivative contracts, such as futures, exchange-traded options, and centrally cleared swaps. Counterparty risk on such derivatives is minimal because the clearinghouse provides protection against counterparty defaults. For futures and centrally cleared swaps, the fund is required to deposit collateral in an amount specified by the clearinghouse and the clearing firm (margin requirement), and the margin requirement must be maintained over the life of the contract. Each clearinghouse and clearing firm, in its sole discretion, may adjust the margin requirements applicable to the fund.
Collateral may be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies. Cash posted by the fund is reflected as cash deposits in the accompanying financial statements and generally is restricted from withdrawal by the fund; securities posted by the fund are so noted in the accompanying Portfolio of Investments; both remain in the funds assets. As of October 31, 2016, securities valued at $307,000 had been posted by the fund for exchange-traded and/or centrally cleared derivatives.
Futures Contracts The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses futures contracts to help manage such risk. The fund may enter into futures contracts as an efficient means of maintaining liquidity while being invested in the market, to facilitate trading, or to reduce transaction costs.
A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another of a specified amount of a specific underlying financial instrument at an agreed-upon price, date, time, and place. The fund currently invests only in exchange-traded futures, which generally are standardized as to maturity date, underlying financial instrument, and other contract terms. Payments are made or received by the fund each day to settle daily fluctuations in the value of the contract (variation margin), which reflect changes in the value of the underlying financial instrument. Variation margin is recorded as unrealized gain or loss until the contract is closed. The value of a futures contract included in net assets is the amount of unsettled variation margin; net variation margin receivable is reflected as an asset, and net variation margin payable is reflected as a liability on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks related to the use of futures contracts include possible illiquidity of the futures markets, contract prices that can be highly volatile and imperfectly correlated to movements in hedged security values, and potential losses in excess of the funds initial investment. During the year ended October 31, 2016, the volume of the funds activity in futures, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally between 0% and 2% of net assets.
NOTE 4 - OTHER INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with its investment objective, the fund engages in the following practices to manage exposure to certain risks and/or to enhance performance. The investment objective, policies, program, and risk factors of the fund are described more fully in the funds prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Securities Lending The fund may lend its securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Its securities lending activities are administered by a lending agent in accordance with a securities lending agreement. Security loans generally do not have stated maturity dates, and the fund may recall a security at any time. The fund receives collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities, valued at 102% to 105% of the value of the securities on loan. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the fund the next business day. Cash collateral is invested by the lending agent(s) in accordance with investment guidelines approved by fund management. Additionally, the lending agent indemnifies the fund against losses resulting from borrower default. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral and indemnification, the fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities, collateral investments decline in value, and the lending agent fails to perform. Securities lending revenue consists of earnings on invested collateral and borrowing fees, net of any rebates to the borrower, compensation to the lending agent, and other administrative costs. In accordance with GAAP, investments made with cash collateral are reflected in the accompanying financial statements, but collateral received in the form of securities is not. At October 31, 2016, the value of loaned securities was $7,503,000; the value of cash collateral and related investments was $8,355,000.
Other Purchases and sales of portfolio securities other than short-term securities aggregated $56,183,000 and $81,087,000, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2016.
NOTE 5 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
No provision for federal income taxes is required since the fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and distribute to shareholders all of its taxable income and gains. Distributions determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations may differ in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes. Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
The fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The funds tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return but which can be extended to six years in certain circumstances. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
Reclassifications to paid-in capital relate primarily to expiring capital loss carryforwards. For the year ended October 31, 2016, the following reclassifications were recorded to reflect tax character (there was no impact on results of operations or net assets):
Distributions during the years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, totaled $13,374,000 and $17,310,000, respectively, and were characterized as ordinary income for tax purposes. At October 31, 2016, the tax-basis cost of investments and components of net assets were as follows:
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the deferral of losses from wash sales and the realization of gains/losses on passive foreign investment companies for tax purposes. The fund intends to retain realized gains to the extent of available capital loss carryforwards. Because the fund is required to use capital loss carryforwards that do not expire before those with expiration dates, all or a portion of its capital loss carryforwards subject to expiration could ultimately go unused. During the year ended October 31, 2016, the fund utilized $13,562,000 of capital loss carryforwards. The funds available capital loss carryforwards as of October 31, 2016, expire as follows: $18,272,000 in fiscal 2017, $10,857,000 in fiscal 2018, and $26,484,000 in fiscal 2019; $11,498,000 have no expiration.
NOTE 6 - FOREIGN TAXES
The fund is subject to foreign income taxes imposed by certain countries in which it invests. Additionally, certain foreign currency transactions are subject to tax, and capital gains realized upon disposition of securities issued in or by certain foreign countries are subject to capital gains tax imposed by those countries. All taxes are computed in accordance with the applicable foreign tax law, and, to the extent permitted, capital losses are used to offset capital gains. Taxes attributable to income are accrued by the fund as a reduction of income. Taxes incurred on the purchase of foreign currencies are recorded as realized loss on foreign currency transactions. Current and deferred tax expense attributable to capital gains is reflected as a component of realized or change in unrealized gain/loss on securities in the accompanying financial statements. At October 31, 2016, the fund had no deferred tax liability attributable to foreign securities and no foreign capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE 7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Price Associates), a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Price Group). Price Associates has entered into a sub-advisory agreement(s) with one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries, to provide investment advisory services to the fund. The investment management and administrative agreement between the fund and Price Associates provides for an all-inclusive annual fee equal to 0.50% of the funds average daily net assets. The fee is computed daily and paid monthly. The all-inclusive fee covers investment management, shareholder servicing, transfer agency, accounting, and custody services provided to the fund, as well as fund directors fees and expenses. Interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and other non-recurring expenses permitted by the investment management agreement are paid directly by the fund.
Additionally, the fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain college savings plans managed by Price Associates may invest. As approved by the funds Board of Directors, shareholder servicing costs associated with each college savings plan are allocated to the fund in proportion to the average daily value of its shares owned by the college savings plan. Shareholder servicing costs allocated to the fund are borne by Price Associates, pursuant to the funds all-inclusive fee agreement. At October 31, 2016, approximately 12% of the outstanding shares of the fund were held by college savings plans.
The fund may invest in the T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Fund, the T. Rowe Price Treasury Reserve Fund, or the T. Rowe Price Short-Term Fund (collectively, the Price Reserve Investment Funds), open-end management investment companies managed by Price Associates and considered affiliates of the fund. The Price Reserve Investment Funds are offered as short-term investment options to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Price Associates or its affiliates and are not available for direct purchase by members of the public. The Price Reserve Investment Funds pay no investment management fees.
The fund may participate in securities purchase and sale transactions with other funds or accounts advised by Price Associates (cross trades), in accordance with procedures adopted by the funds Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules, which require, among other things, that such purchase and sale cross trades be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the year ended October 31, 2016, the fund had no purchases or sales cross trades with other funds or accounts advised by Price Associates.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
To the Board of Directors of T. Rowe
Price International Index Fund, Inc. and
Shareholders of T. Rowe Price
International Equity Index Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the T. Rowe Price International Equity Index Fund (comprising T. Rowe Price International Index Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the Fund) at October 31, 2016, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial statements) are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, and confirmation of the underlying funds by correspondence with the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore,
Maryland
December 15, 2016
Tax Information (Unaudited) for the Tax Year Ended 10/31/16 |
We are providing this information as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in this report because of differences between tax and financial reporting requirements.
For corporate shareholders, $11,700,000 of the funds income qualifies for the dividends-received deduction.
The fund will pass through foreign source income of $14,330,000 and foreign taxes paid of $845,000.
Information on Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures, and Records |
A description of the policies and procedures used by T. Rowe Price funds and portfolios to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in each funds Statement of Additional Information. You may request this document by calling 1-800-225-5132 or by accessing the SECs website, sec.gov.
The description of our proxy voting policies and procedures is also available on our corporate website. To access it, please visit the following Web page:
https://www3.troweprice.com/usis/corporate/en/utility/policies.html
Scroll down to the section near the bottom of the page that says, Proxy Voting Policies. Click on the Proxy Voting Policies link in the shaded box.
Each funds most recent annual proxy voting record is available on our website and through the SECs website. To access it through T. Rowe Price, visit the website location shown above, and scroll down to the section near the bottom of the page that says, Proxy Voting Records. Click on the Proxy Voting Records link in the shaded box.
How to Obtain Quarterly Portfolio Holdings |
The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds Form N-Q is available electronically on the SECs website (sec.gov); hard copies may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room, 100 F St. N.E., Washington, DC 20549. For more information on the Public Reference Room, call 1-800-SEC-0330.
About the Funds Directors and Officers |
Your fund is overseen by a Board of Directors (Board) that meets regularly to review a wide variety of matters affecting or potentially affecting the fund, including performance, investment programs, compliance matters, advisory fees and expenses, service providers, and business and regulatory affairs. The Board elects the funds officers, who are listed in the final table. At least 75% of the Boards members are independent of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price), and its affiliates; inside or interested directors are employees or officers of T. Rowe Price. The business address of each director and officer is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the fund directors and is available without charge by calling a T. Rowe Price representative at 1-800-638-5660.
Independent Directors | ||
Name | ||
(Year of Birth) | ||
Year Elected* | ||
[Number of T. Rowe Price | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and | |
Portfolios Overseen] | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years | |
William R. Brody, M.D., Ph.D. | President and Trustee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies | |
(1944) | (2009 to present); Director, BioMed Realty Trust (2013 to 2016); | |
2009 | Chairman of the Board, Mesa Biotech, a molecular diagnostic | |
[186] | company (March 2016 to present); Director, Radiology Partners, | |
an integrated radiology practice management company (June 2016 | ||
to present); Director, Novartis, Inc. (2009 to 2014); Director, IBM | ||
(2007 to present) | ||
Anthony W. Deering | Chairman, Exeter Capital, LLC, a private investment firm (2004 to | |
(1945) | present); Director, Brixmor Real Estate Investment Trust (2012 to | |
2000 | present); Director and Advisory Board Member, Deutsche Bank | |
[186] | North America (2004 to present); Director, Under Armour (2008 | |
to present); Director, Vornado Real Estate Investment Trust (2004 | ||
to 2012) | ||
Bruce W. Duncan | Chief Executive Officer and Director (2009 to present), Chairman | |
(1951) | of the Board (January 2016 to present), and President (2009 | |
2013 | to September 2016), First Industrial Realty Trust, an owner and | |
[186] | operator of industrial properties; Chairman of the Board (2005 to | |
May 2016) and Director (1999 to May 2016), Starwood Hotels & | ||
Resorts, a hotel and leisure company; Director, Boston Properties | ||
(May 2016 to present) | ||
Robert J. Gerrard, Jr. | Advisory Board Member, Pipeline Crisis/Winning Strategies, a | |
(1952) | collaborative working to improve opportunities for young African | |
2012 | Americans (1997 to present) | |
[186] | ||
Paul F. McBride | Advisory Board Member, Vizzia Technologies (2015 to present) | |
(1956) | ||
2013 | ||
[186] | ||
Cecilia E. Rouse, Ph.D. | Dean, Woodrow Wilson School (2012 to present); Professor and | |
(1963) | Researcher, Princeton University (1992 to present); Director, MDRC, | |
2012 | a nonprofit education and social policy research organization (2011 | |
[186] | to present); Member of National Academy of Education (2010 to | |
present); Research Associate of Labor Program (2011 to present) | ||
and Board Member (2015 to present), National Bureau of Economic | ||
Research (2011 to present); Chair of Committee on the Status of | ||
Minority Groups in the Economic Profession (2012 to present) and | ||
Vice President (2015 to present), American Economic Association | ||
John G. Schreiber | Owner/President, Centaur Capital Partners, Inc., a real estate | |
(1946) | investment company (1991 to present); Cofounder, Partner, and | |
2001 | Cochairman of the Investment Committee, Blackstone Real Estate | |
[186] | Advisors, L.P. (1992 to 2015); Director, General Growth Properties, | |
Inc. (2010 to 2013); Director, Blackstone Mortgage Trust, a real | ||
estate financial company (2012 to 2016); Director and Chairman of | ||
the Board, Brixmor Property Group, Inc. (2013 to present); Director, | ||
Hilton Worldwide (2013 to present); Director, Hudson Pacific | ||
Properties (2014 to 2016) | ||
Mark R. Tercek | President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy | |
(1957) | (2008 to present) | |
2009 | ||
[186] | ||
*Each independent director serves until retirement, resignation, or election of a successor. | ||
Inside Directors | ||
Name | ||
(Year of Birth) | ||
Year Elected* | ||
[Number of T. Rowe Price | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and | |
Portfolios Overseen] | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years | |
Edward C. Bernard | Director and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; Vice Chairman of the | |
(1956) | Board, Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; | |
2006 | Chairman of the Board, Director, and President, T. Rowe Price | |
[186] | Investment Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Director, | |
T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price | ||
Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, | ||
Director, and President, T. Rowe Price International and T. Rowe | ||
Price Trust Company; Chairman of the Board, all funds | ||
Brian C. Rogers, CFA, CIC | Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; | |
(1955) | Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice | |
2006 | President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
[131] | Trust Company | |
*Each inside director serves until retirement, resignation, or election of a successor. |
Officers | ||
Name (Year of Birth) | ||
Position Held With International | ||
Equity Index Fund | Principal Occupation(s) | |
E. Frederick Bair, CFA, CPA (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Darrell N. Braman (1963) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
Vice President and Secretary | Singapore, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, | |
Inc., T. Rowe Price International, T. Rowe Price | ||
Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price | ||
Services, Inc. | ||
John R. Gilner (1961) | Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, | |
Chief Compliance Officer | T. Rowe Price; Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Investment | ||
Services, Inc. | ||
Paul J. Krug, CPA (1964) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Catherine D. Mathews (1963) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Treasurer and Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
David Oestreicher (1967) | Director, Vice President, and Secretary, T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Investment Services, Inc., T. Rowe | |
Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., T. Rowe | ||
Price Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust | ||
Company; Chief Legal Officer, Vice President, | ||
and Secretary, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Vice | ||
President and Secretary, T. Rowe Price and | ||
T. Rowe Price International; Vice President, | ||
Price Hong Kong and Price Singapore | ||
John W. Ratzesberger (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company; | |
formerly, North American Head of Listed | ||
Derivatives Operation, Morgan Stanley (to 2013) | ||
Shannon H. Rauser (1987) | Employee, T. Rowe Price | |
Assistant Secretary | ||
Deborah D. Seidel (1962) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Investment Services, | |
Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. | ||
Neil Smith (1972) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
President | Singapore, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
T. Rowe Price International | ||
Craig A. Thiese (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Ken D. Uematsu, CFA (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Trust Company | |
Michael T. Wehn (1984) | Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | ||
Unless otherwise noted, officers have been employees of T. Rowe Price or T. Rowe Price International for at least 5 years. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of this code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to this code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrants Board of Directors/Trustees has determined that Mr. Bruce W. Duncan qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Duncan is considered independent for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) (d) Aggregate fees billed for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered to, or on behalf of, the registrant by the registrants principal accountant were as follows:
Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrants annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-related fees include amounts reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrants financial statements and specifically include the issuance of a report on internal controls and, if applicable, agreed-upon procedures related to fund acquisitions. Tax fees include amounts related to services for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. The nature of these services specifically includes the review of distribution calculations and the preparation of Federal, state, and excise tax returns. All other fees include the registrants pro-rata share of amounts for agreed-upon procedures in conjunction with service contract approvals by the registrants Board of Directors/Trustees.
(e)(1) The registrants audit committee has adopted a policy whereby audit and non-audit services performed by the registrants principal accountant for the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant require pre-approval in advance at regularly scheduled audit committee meetings. If such a service is required between regularly scheduled audit committee meetings, pre-approval may be authorized by one audit committee member with ratification at the next scheduled audit committee meeting. Waiver of pre-approval for audit or non-audit services requiring fees of a de minimis amount is not permitted.
(2) No services included in (b) (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the registrants financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent employees.
(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrants principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $1,890,000 and $2,366,000, respectively.
(h) All non-audit services rendered in (g) above were pre-approved by the registrants audit committee. Accordingly, these services were considered by the registrants audit committee in maintaining the principal accountants independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) Not applicable. The complete schedule of investments is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrants disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.
(b) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants second fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) The registrants code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.
(b) A certification by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, is attached.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
T. Rowe Price International Index Fund,
Inc.
By | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date December 15, 2016 |
Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date December 15, 2016 | ||
By | /s/ Catherine D. Mathews | |
Catherine D. Mathews | ||
Principal Financial Officer | ||
Date December 15, 2016 |
Item 12(a)(2).
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Edward C. Bernard, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of T. Rowe Price International Equity Index Fund; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: | |||
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | |||
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and | |||
5. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |||
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: December 15, 2016 | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Catherine D. Mathews, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of T. Rowe Price International Equity Index Fund; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: | |||
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | |||
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and | |||
5. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |||
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: December 15, 2016 | /s/ Catherine D. Mathews | |
Catherine D. Mathews | ||
Principal Financial Officer |
Item 12(b).
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 906 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 | ||
Name of Issuer: T. Rowe Price International Equity Index Fund | ||
In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR for the above named Issuer, the undersigned hereby | ||
certifies, to the best of his knowledge, that: | ||
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities | |
Exchange Act of 1934; | ||
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial | |
condition and results of operations of the Issuer. |
Date: December 15, 2016 | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date: December 15, 2016 | /s/ Catherine D. Mathews | |
Catherine D. Mathews | ||
Principal Financial Officer |
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
AND SENIOR FINANCIAL
OFFICERS OF THE PRICE FUNDS
UNDER THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I. General Statement. This Code of Ethics (the Price Funds S-O Code) has been designed to bring the Price Funds into compliance with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Act) rules promulgated by The Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder (Regulations). The Price Funds S-O Code applies solely to the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller of, or persons performing similar functions for, a Price Fund (whether such persons are employed by a Price Fund or third party) (Covered Officers). The Price Funds shall include each mutual fund that is managed, sponsored and distributed by affiliates of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Group). The investment managers to the Price Funds will be referred to as the Price Fund Advisers. A list of Covered Officers is attached as Exhibit A.
The Price Fund Advisers have, along with their parent, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Group) also maintained a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct (the Group Code) since 1972, which applies to all officers, directors and employees of the Price Funds, Group and its affiliates.
As mandated by the Act, Group has adopted a Code (the Group S-O Code), similar to the Price Funds S-O Code, which applies solely to its principal executive and senior financial officers. The Group S-O Code and the Price Funds S-O Code will be referred to collectively as the S-O Codes.
The Price Funds S-O Code has been adopted by the Price Funds in accordance with the Act and Regulations thereunder and will be administered in conformity with the disclosure requirements of Item 2 of Form N-CSR. The S-O Codes are attachments to the Group Code. In many respects the S-O Codes are supplementary to the Group Code, but the Group Code is administered separately from the S-O Codes, as the S-O Codes are from each other.
II. Purpose of the Price Funds S-O Code. The purpose of the Price Funds S-O Code, as mandated by the Act and the Regulations, is to establish standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
Ethical Conduct. Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships.
Disclosure. Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Price Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Price Funds.
Compliance. Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.
Reporting of Violations. The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Price Funds S-O Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Price Funds S-O Code.
Accountability. Accountability for adherence to the Price Funds S-O Code.
III. Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest.
Overview. Each Covered Officer owes a duty to the Price Funds to adhere to a high standard of honesty and business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.
A conflict of interest occurs when a Covered Officers private interest interferes with the interests of, or his or her service to, the Price Funds. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with a Price Fund.
Certain conflicts of interest covered by the Price Funds S-O Code arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Price Funds and may already be subject to provisions regulating conflicts of interest in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Investment Company Act), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Investment Advisers Act) and the Group Code. For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with a Price Fund because of their status as affiliated persons of a Price Fund. The compliance programs and procedures of the Price Funds and Price Fund Advisers are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions.
Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between a Price Fund and its Price Fund Adviser (and its affiliates) of which the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees. As a result, the Price Funds S-O Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Price Funds or for the Price Fund Advisers, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions which will have different effects on these entities. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between each Price Fund and its respective Price Fund Adviser. Such participation is also consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Price Funds and, if consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, it will be deemed to have been handled ethically.
Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Price Funds S-O Code, even if these conflicts of interest are not addressed by or subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act.
Whenever a Covered Officer is confronted with a conflict of interest situation where he or she is uncertain as to the appropriate action to be taken, he or she should discuss the matter with the Chairperson of Groups Ethics Committee or another member of the Committee.
Handling of Specific Types of Conflicts. Each Covered Officer (and close family members) must not:
Entertainment. Accept entertainment from any company with which any Price Fund or any Price Fund Adviser has current or prospective business dealings, including portfolio companies, unless such entertainment is in full compliance with the policy on entertainment as set forth in the Group Code.
Gifts. Accept any gifts, except as permitted by the Group Code.
Improper Personal Influence. Use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions, brokerage allocations or financial reporting by the Price Funds to the detriment of any one or more of the Price Funds.
Taking Action at the Expense of a Price Fund. Cause a Price Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than for the benefit of one or more of the Price Funds.
Misuse of Price Funds Transaction Information. Use knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for a Price Fund or any other clients of the Price Fund Advisers to trade personally or cause others to trade in order to take advantage of or avoid the market impact of such portfolio transactions.
Outside Business Activities. Engage in any outside business activity that detracts from a Covered Officers ability to devote appropriate time and attention to his or her responsibilities to a Price Fund.
Service Providers. Excluding Group and its affiliates, have any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Price Funds service providers, except that an ownership interest in public companies is permitted
Receipt of Payments. Have a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges, spreads or other payments paid by a Price Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest (such as compensation or equity ownership) arising from the Covered Officers employment by Group or any of its affiliates.
Service as a Director or Trustee. Serve as a director, trustee or officer of any public or private company or a non-profit organization that issues securities eligible for purchase by any of the Price Funds, unless approval is obtained as required by the Group Code.
IV. Covered Officers Specific Obligations and Accountabilities.
A. Disclosure Requirements and Controls. Each Covered Officer must familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements (Form N-1A registration statement, proxy (Schedule 14A), shareholder reports, Forms N-SAR, N-CSR, etc.) applicable to the Price Funds and the disclosure controls and procedures of the Price Fund and the Price Fund Advisers.
B. Compliance with Applicable Law. It is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Price Funds and the Price Fund Advisers. Each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Price Funds and the Price Fund Advisers and take other appropriate steps with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Price Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC, and in other public communications made by the Price Funds.
C. Fair Disclosure. Each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about a Price Fund to others, whether within or outside the Price organization, including to the Price Funds directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations.
D. Initial and Annual Affirmations. Each Covered Officer must:
1. Upon adoption of the Price Funds S-O Code (or thereafter, as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing that he or she has received, read, and understands the Price Funds S-O Code.
2. Annually affirm that he or she has complied with the requirements of the Price Funds S-O Code.
E. Reporting of Material Violations of the Price Funds S-O Code. If a Covered Officer becomes aware of any material violation of the Price Funds S-O Code or laws and governmental rules and regulations applicable to the operations of the Price Funds, he or she must promptly report the violation (Report) to the Chief Legal Counsel of the Price Funds (CLC). Failure to report a material violation will be considered itself a violation of the Price Funds S-O Code. The CLC is identified in the attached Exhibit B.
It is the Price Funds policy that no retaliation or other adverse action will be taken against any Covered Officer or other employee of a Price Fund, a Price Fund Adviser or their affiliates based upon any lawful actions of the Covered Officer or employee with respect to a Report made in good faith.
F. Annual Disclosures. Each Covered Officer must report, at least annually, all affiliations or other relationships as called for in the Annual Questionnaire for Executive Officers and/or Employee Directors/Trustees of Group and the Price Funds.
V. Administration of the Price Funds S-O Code. The Ethics Committee is responsible for administering the Price Funds S-O Code and applying its provisions to specific situations in which questions are presented.
A. Waivers and Interpretations. The Chairperson of the Ethics Committee has the authority to interpret the Price Funds S-O Code in any particular situation and to grant waivers where justified, subject to the approval of the Joint Audit Committee of the Price Funds. All material interpretations concerning Covered Officers will be reported to the Joint Audit Committee of the Price Funds at its next meeting. Waivers, including implicit waivers, to Covered Officers will be publicly disclosed as required in the Instructions to N-CSR. Pursuant to the definition in the Regulations, an implicit waiver means a Price Funds failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of the Price Funds S-O Code that has been made known to an executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of a Price Fund. An executive officer of a Price Fund includes its president and any vice-president in charge of a principal business unit, division or function.
B. Violations/Investigations. The following procedures will be followed in investigating and enforcing the Price Funds S-O Code:
1. The CLC will take or cause to be taken appropriate action to investigate any potential or actual violation reported to him or her.
2. The CLC, after consultation if deemed appropriate with Outside Counsel to the Price Funds, will make a recommendation to the appropriate Price Funds Board regarding the action to be taken with regard to each material violation. Such action could include any of the following: a letter of censure or suspension, a fine, a suspension of trading privileges or termination of officership or employment. In addition, the violator may be required to surrender any profit realized (or loss avoided) from any activity that is in violation of the Price Funds S-O Code.
VI. Amendments to the Price Funds S-O Code. Except as to the contents of Exhibit A and Exhibit B, the Price Funds S-O Code may not be materially amended except in written form, which is specifically approved or ratified by a majority vote of each Price Fund Board, including a majority of the independent directors on each Board.
VII. Confidentiality. All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to the Price Funds S-O Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law, the Price Funds S-O Code or as necessary in connection with regulations under the Price Funds S-O Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the directors of the appropriate Price Fund Board, Outside Counsel to the Price Funds, members of the Ethics Committee and the CLC and authorized persons on his or her staff.
Preparation Date: 9/30/03
Adoption Date: 10/22/03
Exhibit A
Persons Covered by the Price Funds S-O Code of
Ethics
Edward C. Bernard, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
Catherine D. Mathews, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer
Exhibit B
David Oestreicher, Chief Legal Counsel to the Price Funds
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