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 811-21708
Name of Fund: Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
Fund Address: P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, NJ 08543-9011
Name and address of agent for service: Mitchell M. Cox, Chief Executive Officer,
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc., 4 World Financial Center, 6th Floor,
New York, New York 10080. Mailing address: P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, NJ
08543-9011
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 449-8118
Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/06
Date of reporting period: 01/01/06 - 12/31/06
Item 1 - Report to Stockholders
Global Income &
Currency Fund Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Report
December 31, 2006
[LOGO] IQ INVESTMENT [LOGO]
ADVISORS NUVEEN
INVESTMENTS
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
Portfolio Information as of December 31, 2006
Percent of
Notional Exposure by Country/Region+ Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States ...................................................... 50.3%
Mexico ............................................................. 11.6
New Zealand ........................................................ 11.1
Hungary ............................................................ 11.1
Brazil ............................................................. 10.0
Turkey ............................................................. 10.0
South Africa ....................................................... 6.2
Australia .......................................................... --*
Canada ............................................................. (9.5)
Japan .............................................................. (9.5)
Europe ............................................................. (9.7)
Singapore .......................................................... (10.0)
Czech Republic ..................................................... (10.7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Amount is less than 0.1%.
+ This table denotes the notional exposure of Fund investments by country
(or geographic region through the use of European Currency contracts) as a
percentage of net assets of the Fund. For additional detail on the Fund's
holdings, please refer to the "Schedule of Investments" section included
in this report.
2 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
A Discussion With Your Fund's Portfolio Manager
We are pleased to provide you with this shareholder report for Global
Income & Currency Fund Inc. While the Fund is advised by IQ Investment Advisors
LLC, the following discussion is provided to you by Nuveen Asset Management, the
Fund's subadviser.
The investment objective of Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. (the "Fund") is
to provide current income while also seeking total returns by providing long and
short exposure to selected foreign currencies.
How did the Fund perform during the fiscal year?
From the Fund's inception on April 28, 2006 through December 31, 2006, the
Common Stock of the Fund had a total investment return of +5.48% (not a full
fiscal year), based on a change in per share net asset value from $19.10 to
$19.09, and assuming reinvestment of all distributions paid during the period.
Since its inception, the Fund has paid quarterly distributions of $.2503, $.3625
and $.3625 in June, September and December, respectively.
Based on the December 2006 quarterly distribution of $.3625 per share, the
Fund's annualized distribution yield was 7.25% relative to the Fund's initial
offering price of $20 per share.
The volatility as measured by annualized standard deviation of the daily change
of the Fund's net asset value over the period from April 28, 2006 through
December 31, 2006 averaged 3.5% on an annualized basis.
For more detail with regard to the Fund's total investment return based on a
change in per share market value of the Fund's Common Stock (as measured by the
trading price of the Fund's shares on the New York Stock Exchange), and assuming
reinvestment of dividends, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of
this report. As a closed-end fund, the Fund's shares may trade in the secondary
market at a premium or a discount to the Fund's net asset value. As a result,
total investment returns based on changes in the market value of the Fund's
Common Stock can vary significantly from total investment returns based on
changes in the Fund's net asset value.
Describe the market environment during the fiscal year.
The Fund began operations on April 28, 2006. During the month of May volatility
rose sharply throughout the currency market. Indications of more restrictive
monetary policies in Asia and Europe along with indications that the Federal
Reserve Board (the "Fed") may be near the end of its interest rate tightening
campaign led to a rally in Euro- and Asian-block currencies versus the U.S.
Dollar. The strong directional trends exhibited by many currencies in May
transitioned to a trendless, volatile environment in June. The trade-weighted
U.S. Dollar Index(R) began to rally back from its low at the beginning of June
as uncertainty developed regarding the course the Fed would take with regard to
interest rates.
In early September, the currency markets once again experienced a brief period
of volatility. Declining prices of gold, oil, and other commodities led
investors to pull away from higher yielding emerging market currencies as well
as developed countries with commodity exposure. The exchange rates of Canada,
Norway, South Africa, and Mexico all weakened versus the U.S. Dollar. In
October, reduced concern over U.S. and global growth caused commodity prices to
stabilize and the exchange rates of many of these countries rebounded.
In mid-December, the Government of Thailand, in an effort to reduce speculative
currency flows into their country, passed a law requiring investors to hold 30%
of new foreign currency deposits in a Thai bank for a period of one year. This
caused the Thai Baht to fall by 3.5% versus the U.S. Dollar and the Stock
Exchange of Thailand ("SET") Index fell by 15%. The Government of Thailand
quickly revised the rule exempting stock investments, but the markets have yet
to recover. The Fund did not have any investments in the Thai Baht during this
period. While some Asian currencies like the Singapore and Taiwanese Dollars
initially responded to the drop in the value of the Thai Baht due to fears of
contagion, these currencies quickly recovered and this event had little, if any,
effect on the world currency markets.
U.S. Dollar Index is a registered trademark of the New York Board of Trade.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 3
A Discussion With Your Fund's Portfolio Manager (concluded)
How did you manage the portfolio during the period?
The Fund was launched on April 28, 2006, and began taking positions in
investments that provide long and short exposure to selected currency
investments. During the period from mid-May through mid-June, the Fund's risk
reduction models performed successfully as indicators of rising risk aversion
and emerging trends triggered an early exit from these positions. As a result,
the portfolio was positioned in low-risk U.S. Treasury securities throughout
this volatile period. In mid-June, our risk reduction models indicated that it
was time to re-establish new positions in the portfolio. By the end of June, the
portfolio was once again invested in the strategy. While the recent level of
currency market volatility increased the frequency of trading during the period,
the portfolio performed in accordance with our expectations for both risk and
return.
How would you characterize the Fund's position at the close of the period?
We believe the Fund is appropriately positioned to deliver its stated goals of
providing current income while also seeking total returns. The Fund is invested
in accordance with its investment strategy, in a portfolio providing long and
short exposure to selected foreign currencies. Given the Fund's investment
process and current positions, we believe the Fund is well positioned to meet
its objectives.
Andrew Stenwall
Portfolio Manager
January 17, 2007
4 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2006 (in U.S. dollars)
Face
Short-Term Securities Amount Value
========================================================================================================
Hungary--11.1%
Foreign Commercial
Paper**--11.1%
Hungary Treasury Bills, 8.10%
due 2/14/2007 (a) HUF 2,984,000,000 $ 15,522,657
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities in Hungary 15,522,657
========================================================================================================
Mexico--10.0%
Foreign Commercial
Paper**--10.0%
Mexican Cetes Treasury Bill,
0% due 1/18/2007 MXN 152,000,000 14,012,539
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities in Mexico 14,012,539
========================================================================================================
New Zealand --10.9%
Foreign Commercial
Paper** --10.9%
New Zealand Treasury Bills,
7.03% due 2/14/2007 (a) NZD 22,000,000 15,376,760
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities in New Zealand 15,376,760
========================================================================================================
South Africa--10.0%
Foreign Commercial
Paper**--10.0%
South African Treasury Bills,
8.135% due 2/21/2007 ZAR 100,000,000 14,089,046
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities in South Africa 14,089,046
========================================================================================================
Turkey--10.0%
Foreign Commercial
Paper**--10.0%
Turkey Treasury Bill,
19.50% due 1/17/2007 (a) TRY 20,000,000 $ 13,998,997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities
in Turkey 13,998,997
========================================================================================================
United States--50.3%
U.S. Government & Agency
Obligations**--50.3%
Fannie Mae (a):
5.083% due 1/03/2007 USD 16,000,000 16,000,000
5.125% due 1/31/2007 21,000,000 20,916,042
Federal Home Loan Bank
System:
5.085% due 1/17/2007 14,000,000 13,972,014
5.118% due 1/24/2007 18,800,000 18,743,638
U.S. Treasury Bills, 4.781%
due 1/04/2007 (a) 1,000,000 999,875
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities in the
United States 70,631,569
========================================================================================================
Total Investments (Cost--$140,922,274*)--102.3% 143,631,568
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--(2.3%) (3,216,957)
------------
Net Assets--100.0% $140,414,611
============
* The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments as of
December 31, 2006, as computed for federal income tax purposes, were as
follows:
Aggregate cost .............................. $ 141,259,217
=============
Gross unrealized appreciation ............... $ 2,424,068
Gross unrealized depreciation ............... (51,717)
-------------
Net unrealized appreciation ................. $ 2,372,351
=============
** Foreign Commercial Paper and certain U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown reflect the
discount rates paid at the time of purchase. Other securities bear
interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates or upon maturity. The
interest rates shown are the rates in effect at December 31, 2006.
(a) All or a portion of security held as collateral in connection with open
forward foreign exchange contracts.
o Forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2006 were as
follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized
Foreign Settlement Appreciation
Currency Purchased Date (Depreciation)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRL 30,000,000 January 2007 $ 255,404
DKK 80,000,000 January 2007 424,799
JPY 1,600,000,000 January 2007 (325,922)
MXN 85,000,000 March 2007 29,195
SEK 100,000,000 January 2007 655,232
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Unrealized Appreciation on Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts -- Net (USD Commitment -- $63,068,790) $ 1,038,708
===========
o Forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2006 were as
follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized
Foreign Settlement Appreciation
Currency Sold Date (Depreciation)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAD 15,500,000 January 2007 $ 487,149
CZK 310,000,000 March 2007 (170,708)
DKK 80,000,000 January 2007 (640,060)
EUR 10,227,195 March 2007 (49,129)
JPY 1,600,000,000 January 2007 258,351
JPY 1,569,402,000 March 2007 172,937
MXN 60,000,000 February 2007 (149,867)
SEK 100,000,000 January 2007 (852,279)
SGD 21,600,000 January 2007 (332,050)
ZAR 38,000,000 February 2007 2,354
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Unrealized Depreciation on Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts -- Net (USD Commitment -- $121,184,883) $(1,273,302)
===========
o Currency Abbreviations:
BRL Brazilian Real
CAD Canadian Dollar
CZK Czech Republic Koruna
DKK Danish Krone
EUR Euro
HUF Hungary Forint
JPY Japanese Yen
MXN Mexican New Peso
NZD New Zealand Dollar
SEK Swedish Krona
SGD Singapore Dollar
TRY Turkish Lira
USD U.S. Dollar
ZAR South African Rand
See Notes to Financial Statements.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 5
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital
As of December 31, 2006
===================================================================================================================================
Assets
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (identified
cost--$140,922,274) ........................................................ $143,631,568
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign exchange contracts ............... 2,285,421
Foreign cash (cost--$224,044) ............................................... 235,165
Interest receivable ......................................................... 19,622
Prepaid expenses ............................................................ 8,289
------------
Total assets ................................................................ 146,180,065
------------
===================================================================================================================================
Liabilities
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank overdraft .............................................................. 2,247,007
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign exchange contracts ............... 2,520,015
Payables:
Dividends to Common Stock shareholders ................................... $ 709,231
Investment adviser ....................................................... 100,498 809,729
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ...................................... 188,703
------------
Total liabilities ........................................................... 5,765,454
------------
===================================================================================================================================
Net Assets
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets .................................................................. $140,414,611
============
===================================================================================================================================
Capital
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized ...... $ 7,355
Paid-in capital in excess of par ............................................ 139,947,167
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income--net ............... $ (336,943)
Accumulated realized capital losses--net .................................... (1,688,789)
Unrealized appreciation--net ................................................ 2,485,821
------------
Total accumulated earnings--net ............................................. 460,089
------------
Total capital--Equivalent to $19.09 per share based on 7,355,236 shares of
Common Stock outstanding (market price--$18.05) ............................ $140,414,611
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Statement of Operations
For the Period April 28, 2006+ to December 31, 2006
===================================================================================================================================
Investment Income
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned .................... $ 6,327,001
===================================================================================================================================
Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment advisory fees .................................................... $ 858,726
Professional fees ........................................................... 94,555
Directors' fees and expenses ................................................ 59,401
Custodian fees .............................................................. 40,777
Accounting services ......................................................... 22,335
Printing and shareholder reports ............................................ 21,553
Transfer agent fees ......................................................... 13,906
Pricing fees ................................................................ 514
Other ....................................................................... 19,335
------------
Total expenses .............................................................. 1,131,102
------------
Investment income--net ...................................................... 5,195,899
------------
===================================================================================================================================
Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss)--Net
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain (loss) on:
Investments--net ......................................................... (955,628)
Foreign currency transactions--net ....................................... 670,881 (284,747)
------------
Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:
Investments--net ......................................................... 2,709,294
Foreign currency transactions--net ....................................... (223,473) 2,485,821
---------------------------
Total realized and unrealized gain--net ..................................... 2,201,074
------------
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ........................ $ 7,396,973
============
+ Commencement of operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 7
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the Period
April 28,
2006+ to
December 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 2006
===================================================================================================================================
Operations
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income--net ............................................................... $ 5,195,899
Realized loss--net ................................................................... (284,747)
Unrealized appreciation--net ......................................................... 2,485,821
-------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ................................. 7,396,973
-------------
===================================================================================================================================
Dividends & Distributions to Shareholders
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income--net ............................................................... (5,412,680)
Realized gain--net ................................................................... (1,524,204)
Tax return of capital ................................................................ (236,486)
-------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distributions ................ (7,173,370)
-------------
===================================================================================================================================
Common Stock Transactions
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds from issuance of Common Stock ........................................... 140,385,000
Offering costs resulting from the issuance of Common Stock ........................... (294,000)
-------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from Common Stock transactions .................. 140,091,000
-------------
===================================================================================================================================
Net Assets
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase in net assets ......................................................... 140,314,603
Beginning of period .................................................................. 100,008
-------------
End of period* ....................................................................... $ 140,414,611
=============
* Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income--net ..................... $ (336,943)
=============
+ Commencement of operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Financial Highlights
For the Period
April 28,
2006+ to
The following per share data and ratios have been derived December 31,
from information provided in the financial statements. 2006
====================================================================================================================================
Per Share Operating Performance
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period .............................................. $ 19.10
--------------
Investment income--net*** ......................................................... .71
Realized and unrealized gain--net ................................................. .30
--------------
Total from investment operations .................................................. 1.01
--------------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ........................................................... (.74)
Realized gain--net ............................................................... (.21)
Tax return of capital ............................................................ (.03)
--------------
Total dividends and distributions ................................................. (.98)
--------------
Offering costs resulting from the issuance of Common Stock ........................ (.04)
--------------
Net asset value, end of period .................................................... $ 19.09
==============
--------------
Market price per share, end of period ............................................. $ 18.05
==============
====================================================================================================================================
Total Investment Return**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share ................................................ 5.48%@
==============
Based on market price per share ................................................... (4.76%)@
==============
====================================================================================================================================
Ratios to Average Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses .......................................................................... 1.19%*
==============
Investment income--net ............................................................ 5.45%*
==============
====================================================================================================================================
Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) .......................................... $ 140,415
==============
Portfolio turnover ................................................................ 0%@@
==============
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns based on market value, which can be significantly
greater or lesser than the net asset value, may result in substantially
different returns. Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
charges.
*** Based on average shares outstanding.
+ Commencement of operations.
@ Aggregate total investment return.
@@ For purposes of calculating portfolio turnover of the Fund, all of the
securities held in the portfolio have been classified as short-term
investments because the maturity dates at the time of acquisition were one
year or less, and therefore, the portfolio turnover is zero.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 9
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company. Prior to commencement of operations on April 28,
2006, the Fund had no operations other than those relating to organizational
matters and the sale of 5,236 shares of Common Stock on March 8, 2006 to Merrill
Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM") for $100,008. The Fund's financial
statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, which may require the use of management accruals and estimates.
Actual results may differ from these estimates. The Fund determines and makes
available for publication the net asset value of its Common Stock on a daily
basis. The Fund's Common Stock Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") under the symbol GCF. The following is a summary of significant
accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments -- Debt securities are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter ("OTC") markets and are valued at the last available bid price
in the OTC market or on the basis of values obtained by a pricing service.
Pricing services use valuation matrixes that incorporate both dealer-supplied
valuations and valuation models. The procedures of the pricing service and its
valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the general direction
of the Board of Directors. Such valuations and procedures will be reviewed
periodically by the Board of Directors of the Fund. Options, which are traded on
exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges.
Options written or purchased are valued at the last sale price in the case of
exchange-traded options. In the case of options traded in the OTC market,
valuation is the last asked price (options written) or the last bid price
(options purchased). Swap agreements are valued based upon quoted fair
valuations received daily by the Fund from a pricing service or the
counterparty. Short-term investments with a remaining maturity of 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost which approximates market value, under which
method the investment is valued at cost and any premium or discount is amortized
on a straight line basis to maturity.
Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at
various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such
securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates will generally be
determined as of the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events
affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur
between the times at which they are determined and the close of business on the
NYSE that may not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value.
If events (for example, a company announcement, market volatility or a natural
disaster) occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the
value of such securities, those securities may be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith by the Fund's Board of Directors or by the investment
adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Fund's Board
of Directors.
(b) Foreign currency transactions -- Transactions denominated in foreign
currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing when recognized. Assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange
rate at the end of the period. Foreign currency transactions are the result of
settling (realized) or valuing (unrealized) assets or liabilities expressed in
foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. Realized and unrealized gains or losses
from investments include the effects of foreign exchange rates on investments.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities, which may involve a number of risk
factors and special considerations not present with investments in securities of
U.S. entities.
(c) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various portfolio
investment strategies both to increase the return of the Fund and to hedge, or
protect, its exposure to interest rate movements and movements in the securities
markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract resulting
from an unfavorable price change in the underlying security or index,or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
10 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
o Forward foreign exchange contracts -- The Fund will enter into forward
foreign exchange contracts which include, but are not limited to, cash
settled currency forward contracts including non-deliverable currency
forward contracts. The contracts are marked-to-market daily and any change
in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss.
When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss
equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and
the value at the time it was closed. To the extent necessary, certain debt
securities will serve as collateral for the Fund's currency contracts.
o Options -- The Fund may write and purchase call and put options. When the
Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund
is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the
liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market
value of the option written. When a security is purchased or sold through
an exercise of an option, the related premium paid (or received) is added
to (or deducted from) the basis of the security acquired or deducted from
(or added to) the proceeds of the security sold. When an option expires
(or the Fund enters into a closing transaction), the Fund realizes a gain
or loss on the option to the extent of the premiums received or paid (or
gain or loss to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the
premium paid or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
o Swaps -- The Fund may enter into swap agreements, which are OTC contracts
in which the Fund and a counterparty agree to make periodic net payments
on a specified notional amount. The net payments can be made for a set
period of time or may be triggered by a predetermined credit event. The
net periodic payments may be based on a fixed or variable interest rate;
the change in market value of a specified security, basket of securities,
or index; or the return generated by a security. These periodic payments
received or made by the Fund are recorded in the accompanying Statement of
Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. Gains or losses are
realized upon termination of the swap agreements. Swaps are
marked-to-market daily and changes in value are recorded as unrealized
appreciation (depreciation). Risks include changes in the returns of the
underlying instruments, failure of the counterparties to perform under the
contracts' terms and the possible lack of liquidity with respect to the
swap agreements.
(d) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Under the applicable
foreign tax law, withholding taxes may be imposed on interest, dividends and
capital gains at various rates.
(e) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on the
identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are
subsequently recorded when the Fund has determined the ex-dividend date.
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes all
premiums and discounts on debt securities.
(f) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund
are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. A portion of the dividends paid by the
Fund during the period April 28, 2006 to December 31, 2006 is characterized as a
tax return of capital.
(g) Offering expenses -- Direct expenses relating to the public offering of the
Fund's Common Stock were charged to capital at the time of issuance of the
shares.
(h) Bank overdraft -- The Fund recorded a bank overdraft, which resulted from
management estimates of available cash.
(i) Recent accounting pronouncements -- In July 2006, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes -- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109."
FIN 48 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet in
connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or
expected to be taken by an entity including mutual funds before being measured
and recognized in the financial statements. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for
the last net asset value calculation in the first required financial statement
reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The impact
on the Fund's financial statements, if any, is currently being assessed.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 11
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
In addition, in September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
157, "Fair Value Measurements"("FAS 157"), was issued and is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. FAS 157 defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. Management is currently evaluating the implications of
FAS 157. At this time, its impact on the Fund's financial statements has not
been determined.
(j) Reclassification -- U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require
that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent
differences between financial and tax reporting. Accordingly, during the current
year, $120,162 has been reclassified between accumulated distributions in excess
of net investment income and accumulated net realized capital losses as a result
of permanent differences attributable to foreign currency transactions. This
reclassification has no effect on net assets or net asset values per share.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with
IQ Investment Advisors LLC ("IQ"), an indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."). IQ is responsible for the investment advisory,
management and administrative services to the Fund. In addition, IQ provides the
necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary
to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund will pay a monthly
fee at an annual rate equal to .90% of the average daily value of the Fund's net
assets plus borrowings for leverage and other investment purposes. In addition,
IQ has entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with Nuveen Asset Management
("Nuveen") pursuant to which Nuveen provides certain investment advisory
services to IQ with respect to the Fund. For such services, IQ will pay Nuveen a
monthly fee at an annual rate equal to .40% of the average daily value of the
Fund's net assets plus borrowings for leverage and other investment purposes.
There is no increase in the aggregate fees paid by the Fund for these services.
On September 29, 2006, BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock") and ML & Co. combined ML &
Co.'s investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P.
and its affiliates, with BlackRock to create a new independent company. ML & Co.
owns up to a 49.8% economic interest and up to a 45% voting interest in the
combined company, and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has approximately a
34% economic and voting interest. The new company operates under the BlackRock
name and is governed by a board of directors with a majority of independent
members. IQ remains an indirect subsidiary of ML & Co.
Effective October 2, 2006, IQ has entered into an Administration Agreement with
Princeton Administrators, LLC (the "Administrator"). The Administration
Agreement provides that IQ will pay the Administrator a fee from its investment
advisory fee at an annual rate equal to .12% of the Fund's average daily net
assets for the performance of administrative and other services necessary for
the operation of the Fund. There is no increase in the aggregate fees paid by
the Fund for these services. The Administrator is an indirect subsidiary of
BlackRock.
Nuveen reimbursed the Fund $39,817 as a result of a trading/administrative
error. This amount is included in realized gain (loss) on investments -- net.
For the period April 28, 2006 to December 31, 2006, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), an affiliate of IQ, received gross fees
from underwriting of $3,041,019 in connection with the issuance of the Fund's
Common Stock. In addition, the Fund reimbursed MLPF&S $17,475 as a partial
reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Fund's
Common Stock.
Certain officers of the Fund are officers of IQ and/or ML & Co. Effective
September 29, 2006, certain officers of the Fund are officers of BlackRock or
its affiliates.
3. Investments:
There were no purchases or sales of long-term investments for the period April
28, 2006 to December 31, 2006.
4. Common Stock Transactions:
The Fund is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of stock, all of which were
initially classified as Common Stock, par value $.001. The Board of Directors is
authorized, however, to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of Common
Stock without approval of the holders of Common Stock.
Shares issued and outstanding during the period April 28, 2006 to December 31,
2006 increased 7,350,000 from shares sold.
12 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
The Fund will make offers to repurchase its shares at annual (approximately
12-month) intervals. The shares tendered in the repurchase offer will be subject
to a repurchase fee retained by the Fund to compensate the Fund for expenses
directly related to the repurchase offer.
5. Distributions to Shareholders:
The tax character of distributions paid during the period April 28, 2006 to
December 31, 2006 was as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/28/2006+ to
12/31/2006
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income ....................................... $6,936,884
Tax return of capital ................................. 236,486
----------
Total taxable distributions ............................. $7,173,370
==========
+ Commencement of operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis
were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed ordinary income -- net ......................... $ --
Undistributed long-term capital gains -- net ................. --
--------
Total undistributed earnings -- net .......................... --
Capital loss carryforward .................................... --
Unrealized gains -- net ...................................... 460,089*
--------
Total accumulated earnings -- net ............................ $460,089
========
* The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gains is
attributable primarily to the realization for tax purposes of unrealized
gains/losses on certain foreign currency transactions and foreign fixed
income securities, the deferral of post-October capital losses for tax
purposes and other book/tax temporary differences.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Global Income & Currency Fund
Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and capital,
including the schedule of investments, of Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. as
of December 31, 2006, and the related statements of operations and of changes in
net assets, and the financial highlights for the period April 28, 2006
(commencement of operations) through December 31, 2006. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund
is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
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, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation
of securities owned as of December 31, 2006, by correspondence with the
custodian. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Global
Income & Currency Fund Inc. as of December 31, 2006, the results of its
operations, the changes in its net assets, and its financial highlights for the
period April 28, 2006 through December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, NJ
February 22, 2007
Fund Certification (unaudited)
In May 2006, the Fund filed its Chief Executive Officer Certification for the
prior year with the New York Stock Exchange pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of
the New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Listing Standards.
The Fund's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 were filed with the
Fund's Form N-CSR and are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Important Tax Information (unaudited)
The following information is provided with respect to the ordinary income
distributions paid by Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. during the fiscal
period ended December 31, 2006:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Source Income .............................................. 43.01%
Federal Obligation Interest ........................................ 10.23%*
Interest-Related Dividends for Non-U.S. Residents .................. 34.38%**
Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends for Non-U.S. Residents ........... 21.25%**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The law varies in each state as to whether and what percentage of dividend
income attributable to federal obligations is exempt from state income
tax. We recommend that you consult your tax adviser to determine if any
portion of the dividends you received is exempt from state income tax.
** Represents the portion of the dividends paid that are eligible for
exemption from U.S. withholding tax for nonresident aliens and foreign
corporations.
14 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
How the Plan Works -- The Fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan")
under which income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund are
automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock of the Fund. The
Plan is administered on behalf of the shareholders by The Bank of New York (the
"Plan Agent"). Under the Plan, whenever the Fund declares a dividend,
participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in shares of Common Stock
of the Fund. The Plan Agent will acquire the shares for the participant's
account either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized shares
of the Fund ("newly issued shares") or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares of
Common Stock on the open market on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere. If,
on the dividend payment date, the Fund's net asset value per share is equal to
or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (a
condition often referred to as a "market premium"), the Plan Agent will invest
the dividend amount in newly issued shares. If the Fund's net asset value per
share is greater than the market price per share (a condition often referred to
as a "market discount"), the Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount by
purchasing on the open market additional shares. If the Plan Agent is unable to
invest the full dividend amount in open market purchases, or if the market
discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent
will invest any uninvested portion in newly issued shares. The shares acquired
are credited to each shareholder's account. The amount credited is determined by
dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by either (i) when the shares are
newly issued, the net asset value per share on the date the shares are issued or
(ii) when shares are purchased in the open market, the average purchase price
per share.
Participation in the Plan -- Participation in the Plan is automatic, that is, a
shareholder is automatically enrolled in the Plan when he or she purchases
shares of Common Stock of the Fund unless the shareholder specifically elects
not to participate in the Plan. Shareholders who elect not to participate will
receive all dividend distributions in cash. Shareholders who do not wish to
participate in the Plan, must advise the Plan Agent in writing (at the address
set forth below) that they elect not to participate in the Plan. Participation
in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time
without penalty by writing to the Plan Agent.
Benefits of the Plan -- The Plan provides an easy, convenient way for
shareholders to make additional, regular investments in the Fund. The Plan
promotes a long-term strategy of investing at a lower cost. All shares acquired
pursuant to the Plan receive voting rights. In addition, if the market price
plus commissions of the Fund's shares is above the net asset value, participants
in the Plan will receive shares of the Fund for less than they could otherwise
purchase them and with a cash value greater than the value of any cash
distribution they would have received. However, there may not be enough shares
available in the market to make distributions in shares at prices below the net
asset value. Also, since the Fund does not redeem shares, the price on resale
may be more or less than the net asset value.
Plan Fees -- There are no enrollment fees or brokerage fees for participating in
the Plan. The Plan Agent's service fees for handling the reinvestment of
distributions are paid for by the Fund. However, brokerage commissions may be
incurred when the Fund purchases shares on the open market and shareholders will
pay a pro rata share of any such commissions.
Tax Implications -- The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions
will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may
be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends. Therefore, income and
capital gains may still be realized even though shareholders do not receive
cash. Participation in the Plan generally will not affect the tax-exempt status
of exempt interest dividends paid by the Fund. If, when the Fund's shares are
trading at a market premium, the Fund issues shares pursuant to the Plan that
have a greater fair market value than the amount of cash reinvested, it is
possible that all or a portion of the discount from the market value (which may
not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's shares) could be viewed as
a taxable distribution. If the discount is viewed as a taxable distribution, it
is also possible that the taxable character of this discount would be allocable
to all the shareholders, including shareholders who do not participate in the
Plan. Thus, shareholders who do not participate in the Plan might be required to
report as ordinary income a portion of their distributions equal to their
allocable share of the discount.
Contact Information -- All correspondence concerning the Plan, including any
questions about the Plan, should be directed to the Plan Agent at The Bank of
New York, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 11258, New York, NY 10286-1258,
Telephone: 800-432-8224.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 15
Officers and Directors
Number of IQ
Advisors-
Affiliate
Advised Funds Other Public
Position(s) Length of and Portfolios Directorships
Held with Time Overseen Held by
Name Address & Age Fund Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years By Director Director
====================================================================================================================================
Non-Interested Directors*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan R. P.O. Box 9095 Director & 2006 to Vice-Chairman, Kissinger Associates, Inc., a 7 Hasbro, Inc.;
Batkin Princeton, NJ Chairman of present consulting firm, since 1990. Overseas Ship-
08543-9095 the Board holding Group,
Age: 62 Inc.; Cantel
Medical Corp.;
and Diamond
Offshore
Drilling, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul P.O. Box 9095 Director & 2006 to Professor, Columbia University Business School 7 None
Glasserman Princeton, NJ Chairman of present since 1991; Senior Vice Dean since July 2004.
08543-9095 the Audit
Age: 44 Committee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven W. P.O. Box 9095 Director 2006 to Retired since August 2002; Managing Director, 7 Ametek, Inc.
Kohlhagen Princeton, NJ present Wachovia National Bank and its predecessors
08543-9095 (1992 - 2002).
Age: 59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William J. P.O. Box 9095 Director & 2006 to Retired since November 2004; Chairman and 7 None
Rainer Princeton, NJ Chairman of present Chief Executive Officer, OneChicago, LLC, a
08543-9095 Nominating designated contract market (2001 to November
Age: 60 and 2004); Chairman, U.S. Commodity Futures
Corporate Trading Commission (1999 - 2001).
Governance
Committee
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Each of the Non-Interested Directors is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee.
** Each Director will serve for a term of one year and until his successor is elected and qualifies, or his earlier
death, resignation or removal as provided in the Fund's Bylaws, charter or by statute.
16 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Officers and Directors (concluded)
Position(s) Length of
Held with Time
Name Address & Age Fund Served Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
====================================================================================================================================
Fund Officers*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitchell P.O. Box 9011 President 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, President since April 2004; MLPF&S, Managing
M. Cox Princeton, NJ present Director, Head of Global Private Client Market Investments & Origination since
08543-9011 2003; MLPF&S, Managing Director, Head of Structured Products Origination and
Age: 41 Sales (2001 - 2003); MLPF&S, Director, Head of Structured Products Origination
(1997 - 2001).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald C. P.O. Box 9011 Vice 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Treasurer and Secretary since December 2004; Managing
Burke Princeton, NJ President, present Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Managing Director of Merrill Lynch
08543-9011 Treasurer Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM") and Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM")
Age: 46 and (2006); First Vice President of MLIM and FAM (1997 - 2005) and Treasurer thereof
Secretary (1999 - 2006); Vice President of MLIM and FAM (1990 - 1997).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin G. P.O. Box 9011 Chief 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Chief Legal Officer since June 2006; Merrill Lynch &
Byrne Princeton, NJ Legal present Co., Inc., Office of General Counsel, Managing Director since 2006, First Vice
08543-9011 Officer President (2002 - 2006), Director (2000 - 2002).
Age: 44
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey P.O. Box 9011 Fund Chief 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Fund Chief Compliance Officer since 2004; Managing
Hiller Princeton, NJ Compliance present Director of BlackRock, Inc. and Fund Chief Compliance Officer since 2006; Chief
08543-9011 Officer Compliance Officer of the MLIM/FAM-advised funds and First Vice President and
Age: 55 Chief Compliance Officer of MLIM (Americas Region) (2004 - 2006); Global Director
of Compliance at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002 - 2004); Managing
Director and Global Director of Compliance at Citigroup Asset Management (2000 -
2002); Chief Compliance Officer at Soros Fund Management in 2000; Chief
Compliance Officer at Prudential Financial (1995 - 2000); Senior Counsel in the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement in Washington, D.C.
(1990 - 1995).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin C. P.O. Box 9011 Vice 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Vice President since 2005; MLPF&S, Director, Global
Ferri Princeton, NJ President present Private Client Market Investments & Origination since 2006; MLPF&S, Vice
08543-9011 President, Global Private Client Market Investments & Origination in 2005;
Age: 31 MLPF&S, Vice President, Head of Global Private Client Rampart Equity Derivatives
(2004 - 2005); MLPF&S, Vice President, Co-Head Global Private Client Domestic
Analytic Development (2002 - 2004); mPower Advisors LLC, Vice President,
Quantitative Development (1999 - 2002).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay M. P.O. Box 9011 Vice 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Vice President since 2005; BlackRock, Inc., Director
Fife Princeton, NJ President present since 2006; MLIM, Director since 2000; MLPF&S, Director (2000) and Vice President
08543-9011 (1997 - 2000).
Age: 36
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colleen R. P.O. Box 9011 Vice 2006 to IQ Investment Advisors LLC, Vice President since 2005; MLPF&S, Director, Global
Rusch Princeton, NJ President present Private Client Market Investments & Origination since July 2005; MLIM, Director
08543-9011 from 2005 to July 2005; Vice President of MLIM (1998 - 2004).
Age: 39
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Officers of the Fund serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street -- 11 East
New York, NY 10286
NYSE Symbol
GCF
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 17
Fundamental Periodic Repurchase Policy
The Board of Directors approved a fundamental policy whereby the Fund would
adopt an "interval fund" structure pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as amended. As an interval fund, the Fund
will make annual repurchase offers at net asset value (less repurchase fee not
to exceed 2%) to all Fund shareholders. The percentage of outstanding shares
that the Fund can repurchase in each offer will be established by the Fund's
Board of Directors shortly before the commencement of each offer, and will be
between 5% and 25% of the Fund's then outstanding shares.
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental policy regarding periodic
repurchases:
a) The Fund will make offers to repurchase its shares at annual (approximately
12-month) intervals pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act ("Offers"). The
Board of Directors may place such conditions and limitations on an Offer, as may
be permitted under Rule 23c-3.
b) The repurchase request deadline for each Offer, by which the Fund must
receive repurchase requests submitted by shareholders in response to the most
recent Offer, will be determined by reference to the fourth quarterly
rebalancing date of the current annual period for the currency investments (as
described in the Fund's prospectus); and will be the fourteenth day prior to
such exercise date; provided, that in the event that such day is not a business
day, the repurchase request deadline will be the business day subsequent to the
fourteenth day prior to the exercise date of the call spreads and written call
options (the "Repurchase Request Deadline").
c) The maximum number of days between a Repurchase Request Deadline and the next
repurchase pricing date will be fourteen days; provided that if the fourteenth
day after a Repurchase Request Deadline is not a business day, the repurchase
pricing date shall be the next business day (the "Repurchase Pricing Date").
d) Offers may be suspended or postponed under certain circumstances, as provided
for in Rule 23c-3.
18 GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006
Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available on the SEC's Web site at
http://www.sec.gov. The Fund's Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the
SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Electronic Delivery
The Fund offers electronic delivery of communications to its shareholders. In
order to receive this service, you must register your account and provide us
with e-mail information. To sign up for this service, simply access this Web
site at http://www.icsdelivery.com/live and follow the instructions.
When you visit this site, you will obtain a personal identification number
(PIN). You will need this PIN should you wish to update your e-mail address,
choose to discontinue this service and/or make any other changes to the service.
This service is not available for certain retirement accounts at this time.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Fund, please visit www.IQIAFunds.com or
contact us at 1-877-449-4742.
GLOBAL INCOME & CURRENCY FUND INC. DECEMBER 31, 2006 19
[LOGO] IQ
INVESTMENT
ADVISORS www.IQIAFunds.com
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. seeks to achieve its investment objective by
constructing and actively managing a portfolio of investments that provides long
and short exposure to selected foreign currencies.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to
shareholders of Global Income & Currency Fund Inc. for their information. It is
not a prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be
considered a representation of future performance. Statements and other
information herein are as dated and are subject to change.
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how
to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge at
www.IQIAFunds.com/proxyvoting.asp or upon request by calling toll-free
1-877-449-4742 or through the Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site at
http://www.sec.gov. Information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to
securities held in the Fund's portfolio during the most recent 12-month period
ended June 30 is available (1) at www.IQIAFunds.com/proxyvoting.asp; and (2) on
the Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, NJ 08543-9011
#IQGCF -- 12/06
Item 2 - Code of Ethics - The registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as of the
end of the period covered by this report, that applies to the
registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer
and principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar
functions. A copy of the code of ethics is available without charge
upon request by calling toll-free 1-877-449-4742.
Item 3 - Audit Committee Financial Expert - The registrant's board of directors
has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit
committee financial experts serving on its audit committee and (ii)
each audit committee financial expert is independent: (1) Alan R.
Batkin and (2) Steven W. Kohlhagen.
Item 4 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a) Audit Fees - Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2006 - $33,200
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2005 - $0
The nature of the services include fees for professional services
rendered in connection with seed audits.
(b) Audit-Related Fees - Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2006 - $7,200
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2005 - $0
The nature of the services include fees for professional services
rendered in connection with issuance of the letters to the underwriters
in connection with the seed audits.
(c) Tax Fees - Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2006 - $0
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2005 - $0
The nature of the services include tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning.
(d) All Other Fees - Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2006 - $0
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2005 - $0
(e)(1) The registrant's audit committee (the "Committee") has adopted
policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services.
Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the
registrant on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the
Committee. The Committee also must approve other non-audit services
provided to the registrant and those non-audit services provided to the
registrant's affiliated service providers that relate directly to the
operations and the financial reporting of the registrant. Certain of
these non-audit services that the Committee believes are a) consistent
with the SEC's auditor independence rules and b) routine and recurring
services that will not impair the independence of the independent
accountants may be approved by the Committee without consideration on a
specific case-by-case basis ("general pre-approval"). However, such
services will only be deemed pre-approved provided that any individual
project does not exceed $5,000 attributable to the registrant or
$50,000 for all of the registrants the Committee oversees. Any proposed
services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels will require specific
pre-approval by the Committee, as will any other services not subject
to general pre-approval (e.g., unanticipated but permissible services).
The Committee is informed of each service approved subject to general
pre-approval at the next regularly scheduled in-person board meeting.
(e)(2) 0%
(f) Not Applicable
(g) Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2006 - $1,961,000
Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2005 - $0
(h) The registrant's audit committee has considered and determined that
the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the
registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides
ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant
to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible
with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
Regulation S-X Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) - $1,110,000, 0%
Item 5 - Audit Committee of Listed Registrants - The following individuals are
members of the registrant's separately-designated standing audit
committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the
Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)):
Alan R. Batkin
Steven W. Kohlhagen
Paul Glasserman
William J. Rainer
Item 6 - Schedule of Investments - Not Applicable
Item 7 - Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies -
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Each Fund's Board of Directors has delegated to IQ Investment Advisors
LLC, and/or any sub-investment adviser approved by the Board of Directors (the
"Investment Adviser") authority to vote all proxies relating to the Fund's
portfolio securities. The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures
("Proxy Voting Procedures") with respect to the voting of proxies related to the
portfolio securities held in the account of one or more of its clients,
including a Fund. Pursuant to these Proxy Voting Procedures, the Investment
Adviser's primary objective when voting proxies is to make proxy voting
decisions solely in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, and to
act in a manner that the Investment Adviser believes is most likely to enhance
the economic value of the securities held by the Fund. The Proxy Voting
Procedures are designed to ensure that the Investment Adviser considers the
interests of its clients, including the Funds, and not the interests of the
Investment Adviser, when voting proxies and that real (or perceived) material
conflicts that may arise between the Investment Adviser's interest and those of
the Investment Adviser's clients are properly addressed and resolved.
In order to implement the Proxy Voting Procedures, the Investment
Adviser has formed a Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee"). The Committee is
comprised of the Investment Adviser's Chief Investment Officer (the "CIO"), one
or more other senior investment professionals appointed by the CIO, portfolio
managers and investment analysts appointed by the CIO and any other personnel
the CIO deems appropriate. The Committee will also include two non-voting
representatives from the Investment Adviser's Legal department appointed by the
Investment Adviser's General Counsel. The Committee's membership shall be
limited to full-time employees of the Investment Adviser. No person with any
investment banking, trading, retail brokerage or research responsibilities for
the Investment Adviser's affiliates may serve as a member of the Committee or
participate in its decision making (except to the extent such person is asked by
the Committee to present information to the Committee, on the same basis as
other interested knowledgeable parties not affiliated with the Investment
Adviser might be asked to do so). The Committee determines how to vote the
proxies of all clients, including a Fund, that have delegated proxy voting
authority to the Investment Adviser and seeks to ensure that all votes are
consistent with the best interests of those clients and are free from
unwarranted and inappropriate influences. The Committee establishes general
proxy voting policies for the Investment Adviser and is responsible for
determining how those policies are applied to specific proxy votes, in light of
each issuer's unique structure, management, strategic options and, in certain
circumstances, probable economic and other anticipated consequences of alternate
actions. In so doing, the Committee may determine to vote a particular proxy in
a manner contrary to its generally stated policies. In addition, the Committee
will be responsible for ensuring that all reporting and recordkeeping
requirements related to proxy voting are fulfilled.
The Committee may determine that the subject matter of a recurring
proxy issue is not suitable for general voting policies and requires a
case-by-case determination. In such cases, the Committee may elect not to adopt
a specific voting policy applicable to that issue. The Investment Adviser
believes that certain proxy voting issues require investment analysis -- such as
approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions -- akin to
investment decisions, and are, therefore, not suitable for general guidelines.
The Committee may elect to adopt a common position for the Investment Adviser on
certain proxy votes that are akin to investment decisions, or determine to
permit the portfolio manager to make individual decisions on how best to
maximize economic value for a Fund (similar to normal buy/sell investment
decisions made by such portfolio managers). While it is expected that the
Investment Adviser will generally seek to vote proxies over which the Investment
Adviser exercises voting authority in a uniform manner for all the Investment
Adviser's clients, the Committee, in conjunction with a Fund's portfolio
manager, may determine that the Fund's specific circumstances require that its
proxies be voted differently.
To assist the Investment Adviser in voting proxies, the Committee has
retained Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"). ISS is an independent
adviser that specializes in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related
services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians,
consultants, and other institutional investors. The services provided to the
Investment Adviser by ISS include in-depth research, voting recommendations
(although the Investment Adviser is not obligated to follow such
recommendations), vote execution, and recordkeeping. ISS will also assist the
Fund in fulfilling its reporting and recordkeeping obligations under the
Investment Company Act.
The Investment Adviser's Proxy Voting Procedures also address special
circumstances that can arise in connection with proxy voting. For instance,
under the Proxy Voting Procedures, the Investment Adviser generally will not
seek to vote proxies related to portfolio securities that are on loan, although
it may do so under certain circumstances. In addition, the Investment Adviser
will vote proxies related to securities of foreign issuers only on a best
efforts basis and may elect not to vote at all in certain countries where the
Committee determines that the costs associated with voting generally outweigh
the benefits. The Committee may at any time override these general policies if
it determines that such action is in the best interests of a Fund.
From time to time, the Investment Adviser may be required to vote
proxies in respect of an issuer where an affiliate of the Investment Adviser
(each, an "Affiliate"), or a money management or other client of the Investment
Adviser (each, a "Client") is involved. The Proxy Voting Procedures and the
Investment Adviser's adherence to those procedures are designed to address such
conflicts of interest. The Committee intends to strictly adhere to the Proxy
Voting Procedures in all proxy matters, including matters involving Affiliates
and Clients. If, however, an issue representing a non-routine matter that is
material to an Affiliate or a widely known Client is involved such that the
Committee does not reasonably believe it is able to follow its guidelines (or if
the particular proxy matter is not addressed by the guidelines) and vote
impartially, the Committee may, in its discretion for the purposes of ensuring
that an independent determination is reached, retain an independent fiduciary to
advise the Committee on how to vote or to cast votes on behalf of the Investment
Adviser's clients.
In the event that the Committee determines not to retain an independent
fiduciary, or it does not follow the advice of such an independent fiduciary,
the powers of the Committee shall pass to a subcommittee, appointed by the CIO
(with advice from the Secretary of the Committee), consisting solely of
Committee members selected by the CIO. The CIO shall appoint to the
subcommittee, where appropriate, only persons whose job responsibilities do not
include contact with the Client and whose job evaluations would not be affected
by the Investment Adviser's relationship with the Client (or failure to retain
such relationship). The subcommittee shall determine whether and how to vote all
proxies on behalf of the Investment Adviser's clients or, if the proxy matter
is, in their judgment, akin to an investment decision, to defer to the
applicable portfolio managers, provided that, if the subcommittee determines to
alter the Investment Adviser's normal voting guidelines or, on matters where the
Investment Adviser's policy is case-by-case, does not follow the voting
recommendation of any proxy voting service or other independent fiduciary that
may be retained to provide research or advice to the Investment Adviser on that
matter, no proxies relating to the Client may be voted unless the Secretary, or
in the Secretary's absence, the Assistant Secretary of the Committee concurs
that the subcommittee's determination is consistent with the Investment
Adviser's fiduciary duties.
In addition to the general principles outlined above, the Investment
Adviser has adopted voting guidelines with respect to certain recurring proxy
issues that are not expected to involve unusual circumstances. These policies
are guidelines only, and the Investment Adviser may elect to vote differently
from the recommendation set forth in a voting guideline if the Committee
determines that it is in a Fund's best interest to do so. In addition, the
guidelines may be reviewed at any time upon the request of a Committee member
and may be amended or deleted upon the vote of a majority of Committee members
present at a Committee meeting at which there is a quorum.
The Investment Adviser has adopted specific voting guidelines with
respect to the following proxy issues:
o Proposals related to the composition of the Board of Directors
of issuers other than investment companies. As a general
matter, the Committee believes that a company's Board of
Directors (rather than shareholders) is most likely to have
access to important, nonpublic information regarding a
company's business and prospects, and is therefore
best-positioned to set corporate policy and oversee
management. The Committee, therefore, believes that the
foundation of good corporate governance is the election of
qualified, independent corporate directors who are likely to
diligently represent the interests of shareholders and oversee
management of the corporation in a manner that will seek to
maximize shareholder value over time. In individual cases, the
Committee may look at a nominee's history of representing
shareholder interests as a director of other companies or
other factors, to the extent the Committee deems relevant.
o Proposals related to the selection of an issuer's independent
auditors. As a general matter, the Committee believes that
corporate auditors have a responsibility to represent the
interests of shareholders and provide an independent view on
the propriety of financial reporting decisions of corporate
management. While the Committee will generally defer to a
corporation's choice of auditor, in individual cases, the
Committee may look at an auditors' history of representing
shareholder interests as auditor of other companies, to the
extent the Committee deems relevant.
o Proposals related to management compensation and employee
benefits. As a general matter, the Committee favors disclosure
of an issuer's compensation and benefit policies and opposes
excessive compensation, but believes that compensation matters
are normally best determined by an issuer's board of
directors, rather than shareholders. Proposals to
"micro-manage" an issuer's compensation practices or to set
arbitrary restrictions on compensation or benefits will,
therefore, generally not be supported.
o Proposals related to requests, principally from management,
for approval of amendments that would alter an issuer's
capital structure. As a general matter, the Committee will
support requests that enhance the rights of common
shareholders and oppose requests that appear to be
unreasonably dilutive.
o Proposals related to requests for approval of amendments to an
issuer's charter or by-laws. As a general matter, the
Committee opposes poison pill provisions.
o Routine proposals related to requests regarding the
formalities of corporate meetings.
o Proposals related to proxy issues associated solely with
holdings of investment company shares. As with other types of
companies, the Committee believes that a fund's Board of
Directors (rather than its shareholders) is best-positioned to
set fund policy and oversee management. However, the Committee
opposes granting Boards of Directors authority over certain
matters, such as changes to a fund's investment objective that
the Investment Company Act envisions will be approved directly
by shareholders.
o Proposals related to limiting corporate conduct in some manner
that relates to the shareholder's environmental or social
concerns. The Committee generally believes that annual
shareholder meetings are inappropriate forums for discussion
of larger social issues, and opposes shareholder resolutions
"micromanaging" corporate conduct or requesting release of
information that would not help a shareholder evaluate an
investment in the corporation as an economic matter. While the
Committee is generally supportive of proposals to require
corporate disclosure of matters that seem relevant and
material to the economic interests of shareholders, the
Committee is generally not supportive of proposals to require
disclosure of corporate matters for other purposes.
Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies - as
of December 31, 2006.
(a)(1) Mr. Andrew J. Stenwall is responsible for the the day-to-day
management of the registrant's portfolio since 2006.
Mr. Stenwall leads the Subadviser's Taxable Fixed Income Team
and is responsible for developing and administering the
portfolio strategy of the team. Mr. Stenwall has been a
Managing Director of the Subadviser since August 2004. Prior to
joining the Subadviser, Mr. Stenwall served as the Fixed Income
Chief Investment Officer for Banc of America Capital Management
("BACAP") from 2002 through 2004, prior to which he was a
Managing Director in charge of BACAP's taxable fixed income
management and the leader of its structured products.
(a)(2) As of December 31, 2006:
(iii) Number of Other Accounts and
(ii) Number of Other Accounts Managed Assets for Which Advisory Fee is
and Assets by Account Type Performance-Based
Other Other
Registered Other Pooled Registered Other Pooled
(i) Name of Investment Investment Other Investment Investment Other
Portfolio Manager Companies Vehicles Accounts Companies Vehicles Accounts
------------ ------------
Andrew J. Stenwall 5 1 6 0 0 0
$360,000,000 $ 10,000,000 $300,000,000 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
(iv) Potential Material Conflicts of Interest
The Subadviser's Taxable Fixed Income Team's simultaneous management of
the Fund and the other registered investment companies and other
accounts noted above may present actual or apparent conflicts of
interest with respect to the allocation and aggregation of securities
and Currency Investments orders placed on behalf of the Fund. The
Subadviser has adopted several policies that address such potential
conflicts of interest, including best execution and trade allocation
policies that are designed to ensure (1) that portfolio management is
seeking the best price for portfolio trades under the circumstances,
(2) fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among
accounts over time, and (3) compliance with applicable regulatory
requirements. All accounts are to be treated in a non-preferential
manner, such that allocations are not based upon account performance,
fee structure or preference of the portfolio manager. In addition, the
Subadviser has adopted a Code of Conduct that sets forth policies
regarding conflicts of interest.
(a)(3) As of December 31, 2006:
Compensation.
Salary and Cash Bonus. In addition to a salary and other guaranteed
compensation, each member of the investment team is eligible to receive
an annual cash bonus. The level of these bonuses and year to year
changes to base compensation are based upon evaluations and
determinations made by Mr. Stenwall for all team members reporting to
him, and for all team members, including Mr. Stenwall, upon evaluations
and determinations made by the CEO and President of the Subadviser's
parent company, Nuveen Investments, Inc. These reviews and evaluations
take into account a number of factors, including the effectiveness of
the team's investment strategies, the performance of the accounts for
which the team serves as portfolio management relative to any
benchmarks established for the accounts (which for the Fund will be
Fund's ability to meet the Fund's investment objective), the team's and
the individual's effectiveness in communicating investment performance
to shareholders and their representatives, the team's and the
individual's contribution to the Subadviser's investment process and
execution of investment strategies, and the team's overall assets under
management. The cash bonus component is also impacted by the overall
performance of the parent company in achieving its business objectives.
Long-term incentive compensation. Each member of the investment team is
eligible to receive bonus compensation in the form of equity-based
awards comprised of securities issued by Nuveen Investments, Inc. or
options thereon, and/or other forms of long-term deferred compensation.
The amount of such compensation is dependent upon the same factors
articulated for cash bonus awards but also takes into account the
individual's long-term potential with the firm.
(a)(4) Beneficial Ownership of Securities. As of December 31, 2006, Mr.
Stenwall does not beneficially own any stock issued by the Fund.
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
11(a) - The registrant's certifying officers have reasonably designed such
disclosure controls and procedures to ensure material information
relating to the registrant is made known to us by others particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared. The
registrant's certifying officers have determined that the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective based on our evaluation
of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to
the filing date of this report.
11(b) - There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR
270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the second fiscal half-year of the
period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Item 12 - Exhibits attached hereto
12(a)(1) - Code of Ethics - See Item 2
12(a)(2) - Certifications - Attached hereto
12(a)(3) - Not Applicable
12(b) - Certifications - Attached hereto
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.
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
By: /s/ Mitchell M. Cox
---------------------------
Mitchell M. Cox,
Chief Executive Officer of
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
Date: February 20, 2007
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/ Mitchell M. Cox
---------------------------
Mitchell M. Cox,
Chief Executive Officer of
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
Date: February 20, 2007
By: /s/ Donald C. Burke
---------------------------
Donald C. Burke,
Chief Financial Officer of
Global Income & Currency Fund Inc.
Date: February 20, 2007